The last couple of outfits I tried sewing for myself were unmitigated disasters. In the back of my mind, I knew most pattern companies designed tops to fit women with B cups (apparently Burda is an exception. It designs for C cups), but in a fit of naive optimism, I forged ahead without altering the patterns, and, of course, ended up with garments that fit badly.

You’ll understand, then, why I lost the will to sew for myself–at least for the last few months. However, as it grows warmer outside, I’m starting to daydream about pretty spring dresses and sleeveless tops, lightweight skirts and comfortable shorts. The thing is, I don’t want to go shopping for all of those things. I HATE shopping. I’d much rather sit at my sewing machine and whip up something unique–something which I could proudly tell people I made for myself. I love doing that.

So, I’ve been reading up on making full bust adjustments and have been experimenting with muslins. I’m getting closer and closer to the mark. I’m going to be able to do it and I’m really, really excited about that. A world of possibilities is opening up to me. For starters, I’m sewing a fitted button-front blouse. I’ve made some mistakes, i.e., didn’t think to match the stripes and used interfacing that was too heavy (I was trying to be thrifty…it’s what I had on hand), but I think it’s going to fit really well–and that’s the important thing. If this works out, I’ll be making more of these…

Things I’ve Learned:

1. Select pattern according to high bust measurement, not full bust measurement.
2. Adjust pattern to fit bust. This may include widening and lengthening bodice and adjusting darts.
3. Test fit in muslin or tissue before sewing in fashion fabric.
4. Fitting work should take up a substantial amount of sewing time–plan for it!

I’ve also been sucked into the world that is patternreview.com. It’s a lot like ravelry, in that you can see how various garments look on different people and read about their triumphs and tribulations in creating those garments. Unfortunately, the interface is a lot less user-friendly. I spent a loooong time just trying to figure out how to add particularl reviewers/reviews to my list of favorites. The site’s creator is responsive to requests for improvement–so that’s great. I’ll be sticking around there for some time to come.

In the meantime, I’m also planning on assembling PJ pants for the entire family using the pattern from Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching (more on that book later). Anyway, I need to get my little factory running…

A couple of years ago, while I was still working full time, I decided I needed to spruce up my wardrobe and the most essential part of that was finding the absolute most perfect dress boots ever. I bought several pairs, paraded around the house in them, and, one after the other, decided none of them fit the bill. Luckily, Nordstrom has a spectacularly great return policy. They never hasseled me about my serial returns.

My husband still refers to this as my “quest for the Holy Grail (H.G.) of boots.”

Now that I’m at home, my wardrobe isn’t as fancy. I spend most of my time in jeans and sweaters. I have a fantastic pair of jeans, which I wear all the time. I have lots of sweaters, and like most of them, but none of them has quite measured up as the H.G. of sweaters…until now.

I love, love, love my Fair-Isle Yoke sweater. Thank you for recommending I just cut off the cuffs of the overly long sleeves and re-knit them to the right length. It worked like a charm and saved me a lot of heartache. Best of all, I get to wear this wonderful cardi now instead of weeks later.

Now that I’ve finished this big project, I have no idea what to put on the needles next. Perhaps something small and fun? A hat or some socks? I think I’m going to take a day off and read a novel, play with the kids…enjoy my wonderful new cardi…and tomorrow, I can plan new projects.