Four Months In!

I recently read a book that had a number of exercises to help the reader be much more focused on their surroundings. One of the exercises asked the reader to choose a specific car color, and not something common like black, but rather something like salmon. What I found interesting is that once I was focusing on that particular color, a color that I thought I would not see, it just seemed to pop out of no where. It was such a wonderful exercise, and it showed me that if I focus, I see so much more. 

The word focus would sum up quite well what I am learning through this process of wearing a garment that I've made for 1 year. At this point, I am 4 months into the challenge. My goal is to wear a garment that I've made for 1 year ending on July 1, 2021. I actually began on June 22nd just to give myself a little practice run. I have missed, I think, 3 days, for which I am not going to beat myself up over. I did miss a day this past week. I had a household project that I wanted to accomplish. What I thought would take a few hours took most of the day. Once I finished, all I wanted to do was put on a pair of sweatpants and call it a day (BTW, I did put on a top too!!! ;) 

This post begins with October 7th. 

I made this skirt quite a while ago. One of our former exchange students left behind a sweatshirt. I wore it for a while as a sweatshirt, but it ended up with stains on the front. I just could bear to throw it out. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to play with it and see what I could do. I began by cutting the sleeves off, and then turned it upside down, so the bottom of the sweatshirt is at my waist. I took scraps and made the flowers which covered up the stains. 

 

I kept the tag and sewed it on the back. Nautica might not appreciate this publicity! 

I now have a skirt that reminds me of a very special student whom I feel is more like a child of my own. 

The top I am wearing is from my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday series. It's a little wacky, but it really is just a rectangle. You can find the instructions HERE. The leggings are the Avery Leggings from Helen's Closet. Such a lovely pattern. 

This turned out to be a very eventful day. I went hiking, and of course took Berkley along. Not long before this picture was taken, I had sat down on a rock to have a picture taken. Berkley saw something and took off like a shot. All I saw was his little butt as he disappeared into the wilderness. He was gone for a good 10 minutes. Oh my, the thoughts that went through my head. The worst was the thought of having to leave the mountain without him, something that would have been almost impossible for me to do. But, the little bugger came back. If you look closely at the picture below, you'll see the leash securely in my hand. I was not about to let go of him!

I'm wearing a pair of cargo pants that I made with a Molly Tee from Pattern Union. The cargo pants were made from an out of print pattern. But you can see my post about these pants HERE. Just the perfect pants for hiking. 

Although the picture is a little fuzzy, you can see how happy I am to have this crazy little guy back in my arms. BTW, I am wearing a cap that I knitted. It's a Nicky Epstein design. I can't remember which book it came from. 

The skirt I am wearing is another piece from my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday Series. It's just 3 rectangles. 

I call it the Sweeping Rectangles Skirt as the 2 rectangles that are along the bottom of the skirt sweep around the top rectangle. Super easy to do. You can find the instructions HERE. The top I am wearing is another Helen's Closet pattern. It's the Elliot Sweater and Tee that has been modified a bit.     

On Sunday, October 11th, we had snow! I so love snow. It was one of those days when something super easy and warm was what I wanted to wear.

So, I pulled out my leggings and cardigan. The leggings are the Loveland Leggings from Sew News, and the cardigan is the Blackwood Cardigan from Helen's Closet. My turtleneck is a purchased piece.  

I felt that I looked a little like Robin Hood in this outfit ;) The skirt I am wearing is nothing more than 2 rectangles, another piece I did for my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday Series. It actually doubles as a top as well. You can find the post HERE. The top is from Friday Pattern Company and it's the Adrienne Blouse. I have fallen in love with this pattern. It's easy to make, and I just love how it sits on the shoulders, as well as the sleeve. Such a lovely piece.    

I made this Pepernoot Jacket from Waffle Patterns for a Sew News sew along. I modified it a bit, leaving off the hood, and doing patch pockets rather than the zippered pockets. This is a garment that will most likely be in my possession until the day I die! I love it that much :) 

I paired the jacket with a self-drafted pencil skirt, and yet another Molly Tee from Pattern Union. Here's an instance where being a little more focused taught me something. At some point during the day, the thought went through my mind, "I so love wearing a pencil skirt and t-shirt."   

In this photo I was showcasing the tights that I made. Sadly, this pattern is not available, but I am working on a pair of self-drafted tights. More on those soon. 

The dress I am wearing is from Pattern Union. She has this great dress pattern that only has 1 seam down the center back, the Sumekko Dress. How much easier can it get?!! I added the flanges at the sleeves, just to give the dress the hint of a sleeve. I paired it with a washable wool tee that I made using Londa's Terrific 'T' Knit Top. This is another t-shirt pattern that I really love. It has a number of neckline options and sleeve lengths. 

