Simplicity 3673 Finished!

 Here's the finished jumper. As you can see, I need better indoor lighting. I think it's still a bit large in the neckline but otherwise it fits well. I might want to try this one again in a grey wool flannel.

Bringing All the Pieces Together

After making all the alterations, I'm reasonably satisfied that the garment will be successful enough to be worn. At this point, I make a list of the notions needed to complete the garment. I very rarely buy notions at the same time I buy the fabric for a many reasons.

First, I never know exactly how the fabric will wash. Sometimes after washing the fabric, it is an absolute disaster that needs to be tossed; other times I need to choose another more appropriate pattern. Either way, I will have wasted money on notions if I have purchased them with the fabric. 

Secondly, sometimes the alterations process shows that the pattern is either inappropriate for my body shape or the pattern is just poorly drafted. Both of these can happen and I wouldn't have wanted to spend money on notions.

Next, after years of sewing, I have a bit of a stash of buttons, zippers and thread. I like to "shop my stash" before making my final list of needed notions. 

Finally, where I live the fabric store is not the same place as the haberdashery shop. 

After a visit to the shops, I pin my pattern directions, envelope and notions to my cork board and I'm ready to begin. I follow the pattern guide sheet rather closely working each bit and fitting as I go. I'm afraid it all gets rather messy until it all comes together in the end.