My Birthday Suit: S1276

Peace!!!!

It's my bornday y'all! And you know what that means. It means I had to send out search party for my mojo (I think it was in the witness protection program) and make me a brand new garment to celebrate!

Since I last Built with y'all, The God and I decided to get married. Getting legally married is not something that is common within the 5% Culture. Our righteous compadres have been looking at us side ways. But it's fine. They always look at us like that. We don't fit the standard mold for God and Earth. One of many reasons we got hitched is because we are striving to purchase a house! We thought we had one. But the inspection came back scary, so we passed. But we loved the house so much initially, that we started packing. I had packed up my sewing room. I had to unpack it some to make this garment.

This is not what I initially intended for my birthday suit. I wanted to make a cream corduroy skirt and a black knit top. But for some reason I couldn't find the pattern for either. (Found the top pattern after I was done making this one) So as I was going through the Air Jordan boxes that I keep my patterns in I came across S1276 and thought, why not? Now that I have a stash.... I went to see what could work.

Out of the big 4, simplicity is my least favorite. I get more wadders from Simplicity than any other pattern. If I'm using Simplicity I allow extra time just in case I need to sew something else or buy something. This is not my 1st attempt at making this particular brand of simplicity pattern. I made a capsule wardrobe for a friend using S1167. These patterns work for some folks. I don't think they really work for me. I wanted to be supportive. When I made S1167 it was a lot of confusion. The tutorial didn't help. The instructions were hazy and at some points contradicted the tutorial.... Just a bad time. I don't' know if my friend even liked her capsule. We've not discussed it. So with MUCH hesitation I went on and made S1276.

I don't hate the dress. I don't think color blocking works for me. I've tried it a few times and never like the result. Even this simple Black and white combo. I was worried about the light band across the middle. And I was right. Whatever. I don't' mind the top and the “peek-a-boo.” You can't see it. If I make this in the future (because I don't discard patterns unless they piss me off) I won't make it with a band. Just solid all the way down.


I didn't make many changes. I made it out of knit so there is no zipper, nor did I interface the neck facings. I need to be able to get it over my head. To keep the facing down I tacked it. But you can't really see the tacks unless you were looking for them. the directions were really vague about what pieces to cut out. My suggestion if you decide to make the peek-a-boo version is instead of cutting a front facing, cut a second front piece and use the entire piece as a facing.

I used ponte knit. I love this stuff! I have finally been convicted after 30+ years of sewing that the good fabric, sews better. No pulling, no getting stuck in the machine, stitches stay in and it's just a pleasure to work with. I've heard that before, but I finally believe it. I never wanted to PAY for the good fabric. But you get what you pay for. I realized at the end of construction that I wasn't even using the correct needle. But even still, everything went smoothly.

From the completed pics of other folks work, I noticed that the waist was elongated. So with my breasts, I didn't think I needed to add the 3 inches that I normally would. I guessed correctly. This white band hits at my waist. I'm not sure I like that. No. I don't like it at all. But it is what it is.

I added 2” to the skirt. I really need for my clothes to pass my knees. If I take that big band out then the skirt will be too short. I might replace the band with just a black one. But I don't' really want to putz with the dress.

I'm still mourning. But 6 months will be officially over on 11/12. I'll transition into wearing brighter colors. Hopefully, if I feel up to it, I can be festive around the holidays. It will be my first holiday EVER without my brother. My brother always called me at 12:01 on my birthday to be the 1st to wish me a good day. I hate to say this.... because last time I said this I ended up needing it for that purpose... but this dress will serve as a winter mourning dress. I hope I don't have to use it.


Peace

B4545

Peace!

This pattern is from the 1993. Clearly it's out of print. (I refuse to use the acronym for out of print... because I'm an AKA) That means it's vintage!!!!! I can't. Nope. I ain't ready! According to the interwebs... anything over 20 years is vintage. Damn.

I got this pattern in a mystery bag. This now defunct mom-pop shop used to sell like 10 patterns and odd notions in a mystery bag for a $1. Every time I'd buy some fabric from them (And I went like once/week) I'd buy a mystery bag or 2. Why not? I was always more curious than anything what was in the bag. There were a lot of baby clothes, doll clothes, bags and stuff that I don't wear. The sizes were super small too. But it was a dollar mystery bag. What do you expect? Some of the patterns I gave away to people who CLAIM they want to learn to sew but really just like the idea of sewing rather than the practice. But occasionally they had something in the bag for me. Usually 2 of the 10 patterns I could use. That's worth a dollar, right?

I sooooo remember the young woman I was in the 90's. I turned 21 on a Sunday in college in SC. LOL! Was super mad I couldn't buy alcohol on my birthday. My friends all came through with bottles for me to drink legally from. I had a drink from every bottle that came in the door that day and even went to an underground speakeasy. I was so hungover that Monday. I graduated college (92) ready to take on the world. I attended dental school until 96 graduation. Got married in 98. A cool wild ride of a decade. First (legal) drink to 1st car to doctorate to wife!

