| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:04:06 PM
I'm really tired of waiting until 'I lose weight' to get any new clothes! It's been a long time since I bought anything for myself or sewed anything for myself because I don't want clothes in the size I am now. Kentucky Frannie and I are doing a "health buddies" thing and I'm trying to be accountable for what I eat, my exercise etc. but I think my old yuckky clothes are bringing me down, so I want to make some new ones to wear on the journey. Working at home really gives you an excuse to neglect your wardrobe. Right now I own one pair of jeans, one pair of black knit pants, one pair of holey, holey bibs, and two pairs of sweats. That's it - not just for everyday, but for every THING!! Going shopping, out to eat, whatever, it has to come from that selection - and a variety of old tops. Anyway, I'm going to make myself a few new things to wear while I'm paying more attention to my health and maybe that will motivate me to keep going. I'm going to post here on my evolving wardrobe - what I'm making, if it worked, etc. Anyone else want to sew some clothes with me? Today I am making an EASY top - a pull over to wear over a tank or camisole out of $1 a yard fabric from WalMart. It is Simplicity 3621 view A. I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm going to wear it with my black pants. Next - a new pair of pants!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Feb 15 2008 : 12:47:25 PM
I plan to make atleast two pair of pants tomorrow afternoon. They all have to be black for work, so I can assembly line. My supervisor is cool with bending the rules, so I am going to add pretty trim to the hems. I may cut them out tonight if I get my homework done early.
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/ |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 6:57:27 PM
I love the elastic waist pattern for a quick, easy fit pair of pants. I have a similar one that I'm going to use to make my pants. I got my top cut out, then finished a quilt for my grandson. Now I'm ready to sew the top tomorrow. How you doing?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
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| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 6:39:04 PM
Sherri,
I will be using a very old McCall's 5331. It is a Make It Tongiht pattern that includes a tunic type top in 3 length and a pair of easy fitting, elastic waist band pants. I used the pants pattern last month to make what I call my "saturday pants." It is super easy. I use mostly old patterns because our local thrift store GIVES patterns away. I go pattern (sometimes fabric) shopping there and collect what ever I think I will be able to use.
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/ |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 4:39:05 PM
Sherri, yes, it is a straight skirt, but mine has a thin draw string instead of a zipper and a slit on either side. It dosen't have as much fabric as the gypsy skirts. I love those too, but had to come to terms with the fact that they look aweful on me. Now I just admire them on my skinny-minny DD. |
| Bonne |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 09:49:16 AM
I got the book "Sew What? Skirts!" see my blog for the pic: http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/2007/12/sew-what-skirts.html
I love the book~gives you directions on making your own patterns for basic skirts geared specifically to YOUR measurements. A-lines seem to flatter most figures.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
http://www.bonne1313.homestead.com/soap.html SOAP |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 08:33:57 AM
Thanks Annika! That's a great site!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| Annika |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 08:30:26 AM
http://www.thesewingplace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=173
Sherri, I have been looking for patterns for some time now and just came across this site. some of the designers have some very cute pieces that would make the journey sweeter for all of us and look swell along the way. Thank you for the inspiration and invitation to try and look nice while losing weight.
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
| palmettogirl |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 07:22:54 AM
my gosh, can i relate to your "problem." i've been trying to lose 25 lbs for 4 years now. i don't have a thing to wear either... the only problem i have is that instead of just being depressed about the almost non-existent wardrobe that i have, if I started sewing my own wardrobe, i'd go from depressed to suicidal! (i really can't sew clothes!!) perhaps, though, i'll try one of those Easy tops that you can wear over something.....that way if it falls apart in the middle of a restaurant or somewhere, i'll still have something underneath it! |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Feb 14 2008 : 12:30:29 AM
Sherri...how cool that is about the location! This lady is super nice. I spoke to her on the telephone years ago in reference to a customer that couldn't find a plus size pattern that fit right. The armhole and dart placement was always wrong! Connie took the armhole measurement that I gave to her and she sent me a jumper pattern with the correct armhole measurement. The customer came back and showed me the finished garment and it fit her perfectly and looked so nice on her. I think she paid almost $20 for the pattern but she said it was worth every penny.
I think the first thing that most have to get past when sewing from patterns is that you will most always be selecting a size that's larger than you would say you are according to readymade clothing...just the nature of pattern sizing. I say.."forget the numbers..just find a pattern that fits you and flatters you!"
Stephanie |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 10:39:22 PM
Maybe that's it Jennifer. I'm drawn to the gypsy style skirts, but all that fabric (gathers or elastic) at the waist just makes my hips look like you could set a platter on them. Are you talking about a straight skirt, with a zipper?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 10:17:59 PM
Sherri,
I have the same trouble with skirts making me look chubby, but I found the column style looks good on me. It elongates me and kinda thins me out. My mom bought me one year's ago that I just love, but the decorative top stitching is coming out, so I'm thinking of tearing it apart and making a pattern from it. Maybe you just need a different style of skirt.
Good luck on your journey. |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 9:39:23 PM
Thanks Stephanie! I was so excited to see that this company is located in Hansville WA. That little town is where my dad's family is from. What a coincidence! She has some great patterns. I saw a couple that i want to try. I'll try and e-mail you tomorrow. Sherri
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 9:25:05 PM
Hey Sherri...good for you! We always feel better in something that's specially made to fit us....
