Friday, November 5, 2010

What a Difference A Day Makes

You'll have to give into my latest moment of fantasy and optimism (and schizophrenia, apparently) as I near the end of the coat project.

Yesterday I bought the Oct./Nov. version of Vogue Patterns - how about that awesome orange suit on the cover - and I felt truly excited about the prospect of sewing some new things.

Everyone's been talking about the mag's new editorial policy (which is to say "something other than ads and crappy photos of outdated styling"). Let me concur. It makes the experience enjoyable.

I mean, how often have you flipped through Vogue Patterns and thought - oooh, I want that, just like that! - as if it's Elle. You may have thought: Hmmm, if I use a different fabric and I modify it a bit and I try to ignore that hideous felt, I can get with that.

Well, the times may be a changin', or so we can hope.

I felt for the first time yesterday, as I looked at the garments, that I can actually sew my own wardrobe.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert, or even experienced, but I have proven to myself in the last year (yay 1-year sewiversary to me!) that I have: the patience to read a pattern, the fortitude to handle the unexpected, the grit to stick with a project for months, if necessary, a great space in which to create, an organized archive, systems that work, a fantastic community of sewists and blog friends who help me to stay motivated (that means you, btw), a really good eye, a love of fabric, the ability to create things that fit me well and awesome taste.

Really, I kick ass.

And I'm modest.

In truth, if I ask myself why I sew, it's not to be stressed by outcomes or to further empower my (very out-and-proud) critical self. It's for love. For love of beautiful textures and the alchemy of turning fabric into garments. For love of the potential, wrapped in each pattern envelope - a metaphor for the potential within me. And for enjoyment.

So I bought this pattern (and a few others), recognizing fundamentally, that a shirt is just a shirt - when it's not busy changing my life.


Yeah, it may be fancy looking on paper, but if Vogue Patterns says it's AVERAGE, really what can go wrong??! :-)

So, has anyone made this? If yes, what did you think?

OR, Let's say you never intend to sew a thing in your life, if you found this in a store, would you try it on?

11 comments:

  1. You do kick ass! And, once you have made this for yourself,I would like to put in order of one for me. Are you taking orders yet?? Well if not then I am the first in line for when you are.

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  2. I really like it. I have a couple patterns with collars like that but they are overwhelming. This one is more subtle. I love the dress! There are a couple favorable reviews on it at PatternReview.

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  3. I think the jacket looks great - you can do it!

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  4. Keep going girl! You're going to be a master tailor soon :)

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  5. You are so inspiring! I love all of your reasons for sewing. And you do kick ass, totally.

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  6. But of course, you do kick ass!

    And that will be fabulous on you. And yes I would make it, or try it on, and I do intend to sew something sometime in my life but when oh when.

    Thank you for all the inspiration

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  7. Just wanted to say "Thanks" for the compliments on Vogue Patterns Magazine, and to let you know we've posted a link from our facebook page to your blog. Good luck with V1068, and be sure to post a photo on the Vogue Patterns facebook page when your done.
    Best Regards,
    Kathy Marrone

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  8. Bel: You are first on the list. But it's going to be a while. I need a little bit less emotional involvement first :-)

    Kim: I read them. Thanks!

    Sherry: Thanks for the vote of confidence!

    Stacy: Or in 20 years :-)

    Susan: Why thank you!

    Wendy: Isn't it??

    Mardel: You will get back to your creative life. I know it's been a really rough time, focused on others, but I know it will happen.

    Kathy: It's not often I get comments from the Editors of print magazines! Thanks for working with your team to improve the magazine tremendously. I look forward to the next issue.

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  9. I just found your blog and I love it and your style! I have made this blouse and love it. This top draws the eye up to the face and would probably flatter both the fuller bust and smaller bust. I would say it's my best fitting (non-vintage) blouse.

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  10. Andrea: I've been loving your blog for a long time! I love that you have enjoyed making the blouse. It seems so much less scary when someone else has already taken the plunge with good results...

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