I so love making tights as I can have the freedom of choosing such fun fabrics. These were made with a stretch velvet. I paired the tights with a great sweatshirt pattern from Naughty Bobbins Patterns, the La Megeve Pullover. There will be more of these in my wardrobe!

This is a pattern where money was well spent since I have now made 3!!! With this dress, I made a change in the sleeve, giving it a long sleeve, kind of a modified Bishop Sleeve. This if Vogue 9237. This brings me up to October 16th.

Here are the other 2 versions that I made. The orange linen dress is straight off the pattern. The sleeves on the gray dress were modified. I have plans to make 1 more. I want to do a sheer dress with a slip. I think that will be fun.

Although the project of wearing a garment that I've made takes a lot of attention, I think it's one of the best things that I have done for myself in quite a while. There have been other benefits that I did not expect, like just taking better care of myself, even something as simple as making sure I moisturize my body everyday. Who would have thought?!!

One thing that is lacking in my wardrobe is sweatpants and sweatshirts for the winter. I'm on the lookout for some cute patterns. If by chance you have some suggestions, by all means, let me know!

Have a wonderful day, and be sure to wear your me made garments!

 Rhonda

The Magic of a Challenge

 A few days ago I was getting dressed, maybe I was brushing my hair. Can't remember exactly was I was doing, but I was looking in the mirror. While I was standing there, a thought went through my head(they do from time to time ;) It actually shocked me a bit..."I really like the way I look." That's not something I have really ever said to myself. In fact, quite the opposite. That thought has given me pause to think and reflect over the last few days.

There was a time when I barely ate. Lunch was never more than a carrot. I was especially thin, and still I worked out like a fien. The scale was my constant companion. As thin as I was, I was never satisfied. I was always striving to be better, which translated into thinner in my mind. Truth be told, I was absolutely miserable. 

As I've thought, I've had to ask myself when it all changed? I did not have counseling for an eating disorder. I am 20 pounds heavier than I was at my thinnest. Something that would have horrified me all those years ago, and yet, happier than I have ever been in my life. I can't pinpoint 1 particular event, but many that have been influential. Even something as insignificant as this crazy little challenge of committing to wearing my handmade wardrobe for a year I think has been significant. Isn't it amazing that something that seems trivial can end up being anything but trivial? 

                 ____________________________________

I am sooooo behind on these posts. So, I am going to try and catch up over the next few days.

This outfit goes back to September 3rd :/ Again, I am really behind. I wore a self-drafted 6-gore skirt. You can find the instructions HERE. I have been wearing this skirt for 9 years!!! I think I need a new skirt ;) The top is 1 that I did for a Sleeves On Saturdays post. I called it the Bending Willow Sleeve, and you can find that tutorial HERE.   

This dress is a favorite of mine. You've seen it a number of times. I have added a picture of it being worn in different ways. It's a self-drafted piece for which I have not done a tutorial. I really should.   

The fabric for this outfit was a gift. Believe it or not, of all the precious fabrics that I have cut into in my lifetime, for some reason this one was especially difficult for me. It's hand dyed, and I felt it to be extra special. In the end, I am very happy with what I did with the fabric. The tutorial for the skirt can be found HERE. The top is just 4 rectangles. Super simple to do. I will be doing a tutorial for it.

You've seen this outfit before. It's one that I throw on whenever I am...to be honest, a little lazy. The leggings are the Loveland Leggings from Sew News. The matching cardigan is the Blackwood Cardigan from Helen's Closet. 

We're finally up to September 8th. This piece was made using the free Our Fave Top from Tessuti. I lengthened the pattern and added the inserted tie. You can see my post on how I made the changes HERE. 

I love getting out for a walk, or a run in the morning, but I so hate having cars honk at me. So, I decided to start adding a little wrap skirt to my leggings. I purchased the leggings that I am wearing. I just couldn't help myself. The pattern is from a Chicago Aeronautical sectional. The top is self-drafted, and the wrap skirt pattern is sadly not available at the moment. 

I love circle skirts. The fabric for this skirt came printed for a circle skirt. All I had to do was the math for the waistline. The top is a modified Helen's Closet Elliot Tee and Sweater.

  

The cargo pants I'm wearing were made in conjunction with Cennetta from The Mahogany Stylist. We had such a good time creating cargo pants. We used an out of print Simplicity pattern, Simplicity 5102. But, cargo pants are really about the pockets, so you can use any pattern that you love and just go crazy with the pockets. You can see the post I did on these pants HERE. The top that I am wearing is another fabulous, and free pattern from Tessuti. It's the Monroe Turtleneck. 