Here's a link that will show you some simple sewing patterns. This lady has decades of experience in patternmaking and has designed patterns for the full figured woman that eliminates darts and for the most part are simple to sew. She approaches the design from how the fabric is cut out to drape your body the right way (to flatter you).
http://www.fashionpatterns.com/index.html
Stephanie
"Idealists…foolish enough to throw caution to the winds…have advanced mankind and enriched the world." ~ emma goldman
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| tziporra |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 9:22:10 PM
There was a great issue of Threads with an article on making a shrinking wardrobe.... you might be able to find it somewhere. It was definitely in the last two years, and focused on garments with princess seams.
I had a very powerful inspiration while in a weight loss program -- "I choose to be beautiful NOW." I was still free to lose weight (and I did reach my goal) -- but I was no longer putting my life on hold for the "someday" when I would be beautiful.
I know that's easier said than done when you are spending time and money to create beautiful clothes that you might not be able to wear in a few months, but take a page from the maternity book of fashion: each week or so I come up with a different outfit that fits and I feel terrific in. It only lasts for that week, so I wear it every single day. But I always feel good :)
Best,
Robin |
| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 8:39:17 PM
Yes, Bonney Lake is having the sale Saturday and Sunday. They do have pretty good fabric and craft stuff there. I just hope it doesn't go away. The manager seems to think the fabric dept is going to be around for a while. I am flying out to Maryland first thing Saturday morning, so I am going to sneak in and see what I can get late friday night while she is setting up.
Firefighter Stairclimb March 2nd- Help me help others by donating on my fundraising page. https://www.active.com/donate/17thscottstairclimb/angieriggsby |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 6:51:20 PM
I was thinking the same thing Angie - if I looked like her in clothes, I'd sew a lot more for myself too! Which Walmart's having the sale? Bonney Lake? Aberdeen Walmart doesn't have much for fabric anymore. I used to live in Enumclaw and I went to the Bonney Lake one all the time and got lots of good stuff there.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 6:43:36 PM
She does a wonderful job on her own clothes. I suppose (tongue in cheek) that if I could LOOK like her in clothes that I make for myself, I might be more inclined to sew for myself again. Bah Humbug. =)
Walmart is having a HUGE fabric sale this weekend. Over 10,000 yards of fabric for $1 a yard. Maybe I can find something to inspire myself with!
Firefighter Stairclimb March 2nd- Help me help others by donating on my fundraising page. https://www.active.com/donate/17thscottstairclimb/angieriggsby |
| Bonne |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 6:27:50 PM
Robin , thanks for the link to "laura's sewing room" ~ inspiring!! ;)
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 6:07:32 PM
this is an itty bitty little thrift in our small town that doesn't even have a real grocery store. it shocks me that it even has a thrift store. when looking for a sweater to unravel check the seams if they are cut and sewed- like serged don't get it- you will get tons of little bits of yarn not one continuous thread. Look for seams that are sewn neatly together- you can tell that they were knitted in individual pieces not cut from one long piece of knitted fabric.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:58:35 PM
Annika - thanks for the good wishes and for the link! I LOVE skirts - I don't wear them very often because I think they make my stomach and hips look bigger, but there's so many styles there maybe I can find one to try!
Debra - sounds like a great thrift store in your town! Good idea - getting the sweaters to unravel for yarn. I haven't ever done that but I'm going to keep a look out now! Our thrift store (Olympia Goodwill) is VERY expensive. They never have good deals like that!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:43:47 PM
I have the same problem. I have picked up a few things at the goodwill and I am also on the lookout for items to wear as I lose weight- my inspiration!
today was $1 a bag of clothes at our local thrift. I got a skirt I will be able to wear with another 20 lbs of loss, a pretty brown button up shirt that has little flowers on it- it is sturdy cotton- I will get to use the fabric for other stuff when it is too big for me, a lightweight pink jacket, and a long sleeved tshirt that has that layered look for when I lose some more weight. I also got a nubby cotton sweater to unravel for yarn, a silk/cashmere sweater to unravel for yarn, a silk skirt to use for fabric, a pink gingham cotton shirt to use as fabric, and a few t's for the boys. I also picked up Emma by Jane Austen- the book, and a book of folk remedies, a vintage picture, and some felt. not bad for $5
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| Annika |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:42:22 PM
Sherri, I am not great at sewing, so I don't have a place posting here. But I'm in pretty much the same boat. But I have tons of clothing...I just can't wear most of it any more. I'm depressed about my size and don't want to make "big" clothes. But good for you for giving it a go with a positive attitude!
If I can find simple flowing patterns that look good for a number of sizes as I lose this obnoxious weight I will try to join in.
wishing you luck and joy on your journey. Learning to love your self and be nice to that self is important, especially when you have a body in a shape that you don't like. I used to be size 4 and 5 and now I'm a pudgy 14 or so I'm still trying to learn to like myself as who I am and not what size I am, but our culture doesn't maker it easy. still some inspiration...
http://craftersjourney.com/free-skirt-patterns/
I don't know if you wear skirts but there are some good ones here =)
Hugs to you
Annika
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:33:23 PM
Robin - I checked out that blog - wow - she must be really motivated to sew all that she does! And her own underwear???? I used to make my son's boxers - does that count ?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:29:20 PM
Great! Keep me posted here on your progress. What kind of pattern are you going to use?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2008 : 5:26:43 PM
sherri, you are too funny! great going on treating youself to some new clothes...i think we all do better when we feel pretty rather we are at our ideal weight or not. instead of motivating you to loose weight, it sounds like your old clothes are punishing you for being a size you'd rather not be. i'll sew with you...i need new work pants. mine were all thrifted and are about 3 inches short in the leg. being 5'8" that happens a lot. i bought enough fabric to make 3 pairs and have just been waiting to get motivate
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/ |
