Thursday, June 02, 2016

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!


41 comments:

  1. Carolyn, the post was a joy to read! Your happiness shines bright!

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  2. I am so happy for you Carolyne, nothing worse then not enjoying what you have to do day in and out! You are doing a great job constructing your new life and wardrobe and I am sure you are an inspiration to many.

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  3. Great to hear that things are going well for you. Your job change sounds like just the thing you needeed. I too, am the fancy one at work. I'll grab jeans on the weekend, but believe it's important to still look professional in your job even when you don't 'have' to.
    I might have to look up a circle vest pattern now. Me thinks it will be fab for winter.

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  4. That's fantastic to hear. It does take time to rework your wardrobe when you're also adjusting your lifestyle.

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  5. What a pleasure to read, so glad to hear your are so happy.
    I went though a similar adjustment corporate to casual and it is a huge adjustment and its been wonderful to read your journey and be inspired by your choices. Looking forward to reading more.....

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  6. What a lovely post to share. I wish you more health and happiness for a long time to come.

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  7. Great post. Change can be difficult sometimes because we become accustomed to grueling schedules that only allow us to exist and not live. The changes in your life brought awesome benefits with them. You are healthier, you have more time to spend with family and friends and most important you are not longer existing, you are LIVING your life to the fullest. I am looking forward to see more fantastic garments from the sewing cave.

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  8. just YAY!!!! what a wonderful shift from last year!!

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  9. This was a great post! Long been curious what it is you do at your job. Can you give us a hint ( without compromising privacy, of course)?

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    1. Janet - I really try not to mention anything specific about my job on my blog. You never know who is reading it.

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  10. Happy, happy for you. Understand and wish you more joy every day. And thank you for keeping up your blog through it all. It's my favorite.

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  11. I love this post! Mainly because you show us all that anyone can reinvent their life at any time!! And reinvent our wardrobes, too! You look wonderful!

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  12. Happy birthday and here's to a great new year!

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  13. Your post makes me so happy! I've gone through a similar change recently and it's so true, everything you say!

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  14. Happy first anniversary at your new job. You have bloomed over the past year and I read the happiness you are having in your life. Here's to another great year for you.

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  15. Thanks for the great pics! I'm wondering if you have the correct number for those 3 Vogue toppers. I wanted to find the pattern but Vogue 1247 doesn't seem to be this pattern.... unless you made a lot of changes?

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    1. Allison I made a lot of changes. If you link to Vogue 1247 from the sidebar it will take you to the blog posts detailing the changes I made.

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  16. It was good to read this post, by the end of it I had a big smile on my face for you. I knew when you said you were changing jobs that you were going to be happier. You never said anything bad about the other job, but I could read between the lines. You are showing your joy. Congratulations on your new life.

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  17. I'm so happy for the happiness you have in your life now and the new 'Carolyn style casual' garments you've made. Thanks for sharing your journey. Karen

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  18. Happy is good! Happiness is necessary to your good health and maybe you won't live forever, but seeing your grandchildren grow up is certainly a worthy goal and probably more doable now. My daughter did not realize how truly unhappy she was until she changed jobs. What a revelation! Like you the stress level was dramatically lowered.

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  19. This may be my favorite post ever! Your happiness has been shining through your blog all year!

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  20. From Creative Hormone Rush: I just know your happiess is going to be expressed in another explosion of glorious garments. Can't wait to see all the new beauties. Happy birthday!

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  21. It made me happy and smile to read your post. Hugs to you! I'm so glad things are working out better for you. :)

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  22. Your happiness really shines through! And I love those maxi dresses. :)

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  23. Nice reflection post! I am glad that you are finding more time for you, that you are happy and feeling healthier. Less stress is a good thing. I look forward to knowing what less stress is like at work, haven't seen that in a while.

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  24. I'm so glad you are in a happy place now! Best wishes always!

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  25. I'm so pleased you are happy with your life these days! I haven't been visiting the sewing blogs much lately but reading your inspiring piece made it pay off today!

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  26. All good news! Happy anniversary for the new life :)

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  27. Glad to hear that you've found your happy place. I always look forward to seeing whatever new creations you come up with.

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  28. I'm so glad to hear you've had such a good year. Although I knew that because I can see how happy you are in your photos lately. Also, I love you in those maxi dresses!

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  29. This was a lovely post to read! Thank you! I wish you all the best!

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  30. Carolyn this is my first time commenting on your blog. For years I've looked foward to reading what I call the "the real sewing adventures of Carolyn". Thank you for opening your heart and the doors of your sewing cave allowing us to travel along with you. Your joy of sewing has rekindled my love of creating, thank you once again.

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    Replies
    1. Cathi - thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I truly appreciate it! I'm so thrilled that you've found love again in creating - it really does add to our lives. I'm glad it's once again a part of yours.

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  31. Loved this post and so happy to hear how positive the changes you have made are. As always you are an inspiration.

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  32. Changes for the better! Looking to downsize in the fall so I hope my changes are for the better too!
    Love your Tamarac jacket - have a khaki version in mind for fall. Can't wait to see your new fabric and trims.

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  33. I'm so happy for you and the wonderful place you have settled into. Sometimes we just have to listen to our hearts and make a change. Any change that gives you more family, friends and you time is always the right change. So glad you are feeling so good.

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  34. Hi Carolyn,
    I'm a fan of your blog and of McCall's 6559. Your versions are so fab! Somehow my versions don't skim and flatter my belly the way yours seem to. I've been thinking about putting in a waist seam and maybe lightly gathering the front to help out wth that. Is that a terrible idea? I would live in these dresses all summer if my belly could be a little more hidden. I'm hesitant to go to a different pattern because I'm a beginner and everything else about M6559 is perfect and so far in my sewing that is hard to find.

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  35. Today, I decided to take some time to visit a few of my favorite blogs. I've missed seeing what you all are creating and buying. I'm happy that you are in a good place. The wardrobe that you showed here is lovely. I want a circle vest and a few more maxi dresses. Lol Keep up the good work and sharing. C

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  36. Oh man, that Tamarack jacket is one of my favorite things that you've made! It's just so lovely! All your toppers are so cool, too. I've really loved seeing how your style has adapted to the new work environment, and I'm so glad that you've got more time for the things and people that you love! Yay all around!

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  37. Love that Tamarack Jacket! But I especially love hearing that you have re-set your life in a happier and healthier direction. Funny how that has given your creativity and your sewing a shot in the arm? Love seeing and hearing about the changes. You go girl!

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