You haven’t heard from me in a month because I’ve been taking some self-prescribed me time. I spent the past month sewing because that’s what I loves to do. Since I know you’ve all been waiting on pins and needles for my return, I decided to show you what I’ve been up to while I was gone.

Since it’s NaNoWriMo, the month-long mission to write a novel in November, I tried to work on book #3 in my Friends for a Reason series. Last year I was able to double my pages and get some new inspiration for the ending. This year I was able to complete the absolutely nothing. I gave it a go for a hot second. Then I decided to just focus on sewing. I’ve been so busy with school that my brain just couldn’t concentrate on writing. But I made sure to not beat myself up over it.

Also, as you know if you’ve been keeping up with me, I’ve been attempting to create a mostly MeMade wardrobe. I’ve been adding new pieces on a monthly basis and frankly, it’s been making my hubby VERY jealous. So much so that he’s threatened to learn how to sew just so he can have fly shit too.

So I decided to add projects for his closet to my MeMade mission.

I started with a project that he’d actually begun several years ago. Every once in a while he gets an itch to learn to sew. I let him pick out a pattern and fabric and walked him through the simpler steps in construction. Of course he picked a button up western style shirt and a plaid fabric that would need to be matched up. This MF doesn’t do anything simply.

But I let him go for it because, hey you gotta learn at some point. He got through 40% of the work before the project got put in a drawer. So while cleaning out my projects I came across it and said, enough is enough. I’mma finish this MF. So I did!

Pattern: Simplicity 6693 Men’s Western Button Up Shirt

Fabric: Red/White Lightly Woven Gingham Cotton

Style: Western Button Up

Vintage/Contemporary: Vintage

Original: Original

Pattern Edits: I made it a short sleeved shirt.

Next while dragging him on a trip to Michael Levine, he mentioned wanting to step up his infinity scarf game. He had ONE infinity scarf that he bought in an Amsterdam H&M and he somehow lost it. Ever since, he’s been searching for one like it. I told him that Michael Levine has a bunch of nice cotton remnants in masculine prints that we could probably make into some scarves for him. Well that was all the permission he needed to go nuts in the store. He picked out a bunch of fabrics and I threw together three scarves for him.

Pattern: I created a pattern.

Fabric: Various Asian Inspired Prints from Michael Levine’s Remnant Section

Style: Infinity Scarf

Vintage/Contemporary: Contemporary

Then, since I’ve been getting over my fear of constructing pants, I decided to make him a pair of linen slacks. I was able to adjust the pattern a bit to accommodate his body type. I likes em thick. His lapped zipper came out perfectly. The only situation that put me through the ringer was the welt back pockets. In the end I just decided not to put those MFs in. I know, it’s a cop out. But I couldn’t risk ruining the garment for some pockets that, as far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t even need. (Note: He totally needs those pockets I just couldn’t can with this project.)

Pattern: Burda 6350 Men’s Pants/Trousers

Fabric: Metallic Yarn Dyed Essex Linen - ML299254 - Midnight from Michael Levine

Style: Fitted Ankle Length Flat Front Trousers

Vintage/Contemporary: Contemporary

Pattern Edits: I didn’t included the back pockets.

While I was working on a backpack for myself, he mentioned he needed (translation: really wanted) a new gym bag. I was practicing bag pockets and new zipper techniques, so I welcomed the challenge. Once again we went to the store and I let him pick out the fabrics and only interjected a few times. I created the pattern by piecing together a few different ones I found online. This time the zippered pockets came out perfect. (It’s funny how much more of a stickler I am on things I’m making for others.) And now he can be stylish as he goes to pump iron.

Pattern: My own creation.

Fabric: Canvas from Joann

Style: Duffel Bag

Vintage/Contemporary: Contemporary

At the end of my vacation (which hardly seems like one cus I worked the entire time) I ended up with a VERY happy husband. I’m now refreshed and inspired to finish out this year with a bang.

Follow us on Twitter @FlairHuxtable, Instagram @Flair.Huxtable and @HomeBrewedLove, and Facebook at @Flair Huxtable! Then buy Lo’s first book, “The Semester,” HERE.

What I Did on My Fall Vacation: 2019