When I am not sewing much – and I do realise that is a relative term, for me “not sewing much” means that I haven’t sewn for three or four days – it does allow me a little more head space to think about my sewing and to reflect on other things that I notice around the sewing blogs. Some things that have drawn my attention lately include the following:
Free t-shirt patterns that I have tried or want to try:
- Grainline Hemlock Tee
- Tessuti Mandy Boat Necked Tee
- Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Patterns Tonic T-shirt (proportioned for short women!)
- Maria Denmark Kirsten Kimono Tee
- 3 Hours Past Blank Canvas Tee
These posts on the Already Pretty blog (a style blog that often makes me think about how those of us that sew approach issues like fit and flattery)
New patterns that I fancy
- Anna dress (yes I bought it) – but WHY does this pattern company not provide a line drawing of their patterns? I need to see the shape! I need to see the seamlines! Not only photos of finished garments on models with figures very unlike mine!
- Saltspring dress (not for me, as it has a defined waist and spaghetti straps but it’s so cute!)
- Grainline Lakeside Pajamas
Craftsy classes that I am enrolled in but have barely started
- Sew The Perfect Fit (this one is currently on sale; actually, Craftsy classes often go on sale – if you sign up to their facebook page they are often advertised, or check them regularly. I like the format of being able to watch them and rewatch them at my own pace)
- Hand-Embellishing Knit Fabric
- Pant Fitting Techniques
- Jean-ius!
- Sew Retro: Perfect Fit Bombshell Dress
- The Couture Dress
And some Craftsy courses that I am considering taking BUT I have to finish the above classes first
- The Ultimate T-shirt (I greatly admire the Tilton sisters)
- Sewing on the Bias
- Sewing On The Edge
I’ve been laughing at the Camp Gyno advertisement (the funniest ad for “feminine hygiene” products that I have ever seen)
Reading this excellent post on choosing linings
Admiring other people’s finished garments:
- Leith’s Drape Drape top (with details on how she graded it up)
- Sham’s new Vogue pants
- Andrea’s striped Renfrew tunic
- Lori’s maxi dress
Enjoying reading Carolyn’s adventure with sewing Burda 08-2012-142 (I think I want to make this dress)
Being amazed by Cathrin’s review of Medieval Week (the level of detail that goes into their outfits is amazing)
Discovering that there are yet more independent pattern lines being released
Listening to Thread Cult podcasts (thanks to Leith for alerting me to these)
Missing many of my old favourite bloggers who have hung up their blogging hats
Accepting that many of the patterns favoured around the sewing blogosphere – moreso by younger bloggers who have a waist – are never going to suit me and will never be made by me
Realising that I am really starting to look my age. I am so blessed to be my age and where I am in life. It still surprises me though when I look at photos and see a middle-aged woman who is me!