tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post8468780605252949836..comments2024-03-29T03:54:45.048-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Making Allowances for AgeCarolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-1673080085327844592022-01-22T19:08:36.417-05:002022-01-22T19:08:36.417-05:00I have done much of this. I have raised the heigh...I have done much of this. I have raised the height of my cutting table, using wood blocks or cut PVC pipe depending on how high I want it. I re-arranged my sewing room to put my machines in front of the window. Now I can see much better. I also use daylight bulbs. If I sew at night, I use a camping headlight, so it shines right on my work. I have cataracts but they are not ready to fix them yet. So I go to get new glasses every year. The cataracts are making my prescription change and the new glasses fix that. I just did a huge stash clean out giving my "career wardrobe" fabrics to the local technical high school for their sewing program. I'm still working but I've reached the point where I don't need to get all dressed up any more. So I gave it to the youngsters to sew up.TChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02456682504724814242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-73866082033184447162022-01-22T19:02:03.621-05:002022-01-22T19:02:03.621-05:00Bunny, someone did complain to Threads about the t...Bunny, someone did complain to Threads about the type. They published the letter and promised to change. This last issue was better. Considering that our age group is a big part of their market, I'm glad they respnded.TChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02456682504724814242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-51641360536997137022022-01-21T16:49:27.676-05:002022-01-21T16:49:27.676-05:00Thanks for a very interesting and relevant post, C...Thanks for a very interesting and relevant post, Carolyn. Now I'm questioning why I prefer some styles to others! SunnyTechGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06948503339079524293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-37989370749625069932022-01-20T09:05:24.207-05:002022-01-20T09:05:24.207-05:00I deliberately stopped wearing anything that faste...I deliberately stopped wearing anything that fastens down the back when I was nursing my baby, 33 years ago. That decision stands me in good stead today. I can still dress myself, even when Dear Husband is away on a business trip. And I can still undress myself while fitting a new-to-me sewing pattern.LinBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18201009126846898608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-32254524950170385532022-01-18T12:53:35.202-05:002022-01-18T12:53:35.202-05:00Hi Carolyn, I identify with all you have written a...Hi Carolyn, I identify with all you have written about. I have a really hard time with dark fabrics even with good lighting and I can't stand anything that constricts my waist. Thankfully what hasn't changed is how much I still love to sew and none of the changes I am experiencing will change that. I am just going to adapt and keep going! Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00364694295649050249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-28248134289268038282022-01-17T17:23:09.355-05:002022-01-17T17:23:09.355-05:00Your posts are always so correct...aging and sewin...Your posts are always so correct...aging and sewing...we can adapt and still look stylish and comfortable. So glad that my brides all had light or white gowns to sew on, otherwise, I may have had to bring in more lights especially when sewing at night. You insprire us with your garments!!!mrsmolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16329515914613595719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27739750731434546582022-01-17T16:59:47.565-05:002022-01-17T16:59:47.565-05:00I enjoyed this post. I identify with many of the c...I enjoyed this post. I identify with many of the changes that are necessary for us older folks! Many changes I made were due to retirement in terms of style. I still do some back zippers because the PITA of loops and buttons or hook and eyes. I like some style trends, but some are not right for me, and some would make me look like older woman trying very hard to young again.Linda Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12655695696943452993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-29794018940579345772022-01-17T14:35:33.591-05:002022-01-17T14:35:33.591-05:00Thanks for your post. I'm almost 60 and decid...Thanks for your post. I'm almost 60 and decided several years back that I just don't wear button down shirts. I always reach for a knit, pull over my head top or dress. So, I went through and gave all my button down patterns away. I'm not going to make them anyway. I have a few knit top pattern favorites and I just use those with lovely fabrics I am excited to wear. The days of making a new pattern again and again with adjustments is over for me. I want to sew what I like and what I want to wear!