First the pattern alterations ~
I copied a new full front dress pattern from my TNT pattern onto pattern paper. Then I decided where I wanted the inserts to go. I deviated from my sketch a bit when I chose to make a v-neckline insert.
Next I auditioned my fat quarter inserts...
After much deliberation, I decided upon this combination...
...and once I sewed the front together I just stopped. It's fugly. Even my daughter said it was fugly. So now I'm left to wonder if...
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I wrote this post over a week ago and I couldn't bring myself to post it because I was so discouraged by my first attempt with my fat quarters. Honestly, I almost threw in the towel, and no I'm not sharing the fugliness with you. Just don't want that picture floating about on the internet. However, in my internet travels this week, I found another idea so I will be trying that out this weekend.
The good thing is that the deadline has been moved to May 20th, I think?! Ladies please correct me if I'm wrong...so I have a few more weekends to get this made up...which is a very good thing!
It's the end of April and I've sewn one very easy skirt this month. I usually have one month out of every year like this but I don't remember it occurring this early in the year before! I've also had a very busy work month...caught the cold from hell...you know you're sick when your coworkers start telling you to go home...and it's been a big family month. So I'm actually looking forward to a weekend of uninterrupted sewing time in the cave.
Usually the lost mojo freaks me out but this time I've actually been pretty calm about it. Probably because I've crafted an amazing work wardrobe so I very rarely experience that "what am I going to wear moment" in front of the closet. I hope I don't sound conceited when I say this but it actually makes me feel kinda proud that I've stayed the course, developed my own work style and sewed it.
Just wanted to give you an update. I know I've been scarce around these parts lately...hopefully spending 48 hours in the sewing cave will bring new sewing adventures to share!
...as always more later!
You most likely are not enamored by it because it's not your style. Maybe you should give your fat quarters back to Marcy and sew something you really want.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you -I know there's nothing like a week or more of work-related H-E-double-toothpicks to kill all my motivation for anything. It always comes back. :) And sometimes you just need some downtime. Oh, and um... those prints don't really look like you. Have fun though. It's really all about the fun.
ReplyDeleteA mojo dip is never fun... Why don't you try to sew something small or easy for your little prince? I could maybe help.
ReplyDeleteYes, a bout of Stitcher's Ditch (the sewing equivalent of writer's block) is always rubbish. I had a bad one at the end of last year where everything I touched went horribly wrong and I just kind of gave up on it for a while. Some sunshine and the right fabric or little bit of inspiration will see you back on track. Also hard when you are sewing something that you just know doesn't feel right for you. In the meantime … hugs from across the pond. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd you have every right to be proud of your fabulous work wardrobe; you are so chic and stylish always, and all made by you! Don't worry too much about one little glitch :)
ReplyDeleteSewing quilting fabric chosen by someone else to a deadline is certainly a challenge. I understand why your mojo has run away. Good luck.
ReplyDeletewondering... are allowed to dye the fabric?
ReplyDeleteI think you need to get back to sewing with the quality fabrics we are used to seeing you use. I am not sure quilters's cotton is your style, actually, I know it isn't. I applaud you for giving it the great good try but life is too short to be sewing something that you are not excited about. It's one thing to get stymied by a technique that is maybe new. It's another to be on a deadline to make something that looks great from something that really isn't you. You are an amazing sewist and have nothing to prove to anyone. I would graciously bow out and get that mojo back fast. Love Sharon Nichols thought!
ReplyDeleteTuck tail and RUN! LOL!!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteTurn the FQs into a pretty bag. Or an apron.
Hi Carolyn, no matter where this project ends up, know that you are still loved and I aspire to have your skills. Your blog was one of the first I found when I was looking for sewing resources online. You are such an inspiration to me personally. Life is filled with those times where we lose our mojo. You will get yours back. You are such a gift. Sew on Sister Friend! Sew on!!
ReplyDeleteBe proud that you stayed the course and have a wonderful working wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteThe fat quarters on the dress are screaming piping to me to separate subtle colour blocking in that design. Especially if the dress isn't made out of cotton in a similar weight to the FQs.
i agree with everyone here about tossing those FQs if they are giving you the blues!! sewing is happiness, and that is that. i mean, why do you think i gladly gave those over to y'all in the first place? i haz no idea what to do with them!
