tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post1071886536429950477..comments2024-03-27T22:07:57.614-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: My Sewing TheoryCarolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-59592308623356182452011-06-08T14:55:22.873-04:002011-06-08T14:55:22.873-04:00A very useful post! I know I'm late but this ...A very useful post! I know I'm late but this is very helpful for me. I'm tired of mu SAHM jeans& tshirt wardrobe AND I'm almost SUPER plus size.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-20968272353137666142010-11-12T15:23:25.679-05:002010-11-12T15:23:25.679-05:00for inspiration, i also like talbots. but my favo...for inspiration, i also like talbots. but my favorite is etcetera.com. they have 4 collections a year. the website has photos, and sometimes, line drawings.Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15270260785616076414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-69640334474417322352010-10-23T07:53:51.800-04:002010-10-23T07:53:51.800-04:00You mentioned a few sites I should checkout. I fi...You mentioned a few sites I should checkout. I find Talbots and Nordstroms catalogs my best inspirations. I scan pages to computer and keep in my fasion ideas folder.Linda Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12655695696943452993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-86473560488167006742010-10-07T17:38:14.000-04:002010-10-07T17:38:14.000-04:00What a great post! I feel like I'm still sewin...What a great post! I feel like I'm still sewing to fill wardrobe holes, but little by little I'm trying to snoop shop and make things that are on trend, but are uniquely mine. And can I just say that Talbots is kicking butt recently with their web redesign and their catalogues. I feel like they're doing a good job of looking more current.amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12029076436322883513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27076725020480659702010-10-06T22:34:23.345-04:002010-10-06T22:34:23.345-04:00I can't believe you were taunted over that gor...I can't believe you were taunted over that gorgeous jacket! I love that one. My sewing has changed so much over the years based on where I was at in my life. I've always dressed professionally but have had jobs where I could also be very creative and "out there". Not now. While we don't have an official dress code, it's a conservative environment that at times requires a very professional (suit). I'm inspired mostly by magazines as I just don't have time any longer to browse websites. This was a great post - thanks for sharing.Sharon Sewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09987831277077411438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-50688539390678463422010-10-05T23:01:56.212-04:002010-10-05T23:01:56.212-04:00Well said! I have to admit, when I first learned ...Well said! I have to admit, when I first learned my office was going to a business dress code, yours was the first blog I went to for inspiration!Sarah Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06573819115316246856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-70380139537351772622010-10-05T21:36:05.919-04:002010-10-05T21:36:05.919-04:00Thank you! For some reason this post really reson...Thank you! For some reason this post really resonated with me and has inspired me to get stuck in again....i would love to make myself some dresses but struggle to know what shape will be most flattering for my pear shaped body :-}<br /><br />i am going to order the books you listed right now, and will work on a TNT dress pattern for the summer months :-)kiltsnquiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05662251436329585741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-20739806293543050972010-10-05T19:45:43.827-04:002010-10-05T19:45:43.827-04:00I have not been sewing for years but since I came ...I have not been sewing for years but since I came across your site, I feel really inspired to start again [as so many others have said]. You have a real passion for what you do and it certainly comes through in your sharing times. Keep up the good work and thanks for the links!!! Could it be that the co-worker was really envious-hmmm? :-DJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10115328987644447325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-45721733042406991182010-10-05T19:12:58.715-04:002010-10-05T19:12:58.715-04:00Thank you for the advice! They're all fun to l...Thank you for the advice! They're all fun to look at!Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11669454301859970896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-39740320159331839582010-10-05T18:27:55.035-04:002010-10-05T18:27:55.035-04:00This post is exactly why I fell in love and tried ...This post is exactly why I fell in love and tried my hand at sewing for myself. Thank you so much for yet another informative and insightful posting. I need to revamp my ideas and get the resource material you suggested. I would like to make skirts for myself but have yet to find a TNT pattern that works for me do you have any suggestions? Thank you again for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me.......it has been inspiring.Phyllis T. of Knitgirlll06https://www.blogger.com/profile/01380746901228122623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-44612676371252499082010-10-05T16:13:59.140-04:002010-10-05T16:13:59.140-04:00I'm so inspired after reading this post -- it ...I'm so inspired after reading this post -- it makes me want to go dig the 7 yards of wool suiting I got last year that's languished in my stash since last winter and do something fun (and work appropriate!) with it. Thanks for making my day.Valerie S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00797448609313830429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27572778120132300162010-10-05T14:10:17.705-04:002010-10-05T14:10:17.705-04:00Carolyn, Thank you SO much for that thoughtful, an...Carolyn, Thank you SO much for that thoughtful, and deeply informative post. You've done all the work for us!<br /><br />I wouldn't mind dressing better, but I'm between sizes (and hate to invest sewing time in something that won't fit later on) and I'm so depressed about my job (yes, I know, I'm grateful to have one) that it's tough to brighten up.<br /><br />Your listing of sources is so helpful (and i think I already have one of those books :-).