Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Conquering a Fear...And the Beautiful Result!

Once upon a time a sensitive mother purchased yards of expensive silk brocade for her daughter as a pre-wedding gift... mostly because said daughter had been fawning over the Asian design and rich royal blue color for a long time and this mother thought it would go a long way towards soothing her 'day-before-the-wedding' jitters...and a kimono pattern so that yardage would go to good use. (Wait, at this point the daughter didn't even own a sewing machine! What were they thinking?)

Sadly, GUILTILY, the fabric sat in the daughter's fabric stash for 9 1/2 years because this gal didn't know HOW to read a pattern and was terrified of destroying the gorgeous fabric.

Until last week.
I am that daughter. I do sew, but the only clothing I've made were very simple/forgiving projects for my kids (costumes, straight lines, online tutorials for easy things, ya know)... Until I decided enough is enough. After all, the logical accusation was that I was wasting the gift just as much by NOT using it as I would be if I messed up the sewing. Time to put on my big girl pants and JUMP IN!

I decided I would rarely use a kimono, so why not try something I could wear more regularly? The brocade lent itself to a fit-and-flare design because of the weight of the fabric. I bought a pattern (Simplicity 1418), made a mock up in muslin first so I could learn a few things, and read and reread those instructions! I am really proud that I stretched myself to a) figure out how to read a pattern, b) sew darts, c) sew pleats, d) sew fitted sleeves, e) sew in a zipper and f) make adjustments to the pattern so that it was a custom fit! Weight loss not-withstanding, I still have my original body shape with which to contend, so adjusting the pattern to my specs proved a challenge indeed! I'm happy to say, I conquered! (and I think my next dress will be even better!)
and you know what? I've really been bitten by the fashion sewing bug! I whipped up this argyle peasant dress for Gwen for Valentine's Day (free fabric from a friend! Thanks, Rach!) and I've already got fabric and plans for Easter dresses... and even a couple more projects that should keep me busy into summer! Wondered where I've gone? Check my sewing room! I'll be there for a while!
Moral of the story? In conquering a fear, I've unleashed a monster!

9 comments:

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    1. Indeed! Pretty much time and money are the only things keeping me from making all the new ideas in my head!

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  2. Oh, the dress is just gorgeous!! And I like the argyle one, too. Sweet!

    Am I supposed to come away from this believing that if I try, I could teach myself to really sew?? Because you are dangerously close to making me think that way.

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    1. ABSOLUTELY!!! I could recommend some easy projects to start you, but really picking a project you WANT to create can be the best motivator!

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  3. Yes, as the 'said' mother, I'm so happy to see this 'what were we thinking' purchase finally come out of the closet. What a debut! You look absolutely gorgeous and the dress is stunning! Well worth the wait. So you've been 'bitten' by the sewing bug! Good! I know you'll have some wonderful dresses to flaunt in no time! Just another one of your many talents. :-)

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    1. lol, I'm sure I'll be unveiling more projects in the future! Look what you've started! :)

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  4. I forgot to mention how sweet the girls look in their Valentine dresses. Emmett looks so sweet, too! Love them!

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    1. he is still in his pjs! Don't worry, he didn't wear that to church!

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  5. I like your skills. It was pretty fun to watch you piece it all together. Nice work!

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