  

If you have been following along, you've seen the pants that I am wearing. I made a matching Ogden Cami to wear with the pants. The top I am wearing here was a free pattern that is no longer available. As I was going through my wardrobe, it occurred to me that it might work with the pants, and it did! I used a suede cloth for the top.   

And finally, for this post anyway, I'm wearing a fun pattern from Style Arc. It's the Juliet Woven Shirt. I really love the front tie. The way it is sewn is quite unique. Just a great design. I did not make the jeans, Mr. Levi did ;) They are as old as the hills. I've probably had them for close to 15 years. I keep things for a very long time :)

It has taken me 3 days to get this post together. I know that talking about having an eating disorder is not something I like to talk about. But, maybe there's someone who will happen upon this post that is struggling, and it will help you see that there is hope. Life doesn't not need to be a constant struggle, and we can find happiness and contentment with who we are.

Before I go...

One thing I love to do is go through my closet as if I am in a store and see what might go with another item that I have that I have never thought of mixing together. Just take an hour, and play. I am always amazed with what I come up with! 

Have a wonderful day!

Rhonda

Sunday Brunch and Me Made May

Regardless of the fact that at least at the moment, one day feels about the same as another, I've made a conscious decision to keep Sundays special. I get up, shower and dress just as if I will be going to church. In a round about way, I do "go" to church as I listen and watch one of my favorite service online, and I make a lovely breakfast for my husband and me. 

A little over a year ago, I posted a recipe for spinach and rice cakes, and called them Patty Cake Rice Cakes. If I may say so myself, these things are delicious! When I make rice, I always make more than we can eat in one sitting. Rice is comfort food for me, I will have it for lunch with vegetables and hot peppers, I'll pour a little almond milk over a bowl of rice, sprinkle it with cinnamon and a packet of Stevia, heat it in the microwave, and I have dessert. So, a pot of rice never goes to waste in my house. But, my favorite item to make with leftover rice is the spinach and rice cake recipe. The cakes can be made up, and then frozen before cooking. Just take out what you would like, let them thaw a bit, and you'll have a fresh meal in relatively no time. I recently made up a batch, so we had rice cakes with poached eggs for breakfast this morning. So good!

I served the rice cakes with tomatoes that I broiled in the oven with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil. Just before removing them from the oven, I sprinkled the tomatoes with some grated parmesan cheese. Lastly, I sliced some avocado, and we had a fabulous breakfast. 

My little challenge of dressing each and everyday is going well. What hasn't been going well is remembering to take pictures :/ But, I decided to participate in Me Made May 2020 as an added incentive. We're only 3 days into May, but...so far so good, or at least, better :) 

On Saturday, April 23rd, I wore an 8-gored skirt that I drafted and made quite some time ago. You can see the original post with directions on how to draft an 8-gore skirt HERE. Since I made the skirt, I cut the points off the hem. The top is one that you've seen with the pants from the Simplicity pattern. This is Simplicity 9017. I like the top, but the neckline really needs interfacing in order for the neckline to sit as it does on the pattern. The instructions do not call for interfacing, so if you decide to give the pattern a go, use a little interfacing in the neckline.   

Last Sunday, April 26th, I wore a little skirt that was made from my leftover fabric after cutting a pair of pants. The border print on this fabric was on both ends of the selvedge, so all I had to do was cut the remnant in half, add an elastic casing, and voila! I had a skirt. It was rather cool last Sunday, so I wore a pair of tights. They look black, but they were navy blue. I paired the skirt with the Molly Tee from Pattern Union. The quilted vest was found in a resale shop.      

I missed getting pictures taken from Monday-Wednesday, but I got back on the wagon by Thursday. The pants were made from the same fabric as the above skirt. Just a basic pair of elastic waist pants. The flowy top is a pattern hack. I used the Helen's Closet Elliot Sweater and Tee pattern. The front was lengthened, a yoke added to the back, along with an inverted center back pleat. I also added a scoop hemline to the back. The top just floats so nicely around the body. So nice for those days when you want to look nice, but be really comfortable.     

Last Wednesday, I was so pleasantly surprised by the loveliest email. A sweet woman by the name of Chris emailed and said,

"your knowledge and designs have given me a great deal of fun and sewing pleasure, and I would like to give something back. It would give me a great deal of pleasure to gift you the Presto Popover Top pattern from Naughty Bobbins Patterns."