<br /><br />OK, now I want to hear about the co-worker who commented on the jacket. I *like* that jacket. Looks comfortable, conservative, yet different with the lace scallops. I really hate co-workers right now too. ;-)meredithphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17683287411020125224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-90883754764718063652010-10-05T12:19:22.450-04:002010-10-05T12:19:22.450-04:00Fabulous post. You are always so encouraging. Ju...Fabulous post. You are always so encouraging. Just so you know, I clicked right over and bought the 4 patterns book. I have 2 of them down - skirt and t-shirt. Guess I should find which 4 patterns, she uses! <br /><br />I want a grown up work wardrobe. :) This year - I will get one! ggMariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04301526396026815132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-39580189182150439062010-10-05T11:16:25.982-04:002010-10-05T11:16:25.982-04:00Thank you for this, Carolyn. You are a real inspir...Thank you for this, Carolyn. You are a real inspiration!KChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05179368473383373302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-3959711843233344102010-10-05T11:06:46.938-04:002010-10-05T11:06:46.938-04:00I wonder . . . and I would love to see . . . what ...I wonder . . . and I would love to see . . . what you would wear to work if you could wear ANYTHING you chose. I'm thinking it would be a professional office, but you wouldn't have to dress so conservatively. You have such impeccable style, and I think it's a crime that your creativity has to be limited as a result of a corporate dress code. Still, I bet you're the best dressed woman in your organization, and your co-workers must envy your fabulous wardrobe!AuntieAllynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06192122099879165907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-24074211123112631482010-10-05T10:41:40.804-04:002010-10-05T10:41:40.804-04:00Let me just say, if you want me to I'll punch ...Let me just say, if you want me to I'll punch your co-worker in the nose. I really like that jacket. What's wrong with it in her eyes? I have to admit that I never consult online resources or fashion shows for inspiration. I will look at fashion magazines occasionally but for the most part I find out what's currently "in" by reading blogs (yours especially), the sewing catalogs, what's being worn at church, on the street, and at my job. Living in a small town, I don't want to dress too over-the-top and draw unwanted attention to myself. Your post is very insightful and I may have to broaden my horizons by visiting some of the resources you suggest.knitmachinequeen (KMQ)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06905640436931172793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-68775871507287731772010-10-05T10:37:45.793-04:002010-10-05T10:37:45.793-04:00What a great post! I'm always stunned by your...What a great post! I'm always stunned by your generosity -- I know it takes time to put this down in writing, make all the links, etc. Thanks so much for taking the time!Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01084920468504331880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-4611283409505312902010-10-05T10:10:39.381-04:002010-10-05T10:10:39.381-04:00Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing your MO and...Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing your MO and the sites you go to for inspiration. Your blog is one of my inspiration sites!reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15046173133453041173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-73766878643258689592010-10-05T09:30:31.887-04:002010-10-05T09:30:31.887-04:00You know that I don't need a corporate wardrob...You know that I don't need a corporate wardrobe, but I do need and want clothing that makes me feel and look good and fits my lifestyle. I too use the internet to find inspiration. I didn't know that Style.com adds details later. Cool.<br />You've written a really thoughtful post on how to find and use inspirations and fit them to our non standard bodies with as much style and ease as possible.Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-23288694645290004992010-10-05T09:10:42.235-04:002010-10-05T09:10:42.235-04:00Wonderful advice! If there is anything that I cou...Wonderful advice! If there is anything that I could add...I not only go to those same sites for inspiration, but I also look for parallels to what I am thinking about making. When I first started sewing, a lot of what I made fell into that "Becky Home-Ecky" category (as Michael Kors might say) and I think the reason for that was that I was selecting patterns and fabrics purely based on personal taste and not taking into account current fashion. Now, when I get a wild hair and want to sew with ruffles...or a distinctive style...or a distinctive print...before I start, I go "snoop shopping," and look for what is current, and as a result my sewing has gotten better...not because my technique has necessarily improved, but because what I am making is more in line with current styles.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04873478695914665795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-54019432591441761582010-10-05T09:09:08.766-04:002010-10-05T09:09:08.766-04:00You are such an inspiration to me. You really see...You are such an inspiration to me. You really seem to have this wardrobe choices thing down pat. Thank-you for your insight.Irenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13960310379822122045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-62974111775231091782010-10-05T08:52:35.668-04:002010-10-05T08:52:35.668-04:00Thank you so much for this post. You're such a...Thank you so much for this post. You're such an inspiration.<br /><br />~SewjournerSewjournerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623512019377468547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-70424741215886865362010-10-05T08:27:47.843-04:002010-10-05T08:27:47.843-04:00Great review of the sites. Thanks so much. This po...Great review of the sites. Thanks so much. This post is full of wonderful inspiration and information.Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-43843121274064473122010-10-05T08:20:25.377-04:002010-10-05T08:20:25.377-04:00Carolyn - you are my inspiration for business ward...Carolyn - you are my inspiration for business wardrobe sewing. Like you, I'm plus size and although I don't have to dress up every day, I do most days. I also LOVE color and don't want to look like a boring accountant in navy blue every day. I can't believe you co-worker taunted you about that sweater - it's gorgeous!!!Karen in VAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15116552037695197434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-65180304660254917362010-10-05T08:16:23.968-04:002010-10-05T08:16:23.968-04:00What a way to start my day. This was such an inspi...What a way to start my day. This was such an inspirational post loaded with tons of great advise and recommendations. Great reference sites.<br />You are such an inspiration, because you have the gift of knowing how to write and express yourself easily. Today I have a somewhar daunting and difficult task at work, but after reading your post I feel great and ready for the challenge at work. Off to work doing the happy danceeeeeeMariela Alethiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00109474450521019305noreply@blogger.com