A few weeks ago, I ordered a pattern - I thought I had purchased the new Jalie Sweetheart Neckline top (24794), but instead, I accidently ordered the Jalie Crossover Top (2449). While this is definitely one of my favorite patterns, I don't need two. So, I'm giving this one away. Just leave a comment in this entry and I'll put your name into the hat for this pattern - I'll draw a name on January 1, 2008 (I figure it's a good way to start the new year). Good luck!

Since I love the Jalie Crossover pattern so much, I couldn't make one for someone without sewing one up for myself! Ever since I saw Diann's version in the same material that I used for the Simplicity 3799 dress, I knew that I needed to leave enough scraps to make myself one. And I barely had enough material to eeek this one out:

This time I redrafted the sleeve to make it full length - 3/4" just isn't long enough in the winter months for my liking and I really wanted something to last all season long.

Next up, decorations in Craftster's Christmas Ornament swap!

Believe it or not, I'm finished with the crossover top for my partner in the "I can ____, but not ____" swap:

If you remember from previous posts - this top isn't entirely made from stash fabric (hence the 4 1/2 title). Since my partner requested a knit color that I didn't have, I needed to go out to purchase some - but the trim is something that I had on hand. Even though it's not entirely constructed of stashed fabric, I'm going to go ahead and count this as #5 in the contest. I have good intentions of whipping up a little something extra for my partner as well since her swap package wasn't much of a surprise (so keep you eyes open for completed project #6 soon!). Now I can't wait to see an 'action' shot of my partner wearing this so I can check out the fit!

At the moment, there's nothing worse than getting sick and running a fever in 103 degree heat - that's where I was (am currently at) yesterday. I did manage to get out and make my way to Needle Nook to pick up some supplies for my next swap, however.

After spending some time talking with my partner - we decided that I would make the Jalie Crossover Top (I made a couple last year and loved them) in chocolate brown with a contrasting trim, an asymmetrical hem, and 3/4 sleeves. I know this sort of spoils her surprise of what she's getting, but I wanted to be sure that she gets something she really wanted. Since my stash only turned up a small amount of brown fabric, I headed to one of the best sources I know for jersey in town - Needle Nook. My original intentions was to just purchase more brown that I used in my recent Simplicity top, but after browsing the store I found the perfect shade of chocolate and settled on that - yes I know I wasn't going to purchase fabric for a month, but this one was sort of unavoidable and the rest of the top will be in stash fabric, I promise!

After coming home and cooling off, I started tracing out the pattern. While I was at it, I decided to redraft the arm sleeve of my Jalie crossover to make it full length - I plan on using the left over fabric from Simplicity 3799 - thanks to Diann for inspiring me on this one!

Now I'm off wash fabrics and start cutting!