<br />Hey Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07362089661718218349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-3469238600358279182022-01-17T10:23:33.790-05:002022-01-17T10:23:33.790-05:00100 watt (or equivalent) daylight bulbs are in all...100 watt (or equivalent) daylight bulbs are in all the task lights in my sewing room. And in the floor lamp and ceiling light in my cutting/design wall room. And a bright light for stitching and reading by my chair in the living room. I have pretty much lost my ability to take off my glasses and see the finest details, my eyes no longer have the same focal range. Now it's readers over the bifocals, and lots more needle threaders handy. Too much hand work in one session and my wrist lets me know and there's no way I could cut things out on the floor now. As to my garments, comfort and easy to wear takes priority, as does easy to care for fabrics, although that's been the case for me for the last 30 years or so, so I can't credit age for that. Then there's safety, wide cuffs are easy to get in and out of but can be dangerous when a hot pan handle or door handles catch them. Piles on the floor are harder to step over and can be downright dangerous in a rush for the bathroom. So much has changed, some for better, some for worse. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts, and the comments, about it and hopefully pick up some ways to deal with the not-so good things.<br /><br />Your top from the last post is very pretty.JustGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08948391538309176039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-84790845580765270842022-01-17T08:32:46.765-05:002022-01-17T08:32:46.765-05:00Dear Carolyn, I agree with Lisa and SJ. I also fin...Dear Carolyn, I agree with Lisa and SJ. I also find that Threads magazine will often have articles with little contrast and it drives me bonkers. I need to write them about that. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-54835740699849728012022-01-17T05:16:49.128-05:002022-01-17T05:16:49.128-05:00Oh yes - navy and black are much more difficult an...Oh yes - navy and black are much more difficult and if you have to unpick - argh!JulieJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09301543887107940935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-62318281298733356842022-01-17T01:31:36.568-05:002022-01-17T01:31:36.568-05:00Thanks for your post on the older sewist! I have s...Thanks for your post on the older sewist! I have similar challenges...and body changes have to be on the list, as well! I now have a more pronounced sway back, curved shoulders and belly...<br />I need to appreciate where I'm at, rather than regret that I'm no longer in my 40's.Coastal Conniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04663433288775281968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-74175177971899613972022-01-16T23:51:16.492-05:002022-01-16T23:51:16.492-05:00I stopped wearing clothes with back zips when I ha...I stopped wearing clothes with back zips when I had a frozen shoulder; I've always hated the back button as my hair gets caught. I don't mind side zips.<br /><br />One of the best things I've invested in is an industrial light, the sort used in sewing factories. They are LED - so not hot - and so wonderfully bright. They're not cheap, but should last for years. I also have a pair of reading glasses just for sewing; they also have the advantage of protecting my eyes if a needle breaks in my machine.<br /><br />As fitted garments aren't in my foreseeable future, I'm planning on more embellishment - hand embroidery, beading, fabric painting, and so on - so that my dressier clothes aren't too similar. Although when I look at similar simple linen dresses to those I make they're often around $250, so I don't feel so bad!/anne...https://www.blogger.com/profile/05064942549599731629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-16939610859456930812022-01-16T23:41:10.271-05:002022-01-16T23:41:10.271-05:00Apparently bed risers are great for increasing the...Apparently bed risers are great for increasing the height of a table. Or you can part-fill empty tin cans with cement, and put the legs of the table in the tins./anne...https://www.blogger.com/profile/05064942549599731629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-68856683088211341852022-01-16T20:19:49.574-05:002022-01-16T20:19:49.574-05:00I agree about the grey on charcoal. There is not e...I agree about the grey on charcoal. There is not enough light and contrast for me in the world, much less my sewing space. I find I use portable task lighting more than ever, and have a needle threader in every corner of my house. The top threading needles are my new choice.<br />Lucky for me, I have always been a prime avoider of hand stitching.<br /><br />More more more!SJ Kurtzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871599515352715171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-62563971890645096222022-01-16T19:40:08.617-05:002022-01-16T19:40:08.617-05:00Like someone else said, love you! I just found ou...Like someone else said, love you! I just found out this year I have macular degeneration, and am afraid what the future might hold if/when my eyesight deteriorates more. But having just moved, for the first time I have an actual sewing room! But boy, howdy, it doesn't have good light, and I am on the hunt for improving this. <br /><br />Like you, I am sewing for comfort now. Just recently, I was feeling kind of down on myself thinking that I am not stretching my sewing skills at all. Easy sew, comfortable knits, or loose dresses for summer. But now I'll take heart from your post and realize, this IS what I want to wear! I wouldn't go out and buy clothes that I don't want to wear, why in the world would I take the time to SEW clothes I don't want to wear. Thanks for putting this into blog form!Mountain Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13928260982025523084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-26164736965079224372022-01-16T18:18:32.833-05:002022-01-16T18:18:32.833-05:00Bunny - I think we all adapt in ways that work for...Bunny - I think we all adapt in ways that work for us. I'm not ready to wear only pastels yet and use task lighting to sew darker colors because I still love them!