I remember how I looked too... It used to scandalize my mother. I did “Black-Girl-Grunge.” Grunge was a 90's thing but you know Black people do style their own way.... I had Janet Jackson/Patra Poetic Justice braids. Actually. I wore my hair braided/cornrowed all while in dental school. Black hair takes a lot of time. I needed that time to sleep, eat, study and party. I wore the dark lipstick and also that green stuff that changes color... the baby doll dresses.... the Dr. Martens.... My mother used to tell me that I didn't look like a woman.

My favorite go-to go-out outfit was a thrift store man's suit that fit my bottom and closed in the front. (I've always had large breasts. And that is ALWAYS a big concern for me) I cut the pants into shorts took them in in the waist and put a professional looking cuff on them. I rolled up the sleeves of the jacket and actually tailor tacked them down so they would stay like that but not look altered. I wore this suit to every party! Either in pieces or all together. I changed out the top, hose and shoes. I had a kente cloth sleeveless tank with a pussy bow... I had that peasant white top with the big lapel that makes you look like a painter... Some times I wore the blazer with no top at all. I used to rock tall boots with platforms... another with stiletto heels. (my mother used to rock tall boots in the 70's and she used to keep them in her closet. She couldn't war them anymore, but wouldn't let me have them. So I'd steal the boots and leave the boxes)When I wore the suit with my DMs, I'd get that thick granny hosiery and tear big holes in it. My mother would have a hissy fit watching me get dressed. But she'd laugh it off. I promise you I had more fun than was allowed. That's why I'm not a 40-some woman not lamenting my lost youth. I just wish I had the energy to party all night and still be able to work or go to class then next morning. Now I gotta got to sleep before 10 or I'm no good for work the next day. I did what young people are supposed to do.

Anywho......

My goal with this dress was to have something black to wear on the weekend that wasn't super clingy. My fibroid is growing and becoming super noticeable. At first I was gonna make M6559 but that seemed more form fitting than I was wanting. I made M6559 a few years ago and I liked it.... but I just wasn't feeling it for this summer. I also wanted to have a high-low dress. Vanity, forced me to google high-low to see if it was still a thing. When you sew for yourself, you tend lose trends. That lends to looking homemade. High-low shirt is still hanging on... but by a thread. But High-low tops are trending. I decided to high-low the dress and leave the front a midi thereby making the trend current!

The fabric was a remnant that I got at Fine Fabric for $1.99. I assumed that it wasn't long and had planned to make a top out of it. Imagine my surprise when I unrolled it. It was enough to make this dress and plenty of fabric left for a headwrap that I don't need because I have a lot of black knit headwraps. FF just keeps on surprising me. I hope they never do anything to turn me off.

Pattern:
B4545... loose fitting tunic/dress/separates. I made the "E" version pictured in the green dress

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?:
Sort of. I made a few changes

Were the instructions easy to follow?:
Didn't bother

How long did it take from start to finish?:
Several days. For some reason, I just didn't finish it. IDK why. I'd sew a seam and something would catch my attention. And I'd be gone for a few days. Then I'd come back and do something else and then get distracted. I did run out of black thread. That took a few days to correct. I think the dress was TOO easy and just didn't keep my attention.

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
I dislike that the 90's is considered vintage.....

Fabric used?:
soft Black knit so sweet I keep feeling myself

Pattern alterations or design changes made?:
I made a lot...
1. Instead of cutting the pattern pieces all separate and having a seam running up the front and back.... I just cut it in 2 pieces
2. the pattern comes with a facing... that I decided to not use
3. Since I didn't use the facing I needed to add on something around the collar and armscye
4. and I made it a high-low

Would you sew it again?:
YES! If I like a pattern, I will sew it about 3 times then retire it.

Would you recommend it to others?:
If you can find it

Conclusion:
I'm old. I planned to wear this dress only on the weekend, but I find myself wearing it belted to work. Belting it makes it a bit high. But not belting it makes me look a bit pregnant. I wish I still had my Dr. Martens....

I have been making some other garments. If I blogged them before I don't see the reason to reblog it. Like I said earlier, 3 garments from 1 pattern is enough for me (unless it's a TNT basic). I'd planned to make 4 more black dresses for the summer. I probably won't. My eyes have turned toward the fall and when that happens I lose interest in summer clothes. That happens in the spring too. I'll be in mourning at least until Thanksgiving, probably until the end of the year. I bought some things from the thrift store. A few tops... a skirt. A bathing suit for parts. All Black. My boss asked me how long I was going to publicly mourn. I told him. He told me 2 things. (a) It was a nice and fitting tribute to my brother (He lost his sister recently) and (b) I'm really making it look good. I appreciate that....


Peace

Pre Fall Ideas..... (pic heavy)

Peace....

I'm not a designer. I'm good with that. I make clothes either from patterns or from something that I see. I give it up for creative people who create trends and lines and so forth. Because designers have it hard...

