It's in my humble opinion that snow days shouldn't be just for children to enjoy. I live in St. Louis where our weather can change from day to day. Sometimes, hour to hour--literally.
So with a couple of snow days predicted, I'm the mastermind of the outfits I can sew in a few days--ahh. Can't wait.I'm a self-taught seamtress, which meant that I was clueless when I put together my first project in my mid-twenties. I guess you can say I was winging it. I made a dress out of upholstery fabric--no wonder it was stiff. Hey, I liked the color.
I was proud when a finished garment that actually resembled the photo on the pattern. I've had my challenges over the past decades. Some garments fit, some were too tight and others just were off. One time, I made my husband a suit. It was nice, except I put the button holes on the wrong side meant for a ladies suit. LOLLast month, I picked a pattern for a festive occasion--my church's annual Christmas gala. I took a strapless dress and added a top to cover the shoulders and used another pattern for the sleeves.
Fast forward to last week, and I needed something semi-formal for a 80th birthday party. This time, I set my sights on velvet, which I had never sewn before and heard horror stories about sewing it. With this fabric, there was no margin for error. Ripping a seam is part of the sewing process, if you're a perfectionist. One wrong stitch and I could ruin this expensive fabric. The original pattern I wanted to create was a flirty knee-length dress with three rows of flounces and a zipper. I'll admit, I chickened out and switched to a pullover dress without a zipper. I added a lining for a better fit. I like the way it turned out. What do you think?
So come on snow days, I've got more clothes to sew!---------------------
When I was a teacher, I loved having a snow day. I usually read a book.
ReplyDeleteThis purple velvet is really lovely. It could be worn as a Regency dress too, over a slip dress with ruffles and lace. Its a two in one ☺ The color is really stunning!♥
ReplyDeletePat,
ReplyDeleteFor me, snow days are for reading and writing, although we don't get many in the Carolinas. And your dresses are beautiful!
Your dress turned out so nice. I love the purple. Did you also sew the red one? It looks like it would be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was a seamstress. She could make anything and made sure I took sewing lessons, but sadly, I find sewing to be tedious. The good news is, I know how to do it if I need to, but sewing from a pattern scares me lol. I've done it many times, but it really makes me nervous.
I love your purple dress! My mom was a seamstress. I had a Betsy McCall doll when I was young, and Mom made her the most beautiful clothes for it. I learned to sew, but my interests leans more toward making craft items.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your beautiful dress!!! I sew and quilt. It's a passion I wish I had more time for. Some day! Or Sew day. I'd love that. LOL. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so AMAZING that you can sew like that and the dresses are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, you're talented, Pat. Thank you for sharing the photos!
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