Yesterday I finished the skirt muslin. Not much work was needed. I sewed the darts, mostly as they were in the pattern, although I moved one to make them appear more symmetrical on the back of the skirt.
When I held the skirt up to look at it, after sewing the last dart, I thought: "It looks so small". It wasn't. In fact the fit was almost perfect. The waist was a little snug. I no longer have the waist I had 5 years ago. When I looked at the skirt in the mirror I realized that I did not need to let the skirt out all around, that it was snug in front, and that the side seams were being pulled out of alignment by the front. I released two of the front darts, giving myself about an inch and a quarter.
It was almost perfect. I marked the correct waistline on the muslin as the original skirt pattern extended about 2 inches above my natural waist. I wondered briefly if I ever wore it that way, but I seem to recall that I did. It seems that I was a bit of a fuddy duddy in my youth. I think I am much younger now, but perhaps it is merely that I am more confident now although that may be merely self-deception.
I also pegged the skirt a bit. The board straight seams were aging and the tapered shape seems much more flattering.
I regret that I did not take a picture. I was pressed for time, having only about a 90 minutes during which time I hoped to finish the muslin and seam and block the body of a sweater.
Inspired by yesterday's success, I blocked out two hours of sewing time this afternoon during which time I dismantled the muslin and used it to create a new master pattern. I finished out my allotted time by gathering together the materials necessary for a skirt so that I would be all ready to begin laying out the pattern and cutting.
The last two days have been so successful that I decided to try to schedule sewing time regularly, if not every day, at least 5 days a week, in 2 hour increments, for now. That is the plan anyway. I don't quite know how it will go over, it being a unilateral decision and all. It seems to be a commitment I have been reluctant to make, not because I don't want to be sewing, but because I have had trouble giving myself permission to make it a priority.
I'm going to take my time with this. The print is rather large and I want to spend time playing with placement of the pattern. I'm in no rush after all. I although I feel in a way "desperate" for pretty new clothes, I don't need them to go anywhere in particular. Jeans will see me most anywhere I go. What I actually want are not just any pretty clothes but things that are just right. I'm sure I will make mistakes along the way, but getting the things I want, the way I want them, is worth time and the risk of wadders.
Comments
2 responses to “Next up: an actual garment”
I don´t sew at all. Long ago, however, I made small clothes for my daughter´s dolls. That was easy, since they didn´t have to be `perfect´. But that was ages ago. Now I buy RTW clothes, and have them tailored, if they don´t fit properly. I admire you, as you you have the skills to make your own clothes. I noticed, that you said that, it is difficult to give yourself the permission to make sewing your priority. I guess we women globally have difficulties placing our needs first. I too think, that everything else must be done first. I have not been following your blog from the very beginning, but I understand that you have been on a successful diet, and lost many pounds. Well done!
I don´t sew at all. Long ago, however, I made small clothes for my daughter´s dolls. That was easy, since they didn´t have to be `perfect´. But that was ages ago. Now I buy RTW clothes, and have them tailored, if they don´t fit properly. I admire you, as you you have the skills to make your own clothes. I noticed, that you said that, it is difficult to give yourself the permission to make sewing your priority. I guess we women globally have difficulties placing our needs first. I too think, that everything else must be done first. I have not been following your blog from the very beginning, but I understand that you have been on a successful diet, and lost many pounds. Well done!