Collections used to be just Fall and Spring. Now you have Pre-fall and resort in addition to the fall and spring lines. That isht is cray cray. Is there no down time? Well if not, oh well... They are compensated well for their time....

It's July.... My thoughts start drifting FROM summer clothes (though it will be very warm here until October) TO the fall clothes. Here in GA I can wear my summer frocks longer than I could when I lived in NJ. But I don't really need snow clothes. I'm also a big girl and I need for folks to know and understand that big girls can be fly, fashionable and non-sloppy. I actually crack up when I'm around standard sized girls dressed busted. The look at me with shock and awe. And when they open their mouths to say something crude, I ask... “Have you EVER seen me busted?” So to be extra fine... I peruse the fashion runway shows to decide what I'm going to make. An aside: When other Earths try to qualify how I'm dressed by saying the only reason I look good is because I make my own clothes... I remind them that 14:14 says that they should be proficient in sewing just like I do.

Pre-fall is perfection for the weather we get here in GA. I suppose this post is more of a record keeper of what I plan to sew/buy for fall...

You're gonna have to click on the image to see it. I can't seem to get it small...

I like this look from DVF. DVF is one of my favorite designers because her stuff is timeless. This her standard wrap dress. I like the boots. I need new boots. I had to toss my black boots and I tossed the brown boots 2 years ago. I'm not going to feel guilty when I buy boots this year. I don't like the extra flourish at the wrist of the sleeve, though. If I was to buy this dress, I would remove the flourish


I love Donna Karan too. She makes age appropriate clothes for grown women. All the models are wearing Flatform shoes. I have a pair and kinda don't like them. I've been wearing them all summer and find them hard to walk in.

Gucci has some nice things too....

I already have a suede coat like this


This is cute. And should be easy to figure out. I'll be mourning until November so I have to decide what color to make this or make it in this color and and just wait to wear it.


This dress is pretty amazing...


This is old-school enough to find in a thrift store in the men's wear section. It would be cute with a cream corduroy skirt and some brown boots would it not?


This is from Halston. This is dressier than my life really demands but I think it would be nice to have on hand


I'm feeling the skirt... a lot


From Jason Wu... A black mock neck is on my list. I prefer at least short sleeves for fall. That belt is hot


Vuitton... I saw this look in the magazines. I don't wear pants but I can do this with a skirt. Imagine a dark wash denim with a gold topstitch...


WOW!!! I should be able to make this Versace with my remnants.... Teehee!


Ok... this is a good start of me dreaming about the fall.

Peace

V9021

Peace....

This is my 2nd mourning dress.

I really thought that this was a cute dress on the pattern envelope. Really I did. But.... the envelope is drawn and not an actual picture. I know pictures can be airbrushed and reconfigured but drawn???? No. I don't trust drawn pictures. Have you looked at all them vintage patterns with them chicks with them snatched waists? No normal woman has dimensions like that. If you can't find a model/hanger to make the pattern look good, then I don't want to waste my time and resources. But.... it's so cute!

I love this fabric. It's a heavy, almost denim cotton with 2 way stretch. It has a tribal look that I was planning to rock this summer. I really love tribal and FF has a great selection of fabrics with a tribal theme. I was planning to make a bunch of African outfits for the summer. I'm really into Ankara. But my plans have changed. I put the fabric that I had originally purchased for the summer in the cabinet. Is that how y'all get a stash? I definitely have one now. I love this fabric so much... that I inadvertently bought it twice! Last time I went to FF, they had this fabric wrapped up on clearance. I bought 1.5 yards then. LOL! Its heavy enough to use when the weather turns cold to make a top. I can wait.

I did make a bobo.... I cut it wrong. Instead of cutting it with east/west stretch, I cut it north/south. I think I'll be okay because I assume this fabric will give anyway. Grieving is distracting... My late father taught me to sew in the 1980's. His mother had been a seamstress and taught all her children. He didn't even know that my mother had bought me a sewing machine. Daddy came to visit in the middle of some drama I was having in my primitive sewing room/bedroom and helped me. We were both surprised for different reasons. My brother walked in in the middle of the crises and Daddy taught him to sew too. He made a killing sewing permanent creases in everybody's pants that summer. LOL! Yes we are/were old. But he told folks I did the alteration because he didn't want folks to know he was sewing. He didn't give me a cut though.... Wasn't unusual to find him at my machine when I'd come in form outside.





Pattern: V9021
Fitted dress has front and back extending into sleeves, low armholes, back zipper and hemline slit.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?
Yeah. The fabric looks damn similar to the long version on the envelope which is the version I made

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Look through them a bit

How long did it take from cut to finish?
3 hours

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
OK.... why did the skirt have so many darts? 4 in the front and back? Really? Why does a skirt need 8 darts? Good thing you can't see them....

And the sleeve, the way it's designed, gapes. Shows your bra if you lift your arm. I'm sure I can close that off, but it takes away the fullness of the wings.

