Most sewists seem to start with a pattern either purchased from a pattern maker/company or from a pattern magazine. They search through the catalogues, websites or magazines for styles they like and look like current garments - then they sew them up.I'm a little different. As I look around blogworld and on PR, I see this as the sewing standard. I on the other hand don't think that way. I see something I like in a picture, on someone walking down the street, a detail on a mannequin in a store display or I just dream something up from all the inspiration that abounds.
To accomplish what I want to copy or what I dreamed up, I mostly turn to my TNT patterns...sometimes I will have a pattern in my vast collection that will be what I'm looking for...but mostly it's the TNT that assists me in bringing new designs to life. Using a TNT pattern means that I don't have to work on fit issues, I can just implement the design.
Now I will admit that there has been an oopsies or two (The Bring it on Dress!)...but mostly there have just been wonderful successes. Lately I've found that this is the way I like to sew most. Taking the challenge of figuring out how to copy or initiate the design, planning out the construction steps and then constructing the garment step by step.
So I'm no longer following the sewing standard. I've started to branch out and take on more involved projects...but I'm loving it! I think this is one of the reasons why my output has slowed. The garments I'm constructing are more involved and complex. There are very few simple sews. There are more time-consuming, think about them and make them work garments.
That is the project I am working on now. I am knocking off this Chadwicks dress. It is part of my new yellow wardrobe. It is not a difficult sheath dress, the moving parts were easy to duplicate, but I could never have purchased it in my size. The largest size that this dress goes up to is a size 16 - and yes I know that Jessica London is the sister site to Chadwicks - but it is not sold there either! Like I would buy it if it was! *LOL* Pics will be forthcoming of the finished dress and the construction process.
I know I am a little different...my sewing is taking me on a different journey than the norm so I thank you for traveling with me...and as always...
More later!
Looks like a green version of your menswear lace dress from last year. I am starting to buy into the TNT idea, especially for tops.
ReplyDeleteThat dress will be really lovely in yellow. I can't wait to see the finished product!!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Here's to the different path! It's the way to go.
ReplyDeleteDO IT....I LOVE THAT DRESS!
ReplyDeleteI like that dress, a lot. And am looking forward to seeing your rendition. And maybe absorbing a little inspriration along the way.
ReplyDeleteI figure that we never get better at anything if we don't challenge ourselves. Can't wait to see your finished outfit!!
ReplyDeleteThrough reading what you do has caused me to look at how we approach starting our projects and where our style comes from. I noticed you did this a few months back with movies and TV. It's one of the things I talk about in my classes. Style can come from anywhere. Mine comes from looking and touching fabric. The fabric tells me what it wants to be.
ReplyDeleteEverything you make is beautiful. I know this will look good on you too.
This dress will be lovely in yellow. Thank you for allowing us on your journey. I know I'm not the only one of your readers who has been inspired to create something after seeing what you have done.
ReplyDeletei am also finding that my output has diminished quite a bit. I think I really want to focus on enjoying the process and incorporating more details, rather than having a lot of garments completed. (Although in my ideal world, I would have both) I also am looking for a perfectly fitting sheath dress that I can make again and again so that I can whip up some gorgeous TNTs as you have done.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn....I'd be lost without my TNT patterns that I hack to bits to come up with new styles. I enjoy "borrowing" ideas from RTW.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been on a "simple sewing" binge for myself...partly because I dearly need basics in my wardrobe..and partly because I need instant gratification these days, LOL!
I get a lot of inspiration from catalogs and magazines, vs starting with the sewing world. It's interesting to see how those inspirations morph as implemented in our creative world.
ReplyDeleteI love the sheath inspiration. It will be gorgeous in yellow.
I'm working on trying to develop a couple of TNT patterns. I'm such a tough fit that I've never sewn much for myself. I love watching you turn your TNT pattern into many differnt dresses. Hope to be able to do that in the future. Look forward to seeing your knock off.
ReplyDeleteNo, different is good! I'm a lot like you in that I'm constantly looking at ready to wear and idea's everywhere I turn! And fabric... seems everywhere I turn I see lovely fabric all over the place... What can I say, texture is something I really love! There is just something that is good about the challange! Keep on keeping on...
ReplyDeleteMy daughter challenges me to sew your way, Carolyn. She'll often print out photos of celebrities wearing dresses or outfits she likes and then she asks me to make something similar for her. It is a little more convoluted but I like the workout this method gives your brain. Don't you?
ReplyDeleteMy output has never matched yours, but I have sewn some detailed things lately ie. my yellow coat and pants with single welt pockets and the jacket I am currently making. I was just thinking yesterday as I was working on my jacket that I am really enjoying the sewing, more than I have in a while. It has lots of details and they are really enjoyable. You have lots to wear so you can take the time to get into the details, and thus sew fewer, maybe, but more satisfying projects.
ReplyDeleteYour sewing philosophy is exactly why I have always enjoyed and always look forward to your blog. You are not out there to knock out the latest & greatest but create what satisfies you. You are obviously a woman who is comfortable with herself. And you have terrific taste!
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Obviously I'm not alone in enjoying your journey. I'll admit to spend MOST of my sewing time on the "standard" path, but then there are the times when I'm out snoop shopping (like today at lunch) when I want to go home and tear into the pattern stash and find something that will accommodate the ideas that are bubbling in my brain.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting your method out there and letting us realize that there's more than one way to make it work.
(And BTW, I love that dress. It will look fabulous in yellow, and on you).
I think this is part of what makes sewing so empowering...on a regular basis we sewists see our dreams turn into reality which is something few other people (except artists) see. I love being this way - anything I can dream up, I can make and it's a very powerful feeling!
ReplyDeleteViva La Difference!!
ReplyDeleteI wish, I could sew like you do!!! See something and "simply" made it for myself from TNT pattern! Oh yes, I wish, I could... the way you sew and the dress and outfit you make allaways make me say Wooooh!
ReplyDeleteThe dress you make from a vintage pattern and your TNT and the way the dress was perfect for you caught my eyes.
I rarely let you comment(s) but I like to read your blog.
Please don't change anything, or change what you want I like to have surprise reading your blog and I am never disapointed.
Miaaa
Love this dress. It is now becoming an idea in my mind. Look forward to seeing what you make.
ReplyDeleteI love that dress and I can't wait to see your version!
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