28 August 2010

I Am Too Doing Stuff! Really.

Contrary to popular belief, I have not (a) fallen off the face of the Earth or (b) given up on my blog or (c) stopped sewing altogether.  I have actually been spending some quality time behind my machine for the past couple of weeks and I have much to show you.

I just haven't had the gumption to get my ass in gear, set up the tripod, fix my hair, slap on some makeup, pick out the proper accessories and climb into my latest creations.  I love you all, but apparently not enough to expend any energy on your behalves. 

A few weeks back, I had all but lost my sewing mojo.  Most of this 'creatus interuptus' stemmed from my overwhelming anxiety.  After pulling out all my transition/fall/winter wardrobe and doing the big purge (bye-bye worn-out, out-of-style or I-have-grown-weary-of-you garments), I was left with a sad state of affairs.  I had very few remaining cool weather clothing choices.  I quickly came to realize that if I didn't start putting in some major Kenmore time, I was going to be standing at the front of my classroom naked.  That's bad.

And so the anxiety set in.  How in the heck was I going to sew up an entire fall wardrobe in less than a month?  That's when I made a startling decision.

I prefer to make the lion's share of my clothing, but sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  So, I went shopping with my best friend.  I didn't expect to find much at the mall, but I was desperate to shore up my waning wardrobe.

And, much to my surprise, I hit the mother lode.  Almost every T-shirt, blouse, tank and tunic I tried on was perfect - good colours, good fit, good prices.  I came home with 19 tops (yep, 9 + 10 = 19, nineteen) and a much better attitude about my fall prospects.  All of a sudden my desire to sew returned and I have been on a roll.  I have been focusing mainly on skirts, pants and jackets to turn all my purchases into ensembles that are very Emma Pilsbury/J. Crew-like in vibe. So, stay tuned, when I finally feel like stepping in front of a camera again, I will have much to share.

And just because I hate to put up a picture-less post, check out this absolutely, fabulously, awesomely scrumptious colour-blocked coat (photo at right).  As soon as I got  the latest Boden catalogue (Autumn 2010), I was instantly smitten with this lovely garment.  If I can find three pieces of wool in my stash that are complementary in colour and weight, I will be knocking off this beauty.  Oddly enough, prior to receiving the Boden catalogue in the mail, I ordered the Pure & Simple pattern from Cutting Line Designs (photo at left).  Coincidence?  More like fate...cue Twilight Zone music...

12 comments:

Trudy said...

Wow! 19 tops! I have to do that sometimes, too, go buy some clothes, then I don't feel like my entire wardrobe is all dependent on me; so when I sew, it's more enjoyable. So I can totally relate. I like to mix my sewn pieces with my purchased ones as well. It's so simple that way. I did that recently with my latest skirt I made. I wore it with a purchased blouse. It's on my blog if you want to see it, just a few posts down from the top.

I am amazed at how similar the pattern is to the colour-blocked coat. Fate is right. I love colour-blocked garments. They have such an interesting look to them.

I, like you, have to have everything just right before I take those pictures, accessories, makeup, etc; so sometimes it takes a while to get it all together before doing a post. I like a pretty blog, and I kind of view my posts as somewhat artistic in nature when showing something I've made. It's an expression of my creative nature. I'm looking forward to all of your upcoming creations. Have fun sewing.

Trudy
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

wendy said...

next time you're in danger of a picture-less post, you should give us some puppy photos! ;)

i love the navy, yellow & tan combination of colors in the coat- you should definitely try those three!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I await your new creations with baited breathe! :)

Maggie said...

Wendy said it best...give us the pup photos!!!! But seriously, I can't wait to see what you've been sewing!

Gail said...

I'm smitten by the coat too. You should try it collarless.

Marie-Christine said...

Oh, don't worry, teachers should definitely be allowed to spend 2 months straight in pajamas, not even combing their hair :-).. You get extra credit for the traumas of the beginning of the summer, so you don't even have to eat anything but breakfast till early Sept, if you want.

And yes, sometimes there's nothing like a shopping trip to get inspired to sewing. Either you don't find anything and must get to it, or you do and you know you can do that for a small fraction of the cost, or do it so it fits you. But beset of all is the shopping trip that yields such a bounty that you mind is happily turned to clothes, clothes, clothes.

We're awaiting your pictures with bated breath :-).

Helen said...

I thought you were too busy to sew and blog because you were playing with Hartley! I'm sure he's getting heaps of attention from you. Great to know you've been busy sewing and will have lots of things to show us - soon!

Mary Beth said...

Ha! I knew you were sewing or thinking about the wardrobe and putting together patterns and fabric with stunning designs. Can't fool me!
I'm in the same boat most of the time with the issues of photography. But I get impatient with it all and shoot when I need to, with embarrassing results. ~Sigh~

Rose said...

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that you won't be naked teaching this Fall. I look forward to your creations when you're ready.

amber said...

I'm glad you're still around and sewing. :)

I, too, have been churning stuff out, but haven't had my photographer around when I look cute and I refuse to take the pictures when I'm not done up. Heh. Looking forward to see your new stuff!

Ann Made Studio said...

Look forward to seeing your new wardrobe.

I like the color blocked jacket. I may have to add that pattern to my collection :)

melissa said...

Hooray! You've hit two of my must-sew colours for fall with that coat - mustard and navy! I've decided to focus on those two this year after seeing several people with completely opposing styles look great in them. Great find on the matching pattern!