The last few years have been quite…trying. Some health issues left me anemic and with low iron, so I had no energy, really. I have not been actively sewing since really around the time Covid hit. I mean…I sewed a bunch of masks, but not a lot of pleasure sewing. I used to sew, if not daily, at least weekly. It was my “me time”, and I do miss that creative outlet.
For 2023, I only got a few projects done:
- Outdoor Cushions
- Prom Dress
- Various tops and bottoms for mostly work clothes that were usually just a quick make.
I just haven’t done much creative in the past several years.
Hardly any drawing/surface pattern designing, very little sewing or pattern drafting, just a lot of watching tv and cooking. Which comes to the other reason I am not sewing. I weigh as much as I did when I had each of my kids, so that doesn’t really make me want to sew up a bunch of clothes in my larger size.
I am in the office 3 out of 5 days a week, and the previous year I was re-wearing the same clothes over and over again. Before going back in the office, I went through my closet and tried on most of my clothes. My closet is much thinner than it was in the past. I put away all the clothes that are too small for me right now. I did get rid of some of them that weren’t my favorites, as I didn’t really want to store anything that wasn’t a “love” item. Partially using that Marie Condo method.
I have a few bins I put away several years ago (after all it takes several years to add on 50lbs), and those I need to unbury and go through again. I have a feeling that it will be unlikely I will go back to my sub-130 weight. I would ideally like to be around 140, as then I would still have some boobs and wouldn’t have to only be eating salads and drinking just water.
Girl’s gotta have some vices.
Here is a few of what I have managed to sew in the last year or so for work clothes. I figured I would show these sews as outfits flat with accessories. Looks a bit more interesting that way.
I do have a few more items to get photographed. I haven’t been completely sedentary…just partially. 😉
Skirt: Skirt block with a ponte stretch knit from Amazon.
I used this skirt block that I have used for pretty much everything, and I added ruffled flounces to it.
The top and shoes here I purchased from Zulily and the jacket I made a few years ago. Offices tend to be chilly in the summer, so I sometimes need something on my arms.
Skirt: Skirt block with a blue stretch ponte that I purchased locally. Not sure how many years ago I made this. Probably 4-ish years.
Top: This was a modified boxy sweatshirt from Nap Time Creations with one of my fabric designs in Modern Jersey. I originally put the band on the bottom in the cream knit fabric, but it just wasn’t flattering. I took that off and it looks much better on now.
Skort: Skort block with my fabric design that I had custom printed at Nature’s Fabrics. The printing was a little off, where there are some faded spots on the printing. I made this last summer, but the top was too loose and it was gravitating down to the floor the more I walked around in it. I fixed it in to have a more sturdy and tight top band.
Top: Self-drafted grey boxy top in bamboo fabric from Nature’s Fabrics
Skirt: Self-drafted pattern with a ponte blend that is lined with gray on the inside. This was a local purchase.
Sweater, boots and tights were store bought. I am bummed to see that Zulily closed up shop. I got a lot of leather boots at discounted prices from there. These ones are fur lined, so nice and warm in the winter.
Dress: Self drafted with brushed poly fabric purchased years ago from Zenith & Quasar, I think. Super comfy. The length is a few inches above my knees and I like to wear with fleece leggings or fleece tights for winter.
Boots: Foundry – I had to replace a few rivets on the lacing after I got them, but they are doing pretty good now.
Hopefully I will get a new post up in less than a year. I did sew up a bunch of things this summer and fall and a few more things photographed. Currently sitting on my computer. 🙂