The back bodice doesn't exactly match the front in length. It's off about an inch. I worked on it a bit and it is accurately off an inch.

This is MY issue but my boobs pulled the front bodice an inch. Maybe that's what that back inch was for?

Fabric used?
Cotton

Pattern alterations or design changes made?
I added 2 inches to the bodice and not 3. Since I only needed 2" on my last dress, I thought, WTH?

Would you sew it again?
I suppose. Just not immediately. I still feel some kind of way about all them darts!

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes with a bunch of modifications

Conclusion:
Not sure.... I'm not one to discard a garment, since I learned to sew because of alterations. I'm just not completely 100% satisfied with it. Maybe 76.2%. It looks nice on the hanger. In the future, I might separate the top from the bottom. If I did that, I'd have to add fabric to the bottom of the bodice. I'm a wear it a few times and see how I feel.


The God said the dress looked nice. Nice and not his usual I look comfortable. Reason enough to keep it


Peace

M5042

Peace....


This is the 1st of my mourning trousseau. When I saw this knit at FF I had to have it. I've been wanting something floral for a minute now.

M5042 is out of print I think. I bought it years ago when I started back sewing with patterns. So it's been sitting in my pattern stash... since I had a stash.




Pattern:
M5042, A sundress with princess seamed bodice and a flared skirt. I made version C: high necked with no belt. I have a belt should a want it belted. Why are princess seams called that? Anybody?

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?
Yes it did

Were the instructions easy to follow?:
I didn't use them

How long did it take from cut to finish?:
About 3 hours

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
I sewed it straight out of the bag

Fabric used?:
Cotton knit

Pattern alterations or design changes made?:
Because it's knit, I didn't add a zipper. I added 3" to the length of the bodice. I always add 3" to bodices because my breasts take up a lot of space. But... I only needed about 2". I like for the waist to sit at my waist. It's about an inch too long. I can always take it in if it bothers me too much. Won't kill me. I also added binding to the neck and arms to finish it off. The pattern didn't call for anything like that but it looked shabby without it.

Would you sew it again?
I was thinking about it. I have some polka dot fabric to make a sundress. It's a toss up if I use one of the other versions or another pattern all together. I like the fullness of the skirt

Would you recommend it to others?
Sure

Conclusion:
I like this dress. It's perfectly simple but dressy enough to wear to work or to some party. I can see myself wearing this deep into fall with a blazer or sweater and some tights. And the daisies are too damn cute.


Peace

R.I.P.

Peace....

This is my brother....


He died Tuesday May 12th. He was my hero.

Many of you with brothers may think that you have/had the best brother. You are wrong. Mine was the best.

This is a sewing blog and I'm not going to get into the whats and hows... But I miss him and plan to mourn him; publicly and privately.

Unfortunately... I have mourning experience. I lost my 1st husband in 2003. My mother, always aware of appearances, told me that I should mourn Michael in dress. I didn't quite know what that entailed. So I researched it. Mommie told me that it was a family tradition to mourn a spouse for 1.5 years. I asked her where she got that from. she said it was just what they did. Mommie is in her 70's. I've come to learn half answers is all I'm getting from her. But there are African traditions (many of which match a lot of family traditions) that say that one mourns a blood relative for 18 months. There is fanfare month 1 and month 18. But the best record of mourning etiquette comes from the Victorian era. That queen mourned her husband for more than 40 years. She must have loved him.... So I combined the family, African and Victorian traditions to make "Serenity Mourning Traditions."

Included in my external mourning is the way I dress. When Michael died in 2003, I wore black for 18 months. Solid black the first year and then a mix of black and other patterns/colors for the last 6 months. After 18 months I was disgusted with black and did everything to not wear it again. I even got rid of a lot of the clothes that reminded me of mourning. It was such a dark time in my life. When my Daddy died in 2008, I mourned for 1 year. 6 months of solid black and 6 months of broken black. I discarded the black after that too. Now.... I'm starting from scratch again. I plan to mourn Clarence, for at least 6 solid months. I will probably be the only one mourning him. Our family was small to start with my parents and just the 2 of us. My mother is cracking up, as you can imagine. Clarence was her favorite... her words, not mine. His wife is a "special" person. It's doubtful that she will mourn him at all. And what she does, my nephew follows suit... as he should. I would mourn him even if my SIL did, but I will make sure that he is remembered as an honored ancestor (as if he didn't have a wife).

So my sewing will take on a different hue... literally. I didn't have a lot of black or even broken black. I wore the dress that I made earlier in the year for mourning to the funeral. Who knew? I went to Fine Fabrics and bought some things.... I went to Charming Charlies and bought jewelry and accessories to match. I'm going to do this right and make this look good...

