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11.7.12

Progress

I have been know to be one of those people who looks at the learning process as a means to an end. I am only doing this or that because I want to get good enough to this or that. This whole sewing thing is no different. I have tried a couple of projects that were a bit far off for a sewing novice like myself. One of them was something along the lines of this gorgeous summer skirt, but in a simple, grey linen slub.

Yawni Tiger 
Well, I will spare you the gorey details but lets just say this linen slub and I did not get along well.  Upon my deflated consignation to failure, I found this seemingly simple tutorial. Of course, I had to make a few adjustments here and there (I always do that! Oh, just a little change here wont hurt?! Um, its called a pattern for a reason, you are supposed to follow it) because I thought I was so clever. Thankfully, an hour and a half later I had a pretty (I think) new linen skirt to wear with my favorite little yellow cardigan. I just wish I would have thought to put pockets into it.

I am so excited to get better at sewing, now that I have this under my belt, particularly my own clothes. It is so difficult for me to find clothes that really fit, and I am sure every single one of you can relate to that. Being petite poses it's own challenges, but adding on something I like to call the "cookie pouch" (yep, from various delicious cookies, and that massive baby that used to live in there) does not help in the whole "finding flattering clothes" initiative. I am rarely in jeans these days. Skirts, well, dresses more accurately, seem to be a better bang for my buck, a whole outfit vs. half. Wearing a skirt or dress everyday also just helps me feel more feminine and pretty when I am running around chasing toddlers, cleaning spitup, cooking and so on.  The only downside to wearing a dress while I am caring for the bebes is that unless the dress is a modest length, any attempt to sit on the ground and read to them or play is floundered by awkward tugging and rearranging of fabric. Add on my textile snobbery and I am in a difficult predicament. All I want are some simple, flattering and modest dresses and skirts that are made out of natural materials, and maybe have pockets for goodies, but that is a bonus. Don't get me wrong, I certainly do not want to be walking around looking like I just walked out of "Home on the Prairie", but you see how I can be so frustrated with retail.  I simply can not afford the quality or materials that I want (ahem, anthropologie, ahem), it probably doesn't fit me well anyway, and I don't even want to get started on my issues with the textile manufacturing/clothing industry evils. 

With all of that said, I understand that if I am going to really pursue this route, it is going to take a lot of effort, and a lot of change in the way I view myself, my body and how I want to present myself. I feel a bit liberated though, because if I really do commit to this, I can actually have the clothes that I think are beautiful, fit me well, and do not further marginalize already vulnerable people. 

I picked up this book last weekend, for inspiration (and the patterns that come with it). I believe it was originally released in Japan, and then translated into English. The cover photo doesn't really do the book justice, I personally think that top looks really frumpy but the really great thing is that the book includes ways that you can modify the patterns to fit and look exactly how you want. In the photo is a simple cross over top, but the variation I like makes it into a wrap dress with a three quarter length sleeve, which is very flattering on my figure. It has 8 different patterns all together, and several variations of those patterns give you plenty of options to choose from. There is even a pair of "petty coat" lounge pants made out of cotton that I think are hilarious and adorable. I also picked out some gorgeous tobacco colored cotton/linen blend, that I intend for that dress I mentioned above. I hope to get started on that this weekend, and If I have success I will share it with you immediately! What do you think? Do you find yourself having the same issues? Do you think I am a little crazy (its fine if you do, I think I am a little crazy)? 

If you have any advise for me, or can point me in the right direction as far as patterns, materials or even insight into the issues mentioned above, please comment, Id love to hear what you think. As always, thanks for reading.


-K

8 comments:

  1. Oh my - I am a blatant pattern *alterer*, which often results in a finished project fit only for the curb. I'm glad your skirt fared better :-)
    I constantly struggle to find/make clothes that fit well! If I were going to shove all my years of fashion flop into one neat package of 'advice' or observation, it would be this - I needed to get over myself and dare to spend the time, money and energy on things I really Liked and Felt Smashing In. Sounds simple, but I wasted a ton of time trying endlessly to make myself fit into the clothes that are 'supposed to fit everybody else'. Nope - move on, get over it. You have a great grip on that if you've found a style you like and feel comfortable in. Wrap dresses and blouses were a revelation to me, as was all cotton clothing (yay!). Don't settle for anything less that what hits you like a ton of bricks. They're what you live in, after all.
    *steps down from soap box*
    Happy Sewing,
    Andi

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  2. I totally relate to this. Sewing always seems like it should be so easy! I have the problem of always wanting to cut corners and go quickly, which always results in sloppy results. I dream of a closet full of handmade clothes in all the perfect colors/patterns with all the perfect details and fitting. I think we can do it! We just have to be patient and keep practicing :)

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    1. I think we can do it too! Patience and Practice, thats what I have to remind myself too! Thanks for reading Ann.

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  3. Cute photo of you! And your skirt is adorable! I cannot wait to see what else you will make. Learning to sew is on my list of things to do ( along with learning to knit - better) :)

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    1. Carrie, I still think you are an inner master knitter, you just have to find the time between everything else you have going on hah, which is a lot!

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  4. Cute skirt and I want that sweater. I wish I had the patience to learn to knit, but for now I'll stick with crochet.

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    1. Jess,
      Knitting and crocheting are a lot different but once you get the hang of a few knitting stitches, youre all set to go! Everything I have learned is via youtube and the internet! I have been knitting for a few years but I think if I would have started using youtube sooner I would be a lot farther!

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