How could I refuse??? The next morning the pattern was in my inbox. I promptly downloaded it, taped it together, and preceded to get a garment made. I SO love this pattern. It's super easy to make, goes together in a jiffy, and looks great on the body. Once I get something made, I just have to wear it. The skirt that I'm wearing is from an out of print McCall's pattern. I saw it posted on Instagram, thought it was so cute, and found a pattern on Etsy. This is the second skirt I've made from the pattern. It's McCall's 6081. There are patterns available on Etsy and Ebay if you think that you might like to have one for yourself :)

  

Saturdays feel like days that should be a little(a lot more!)more casual. I have no idea why :/ Anyway, I threw on my favorite black leggings, the Avery Leggings from Helen's Closet, and a Tonic Tee from SBCC. If you sign up for the newsletter, the pattern is FREE!!! The pattern is new and improved with expanded sizes as well as a cute little puffy sleeve. 

I just couldn't resist...I loved the Presto Popover Top so much that I decided to make a dress. Truth be told, I actually cut the dress before I cut the top. Shame on me as I did not read the instructions before cutting. As it turns out, I needed 2 fronts. So, I wasn't able to match the pattern down center front. Oh well. I still like the dress so very much. Super comfortable. I also lengthened the sleeves as I get cold so easily. A nice piece for a Sunday, although I'm going no where :( On both the top and the dress, I used the more modest notch for the front opening. There are 2 possibilities with the other being a little lower. I think that on my next make I'll give the lower  neckline a try as it will show off a necklace a little better.  

  

I spoke with a friend recently. She is having a very difficult time, trying to work full time from home, and then deal with 3 young boys. Two of the boys are in school, and the other is a toddler. I really don't know how she is managing to do it!!! While I appreciate the effort that is being made by healthcare providers, the fire department, police officers, paramedics, and all of those who are trying to help keep fresh food in our grocery stores; all of those who are struggling with trying to work, home school their children, and keep some sanity in their homes, they too are heroes. More than heroes, Superheroes!  A friend of mine is taking at least an hour a day to be online with her granddaughter. They talk, color, and play games. She even picked out patterns and fabric and allowed her granddaughter to help her design some new outfits for the child. It gives her daughter a break that she can look forward to everyday. I'm sure it's quite a gift. The word superhero has taken on a whole new meaning for me. But, I think most moms have always been Superheroes :) 

Have a wonderful week!

BTW, if you would like to follow my #idressformechallenge on Instagram, you can find me HERE.

Rhonda

Elements of Joy/The Challenge Continues

A Very Happy Tuesday to all who happen to stop by :)

I correspond with a lovely lady in England. She sent a note to me a few days ago, and I thought that it was so special, and something that we all should ponder. So, I asked if she would mind me sharing an excerpt from her letter here on the blog, and she happily agreed.

"As we enter yet another week of sad and troubling news, I hope that you can find elements of joy in each day. I have for many years now lived each day as though it is both my first and last. This means welcoming each brand new day and looking for the new thing I will experience or learn from it. At the end of the day I make sure I have nothing unresolved with anyone in my life. No chance that if I was not to awaken I would leave someone with regrets that our last words had been .....Because my last breath here will be my first in .... and there will be no room for regrets for me, so it's important that I don't leave others with them."

A week ago today, I began a bit of a challenge. With being home so very much, it's easy to fall into the trap of not getting dressed. A trip to the drug store, my excitement about getting out, and getting dressed prompted me to ask, "for whom do I dress?" What I discovered is that dressing, enjoying my clothes is important for me, regardless of who sees me.

I've done well with my challenge of getting up each day and dressing, missing only 1 day last week. I did dress, but no effort was made. I had thrown on a pair of sweatpants so that I could take Berkley for a walk, came home, got busy, and never officially dressed. 

Last Wednesday I wore a super fun pair of leggings that I recently made. The fabric for both the leggings and the sweatshirt were found at Joann's Fabrics. You can't see it, but the sweatshirt has a small pink shiny dot throughout the fabric. The leggings are a shiny pink and beige velvet. The leggings are the Loveland Leggings from Sew Daily. Super easy to make!!!     

The sweatshirt is the La Megeve Pullover from Naughty Bobbins Patterns. The pullover/sweatshirt has slits on the side, and a great pocket application. 

Thursday was my fail day :(

The outfit that I wore on Friday is from a Simplicity pattern. While I was walking through the fabric store, I walked past the pattern counter, and my eyes just happened to fall on this pattern, Simplicity 9017. 

I haven't purchased a Simplicity pattern in I don't know when! The neckline is great, but I should have added a bit of interfacing to give it the stand that it has on the pattern envelope. 

