Elijah has decided he’s going to start making all of his shirts, since he can’t find styles that he likes in his size. After a long couple of days last week, when we woke up to heavy rain, I declared a sewing day. I even changed my plans and opted for a project in a similar color to his so that we could share the sewing machine without having to re-thread. He completed his entire shirt that day, while I only manged cutting out the majority of my project. It must be nice to have so few responsibilities! Still, sneaking in a seam here and a seam there, I made slow, but steady progress.
On the very day I wished to wear it, shortly before leaving the house, I resolved to quickly finish it up. Dear reader, this is how almost all of my projects are completed, if they are ever to be completed at all.
At the very, very last minute, I decided that unless I was planning on picking up work as a serving wench, the neckline was much too low. When Steve walked in on me standing at my sewing machine- because who has time to find a chair?, in my underwear- I can’t very well alter a dress that I’m still wearing, now can I? sheesh. He paused momentarily, taking in the scene, before seemingly coming to the conclusion that this was perfectly normal behavior for his wife and without a word went back to packing the car.
My dress is a very heavily altered Washi, but I think I’ll have to save the details for another post because this one is already going to be a long one!
Our new challenge for June 27th is “Comfort”. Two potential ways of approaching this challenge are the creation of clothing that is comfortable to wear or crafting that is a comfort in the making, perhaps using a favorite pattern that is so well known to you that working with it becomes almost meditative. I’m sure there are many other ways of working with this theme as well.
Don’t forget, we’re looking at aprons next week! Here is a selection of free apron patterns and tutorials to intrigue and inspire:
Yet another style harvest apron
PDF Booklet Featuring 27 Vintage Apron Patterns
Romantic, Regency Inspired Country Apron
“Best Worn Barefoot” Smock (a good option for maternity wear)
Japanese Style Cross-Back Aprons: tutorials 1 and 2 and a child-mother matching version
No patterns, but tons of inspiration can be found at The Vermont Apron Company’s shop and blog.
How talented is your son! You must be so proud. I have to laugh out loud on how your husband found you and resumed his business without saying word.
You are a talented bunch!! Thank you for the apron links. Ive recentlh become quite intrigued by aprons. Also, I picked up the pattern for the Dottie Angel dress and my mom (a sewing whiz) has offered to help me make it. So excited!! And, seriously love the story of Steve seeing you finish your project…priceless!!
Thank you for the laugh about how your husband came upon you completing your project, too funny!
I also have to echo the comment about what a talented family you have!
Your son is all legs! How amazing that he is so accomplished (at such a young age) at the sewing machine.
I have never been successful in making my own clothes. I wanted to try a pair of ‘cigarette’ style pants, with help from a sister, but can’t seem to order the pattern. It is from Burda but the site wouldn’t let me through
Trish- Gertie Sews Vintage Casual: A Modern Guide to Sportswear Styles of the 1940s and 1950s has a pattern for a really cute pair of cigarette pants. Perhaps you could order it through your local library?
Thanks for including my Garden Harvesting Apron in your apron tutorial roundup! That’s about the best I can do as far as sewing clothes go, so I’m quite impressed with your son! Plus, totally cool that he wants to create his own style
Not even my kid, and I STILL feel super proud of him for deciding to make his own clothes. I’m pretty sure I need to take a page out of his (and your!) book.
What a beautiful sweater; does the pattern have a name? I checked on Ravelry but did not see it.
Thanks!
Hi Shewila,
Do you mean the sweater in this post? It’s an Agatha.