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-75378899294536222332022-01-16T18:16:44.050-05:002022-01-16T18:16:44.050-05:00Marcia - I have some of that too. I went to put an...Marcia - I have some of that too. I went to put an invisible zipper in during Christmas and was thankful for my sample that I keep on hand. Definitely understand this one!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-80434893798840605972022-01-16T18:13:57.014-05:002022-01-16T18:13:57.014-05:00Naomi - I've been thinking about this one too!...Naomi - I've been thinking about this one too! Just have to come up with something that works for me!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-51420490704695335572022-01-16T17:51:29.532-05:002022-01-16T17:51:29.532-05:00Great post, Caroline. Like you and many others, li...Great post, Caroline. Like you and many others, light is an issue and luckily I have a space that does not require being attractive and a big old fashioned LED shop light over my various work stations is awesome. I supplement with full spectrum task lighting. So far my hands have stay arthritis free, which amazes me as I watch my mom and grandmother developed crippled hand before they were my current age. Thank you, Lord! I love side zips and always have. When I was a novice sewist in my teens it seemed that most patterns came with side zips and it became my preferred method by simple default. It is still that way, thank goodness. I have sworn off of black fabrics. I can't see a stinkin' thing/thread on them. But on the other hand, I have found pale pastels far more flattering than the jewel tones that dominated my career days and the wardrobe I made for that era. Great post!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-2026343428619900222022-01-16T17:42:23.501-05:002022-01-16T17:42:23.501-05:00I thought I was the only one wanting to sew for ot...I thought I was the only one wanting to sew for others only to experience beautiful fabrics an fitting beautiful young bodies. It truly is a pleasure working on garments for my granddaughters on clothing I will never wear again but still have the experience to make and fit well. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-36567174759023645642022-01-16T16:50:44.994-05:002022-01-16T16:50:44.994-05:00I have great lighting in my sewing room - 3 big wi...I have great lighting in my sewing room - 3 big windows - very little to no wall space but I can see to sew!! The main thing I'm noticing about aging (82) my sewing isn't as precise as it was and some things are no longer intuitive. I have to think the process through before I sew. Love your blog and always look forward to the next one.<br />Marcia<br />mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00983967954636851980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-795295515229622892022-01-16T15:54:06.488-05:002022-01-16T15:54:06.488-05:00Good lighting is so critical!
And with all of my ...Good lighting is so critical! <br />And with all of my hand issues, I've mostly stopped adding hook and eye closures to backs of tops or dresses because I absolutely cannot fasten them, if I do get it on, it inevitably comes undone and then I'm unable to close it back. MEH! <br /><br />Thanks, always, for sharing and giving us all something to think about.KS_Sews (Dressmakingbacles)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04687503853838975877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-36988346099614530482022-01-16T15:35:38.199-05:002022-01-16T15:35:38.199-05:00I am older than you are by about 10 years I think ...I am older than you are by about 10 years I think and I am in total agreement about lots of lighting! I bought a new sewing machine about 4 years ago and one of the reasons was good lighting. I upgraded my coverstitch to the Euphoria because I needed better lighting. I'd love to upgrade my Imagine serger for the same reason even though the serger and coverstitch back up to my window wall. It helps but it's just not enough. We both have developed wardrobes that are stylish, look good, in colors we love and are still comfortable. I had shoulder surgery a year ago and boy did I wish I had button up shirts like you do! Pull over knits were just impossible until the bandages came off and even then they were hard for awhile. I've got pretty good mobility now but it took months! I don't have issues with buttons but I also don't have arthritis luckily. It's definitely a difference from even 10 years ago.Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-58441780715585984182022-01-16T15:23:39.249-05:002022-01-16T15:23:39.249-05:00AWESOME article Carolyn. WOW ... I was just talki...AWESOME article Carolyn. WOW ... I was just talking about this not to long ago to a few friends. Thanks for sharing - FIESTA :)Monica Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08671309236814160731noreply@blogger.com