I actually have Michael's death to attribute to me getting back into sewing. I have been sewing since I was 13, but not everything I own. That's why my previous sewing machine lasted 30 years. I made a few things here and there, but mostly did alterations, costumes, quilts and home stuff. I could make garments.... I just didn't all that often. Michael died on Good Friday. Do you know how hard it is to find black for spring and summer??? Even the suit I wore to his services was hard to find. Nordstrom found one in a distant store, ordered it and altered it in 3 days. Go Nordstrom! But what was I to wear all the other days? I was wandering in a fabric store and they has bolts of black cotton on sale for $10/bolt. I bought 3 full bolts and proceeded to make my mourning trousseau. That's what got me into sewing all my clothes. The more successes I had the more confident I became. And here I am.

I am going to not discard my black clothes anymore. Apparently it doesn't keep folks from dying.


This is us as children...


Peace

Call Me Cassandra

Peace.

I have been super busy y'all. I managed to get all my Easter sewing completed. But dig this.... A so-called friend.... who up to this point has never really valued my ability to sew decided that I could make her a few outfits. 3 exactly. And these “outfits” are not dresses or something small like that. They are suits of clothes involving a jacket, top and pants. S1167. She fell in love with Mimi's website and thinks that this is easy for me to just whip up 9 garments on 2 weeks. Nevermind I have a non-sewing full time job!

She bought the pattern (at full price), the notions and some really cheap and flammable polyester and has given me 2 weeks to make 9 garments. I gave it back to her. There is no way that a person who is addicted to RTW going to be satisfied with what she gave me to work with. And I will be the blame for it. Not that nasty thick polyester that will cause her to sweat and smell like a fat girl in the already 80*+ weather we are having. And that that nasty fabric will coat my rotary cutter and gum up my machine... Since she couldn't return anything that she bought, she returned to my home with a different take on it.... and 4 pairs of pants she wants hemmed... By next week. I've done some work for her college aged daughter and I never charge her anything. I guess she is expecting the same treatment. B.U.T.... she has a job! This is why I won't sew for family or close friends, just strangers and of course Precise. But this chick is a dear friend so.... I just hope our friendship survives.

Another “friend” asked me to crochet her a sweater dress for a doll. Ok. I charged her $15 to make it and she had to supply they yarn which I gave back. Now was the doll for her child? No. it was for a doll that she was selling. She thought I charged her too much. She paid it but for her next job, she hired someone else. Guess what? They charged her twice as much as I did. She only told me because she was mad. I had nothing.

I have yet another person in my life who is getting prepared for her sister's wedding. Apparently, the attendants can wear whatever dress they want as long as it falls into a specific color scheme. She showed me a dress she was planning to order from China. I suggested that she needs to order it in as large as a size that it comes in, because special occasion dresses ALWAYS run super small. And that it's easy to take in but harder to let out especially when you don't have the fabric to let it out. she ordered it only 1 size bigger than she wears. Guess what? You already know. I don't have to tell you do I? Now she wants me to do something. What can I do at this point? And everything I suggest does not sit well with her.

As a seamstress, I find it annoying that people who don't sew think they are a better know than I am about sewing. My friend for example.... couldn't wait on a sale for the pattern that was to happen this week. She had to own it last week. She couldn't be bothered to go to the fabric store with me... you know the experienced person... but went with her BF. She didn't take my advice and purchase fabric based not on her rtw measurement, but on the finished garment measurement. She want pants and a jacket from the polyester but there isn't enough. And I'm not going to the store to buy it.

All that to say.... My clients are irritating me. And I'm really reconsidering whether I'm cut out to take on clients. But it is shark week so maybe I'm in the midst of a hormone imbalance...

Well....

Peace....


I've been to Fine Fabrics 3 times since I 1st said I was going.

I have an official stash.

That is all....

Peace

M6920 - My Easter Dress

Peace,

Well! I must have spoken this into existence.... I had last Thursday off. Some Jehovah's Witnesses were knocking very aggressively on my front door (I assume they were JD's they ran off before we could catch them) and knocked the glass loose from the door. No matter how we rigged the door, the glass would become dislodged with pressure. We cannot live in a house that opens like that. Our landlord said he could ONLY come on Thursday to fix it... so... BOOM! I got my Easter dress finished amid all the other stuff I had to do. On a side note... I beg to win the Mega Millions all the time, but me mentioning that I needed an extra day to get isht done causes my door to fall in. It just doesn't seem fair....

Behold.... M6920


Pattern: Misses'/Miss Petite/Women's/Women's Petite Dresses Version B

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?:Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?: Yes

How long did it take from start to finish?: about 3 hours

What did you like/dislike about the pattern? Cup sized options

Fabric used?: Floral rayon

Pattern alterations or design changes made?:
I lengthened it about 4 inches. I am concerned with how gaping the front is. But it is not quite obscene... unless you are seated and folks are looking down at you.

Would you sew it again?: Yes. Sleeveless in denim

Would you recommend it to others?:Do it

Conclusion: I like this dress. It's not my absolute favorite. But it does everything I asked it to do.


