Off I went to the Big Box Fabric Store to look at patterns. What happened to the basic patterns? There was not a one that I liked enough to purchase at $16.95 (gulp) a pattern. Thank goodness I kept my favorites when purging the garment patterns during the sewing room cleanup, even though they no longer fit; grand delusions of being that size again, maybe?
Two of my favorite patterns came out of the drawer: one a simple pullover top with dropped shoulders and jewel neckline and the other a collarless cardigan jacket. The jacket looks very professional even though it is not tailored. And then the pattern paper that I somehow?? own was unearthed and both patterns were redrafted to a larger size. Enough fashion fabric was washed to make 2 lined jackets (one long, one short) and 2 tops. It took me all weekend. Next weekend is the actual sewing of said garments.
Combined with a pair of black slacks, a mix and match wardrobe will result by concentrating on one color theme: black/white/red.
Your closet sounds like mine! Since working at home my clothes are jeans and tees and sweats. Daughter Carrie watches 'What not to wear' and those folks' closets look like mine too! It sounds like you have a good plan in mind, good luck!
ReplyDeleteI really could use a new dress for church. I just have such a hard time doing any garment sewing anymore. I do make a scrub top for my daughter once in awhile. I used to make everything. I might have to get back to that, at least I have the knowledge to do it if things get real bad.
ReplyDeleteI love vintage patterns but I do not know what women my size did fifty years ago for commercial patterns because none fit my dimensions. So I went to my local fabric store and paid for a private lesson for altering commercial patterns. 2 hours and the purchase of a french curve later and I am ready to go. An idea. ~ksp
ReplyDeleteWell I am impressed. They say that once you quilt you never go back to sewing garments - yet you are multi talented!! Can't wait to see the finished projects!
ReplyDeleteI have great luck with finding inexpensive office wear at a consignment store near me. Lots of Talbots, Chico's, etc. brought by the richer gals that live in the next town. I'm not big on sewing garments beyond the occasional quilted jacket. but I know you are a wiz with that!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kinda wardrobe . . . although I do run into problems when something like a fancy (fancy is anything dressier than jeans *s*) function comes along. My signature look since jr. high has been jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt. I see no reason to change that now *s*
ReplyDeletePaula, I can't wait to see your new garment. It good to hang on to those old patterns. I can't bring myself to throw many away either. Good sewing to you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to increase your wardrobe! I have jeans, and business suits. Very frustrating, since everywhere I've worked for the last two years is business casual, and I don't want to splurge any money until I know this is going to be a permanent thing. By the way, wait until Joannes has their patterns on sale, then they are 99 cents.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your sewing talent. You must be a wonderful seamstress to be able to make your own jackets. I have a few patterns left too and now that you mentioned the cost of new I do believe I'll hang on to those. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI would be in deep trouble if I had to make my own clothes. I would have to go to work nekkid!
ReplyDeleteWell, substitute khakis for the jeans, and you might as well have been looking my my closet. Of course, I am retired and only have to "clean up" once or twice a week. I do own several dresses, skirts, and dressier sweaters and blouses, but they get scant use. Of course, when I was working I was in the engineering department located at a power plant, so tees, turtlenecks and khakis WERE my work clothes. That and steel toed shoes. Such a fashion plate!
ReplyDeleteYou are SOOOOO brave to go back to sewing clothes. AFter I "went flat" with sewing quilts I never went back!
I so agree, I'm ready to get in the car and off to Target to try and find something reasonable to wear to work. ICK.
ReplyDeleteVicki
Love those Levis! I used to just live in them...right now I am in sweats, so can't advise...sigh...Hee!
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