When I was in my 20s and learning to sew, I did a lot of last-minute sewing. I would decide to make something for a particular event, not allow enough time, and end up barely pulling myself together in time. I remember hemming a huge chiffon circle skirt by hand in the car, while G drove to Baltimore for a wedding. This kind of thing happened more times than I can recall but I eventually learned how to plan my projects, and for the most part, finish them in advance of the event.
Yesterday however, I once again finished a project at the last moment.
I hadn't counted on finishing anything. I intended to sew but questioned how much time I would have and how far I would progress. As I finished up the lining for my skirt however, I realized that I had a very good chance of being able to wear it to my birthday dinner. So I determined to work as efficiently as possible without cutting corners. I'm really not into speed sewing for the most part and I did not change my plans just to finish the skirt early.
I did however make a compromise or two, and I wore it unfinished, although only on the inside. I realized as it got close to the time of our reservation that I had time to baste in the hem by hand or to put on makeup. When I was 25 I might have opted for the basting. At 52 I opted for grooming and sewed the hem by machine. I don't think I can rip the stitches out and re-hem it by hand, the needle holes remain quite evident in the fabric and they would bother me more than the machine stitching does. I'll just call it a design detail and it is one that makes the skirt far more casual, which certainly works in my life.
I also did not do any of the finishing work on the inside. The lining still has to be stitched down around the zipper and the vent, a hook and eye needs to be applied, but it worked for one dinner. I can finish it up at home this week while watching television with G, or relaxing in the company of my grandson, who arrives tomorrow for a week with his parents. Posting will be light; sewing and blogging pale next to 3 1/2-year-old wonder.
I will have more details upon completion. (top is purchased and is getting too big. I intend to copy it and create my own version).
Comments
18 responses to “52 going on 25”
That is a stunning skirt. The blouse is wonderful too. Happy Birthday and enjoy the grandchild’s visit
That is a stunning skirt. The blouse is wonderful too. Happy Birthday and enjoy the grandchild’s visit
Dang, you look good! And I would never know how the innards look if you hadn’t shared!!! 😉
Dang, you look good! And I would never know how the innards look if you hadn’t shared!!! 😉
The skirt is beautiful! And, of course, I LOOOVE the shoes! It’s been awhile since I’ve done any last minute sewing – it just stresses me out so much. Happy Birthday!
The skirt is beautiful! And, of course, I LOOOVE the shoes! It’s been awhile since I’ve done any last minute sewing – it just stresses me out so much. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, a couple of days late. That is one pretty skirt and you look fantastic in it. Cute top and shoes too.
Happy Birthday, a couple of days late. That is one pretty skirt and you look fantastic in it. Cute top and shoes too.
Oh, I meant to post this on the 5th 🙁
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY !
That is a beautiful skirt !
Oh, I meant to post this on the 5th 🙁
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY !
That is a beautiful skirt !
A belated Happy Birthday!
You’re looking good – who’s going to notice a hem…
A belated Happy Birthday!
You’re looking good – who’s going to notice a hem…
This skirt is a dream, and you look beautiful in it. That fabric… just superb.
This skirt is a dream, and you look beautiful in it. That fabric… just superb.
Thank you for all the lovely comments and compliments. I’ve worn the skirt several times now and see that I need several more.
Thank you for all the lovely comments and compliments. I’ve worn the skirt several times now and see that I need several more.
You look gorgeous!
You look gorgeous!