Here is the thing... I look old. And old in this dress. This dress looked old ladyish hanging from the door. It is the fabric I think. But I'm 44 not 24. I'm supposed to look 44 (maybe 34?... please!!!). And it it happening to everybody. Taraji P. Henson looks amazing but she also doesn't look young. Jada Pinkett-Smith is another beautiful woman. Woman, not a young lady. Halle Berry still has men falling at her feet... but she looks maybe not exactly her age, but you can tell she's older than Beyonce'. Even J.Lo with her amazing attributes is old. These women are all my contemporaries. There is nothing wrong with age... that is the standard answer.... but I do mourn the loss, albeit slow loss, but loss nonetheless, of my youth. I'm Just Saying....

Yet another reason I don't smile in pics.


Peace.

Lace Skirt and Self Hate

Peace....

Last year, I ordered the prettiest Kelly green lace form an online supplier. I've been scared to cut it. I even asked y'all for advice. For 1 year that lace has been sitting in my sewing room punking me and talking trash to my face. This weekend I got even.

Behold.... B5760! My TNT skirt pattern. (It's funny because Carolyn uses this pattern for the cardigan. I made a wadder when I tried it. Go figure. Different strokes)


This skirt brought up some stuff for me....I was telling a “friend” that I had made a kelly green lace skirt. (I cannot stop looking at because it is so pretty!!!!) She asked me if I lined it. Of course I lined it. I work in a dentist office and not a strip club. She asked what color the lining was. That's a weird question. I still don't understand her motivation for asking. But I said, “brown.” She asked, “Why did you choose brown?” I said, “Because I'm brown.” She then told me.... that I should have lined it in beige and that my skirt would look dirty. Woooooooow!!!!!!That's a level of self hate I'm not used to. But maybe I should be...

I don't wear white bras. At this junction, I don't even own white bras anymore. Ever since I started buying my own bras, I have made the conscious choice to purchase bras that couldn't be detected under my clothes. I'm dark skinned. So I own mostly black, but some navy, some emerald green, etc. but all dark. When I know that I'm purchasing bras and will have to try them on, I wear a white shirt just to make sure you can't see it. My mother and I were bra shopping and she wanted to buy bras for me. My boobs are not ordinary, so I have to shop at specialty stores. At this particular store on this particular day, they only had white bras in my size. I didn't want them. My mother says, “But they fit.” I said, “I don't wear white bras.” She said, “Everyone wears white bras.” I said, “I don't.” Even the dark skinned sales lady said that she preferred the darker colors. My mother refused to understand. But I refused to bras. And that reminded me of.....

When I got married, I had a bra made. (yes you can to that). I had a black bra made. When I brought it home, my mother bitched because I had it made in black and not white. I countered that you would be able to see a white bra though my dress. And she said not if I wore a slip. That interaction brought back to mind this one....

I used to usher. On the 1st Sunday all the ushers wore their “usher whites.” I always wore Black underthings so that you couldn't see them underneath my whites. The head usher took me aside and asked why I didn't wear white under my whites. I said because you'd see them. She said not if you wore a white slip. She then said my whites looked dingy. I asked what about these white tights. She told me there was nothing I could do about them. And she made us wear these thick assed tights too. Not plain white hose, but tights. She said it would look better. What she meant is the color of our legs wouldn't seep through.

What's with this self hate dark people???? I know in this culture white people are seen as the default, so I expect foolishness from them... but not from us. We are supposed to know that everything that's for them doesn't always apply to us. I don't wear “nude” pantyhose. They are too light. I wear coffee. I don't wear nude shoes, because on me, they are beige. I will wear bronze or copper shoes with everything, though. I don't wash my hair everyday. I know to try on makeup before I purchase it because it may just disappear into my skin. I should own stock in Palmers cocoa butter because I use it like that. I know that “ashy” is a real thing. And guess what... I... Don't... Look.... Dingy! When I wear dark foundation garments. I don't see white as the pinnacle of any damn thing.

But if you do.... stay the hell away from me. I'm having a good time. I own all of this.


Peace

Easter is Coming

Peace!

I don't Usually do this over here. This my my sewing blog. But there are some things about me that influence sewing for me. 3/4ths. I'm a 5%er. I freely and willingly adhere to the 14:14. It's all me and it's all good. So I'm a do something on this Blog that I normally save for my righteous blog. I'm going to Build....

When I was a child, my mother taught me that there was a time and a place for everything under the sun. She taught that there was such a thing as appropriateness And what separates the civilized from the savages is their actions. That just because you could do something, didn't mean you should. What she was striving to instill is what I call the “Appropriate Rituals.”

You just don't wear white, open toes, shorts, etc. before Easter and/or after Labor Day. You just DON'T!!!There is a trend happening where people want to do whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it. They do it with food. You can buy tomatoes year round. Those tomatoes are not tomatoes anymore. They are grafted or genetically modified. Weak boned and weak blooded. Not only is that dangerous, it's not natural. And when you fool with stuff that isn't natural you get sick. Where do you think auto immune diseases come from?

