Sunday 21 November 2010

Coming clean...

You haven't seen much of me on this blog recently but it's time to come clean...

You see, I can't deny it any longer.  I have put on weight - ugh!  I really haven't wanted to sew for myself lately as I need to use a size bigger pattern but I still need clothes and there are very few of my old clothes I can still squeeze into.  I am not happy about it, but it is what it is; and for various reasons going on a diet is not something that is high on my priority list right now.  I am going to try to be better about making healthy choices but in the meantime I should still be able to look good.

If there is an upside to this, it now seem my lower body is exactly a Patrones size 48 (my upper body not so much of course!).  So the thought of making something with no alterations is pretty tempting.  For my first try at a Patrones pattern I chose a skirt - number 25 in issue 294.  It was so successful I made it twice.

For the first version I used a cotton poplin with some stretch.  The stretch is not necessary but the fabric has been in my stash for a while now and had aged sufficiently to be used. This is made exactly to the magazine pattern.


It's fine for weekend wear but a touch short for me to wear to work.  Skirts with pleats usually look terrible on me but I actually think the pleats on this skirt fall at the right place on me.

I used an old-style zip as it was all I had to hand.  It is so long since I have done one of these I really had to stretch my mind to a) how to do it in the first place and b) how to finish the facing on the inside.  I kind of bodged it in the end, it's only a casual skirt after all.  Still my lapped zip came out pretty good if I do say so.


I even made the belt loops even though I rarely wear belts.


The second version is also in poplin, this time not stretch.  I love this art nouveau-ish butterfly pattern. All I did this time was lengthen it by 5cm.  This time I also used an invisible zip.  My workplace is pretty casual so this works well with a nice knit top for work. 

Clearly we need to work on the back courtyard a bit!

It irritates me a bit that the design wasn't centred on the fabric and I didn't have enough to fussy cut it with a butterfly centre front and back.  Fortunately I don't think it's noticeable.  But having said that I shouldn't have to buy an extra length of fabric to accomodate lazy fabric designers!  And before you ask, yes it is apparel fabric not quilting fabric - not that it should make a difference.

I don't know if my mind works in crazy (ie dirty) ways but after looking at the print for a while some aspects of it started to look a bit 'anatomical' and I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate or not.  But no one has said anything so either it was all in my imagination, or everyone is laughing behind my back! (okay, I tried to upload a photo but blogger won't let me, maybe the computer thinks it's too rude so I'll just have to keep you in suspense!)

My only complaint is that, because the yoke rides quite low it has a tendency to tip forward and catch under my belly - not a good look.  I might cut the yoke so it finishes higher on the waist in future but with the pleats still starting at the same point on my hip, if that makes sense.

I really need to pick up my pace if I am going to finish 30 projects this year, some quick and easy pieces might be in order I think!

12 comments:

Mariela Alethia said...

The skirts are lovely. Gaining weight is depressing, especially when nothing fits. As you said making healthier choices, may go a long way to getting the weight off. In fact I started doing exactly 3-weeks ago and so far I've lost 2-1/2 pounds.

SewRuthie said...

Very nice skirts! Enjoy wearing them.

Karin said...

The skirts look great! I don't notice anything anatomical in the prints, so I think you are alright. I also don't like it when low slung waist lines slide below my tummy- I feel like an old potbellied man belly-ing up to the bar! LOL And, actually, I don't really have much of a tummy anyway (my rear end is another story, sigh.) I'll be glad when the natural waist line returns and I can reclaim my dignity.

Gaining a little weight happens. It doesn't look like you have gained much. You are sensible to wait until after Xmas to tackle it.

NessaKnits said...

Gaining weight does happen and you look beautiful, so stop kicking yourself and please keep sewing because you are marvellous at it! If we were meant to look like we were 18 forever, well, we would.

gwensews said...

You look terrific. Don't let a few pounds get you down on yourself. Make beautiful things and love yoursef in them.

lakaribane said...

You're makin me want MORE skirts, LOL! I love your fabric choices. And if you look this good with a couple of extra kilos, the world is in trouble if you lose them!

Gail said...

You may have gained weight but believe me, you still look great in these skirts. Don't beat yourself up too much.

sewistafashionista said...

Your skirt fabrics are very cool. I am not seeing that kind of print at my local shops. I haven't tried Patrones but know about it. Looking forward to hearing more of your experiences.

Buy Wow Paladin said...

you really have cute skirts. I really love it the designs and also the fabric i think it's comfortable to wear. .=)

Mae said...

I enlarged the photo and still can't see anything "anatomical"- I'm curious! Can you add another photo or something?

Ann Made Studio said...

You look great and and these skirts are very flattering on you. You certainly don't look big and I would never say you have
weight issues looking at these pictures :)))

Anonymous said...

I had an orgasm when I saw thise pics