Sorta/Kinda Stuck

I have several projects in the works, but can't seem to get past the pattern tracing on any of them. It is all because of the last Burda blouse. I've pretty much decided that I'm sewing the wrong shirt/top/blouse size. Well, that blouse fits, but it could be a size smaller and still work just fine.

And, even though the jacket pattern looked okay on the dress form, I haven't sewn the muslin yet. I want to try the blouse pattern again, in the next size down, and see if that works. If it does, I'll retrace the jacket pattern in a smaller size and go from there.

It took forever for me to realize that by starting with a smaller sized pants pattern I could eliminate having to make so many pattern adjustments. Here I am again - same song, second verse. One would think this awareness would encourage me. After all, this is the first time in my life I've had pants in my closet that actually fit!

In the mornings, I head out the door with lunch bag in hand. It carries my breakfast, the coffee cup I’ll use for the day and a mid-day snack. The bag is starting to look sad and it is time to plan the replacement. My first thought is it would be less expensive to purchase one and I've been shopping online but haven’t found anything interesting. I don’t mind sewing the new one, but that heavy interfacing is pricey stuff! I’m looking for one that is age appropriate and yet slightly quirky. Other than the thick interfacing, I bet I have everything necessary, including a pattern.  Could I substitute a layer or two of batting and some kind of plastic insert for the bottom?

The temps have dropped slightly – enough that I can almost think about sewing long sleeves!