Hi everyone
To dispel the Sunday evening blues I have been cutting out and getting projects ready so I can just sit down and sew in the odd half hours I can make during the week. I'm hoping this will make life more balanced than it often is...
I'm trying some Seamwork patterns. I've previously adapted and made a couple up for my aged and ailing mother, but haven't yet tried any for myself. Until now at least! They draft for 5' 8" and I am barely 5' 2" so there have been some adjustments needed.
It's been a chance to reflect on the last year, when I finally started making time to sew regularly and to try dressmaking instead of just making curtains and cushion covers. When I started, my idea of 'fit' was simply being able to button things up (without having cleavage gape on shirts).
Today I found myself looking at the different pattern charts figuring out grading, whether FBAs would be required, making pattern adjustments for crotch depth on a trouser pattern and shortening everything by 4 inches or more as appropriate.
A year ago I didn't know about any of that! Most of it I have picked up through trial and error ( a lot of the latter) and YouTube tutorials, but it feels ridiculously pleasing to now be able to simply recognise what needs altering and then do it.
A year of experience has also seen me today cut out a popover top, that claimed to need 1.8m of fabric, from a Lamazi sale remnant that was only 1.4m. I feel 'naughty' for not following layout plans and carving my own path and a little smug that I've saved money by doing that!!
My current biggest challenge is fabric choice. I'm still getting that wrong, more often than is ideal. I do follow pattern guidance re fabric type and weight, but I'm not always thrilled with the outcome! When I have some photos I will add to my little diary thread an update about the Osgood skirt... it's a good example of this!
The other issue with fabric is that what I love on the bolt is not something I love on me! I'm ok with colours, but patterns and designs are a challenge for me. How can you love something so much until you wear it? :-). Last year I hankered after some fabric I had seen, finally got some, made it into a shirt dress and I honestly swear that it looked as if I was wearing my sofa. Nothing wrong with the pattern or the make. I'd just bought a pattern that so resembled my aged sofa I disappeared when I sat on it!!! You have to laugh!
Hoping everyone has a good week. We have gotten through January, the days are getting noticeably longer which bodes well and helps to lift spirits. The snowdrops are out and there's a lot to be grateful for!
