...While enjoying my lovely Christmas vacation my sewing room became an impromptu PENCIL SKIRT FACTORY of sorts.  I made one skirt from the new McCall's knit pencil skirt pattern 6654, and can I tell you that I FELL IN LOVE.  What's not to love: a)only three pattern pieces (one of them I eliminated by the way by substituting my own elastic waistband treatment). b)It was an easy peazy way to use up part of my pile of ponte de roma knits.  Yes there is a pile - over in the corner, not to mention that I have some more stashed in a dresser drawer.  Can't you just feel the knit love oozing out?  c)I just love being able to get that tapered pencil skirt shape from knit fabric.  Mind you, I'm still very much in love with the Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt pattern, but simply could not resist giving the McCall's pattern at least one little try after seeing the cutest mother/daughter snow-leopard duo whipped up by Victoria a little while ago, (still need to get my snow leopard skirt made up).

I actually made four of them, and still have plans for a couple more.  I used Lynn's wedge alteration on this pattern too, but this time decreased the wedge to 1" rather than the 1 1/2" that I had used before.  A word of advise about the wedge though is (it does not work for me when using plaid or stripe fabric) makes it almost impossible to line up.

 All of the skirts are fully underlined with poly-interlock so I don't have to be bothered with a slip.

 I love the ease of pulling one of these things on in the morning.  Match up a top or sweater, tights, zip up a pair of boots - it makes dressing for a comfortable day at work just little bit easier.  I wore two of them to work last week. 

I also managed to re-organize ALL my closets right before returning to work.  Founds some things I really needed to get rid of and a few things I had forgotten I had.  One of them being this 3/4 length coat.  This coat was given to me by not my Grand Mother, but my Great-Grand Mother way back in the 80's.  I can remember LOVING it and wearing it over and over again mainly because my Granny gave it to me.  I still love it, especially the little gold braided hat that is attached to the lapel.  Thought I'd pull it out and give it some more wear.

I was also able to squeeze in a 4 day surprise visit with my grand-children after Christmas.  My daughter knew I'd be arriving the day after but we kept it a secret from the kids.  LOVED IT!!!

I guess the SCARF FACTORY is still open as well.  I made 2 special order big button scarves right before Christmas and have orders for 2 more.  I don't mind - they are so easy to whip up and put a few

extra dollars in my pocket to boot.

I have lots of sewing related plans in the works that I'll mention here later.  Hope everyone had a marvelous weekend....