Sewing a cardigan shrug

So in keeping up with this momentum for sewing I've built up I decided to try following my first shirt pattern! All the McCall's patterns were on sale at JoAnn's for $1.00 a piece so I spent my lunch break browsing the patterns and picking out some of my favorite/most feasible for me to accomplish.

I knew I wanted to make a shirt and I liked this pattern for a number of reasons. First, it says "Easy" right on the front of the envelope. Second, it also says only "1 Hour". Third, the garment itself is versatile enough that you could make it to be worn at any number of different occasions.

I think subconsciously I'm into self-sabotage or something though because despite having many nice knit fabrics to choose from I chose this extremely thin, delicate one instead. The fabric is sheer, dark blue and very pretty.  

So what if I've never made a shirt, the fabric is difficult to work with and I only ever read half the directions?!

I took a little time practicing on some fabric scraps and there were a few slip-ups I had to undo and correct but in the end I did indeed make a shirt. And I learned a thing or two about sewing with sheer fabrics too!

And see, it even came out looking like a shirt too! And really, for my first crack at it that is all I ask. Also, I did not make this thing in 1 hour. More like over the course of 3 days. Lol.

 I totally love how it came out though and think using sheer fabric instead of knit makes it so pretty and chic. I imagine wearing it in the spring and summer or even as a beach cover-up! I don't know what I was thinking making it in the middle of January though :-P Aye...

I might have to work something out though so I can wear it because last week I was given the most awesome pair of boots I have EVER owned. And what color are they? Dark blue and sparkly and yeah sparkly CAN be a color. They go perfectly with my new shirt, just not in the right season! Perhaps if I pair it all together with a scarf and a hat? Haha. I'll definitely need it.

Anyway, my awesome Aunt Mindy surprised me with a pair of sequined UGG boots. Did I ask for a pair of UGG's? No. Did I want a pair of UGG's? Not in particular. I did, however, really want a new pair of boots in general. Until these babies came along I was rocking my $12 Walmart brand UGG knock-offs for the last 3 years or so. This winter I was starting to notice that they were looking a little...well, disgusting. Many a black, dirty slush puddle they have trekked through and they have served me well. I was glad to finally retire them.

I didn't ask for UGGs but Mindy got them for me because that's just the kind of aunt my Aunt Mindy is. AWESOME.

And I gotta admit, I understand their appeal now. They are like fuzzy warm clouds for your feet and who doesn't want that? I love them. 

So, yeah, that's pretty much it for now. Life is good. I'm spoiled. Still sewin'. I'm thinking of either making a skirt or dog clothes next. Something is telling me my smallest dog, Dinah, would appreciate a nice warm doggie sweater. She's prone to getting chilly in the winter. Poor baby sass...