Another bonus day in November. Walked on beach and even dipped my toes. #munaandbroad #noicejeans Self drafted tee shirt and Noice jeans! #sewover50plus Sitting on a self drafted button up. Living life in me mades!
My latest version of self drafted dress. It is SO comfortable, like a second skin. It makes life so much more pleasant when you are wearing something special. #sewover50plus #pfmystyle
So you never know how much you enjoy something until it is gone. I have been without a working sewing machine since Saturday. Sort of losing my mindâ¦ð¬ Well I exaggerate, I have this little straight stitch only featherweight. #sewover50plus
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
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
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
Finally made my first Cashmerette Vernon shirt. I made 18 C/D cup graded to 30 at waist and hips. My measurements are 46.5″ chest, 48″ waist, 59″ hips. For grading, everything above armscye notch was 18, and everything below was graded out to size 30. This included size 30 sleeves to accommodate my generous upper arms.
I compared the pattern pieces to me, and thought I was pretty close with the bust dart, but I was not so lucky. For next version, here is following changes I will be making: Adding .5 inches to shoulder seams, which will also drop sleeves, but still adding another .5 to sleeves.
Dropping the bust dart down vertically 1″. It sits 1 inch higher than my apex. I might make the back pleat a bit deeper. Take in bottom of sleeves by an inch. Also, thinking of adding a couple of inches to the length below the waist line.
Typically I avoid bust dart patterns, preferring princess seams, but I decided to give it a try as I have been seeing so many nice Vernon’s. Instructions are great. Nice finish and overall I would recommend. This is in a printed chambray, purchased several years ago from Fabric Mart. I used snaps instead of buttons. I made view A.
#vernonshirt #sewover50plus #pearshapedbody
My latest makes, made almost entirely of cotton fabrics. A few blends may have been used. Hacked version of Itch to Stitch dress with sleeves from Anthea blouse from Anna Allen (not extended sizing). The pants are Chandler pants from Untitled Thoughts. Pleated front, faux fly, elastic back waistband. Highly recommend. Needed minor alterations. My measurements are Chest 46.5 C cup, 48 waist, 59 hips. #sewover50plus #chandlerpants #celestedress #pfnatural
