Another version of a self drafted dress. Struggling to capture the correct sequence and techniques for assembling this dress. It is more difficult than drafting pattern pieces. This version has side seam pockets. #birgittahelmerssonpatterns has an excellent tutorial for adding these pocket to gathered skirt. Just needs buttons and a hem. I cannot wait to wear it. #sewover50plus
I navigate this world as a 60 year old gray haired fat short lady. Gender has been a difficult concept for me from early on. When I was young, I was a tom boy. Not boyish, I was a tom boy. Short hair, and as masculine clothes as I could manage. Back then, I was taunted by adults and kids alike. There was no precedent to present as male, or change my pronouns. I suppose if there had been I would have considered it. My parents were too checked out to play much attention to me. As I approached adulthood and started my career I was worn down and slowly made changes that allowed me to blend in. My husband fell in love with the real me and all my idiosyncrasies. I have never worn make up, or jewelry, or high heels. I never cared for fashion trends and hair styling. By the time I retired I had had enough of it. Now, I wear what I want. I have grown out my long gray hair, which I love. My favorite outfit is a non-frilly dress over leggings with chunky boots. I envy the youth for their freedom to define themselves, and navigate the stereotypes. Acceptance although not guaranteed comes to some much easier these days. I look forward to a time when narrow minds and stereotypes are a thing of the past. I recently heard the term dopamine dressing, wearing what makes you feel good. I have taken that one step further and I make the clothes that make me feel good, dopamine sewing.
Here is my latest creation, a self-drafted button up dress, in a âmenâsâ cotton shirting. It has wide straight sleeves which can be easily rolled up, a comfortable v neck, and enough gathers to allow me to move comfortably. I pair it with a favorite hat, some leggings and a comfortable pair of boots. I add a scarf I knitted, as it is perfect for warding off the chill that has settled in this fall. I have no idea how this fits in with the current fashion trends. I do not care. I feel myself. I feel good. That is my wish for everyone. #pfgendermore #sewover50plus
Working on this self draft. I absolutely love it. Put some effort into pattern matching. Drafted sleeves were so tough, but I nailed it in the end. Bodice was draped on my dress form. Sleeves loosely based on size 26 full bicep on Cashmeretteâs Vernon shirt pattern. Significant modifications to sleeve cap to accommodate my arm scye. #vernonshirt Thanks to Jenny Hassler who inspired me to go the extra mile to draft my own version of the everyday dress. #johassler
#TheGreatVirtualSewingBee I love sewing, especially garment sewing. I want to encourage more folks to sew garments. But, I also would like sewists to consider the environment, the economics, and the inclusiveness of the sewing industry. Of course quality of construction and originality will always be part of any competition. I want this to be lighthearted and fun, and accessible to as many folks as is reasonably possible. This is my first proposal. This is going to be a lot of work. Any ideas to share? Anyone want to help make this happen? I think this could be really fun. DM me.
Just finished this sweet blouse in lightweight linen. The Nepheline Blouse pattern is by Vivian Shao Chen, and has B and D cup size ranges with maximum bust of 60, waist 50, and hips 62. I made size 9 with no modifications, which is largest of B cup range. I love the ruffle and the pleats on sleeve. First time making this pattern. First time with this designer. Not all their patterns are size inclusive. Also, great construction but, fair warning the seam allowance could be challenging for beginners or fabrics that ravel easily. The sleeves are very generous, which is perfect for my large biceps. My measurements are 48 bust, 48 waist, and 58 hips. Absolutely love it and will make more! #sewover50plus #pfsewyourstash #nephelineblouse #vivianshaochenpatterns
#wildbelletember Here are two of my absolute favorite sewing tools⦠1. Clover awl made in Japan. It has tiny ROUNDED tip which allows me to rip stitches with no risk to damaging the cloth with pulls. Great for making temporary holes for darts and plackets with no sharp point to break threads. 2. My Kai 7170 scissors, just the right size, nice point on end, great for grading seams, snipping threads, and all things cutting. I used two keep 2 pairs on hand while sewing, a large and a small pair but this pair does it all during sewing.
Pietra pants by Closet Core Patterns. size 28/30 with minor crotch curve adjustments. Waist 48 Hips 58. Extremely comfortable. Love the flat front, and pockets. This is fourth time making this pattern. 3 pairs of shorts and my first pair of pants. #sewover50plus #seatedsewing #pfsewyourstash
Third pair of pietra shorts. I have spent most of this hot humid summer in these and I absolutely love them. I found an odd shaped piece if this twill while organizing, and was able to squeeze a pair out of it. Waist 49â hips 59 inches. #pietrapants #pfsewyourstash #sewover50plus
My favorite sewist on Instagram is @fabric_scraps. She is Canadian, so we share similar measurements, and climates. She sews an amazing variety of garments. She really inspires me to push myself. #wildbelletember
Sewing organized. A new blog post about getting organized to making sewing more enjoyable. Ideas to help you make the most of your sewing space. See link in my profile.
