Big plans gone astray. Over the long weekend, I thought I'd get a lot of things cut out and get started on my summer wardrobe and the refashioning project. It didn't quite work out. I began at my closet, evaluating the clothes I have that still fit me and I found that my wardrobe has become restricted to large, loose pants with elastic waists, worn with sweaters that cover the waist, or shapeless dresses with no waist at all. While I work on accepting my body as it is, which they say is the first step to successful weight loss, I would like to sew some things that don't make me look like a flour sack. I could make a bunch more of my favorite elastic-waisted pants, but frankly... is that really going to help? Surely there is another style out there that would suit?
Next stop, the pattern drawer. I wasn't in the mood for developing anything from absolute scratch, though I will in time. I found some patterns I'd taken from dresses in my closet so I got the originals out and tried them on in front of the biggest mirror I have. Then I had to go lie down for a while, realizing that even these would need significant alterations and that any way you slice it--front, rear, side--I am larger than I used to be.
The result of all this was that instead of spending the day cutting out fabric, I spent the day retracing and altering patterns. I like to have standard, simple, well-fitting patterns that I can use over and over and embellish in different ways. Creating the patterns is time well-spent, though in this case I was not overly enthusiastic about it seeing as the alterations were not for design reasons but for anatomical reasons. Still, it had to be done and I very much hope that after this summer I can go back to some old favorites. I have a highly technical and organized way of ordering the patterns as I finish them. They all get placed on the floor.
Patterns I altered included
--a loose-princess line dress taken from a commercial dress in yellow linen. I lengthened it--the original is above my knees and you know, I think I might be past the age when I can look my best in anything above the knee. At least with bare legs. I'm adding a gathered panel at the back for some extra ease over the rear.
--a yoked circular skirt. Added width in the back over the--you guessed it.
--a McCall's pattern for a princess-line top with short sleeves. I retraced it with the petite tucks taken up. I'll make a muslin--maybe it could be lengthed into a dress...
--skirt and pants from the same McCall's pattern. They have darts at the waist and a faced waistband. A muslin is definitely called for, but if they work, I'll have more basics to which I can add pockets, flounces, ribbons, or wild print fabrics.
The refashioning project officially begins on June first. No boughten clothes for six months. The first big challenge will be a wedding I have to go to in July. I do need something special, so I better get thinking what I can make from my stash that will stand up to a formal evening in Lima!