Saturday was a leggings and turtleneck kind of a day. Once again, the Loveland Leggings from Sew Daily. It was such a beautiful day. Berkley and I sat out on the deck and just enjoyed the sunshine!

It snowed on Sunday. Since it was Easter, I just had to put something on that felt special. This is the Estes Dress from Sew Daily. Super easy to make, but a little extra special in the red ponte.     

Monday was a Helen's Closet kind of a day. All 3 pieces are from her pattern collection, the Avery Leggings, Elliot Sweater, and Blackwood Cardigan. I added to the front of the cardigan as it was designed to just skim over the breast area, and I wanted a cardigan that came closer to meeting at center front. The cardigan is made from the same fabric that I used for the leggings that I wore on Saturday. 

My pictures aren't the best today. The wind was blowing. At one point, I dropped my phone in the snow. Oh well, at least I dressed, and at least it's made by me :) 
The skirt that I am wearing started life as a tunic for a child. I found it at the resale shop, loved the border pattern, and saw that if I cut the top off, I would have a cute skirt. The sweatshirt/sweater that I'm wearing is a Style Arc pattern, the Carlsson Sweater. I would typically wear a different pair of shoes, but I had to walk through the snow, so...oh well.

I really like the Carlsson pattern. Goes together quickly, and so easy to wear. When I initially made it, I told a friend of mine that I wore it until I HAD to wash it!!! 

As time goes on, I hope that I will keep up my little challenge. I am posting my pictures to Instagram. If you would like to join me, use #idressforme and let me know. I would LOVE to feature your me made pieces!!!

As I close out this post, Berkley is sleeping peacefully, and wagging his tail while he sleeps. Something must be bringing him joy. I hope that you too will find something in each and every day that will bring you a bit of joy.

Rhonda  

Sewing, But No Blogging/Towels, Tops and Trousers

Happy Saturday Everyone!!! 

It's a glorious start to the day here in Chicago, the sun is shining, but...not for long :( A few nights ago, my husband and I went out for our evening walk with the dogs. When I opened the door, I saw that it was raining, yet again. We have had sooo much rain. But, I'm very careful about verbalizing what I feel in my heart as I know that times without rain are not something we want. In all things be grateful...at least try :)

So yes, I have been sewing, but just not blogging. This morning I was determined to make myself sit down and write a note. I know that it's just a matter of getting back in the habit, and as we all know, habits are easily broken and difficult to create.

I've made a number of easy summer outfits that I can just throw on and go. The pants I'm wearing below I also did in THIS post. A super simple gathered leg that makes the pants look special. The top is the Helen's Closet Elliot Sweater and Tee pattern. I made a long sleeve version of the top before I broke my arm this past winter. Loved it. Super easy to make, and just as easy to wear. It's difficult to see in the picture, but I had a piece of embossed knit that matched the pants, so I decided to give the pattern a try as a summer top. At the rate I am going, it will only last 1 summer as it will be worn out!!!

I was intrigued by an email I received from fabrics-store.com They actually have linen toweling that is 19" wide. They had a little tutorial on making linen kitchen towels using a 1 yard length of the fabric. I love linen towels, so I decided to give it a try.  

I began with a 1 yard length, and just hemmed the bottom and top edges, leaving the selvedge edge along the sides. I then put them in the washing machine and dryer. As you can see below they came out a crumpled heap. The above picture is after ironing. The natural linen has the most wonderful smell, and the texture is also quite lovely. I bought enough for 3 sets of towels, 1 to keep, and 2 to give. I'm so pleased that I think I will order enough for a few more sets as they will make wonderful gifts. You can find the fabric HERE.   

As I said, I have been making a number of throw on and go pieces. The top below is the free Zoe Top pattern from Tessuti. I am so very pleased with how it turned out. I had this lovely bordered fabric, and thought it might work well. 

The neckline is quite wide, and a little wider than I wanted for this top. So, I decided to cut a piece of the border and fill in the neckline. 

The pattern features a dolman sleeve. Rather than leave the sleeve plain, I cut some of the border and appliqued it to the bottom of the sleeve. In the end, I felt that it all came together quite nicely.

A picture of me in the top will follow shortly. I'm making a pair of white Barb pants from Style Arc patterns. I blogged about that free pattern HERE. Another easy to make, easy to wear pattern. 

Berkley and I will be going to camp! Actually, I signed Berkley up for an agility class. I think he is going to love it! And...me too :) It won't begin until the 3rd week of July. Can't wait!

Have a lovely weekend!
Rhonda