The circumference of the planet Earth is 24,896 miles; approximately 25,000 miles. My Cee on the word circumference is that it implies a limitation. Limits are not bad. Limits give guidance. And when did guidance become a bad thing. When we have limits to direct our behavior, it shifts us from savage, or jungle to civilized and righteous.

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught his people that they should bathe daily. Imagine having to be told that? But back in the day folks bathed on Saturday evenings (all in the same water) so they could be ready to meet the mystery god on Sunday morning. Folks also had those hard labor jobs of working outside all week. Imagine how funky they were on Thursdays? And yet and still they needed to be given the rule and regulation that they should bathe daily. Well damn!

When I was a child, we looked forward to Easter for all the perks that comes with. A new outfit and we can wear white all over. You could always wear a white shirt, but now you can add on the pants, purse and the shoes. I can wear sandals that show my toes. I can start the shift to enjoy summer! Easter comes at different times every year. If you do that year round then you can't really enjoy it, because you don't appreciate it. Without limits you have nothing to look forward to.

My spring prep look like this:
-I swap clothes in the trunk for the clothes in the closet
-I get a pedicure – I only get 2/year. One in the spring to open the toes and 1 in the fall to close up shop. I do my own toes the rest of the summer
-I use different nail polish colors in spring than I do in the fall
-I have different colors for my face
-I use different products in the spring/summer because my face has different needs
-And I change things in my house to reflect the change in seasons. Everything gets brighter. I Spring clean, change the door wreath, the comforters and the curtains.

Now living in Ga, we get warmer days sooner than I did when I lived in NJ. That doesn't mean a thing. A friend of mine was telling me she already wore her sandals. And I asked her why? Did she not have any other shoes? She said she wasn't as old timey as I am. OK. I'll take that action. But then I asked her if she wore boots in August. She looked at me like I was crazy. It's the same premise people. There is a time and place for everything.

And why specifically do folks want to were white year round? Winter white was created to fill that gap. No one wears velvet year round. Folks only wear that Christmas plaid around Christmas. Folks don't wear evening dresses to the office and when they go to the opera they don't wear jeans. Folks don't wear overalls to a job interview. Folks know that some shit is inappropriate. But they are lobbying to be free to wear white whenever?

Well, I'm not the fashion police. But you wear white before Easter... Know that I'm judging you. And also know that your grandmother is turning over in her grave.


Peace

Suede Jacket Repair

Peace Y'all,

I had sooooooo much to do this weekend and sewing was a HIGH priority. I got very little of it done... I know it be's like that sometimes, but this weekend was not the weekend for me to be lazy. I have so much sewing to do. And I have to work next Friday. I have a ton of for-other-people repairs, A top that I have to make for a friend, a baby quilt that really should have gone in the mail last month, and I haven't done any sewing for myself.... including an Easter dress for me!. But Serenity... you don't go to church. Why do you need a new Easter dress? Because I have had a new dress every Easter since 1971. that's why. I'm not dropping the ball on my watch. I just might have to take Thursday off to finish everything on time. Otherwise I will be sewing while sleepy and that never works out well for me. I tend to make poor... really poor... detrimental poor decisions when I'm sleepy. And that's why I don't usually sew after work.

There were a few things that I did get done this weekend. I went to Fine fabrics... Again (1st mistake). That place is effing AMAZEBALLS. Here is the thing.... There is an old building with a sign that is vacant. And near the road there is another sign that says the store is closed. These are big signs. Anyone would think the store was closed. But up the street the store re-emerges. I went with a friend (2nd mistake) I bought notions on this visit and just a smidge of fabric. I was having buyers remorse about not getting something that I wanted last week. And I found a 3 yard remnant (that's what FF called it) that will become that friend's top. I'm sold on FF. I'm not shopping anywhere else for fabric and notions. Hanging with a friend had me out all day. When I got home I was tired and took a nap (3rd mistake). Unfortunately, my naps are hours long. When I awoke, it was 9:30 pm. I just couldn't let the day go to hell like that. So.... I made some kitchen curtains that I have been meaning to make since last year. (The curtains that were hanging were my xmas curtains. That might not have been so bad if they weren't my xmas curtains form 2013). I don't love them. I made them sleepy. I have enough fabric to remake it. I probably could pick these out. Probably not.

The one thing I got to that I am happy that I got to was this suede coat repair. I bought this suede coat maybe a decade ago from Newport News... so you know it was cheap. The suede is so lite and fragile. It tore like it was made of paper towel. When I looked inside the hole it seemed that it was interfaced. I'm not familiar with suede garment construction but that seems cheap to me. I considered either machine or hand stitching the repair but if it tears so easily, putting in a line of stitches seems like making a perforation for more tearing. I didn't pay a lot for it, but I still want to keep it. Lite (aka cheap) suede is on trend this season, after all. So I used iron on patches to force the torn edges together. I covered the suede with a paper towel to protect it while ironing. It seems to have worked. But I haven't really worn the jacket. It's rainy here and I didn't Soctchguard the suede. The torn spots are now together. I have stichwitchery of it tears again.

