Once upon a time I sewed nearly all my clothes (and many for my children, especially when they were very young), yet it's been over 11 years since I last sewed for myself - and that was a maternity dress.
I have always had something of a minimalist wardrobe, largely content to rotate through three of four outfits, wearing them all year round, with the addition of a couple of jackets for cooler days. Several of our children follow my lead, while others have a 'need' for greater variety when it comes to clothes.
After wearing the same few outfits constantly they were beginning to wear out, as my clothes tend to do. Despite casually looking for replacements over the last few months, I hadn't found what I was looking for. Then one morning a few weeks ago I woke up with the idea of making that skirt I hadn't been able to find, using a fabric bought on clearance (at $1.99/yd) in 2010, originally intended for a quilt back.
Some thread and a zip were purchased that day, and while at Lincraft (fabric/craft shop) I found some white broderie fabric for a top and lovely soft cotton voile to line the top. They happened to have a fabric sale on at the time which made the decision easier. Just like in the past, I didn't use a pattern but chose to use clothes which fit well as my 'pattern' guides, adjusting as I go.
The photos tell the story from there. The skirt has a centre back zip and some light interfacing in the waistband and is just the length I wanted (one of the benefits of making it myself). The top is a loose fitting, slightly flared, pop over the head style, and very cool for our warmer days which are fast approaching. In fact I liked the top so much I have already made a second identical one (yes, I often buy/make duplicates when I find something I'm really pleased with - am I the only one who does that?).
Being encouraged by these results I have purchased some more fabric with clothes in mind.....
Do you sew any of your own clothes?
Not only do you make lovely quilts but lovely clothing as well. I LOVED see you being the model. Now I can picture lovely you when I chat with you.
ReplyDeleteI have not sewn any clothing or anything by machine in many, many years. I buy almost all of my clothing from thrift stores. I made a lot of clothing in my youth and some as a newly wed, but sewing on a machine makes me tense, and the cost of material was too much for me.
Thank you for sharing your love of sewing with us. It is a joy to see.
FlowerLady
Your ensemble is lovely, Karen. 'Tis lovely to see you as the model. The skirt is gorgeous and even more so teamed with your pretty top. You will have the garment sewing bug now. I love to sew my own clothes. There is so much more scope for the imagination and individualism when one sews for oneself than what one finds in a store.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolute right Kim - and you have the satisfaction of knowing the history of the garment, and knowing you made it yourself. Somehow it makes me feel more ‘me’ when I where something I have made.
ReplyDeleteyou are very sweet! and the outfit fits you really good! congratulations!:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulation! You made yourself some lovely clothes Karen.
ReplyDeleteI used to sew almost all my clothes and my children's clothes, not anymore. I have sewn almost anything you can think about but bras...
I kinda flirt with the idea of sewing some pieces again...Nothing like I use to, some easy and quick makes. Last winter I bought some linen to make another pair of drawstring linen pants, I love them so much and wear them all the time, I could sleep with them...
I still need to draft the pattern from an older pair...But it just didn't happen yet.
Maybe this winter...
lovely, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI have never made identical articles of clothing, but I do have just a couple of patterns that I make over and over, changing up a thing or two here and there. I don't really understand paying $15 (or even just a few) for a pattern and then only sewing it up once.
(Isn't garment sewing so satisfyingly FAST after making quilts? :-)
Pretty, pretty! I used to sew, but for a quilter, sewing cloth is not a good hobby! I must rather swim or walk!
ReplyDeletedu er så dyktig !
ReplyDeleteWonderful dress- I like the black
ReplyDeletebackground!
Hugs
JetteMajken
Such a wonderful outfit! Exactly what I would imagine for you!! If I wore anything but blue jeans and tee shirts, I might consider sewing some clothes! I have sewn a couple skirts, and wore, for many years, a jacquard(?) skirt/jacket (dressy) outfit I made.I am definitely a "limited wardrobe" type :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful outfit Karen!! And suits you perfectly. I'm partial to skirts and love just this type of a pattern and design in a skirt. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful! The skirt and top look so lovely together! I especially love that scalloped edge.
ReplyDeleteLook how beautiful you are!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love this outfit, Karen.
I used to sew all of my clothes, and I sewed all of my kids' clothes for probably the first 5 years of their lives, and then I just kind of got away from it. I actually love to sew, and find it very relaxing.
Thank you Lisa - I also sewed for our children when they were very young.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you would enjoy sewing something for yourself again too. There seems to be a much greater selection of suitable fabrics to choose from these days.
Ficou lindo o conjunto.Belo look! bjs, chica e tudo de bom!
ReplyDeleteIn my early 20's, I made a lot of my own clothes, i have to admit I haven't made any since. I want too, I buy patterns and then they sit - maybe this summer. Your new clothes look lovely and summery.
ReplyDeleteNot only a good seamstress but a great photographer too. Love your outfit. My mother loved sewing clothes for herself and me. I copied her in my youth but was never happy with the outcome. I sewed for my children when they were little but then found it was cheaper to buy clothes than materials, patterns, zips and cotton. So I gave up, although I made all the curtains for our first two houses but now we have blinds. My sewing now days is mending and shortening trouser legs and I am still using an Elna machine from the 70's.
ReplyDeleteThese are just so lovely and you make such a beautiful model. I absolutely adore that fabric you used on your top (the details are so delicate and just stunning) and the skirt is beautiful. I am so glad to see you make something for yourself. You certainly deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI have not made many clothes for myself, but I would certainly like to. The last few months I have been really wanting to try, but I am afraid of making something and then it being a waste of fabric since I am not very knowledgeable in tailoring.
I'm not that talented, but I do have a standard dress code - black yoga pants or jeans with a long or short sleeved T and in the winter a flannel layer on top. I have black pants for dress-up, too - just a slightly nicer variation on my daily offering. I liked your selfie! You look great in your creations.
ReplyDeleteYou are really talented Karen! The model is as beautiful as the dress :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Karen it's so lovely to see you on the Photo. I like this capture of you!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, the skirt and the top are fantastic. Yes, you are talented :)
In the past .... to answering your question .... I'm sewing the clothes for me and some for my sister too. By the Way, I had learned this in Hohenstein .... I'm a textile technisian (Hope this is the right Word) before I decide to become an artist ...
Wish you and your Family a very good week
Heidrun from Augsburg
Your skirt and top suit you perfectly! You are so great at telling the story through your photos. When I was younger I would make basic clothes and buy opshop clothes and alter them, now I'm older and more curvy it's a bit trickier. I have been thinking I should make a skirt or two for summer.
ReplyDeleteYou look just lovely in your new creation!
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