Every year, after the SWAP contest, I can't seem to get my arse in gear (as my grandma used to say) and get sewing again. I have a multitude of ideas, a megaton of fabric, a bazillion patterns...but, I can't seem to get it all working together. Lately, I think about sewing while at work, I make plans for sewing while at home, I daydream about patterns and fabric, I scan the internet for inspiration, I design wardrobes in my head, but I cannot for the life of me sit down in front of my machine and do anything useful. This lull in my sewing life has made me cranky and snarly. I hate that I'm not sewing, so why then am I not sewing?? Ah, that is the question...
I think my major problem is the change of season. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that the weather is warming up, that the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. However, I looked in my closet and I am not in love with my spring and summer wardrobe. Most of it is just plain yucky. I feel like I have nothing to wear, so I feel compelled to whip up a ton of quick and easy garments. But, I have learned in the past that quick and easy usually equates to cheap and nasty. So, I am determined to only tackle projects worthy of my time and energy - classic, elegant, sophisticated garments with a certain je ne sais quoi. The problem with that scenario though, is that I'm going to be naked until this fabulous new wardrobe materializes! Upon thinking about all of this, I become overwhelmed and like any procrastinator worth her salt, I give up and eat ice cream instead.
Well, no longer. I have seen the light - I have a plan, a mission, a goal. I pulled out my back issues of Burda World of Fashion and snagged all the spring/summer issues (March - July). I went through the last three years worth and compiled a list of all the patterns I love, along with model shots, line drawings, fabric suggestions and requirements. I have begun matching pattern to fabric and soon I should have a working list of projects. Wish me luck!
13 comments:
I hear you on the procrastination front. I think I get the medal for the best procrastination techniques. ;o)
I wish you luck and will be watching see what you turn out.
I am also a procrastinator! Even the thought of tracing out Burda and then fitting makes me run for the hills......
Good luck with your plans!
I was just about to call the Canadian Royal Mounties to come looking for you! Then I remembered that you did this same thing last year and I put the phone down.
Personally, I think its SWAP burn out! So much goes into planning, then sewing and finally taking those darn pictures that at the end of the process you are drained.
I am glad you've found some sewing mojo and that you are going to make wonderfully classic clothing for spring and summer...I think I will join you! hahahaha!
Glad you're back!
C.
Good Luck Shannon - I sure hope you find your sewing mojo soon, for your sake and your readers! I am sure I am not the only one who visits your blog for inspiration :-) I wouldn't like you to feel pressured though, I can only imagine how you feel after your SWAP marathon!
I know just where you are coming from re the procrastination - story of my life!! I always have so many projects going round in my head that I don't know where to start - so I often don't start anything and end up thinking/dreaming/wishing instead! I am trying to change! Lol!
Procrastinator? You sound so amazingly organized to me! I'm such a sew-on-a-whim girl and hardly ever plan beyond "ok, I'm done/almost done this project...what do I feel like making next?" Which is probably why I have stuff for projects I bought a year or two ago that never got touched. I really feel like I can learn something from you on this.
You accomplished so much on your swap, that I can imagine you feel drained. Good you found inspiration (BWOF always good for that imho).
Looking forward to your ideas. Good luck!
Congratulations on your beautiful swap and your reinvigorated sewing mojo. However, I cannot believe that you have a closet full of yucky!! :-) Lin
I hear you about cheap and nasty being the result from quick and easy, but you do have a couple of tnts - Loes Hinse shell? - that you could make one small item in a new spring fabric to break your fast? Just while the list is percolating!
Do you make bags? That would be one way to try out your new colours - and have a casual accessory to wear with the eventual wardrobe. Just some thoughts FWIW!
Cheers,
AJ
I'm with you on the ice cream front. :D But I've found my mojo too...can't wait to see your plan!
btw...BSG had totally ticked me off for 2 weeks with eps I wasn't sure were going in the direction I thought it should go. Now they seem back on track?? How are you feeling about this season? I think I'm so critical because its the END. And if Lee doesn't get back onscreen hasta pronto, I'm going to be very sad indeed.
I too think it's a lot of SWAP burnout.
Do you sew knits at all? Try making up a knit dress or top, just to get something made, and they are by nature quick and easy.
Cant' wait to see your new plans.
I've just gone through exactly the same process for my winter wardrobe (I'm Australian). I've actually managed to make several things from stash fabric that I forgot I even had! To get my sewing mojo working, I spent a day doing repairs and alterations. All the things I had put in a pile with the intention of getting to 'one day' have now been completed and I'm in the mood for sewing. I also found myself with an evening alone and the house to myself so I put some old music in the CD player, opened a bottle of wine and starting tracing all the Burda patterns on my list. That was a massive inspiration! Hope to see your results soon.
Carol
I feel your pain, every morning when I look in the closet...I feel your pain! Can't wait to see what you put together now that the elusive mojo is back. I've scheduled mine to return on Sunday LOL!
I've been mulling over this post the last two days because I thought it was such a good one. I'm in the same boat as you. I have nothing to get me through the spring / summer, but I also want to take more time and care with the garments I do make.
I for one am looking forward to seeing what you create!
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