When I was at Fabricland yesterday, I learned that - after a certain date that I can't remember - they won't be carrying Simplicity and New Look patterns anymore. Other than a BMV that I need right now, those are the only patterns I buy there and while I'm not their only customer, I imagine I'm somewhat typical so that doesn't seem like the best of decisions. Oh well. No one asked me. I did buy a few yesterday though.
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My daughter has very particular taste so I'm trying not to assume that she'll like something while at the same time, I'm trying to encourage her in directions I know will flatter because I've sewn that pattern and it works for our body type. She's still learning to see beyond the pattern envelope to the possibilities found in the line drawing and to realize that you can take just the parts you want and mix and match them like a Mr. Potato Man.
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Yesterday was both fun and frustrating. For a while, I was drowning in pattern tissue but - thankfully - that's improved. I wanted to start with a basic t-shirt and build from there but it took me most of the day to realize that a PRINCESS seamed t-shirt would be best as she has a 5" difference between her upper and full bust. Now that I've made that decision, things are moving along more quickly.
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Naturally, I made that decision after I'd bought a bunch of patterns without princess seams so I'm starting with the two Katherine Tilton patterns mentioned yesterday - both views of Vogue 8817 and Vogue 8691 without the ruffle. Jessica is having to trust me on these. She's not sure 8817 will work and doesn't think the 8691 pattern envelope looks at all attractive. I'd have to agree with her but I know from experience that it looks fabulous on.
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Last night, while I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking about full bust adjustments and how to go about making them for the different patterns and it occurred to me that I may have traced the wrong size. Somehow, I deducted an inch from her upper bust measurement so either I wrote it down wrong or she actually has a 6" difference which would be more in line with her bra size. Luckily, I haven't cut out or adjusted any of the tracings so it's an easy fix... right after a phone call to confirm the number. I have two appointments today but hopefully - LOL - by tonight I'm actually cutting out fabric.
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I'm reading Bobbie Thomas' book The Power of Style. Since I rarely watch television or buy a magazine, I had no idea who this woman was but reading the cover, I agreed with her blend of psychology with style so I bought it and it's been really interesting. She talks about style from a marketing perspective - are you giving out the message you want to give out. On page 25, she writes...
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So when I talk about style, I'm talking about an image that feels real to you and resonates as genuine to others. When there is incongruence, you may find you are not saying what you want, which can result in your not getting what you want from life..... So if the mirrors in your life are showing you a person who isn't who you think you are or who you want to be, there's a good chance you're projecting a style that isn't your own, or at least not your most desired.
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Though I work in the fashion industry, for me style does not equal the latest trends or flashiest brands. Style is so much more powerful and personal. The definition of style is self-expression, so fashion and beauty are simply two of the many tools that help you communicate, through a common visual language, what you're all about - what you see in your ideal mirror. Being stylish is not about having a certain body type or bank account; it's about embracing your individuality and radiating that spirit in your work, relationships, and everywhere else.
![]()
I'm always intrigued when I meet someone who thinks clothes don't matter especially as there is often an element of pain resting just below their words as if they are trying to convince themselves that this is truth. Considering how difficult it can be to dress ourselves, I can see why someone would want to feel that way however, at the most basic level, we all get dressed every morning so why not wear something we enjoy that flatters us because how we look has a lot to do with how we feel. It takes work and I'm so glad I sew because that makes it somewhat easier, which is good because beyond the basics, we all - every single one of us - make judgments about other people based on what they are wearing so it makes sense that they in return are making judgments about us based on what we're wearing. As much as possible, I want others to come to the correct conclusions about me although - LOL - it's a bit like fitting a moving target as we age and mature and evolve through life.
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It was interesting to start on the adjustments for Jessica's t-shirts. As I suspected, I am making virtually the same changes I make for myself. She's taller than me and often the center back length is correct but she has the same upper bodice adjustments as me with a narrower chest, wider bicep, and higher sleeve cap. It is WONDERFUL to recognize and make these adjustments with a degree of confidence. It's radically different from the work I went through years ago trying to create a computer generated pattern for both our bodies. That was frustrating and NOT fun. Although these t-shirts may need tweaking, I'm quite sure they will be better than RTW and hopefully an encouragement for her.
