Stitch and bitch #7. Hanging by a thread

I'm really interested in the courses you're doing @NutellaEllaElla Please report back! When I get the time (I have an absorbing job ...) I'd love to do a course which could give me a trouser "block" that I can adapt. I have several trouser patterns I like, but none of them can I just sew up in an afternoon without fiddly tweaking & fitting. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. I think it's also a lot about the different fabrics.

And on the subject of patterns, Sew Direct has a flash half-price sale this weekend. I may dive in and add to my excessive collection with the button-front skirt I suggested for @TragicMuse !

My name is SideWonder and I am an addict.

I totally get that way of thinking @NutellaEllaElla . I gave up sewing for a couple of years exactly for that reason. But then I decided I can’t wait forever!

I never use the blocks I made a couple of years ago, because I’m no longer that size. However, making those blocks taught me so much about my body’s “quirks” that it’s still been really useful. It was a very effective way to learn which points to check on a pattern before I even cut my fabric, because a lot of those things don’t change even if you lose or gain weight, e.g. the width of your shoulders, the bust apex, bicep size (ok that one does change a bit), width of the back in comparison to the front, where the waist sits..those are just a few of the things I now know I always need to check. So don’t worry too much about it being a waste of time if your body changes afterwards. If the workshop is any good it will teach you a whole new way to look at patterns.

I agree with Crimson. You're learning skills as well as making your block for now.

I'm much fatter now than when I made my block. But I know how to make another one. So I will do that (at some point!) and have a new block.

And really, the more you do it the better your drafting will become so it's the paper version of doing a toile. Your skills will improve every time you do a new one when your measurements change.

Go for it! It's a really great skill to have and you won't regret it!

Also, I've found that having clothes that fit exactly me is a major contributor to feeling happy with my body.

Totally understand your feelings @NutellaEllaElla I put on a dress size a few years ago (lack of exercise, too much work, finishing writing a book) and I went from making almost all my clothes to just not enjoying sewing. I had been a pretty standard size 12 for Vogue patterns (which are quite generously cut), to a solid 14. So none of my patterns worked & it was horrible fitting myself - all the guff tht women are taught in this world about not having the "perfect" body.

For reasons other than sewing, I'm back into pretty trim shape and back to sewing.

But the thing is, being able to fit yourself perfectly (and I mean better than the Great British Sewing Bee "perfect fit" 😎) makes you look a lot better whatever your size & shape. I think that's why I like tailoring - the aim of tailoring is to create a structured garment that flatters the wearer. Think about how men's tailored suits make men look more substantial, and broad-shouldered and generally more handsome

I'd love some recommendations for sewing schools/courses if anyone has any ( I can do south west or north west locations). Fairly advanced sewist but learning all the time.

I don’t think that’s an uncommon thought Nutella, your comments reminded me of this blog post I read ages ago which has stayed with me. It’s about sewing and mental health but it also mentions the effect sewing can have on our relationship with our physical body.

What’s the fibre @NutellaEllaElla ?

When I was in India for work a few years ago I bought a full silk sari. Gorgeous cobalt blue, but I’m a bit paralysed about what to make of it. I bought quite a lot of fabric there actually and I’m always on the look out for lovely block print cotton.

the Saris sound lovely. As a very very white (practically pale blue) person I worry about wearing fabrics that are so obviously from outside my culture - is it appropriate?

I’m currently on holiday. I’ve seen a lot of women wearing nice swimsuit cover-ups, and realised I have a perfect fabric in my stash to make myself one for next summer. Anyone know of a pattern (ideally free or cheap, I’m not a sun-worshiper so it’ll be a one time thing).

@NutellaEllaElla I suppose my
concern is if I am aware of all the cultural connotations around fabrics/outfits - as an example things like kimono have cultural significance and I have no idea if wearing it as it is or cutting it up would be frowned upon.

My experience (of being married to a man of Indian origin) is that saris are just clothes and none of my Indian relatives have ever expressed any cultural concern about them. Some other cultures do have clothing that is more significant than just covering you up, for instance kimonos or cheongsams, and there should be awareness around how they are used.

I've just asked DH and he's never heard of anyone being upset by sari fabric being used other than as a sari.

I use blue sari fabric as "water" for storytelling as it's really tactile and light, and folds up small.

Sounds wonderful @NutellaEllaElla It’s so nice when we have these connections with otherwise random people, isn’t it? (Like posting on messageboards with weird names

Hello. My week of holiday is all but ended and I have finished my jacket. This was my first go at lining something which wasn't a bag. The pattern is the Frankie jacket by Sew Over It. I extended the length by 10cm and upped it by one size. Overall I am happy with it.

Your jacket looks great.

The saris would make a lovely floaty summer dressing gown - I have one in really lightweight fabric from One Hundred Stars.

I made a wrap skirt and a vest top from a Sari someone brought me from India. . The deep border (fabric fire engine red, border gold embroidery) was at the bottom of the skirt, and the less deep border (from the other selvedge) was at the bottom of the top. It was lovely to wear, even though i had to line both of them.