ReplyDeletethat said, i have a few lovely inspiring pieces of unicorns and rainbows left. could be just the ticket.
Cotton is SO different from the wool and other fabrics that you're used to, it's a learning curve. You are out of your element. I know the feeling. You'll figure it out, you're brilliant. Hang in there. KK
ReplyDeleteIts such an inspiration to hear you say that you no longer get those"what am I gonna wear" moments. That's the reason I decided to start sewing again. You've definitely created yourself a stylish and chic wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteRULES HAVE CHANGED! cause i'm the president of the OFQC and i say so. new rules are at the end of my latest post...
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/1roPixR
I see you have a quote from Koos on your side bar. He is a master with patchwork. You should look to him for some inspiration. He would have the fat quarter challenge nailed!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I learned when working with challenges like this is to think outside the box with concepts like the back of the fabric, overlays, stenciling, over-dying and so on. There are ways to make fabrics play more interestingly together. I also learned that for me I need to think in smaller pieces, that thread is a huge component of "my" look, and that I LOVE bias bits and strips.
ReplyDeleteQuilting cottons in red flower patterns is not really your thing (or any dressmakers really). If it can be made to work you are the girl for it. But don't worry if you can't make it work - i'm sure the rest of us would be hopeless too. And time is too short to waste time on it.
ReplyDeleteOK, if you have moments when you think your sewing sucks, then I can feel vaguely less horrible about mine! I'm confident that you can sew anything you set your mind to - maybe your mind just isn't quite set yet. But thank you for reminding me that even the most expert sewists have this kind of experience.
ReplyDeletePS: As a woman with serious curves (in the boob department), I could not use quilting cotton on a bodice to save my life. It would be a losing battle given the structure of the fabric vs. my need for drape. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteYour post couldn't have come at a better time. My sewing mojo is gone. As a matter of fact I'm putting out a desperate plea to anyone who leaves in CT that can help me figure out how pockets go on a pair of jeans. I'm that desperate.
ReplyDeleteconsidering your extensive work wardrobe, have you thought about making something casual usual quilting cotton. I think a classic tunic top would look great on you and quilting cottons are really nice for accents, piping, bands at the edge of sleeve or hem. I want to see you make some weekend wear :)
ReplyDeleteKinda proud???!!! You should feel cock o' the walk proud, accomplished, confident and all around fine. I love watching you go from concept to finished product. I learn so much from your posts and expect to keep doing so. Now, about this fabric challenge. Have you considered creating fabric from strips of the four and using it for elements of a classic cardigan style jacket, perhaps one with a yoke and cuff bands? I can see these fitting into a wardrobe when used a accents, such as under collars, plackets, covered buttons, piping, etc. Bonne Chance!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty confident you can make it work. I'm also glad you shared. We've all had a great idea and also all had it turn out as the fugly duckling. Speaking as one who sews casually it is refreshing to hear about your dilemma. Sometimes when I'm reading sewing blogs it is almost as if no one wants to admit their fugly ducklings. Maybe it is selfish but I feel less isolated when I read a post like this. So thanks for sharing that.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can pick another fabric you love to sew a casual jacket and incorporate the FQs into the jacket lining. Might be fun to see people's faces when you take the jacket off lol. Good luck. You will get your mojo back before you know it!
ReplyDeleteMust be something in the air, I've been pretty lax at sewing and blogging too thanks to visitors, illness and an overseas trip, although I always seem to lose my sewing mojo as the seasons are changing. However summer is practically here so the mojo is returning!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nancy. Maybe this just isn't your style and thus the struggle. You have every reason to be proud of your wardrobe. You put together awesome collections. I'm working to get to that point where I can look in my closet and say "what am I'm wearing" not " I have nothing to wear".
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - We all have sewing room mishaps. Don't give up on that fugly dress. Set it aside for now. Let it rest and marinate in your brain. Then, when you have time, go back to it and I bet you'll be able to whip up something fantastic... even if you have to cut it apart and refashion it into something altogether different. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that you will be able to turn this oops into a WOW! http://www.sewinginsight.com/turn-an-oops-into-a-wow/
ReplyDelete