Talk soon - Myrna
Grateful - the decision to change to princess seams
My daughter has very particular taste so I'm trying not to assume that she'll like something while at the same time, I'm trying to encourage her in directions I know will flatter because I've sewn that pattern and it works for our body type. She's still learning to see beyond the pattern envelope to the possibilities found in the line drawing and to realize that you can take just the parts you want and mix and match them like a Mr. Potato Man.
Yesterday was both fun and frustrating. For a while, I was drowning in pattern tissue but - thankfully - that's improved. I wanted to start with a basic t-shirt and build from there but it took me most of the day to realize that a PRINCESS seamed t-shirt would be best as she has a 5" difference between her upper and full bust. Now that I've made that decision, things are moving along more quickly.
Naturally, I made that decision after I'd bought a bunch of patterns without princess seams so I'm starting with the two Katherine Tilton patterns mentioned yesterday - both views of Vogue 8817 and Vogue 8691 without the ruffle. Jessica is having to trust me on these. She's not sure 8817 will work and doesn't think the 8691 pattern envelope looks at all attractive. I'd have to agree with her but I know from experience that it looks fabulous on.
Last night, while I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking about full bust adjustments and how to go about making them for the different patterns and it occurred to me that I may have traced the wrong size. Somehow, I deducted an inch from her upper bust measurement so either I wrote it down wrong or she actually has a 6" difference which would be more in line with her bra size. Luckily, I haven't cut out or adjusted any of the tracings so it's an easy fix... right after a phone call to confirm the number. I have two appointments today but hopefully - LOL - by tonight I'm actually cutting out fabric.
I'm reading Bobbie Thomas' book The Power of Style. Since I rarely watch television or buy a magazine, I had no idea who this woman was but reading the cover, I agreed with her blend of psychology with style so I bought it and it's been really interesting. She talks about style from a marketing perspective - are you giving out the message you want to give out. On page 25, she writes...
So when I talk about style, I'm talking about an image that feels real to you and resonates as genuine to others. When there is incongruence, you may find you are not saying what you want, which can result in your not getting what you want from life..... So if the mirrors in your life are showing you a person who isn't who you think you are or who you want to be, there's a good chance you're projecting a style that isn't your own, or at least not your most desired.
Though I work in the fashion industry, for me style does not equal the latest trends or flashiest brands. Style is so much more powerful and personal. The definition of style is self-expression, so fashion and beauty are simply two of the many tools that help you communicate, through a common visual language, what you're all about - what you see in your ideal mirror. Being stylish is not about having a certain body type or bank account; it's about embracing your individuality and radiating that spirit in your work, relationships, and everywhere else.
I'm always intrigued when I meet someone who thinks clothes don't matter especially as there is often an element of pain resting just below their words as if they are trying to convince themselves that this is truth. Considering how difficult it can be to dress ourselves, I can see why someone would want to feel that way however, at the most basic level, we all get dressed every morning so why not wear something we enjoy that flatters us because how we look has a lot to do with how we feel. It takes work and I'm so glad I sew because that makes it somewhat easier, which is good because beyond the basics, we all - every single one of us - make judgments about other people based on what they are wearing so it makes sense that they in return are making judgments about us based on what we're wearing. As much as possible, I want others to come to the correct conclusions about me although - LOL - it's a bit like fitting a moving target as we age and mature and evolve through life.
It was interesting to start on the adjustments for Jessica's t-shirts. As I suspected, I am making virtually the same changes I make for myself. She's taller than me and often the center back length is correct but she has the same upper bodice adjustments as me with a narrower chest, wider bicep, and higher sleeve cap. It is WONDERFUL to recognize and make these adjustments with a degree of confidence. It's radically different from the work I went through years ago trying to create a computer generated pattern for both our bodies. That was frustrating and NOT fun. Although these t-shirts may need tweaking, I'm quite sure they will be better than RTW and hopefully an encouragement for her.
Talk soon - Myrna
Grateful - the decision to change to princess seams