Roses in the Jungle

It's Jungle January 2017! I honestly didn't think I would be participating this year but I saw this gorgeous print at Girl Charlee so... here we are.

The fabric is a rayon blend knit and I have to confess, I do not enjoy sewing rayon. It's almost like a living thing that's trying to get away from my horrible pins, needles, and scissors. But I couldn't pass this up and I think it turned out okay. It's wearable at least. The pattern is Butterick 5215, plus long sleeves.

It warmed up enough yesterday to go outside without a coat so here's an outdoor pic.

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About a couple of background items in the first photo: The piece of furniture is a gate-leg table that my husband built for me. Folded up, as you see it here, it's only 18 inches by 48 inches; open, it is a little over two yards long.

The picture on the wall... I don't usually frame puzzles but this one was a special case. My younger son gave it to me for Christmas over 10 years ago. I can't remember exactly what year. I used to like puzzles but this one was the most difficult I have ever done and I haven't done another since. It took years to finish it and when I finally did I just couldn't take it apart again so I got a frame (which as you can see doesn't fit) and hung it in our spare bedroom which serves as an occasional guest room, play room for the grandkids, craft room, and (mainly) junk room.

Here's a look at the whole thing. Sorry about the glare.

Summer in January, Jungle January That Is

UPDATE: OMG! How rude of me. I forgot to include a link to Anne, lovely and witty hostess of Jungle January. Sorry, call it a senior moment.

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Whew! I made it. I was getting a little worried that I wouldn't get this simple blouse finished and photographed by the end of January.

The fabric is from eQuilter. (sold out, apparently) This print is a perfect copy of the pelt of the famed, elusive peacock leopard of the jungles of the planet Kepler-442b. Go ahead and laugh. You'll feel silly for doubting me when NASA finally gets around to sending a probe and it sends back pictures of the beast. [ahem] Anyway...

Seriously, even though it was listed as a leopard print, to me it looks more like butterfly wings. Either way - fantasy cat or exotic butterfly - it belongs in the jungle.

(You can click the pictures to make them bigger. I'm still getting used to the new Blogger and I didn't know "medium" was so small.)

This is a "frankenpattern". Mostly it's New Look 6078 because I love the fit but I used New Look 6598 as a guide for changing the neckline and the front facing. The fit in the armhole and shoulder area is not quite right. This is the first time I've made this as a sleeveless top. Overall though, I love it and I'm going to wear it a lot when the weather warms up for more than just a couple of days.

I took this picture (tripod and self-timer) about an hour ago. It was nearly 70 degrees and it's getting warmer. This is typical January weather here in Oklahoma. Two days from now we're expecting freezing temps and snow which is also typical January weather in Oklahoma.