Reflections

2015 was a year of change for me.  2016 has been a much better year. So why am I writing a reflections post in the middle of the year? It's because I started this job a year ago yesterday - June 1st. Technically I should have written this then! 

However, I thought I would look back with appreciation, gratitude and a sigh of relief for the new direction my life has taken.  As with all things sewing is first!

Sewing in 2015/2016 ~
My biggest challenge and the start to almost every blog post for months (aren't you glad that's over!) was getting myself a casual wardrobe. Then adjusting to the fact that in the meantime I would be wearing so much more RTW than me made.  I still wear a lot of RTW but there is a greater percentage of me made casual pieces in my wardrobe now.

You would think this wouldn't have been as difficult for me as it was but I'd worn and sewn professional clothing for so long, that those types of garments were a part of who I was. Breaking that mindset and learning something new was a challenge. Although, I'm still a little dressier than my coworkers but they are younger with amazing bodies of youth. Me, I'm still proudly working my life worn body that I appreciate more every day!

A few favorite pieces that I've sewn this year:

1. Tamarack Jacket

This was my all time favorite piece that I sewed last winter.  I love this jacket and how flexible it is in my wardrobe. I must have worn it 2 or 3 times a month which is ALOT for me! I even found another quilted piece of fabric in the collection that I want to use in September to make another one.

2. McCalls 6559

I made a ton of these last summer for a couple of reasons. One because maxis could only be worn on Casual Fridays at my old job. I love maxidresses and skirts so the fact that I could wear them anytime I wanted meant I went a little crazy. Two I could use bold bright prints - something else that was lacking from my pro-fessional wardrobe. So I made quite a few of these in both maxi and knee lengths. This dress/pattern was the basis of my summer wardrobe last year.

3. Circle Vest 

This was another favorite that I wore a lot and always received compliments on. It was perfect over leggings and jeans with a sweater, turtleneck or worn with a white shirt under it. All RTW, by the way cause it takes time to sew an all me made wardrobe! I'm intrigued by the thought of making this up in a lace for summer.

4. Vogue 1247 Toppers

I made three of these and wore all of them a lot! Because not only did I love sewing them and the challenge of taking a skirt/dress pattern and making it into a topper, but they were also easy to wear as well as being my style! I know I will make more in the fall because this is my style now and I love the pockets! 

This not a very long list even though I did experiment with constructing several different types of tops/blouses. I'm still on the fence about them. Not sure if it's because I've never really worn a lot of tops or if I still haven't found the one I love yet. I'm still learning what works for me but I can tell you that I'm no longer as distressed about the process.

There is a list of more garments I want to sew, t-shirts (I have a pile of knit fabrics pretreated and waiting their turn), also a few more maxi dresses and skirts and let's not talk about my new found obsession with denim. Of course, I have loads of ideas just need time to sew them!

Healthwise ~
Taking this new job has been the best thing for me. I'm less stressed, eating healthier and not missing Drs appointments anymore.  I've managed to keep the weight off and am even still steadily losing the 1-2 lbs a month the Dr insists upon. I won't live forever but I am living healthier!

Things I've found out about myself ~
I hate my thighs! LOL! I never use to see them much before so I didn't notice them. I guess I could do something about them but nah I'm too busy sewing!

I'm not a jeans girl. I mean I wear them (when it's cold, dark, rainy) but they will never be what I reach for first.

I'm fancy. It's what my co-worker calls me and I believe it's true.  I like jewelry and matched sets.  I like fashion and interpreting it for my lifestyle. I will never be sloppy casual, it just doesn't work for me.

I love classic heels and I miss wearing them. I wear wedges and more casual type heels now but I truly miss a good pump!

Conclusion ~
I'm really happy for the first time in years! It's definitely because I changed jobs and got my life back. I get to see my grandchildren and friends more. I spend less time commuting and more time doing me. And every now and then I still get a random "Good morning Sexy" from a good looking man while walking down the street. Life is good! *LOL* It's been a great year and hopefully I will carry the joy forward.

I've got quite a back log of garments to share so look for them soon. Also the birthday fabric has started to arrive so I will share it in a post shortly...and I've been visiting a new trim store in the Garment District so I'd like to share that with you too.  It's gonna be post heavy here during the month of June...especially since Instagram has really worked my last nerve so I will probably be blogging more!

...as always more later!