Am giant festive candy cane

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I have been sick in bed all weekend with flu, but I'm feeling a bit better today so I'm propping the ol' bones up in bed to post some pics of my newest version of Josephine. Having the flu right before Christmas totally stinks, but it looks like I may be better by Christmas so I'm gulping tons of tea and trying to rest. Elliot had the flu last week and so I'm crossing all fingers and toes that Clementine won't get it over Christmas. Both Mr Rae and I got flu shots this year, but we hadn't taken the kids in to get theirs yet (parents-of-the-YEAR!!!), though as you can see a whole lot of good it did me, so I guess now we have to see if her stubborn little immune system holds out for us.

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In my head I've been calling this top the Candy Cane Top, because the brightly striped rayon reminds me of one of those fruity candy canes -- which, truth be told, I've always preferred to the peppermint kind -- and with the pregnant belly I definitely look like a giant piece of striped candy. As you can see I am getting to be quite large now at 24 weeks preggers. Of course I edited out most of the pictures that show my double chin.

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The pattern for this top is the soon-to-be-released NOW AVAILABLE Josephine Sewing Pattern, in a tunic length without the longer sleeves. I was originally going to make it sleeveless but then Tashina (my adorable college-aged studio assistant who lately has me listening to a whole lot of Katy Perry; you can see a pic of her here) was pressing the armholes and suggested it might look good with a small sleeve of some sort, so I added the pointed cap sleeve from the Washi Dress Expansion Pack. Yes, I am spoiled rotten to have a studio assistant who sews for me. Between Tashina and Karen I hardly have to lift a finger anymore. But isn't that what being pregnant is supposed to be about? ALL PART OF MY MASTER PLAN.

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One other mod to the pattern is that I included some wicked big slits on the sides (the sleeveless view of Josephine includes both side and front slits, but this one is even bigger), which I think was a good move considering the stripes, length and lack of longer sleeve; it breaks it up a bit. As far as wearing it in the winter, I've always found sleeveless or cap-sleeved tops to be easier to layer with sweaters, and because my body temp currently runs about 65 degrees hotter than everyone else around me anyway it's perfect. I daydream about wearing this in summer with cut-offs and sandals too. *Sighs*

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Anyway, the pattern should be ready soon. And by soon I'm sure you already know that means we're giving it the old anal-retentive treatment over here as usual so as soon as we can release our collective claws out of the thing. Which is never really "soon," but you know what I mean...Have a happy and HEALTHY Christmas!

Non-germy hugs and kisses!!! - Rae