Lost My Sewing Mojo This Weekend.

Sending you loads of sewing mojo hugs! I’ve been in the same slump Sandy and the TSG socials helped massively, even just listening to the sewing chatter. It was a while ago now, but I ended up making yet another Donny shirt, I now have 5, an easy make which doesn’t take too much fabric. I think sewing something familiar helped me through my slump. Hope you find your sewjo soon x

I would recommend (if I may - i'm new here) stepping back from sewing for yourself specifically and to maybe try sewing something easy and just for fun. Something that doesn't have to have a purpose, doesn't have to fit and that you've made simply for the (lost) joy of the process. I hope you get your mojo back!

Oh, I know that feeling! First, take a bit of time out.

When you feel like sewing again, think about something really simple - use some of your left-overs for a tote bag, or make an apron; something that doesn't rely on size!

I agree with Lesley that something familiar is the way to go, but I get the impression from your post that you don't really have a reliable 'fall back' at the moment.

When you are ready, I would do something like this (take whatever suits you from this list)

Leave knits for the time being - too tricky.

Also leave trousers at the moment - they often end up too baggy. I'm sure that there is a thread on here about trouser fitting when you feel able to tackle it again.

Don't get your head turned by an attractive pattern - do something very simple. I would head for a simple woven top.

If you are worried about your size, you may want something more like a simple tunic. choose something that doesn't need too much careful 'fitting' - just loose and comfy.

Consider loose 'dropped' sleeves that don't need careful fitting

Start from scratch and make a proper toile, making yourself slow down and mark it all properly.

A couple of suggestions:

I'm a great fan of this jacket:

https://readytosew.fr/en/shop-womens-sewing-patterns/38-pekka-oversized-jacket-sewing-pattern.html

Don't look at the 'quilted' version, just look at the simple, pieced kimono style. I wear this over my 'failed' Tshirts! And you may be able to use some of your left-overs for it. You don't have to line it.

Also, to contradict myself about knits, think about leggings, I find these wonderful:

https://www.munaandbroad.com/products/loxton-leggings-sewing-pattern-pdf

If you get a couple of pairs, you can leave making trousers until you have your confidence back - but do use 'bottom weight' knits. Leggings with a tunic top wil look good!

And finally, the wonderful Michelle Pye (now retired) gave me this advice: always wear something a few times, wash it a couple of times, you may find it 'settles' on you much better than when you first try it.

I hope this helps, when you're ready!

Oh, I think we've all been there at some point so can quite understand how you are feeling. It's so lowering isn't it? As Lesley said the sewing socials are a great way to get encouragement and help so do try to join in if you can.

You sound a similar size to me and it took me ages to work out my fitting tweaks (not what you want to hear I know!!) but now I do them to every pattern as I trace them out. All I can do is encourage you to persevere, watch sewing vlogs on you tube to get ideas, information and inspiration and try to enjoy the sewing process whatever the outcome.

I was once told that there are no failures in sewing just learning opportunities......

I hate it when I lose my sewjo, so I feel for you. Other posters have already shared great suggestions. When this happens to me, I go back to something simple, quick to make and tried and true. If you don’t have one of those, I recommend the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club Perfect Puff Sleeve Top. It’s such a quick make, pretty and casual, loose, with pretty gathered sleeves. So the fitting doesn’t need any fuss and it’s great for show-casing a beautiful print. You need to find happiness with a make again 💐

Hi SandyBeth

Sorry to hear about your loss of sewjo. I have struggled like you with alterations needed after choosing the pattern, sticking it together and then tracing only to have to make a toile to check fit - it does take the joy out of wanting to sew up that new and shiny pattern. I am contemplating the Rivi and the thought of the alterations needed is putting me off.

I have discovered Pattern Emporium Patterns - not affiliated just a very happy customer. Why I like them is that what ever alteration I need works no matter the pattern so I often make a wearable toile out of deep stash fabric with two wins - stash reduced and a new wearable garment without fabric wastage. Also they draft for three heights and have many variations in the pattern so more bang for your buck.

As for the tshirt quest perhaps try one of theirs - ensure that you follow their measurement requirements and maybe you will finally have that nirvana - a perfect T.

Hopefully hearing from others has helped you regain that mojo to sew. They have a wonderful FB group with Melanie and Kate the pattern designer, who help walk through any fitting issues.