Sleep seems to be the most expendable resource at my disposal this month. It's not that I'm purposely depriving myself of sweet slumber in order to cram more productive hours into a day, it's just working out that way. Adrenaline and stress really mess with my ability to achieve restful shuteye . I'm starting to feel the effects, but I'm not complaining, because I know it's a temporary evil. AND, I've been managing to accomplish a fair amount of progress in the extra hours I've gained as a result.  I'm steadily knitting away on my July sweater; it's experienced measurable growth since its last mention. I also cast-on a sock. Just one. And, it too is starting to show promise. Last, but certainly not least, I set my mind to some sewing....just not the sewing I intended to start. Instead, I pulled a piece of springy green cotton from my stash and did this:

The entirety of this project took place in two short, strong bursts of motivation. It was effortless and easy, and the whole time I spent focused on cutting, piecing and sewing this outfit together, I was able to stop thinking about everything else. I've never consciously used crafting as means of escapism before, but this month, sewing dutifully served as a means of mental/emotional recuperation; Like burying your nose in a novel or eating spoonfuls of frosting from the container; you know the stuff. It's an exciting discovery.    

Equally exciting: debuting this ensemble at a wedding this weekend.

The top is view 1 of Simiplicity 6358

The skirt is the short version of Simplicity 8550, minus an additional three inches length

These patterns were never intended to be mated,  but I think they look like they were made for each other. I used a light-weight damask cotton (supposedly African) as my primary fabric and a light-weight grey lining. The cotton is gorgeous and has a beautiful sheen to it; yet, it was cool and breathable through the outdoor festivities. If it didn't wrinkle so easily, it would be my new favorite fabric. 

I don't feel comfortable placing bets as to the completion of my other scheduled projects this month, but I'm definitely exceeding my earlier expectations and heading in a good direction. 

I managed to get very little sleep over the weekend; not for lack of trying. I did manage, however, to relocate every piece of furniture in my living room, to paint my bedroom walls, to get all the household laundry done, to give the dogs a bath and to get my house in quasi-acceptable overall condition. I also devoted some attention to project planning. While I'm not sure I will manage to start knitting my July socks or sew a single stitch this month, I did wind some yarn, rummage through my patterns and take a trip to the fabric store. 

Because I can think of little besides work, I've queued a pile of very work-appropriate skirts... 

Apparently, I am most productive (at minimum, most organized) when stress is steering.

After a fun filled holiday weekend, I'm feeling fairly refreshed and ready to tackle July! Well, mostly. See, July is going to be a particularly intense month for me at work. I've been preparing mentally for several months now, but things are about to get heavy. And, honestly, with all the extra hours that I foresee having to spend dedicated to work-related activities, my project completion forecast is about as accurate as the weatherman.  

I did manage to start my July sweater knitting; it's a lace weight project on US size2 needles. It may seem like adding insult to injury; maybe it is. But, a woman, much wiser than me, has a different take on the situation... that's my working premise regarding my motivations on this project. I'm just going to keep knitting. We'll see where I stand at the end of the month. 

Since the original winner of Let The Eat Cake Giveaway Day #2 never stepped forward to claim her prize, everyone who commented was entered for a second chance! This time, RINA (comment 28) has been selected to take home the cake! Thank you all again for playing along!