Even though my sewing output has diminished somewhat, I am still dreaming of sewing!  I am still buying patterns.  Here are my latest:

These are all for summer, bought in readiness so that as soon as the weather appears to be turning I can whip out some new frocks! They are all sewn from knits, and I seem to have plenty of those in stash. Stretch fabrics are a little more forgiving through my weight fluctuations. They should all be work appropriate for summer too.

I also bought these, with the intention of sewing them sooner rather than later.

I actually have the pattern pieces of the McCalls pinafore dress all laid out on fabric ready to cut, but I am agonising over what size. Many bloggers appear to make muslins/toiles before they cut into their good fabric: I’ve never been someone who regularly does that. After years of sewing for myself I know what standard adjustments I usually need to make, and I always measure the flat pattern to check what size would be best. However, this pattern comes with a variety of cup sizes, so that should accomodate the bust; but how do I accommodate my thick waist and tummy? I’ve put on weight again while I’ve been working full time and although I am “planning” to get back with a diet program soon, I am still realistic and know that I need to sew for the size I am, not the size I think I want to be. Either way, my shape doesn’t change when I gain/lose weight, just my overall size.  I’ll probably just cut this one out as a size 14 and fit as I go.  Actually, the bodice is lined, so I’ll make that first and get an idea of the fit that way.

What sewing dilemmas do you have when your weight fluctuates?  When mine is creeping up (as it is now) I tend to get to a stage where I only sew knits for myself but sew more for the kids – and make more bags and quilts!  I sometimes have friends say that I have a lot of clothes, but they don’t realise that I pretty much have three lots: some size 10, some 12, some 14.  All depending on where I am weight wise.  So if you look at the number of items per size, it’s not so much.