This is where the tears wear


This is it all repaired. I couldn't get the top tear close as I wanted. And you can see the blue from the patch leaking out. But I don't think it's horrible. Especially considering that there isn't a gaping hole any more.

What do you think? Any advice?

What's on your sewing table for Easter?



Peace

Stashes

Peace.

I haven't posted in a while. Not because I haven't been sewing... I have... for other people but not so much for me. It's not that I don't have plans to sew for me, but the other people thing takes precedence. It seems like other people refuse to get a garment to you unless they need it the next day. But... I did want to ask y'all a question....

Stashes??? I don't really have one of fabric. I will purchase patterns... on sale... like crazy. But not fabric. How do you know how much fabric to buy if you aren't making something specific? I'm not saying I don't have fabric. I do. But it's only a drawer full. I have more fabric in the quilt pile which is my extra fabric after a project. My so-called stash is me changing my mind or not getting to something. I see y'all with shelves and shelves of fabric. Y'all are making me feel inadequate. I want to go into a fabric store and buy all fabric I like. But when I try that, I'm at a loss because I don't know how much to ask for. And then the notions? Should I buy some? Especially when I don't know what I'm making!

My process is as thus... (1) I get inspired. (2) I decide on a pattern (3) I buy the fabric and notions necessary for the garment. And (4) I make said garment. How do you get a stash from that???

Now if you don't mind, I'm a need for y'all to answer quickly. I'm going to the fabric store this weekend on a full paycheck. I don't know when that will happen again. And I'm a want to buy UP the store. So tell me the hows and why you have a stash because I WANT ONE TOO!!!! When you're buying random amounts of fabric just because you like it, how do you know how much to buy??? How do you know what the fabric wants to be?


Peace!

M6988

Peace.

Funny story..... my God is such a boy. Snips and snails and puppy dog tails... No female influence whatsoever. The only female in the house was mother and I swear she hid from all her men. We were in the store and I decided to buy some pantyhose. I don't wear pantyhose often. And I usually buy them in bulk at the Hanes outlet. One of their big bags will last a year or more. I don't wear pantyhose like that. Plus those hose last for multiple wearings and stands up to washing. I ran out a few months ago and have been meaning to take that long assed drive... But I don't want to.

Walgreens didn't have “coffee” which is my color. But they had other colors... one of which was “suntan.” My mother wears suntan. She's not suntan. But it looked darker in the package. Can someone tell me when pantyhose got so expensive??? I was standing there considering the colors for over 5 minutes. I guess that was his limit. He told me to get the suntan because it was a fine match (plus they were on sale) and we left. OK. When I pulled them out of the bag this morning, I giggled. They were too light, but they were all I had. It's gonna be 60* even with rain. I'm not wearing boots with this dress and it's too February for bare legs. So.... I have “old lady legs!”

Additionally funny is the 7 never saw a woman.... in his entire 46 years....put on control top pantyhose. I usually dress in my closet, but the closet chair is full of clothes that need folding so I had to sit on the bed. The look of confusion combined with curiosity was priceless. He was like, “Why are you jumping around like that?” "Are they the right size?" "They look like they hurt!" "Wow... Where did your hips go?" "Can you pee in those things?" This man needed sisters!

I made this dress over the King holiday in service to me. I needed a new all-weather mourning dress. My last one was neither all weather or long enough. Oooh! I sound old! Maybe I am. Folks don't plan for funerals. And when one comes up you have to scramble to be appropriate. You don't want to look too sexy because that's disrespectful; but you always want to look nice and stylish without looking old. Folks don't get it's possible to have all the options. This is the dress I will use for non-family funerals that don't occur during the summer. (I will wear better pantyhose) If a family member croaks in the summer I'm wearing this dress... Bare legged... With open toed shoes... I'm the Black sheep so they expect it. It's also good for events wear I have to wear a black dress. I just had a founder's day event with my sorority and no appropriate all Black dress to wear. This dress works for so many occasions.

I had a plethora of doubts about the length. I googled the hell out of this pattern and no one seemed to be concerned about the length. Only Erica B talked about length but she's tall! It looks short on the envelope. I prefer for a dress to be midi. I don't care for my knees plus I have clothing restrictions. I'm 5'3. That's neither tall or short. I didn't want to muslin up the entire dress because I'm starting to run out of muslin fabric. (I sound so lazy) I bought the muslin fabric 4 years ago. A local fabric store was going out of business and was selling entire bolts of fabric for $2.99, so I bought a ton. Now I'm down to less than ½ a roll. I tissue fit and estimated the length all seemed to be fine. The dress stopped above my knew but there is a peblum at the bottom (Is that what you call them at the bottom?) which would make it longer. I swear you can't judge a pattern until you make it. More praise for TNTs.

I. Love. This. Dress!!!!!!

It's skims but isn't tight. It's the perfect length to maintain 3/4th without looking out of place. The short sleeved version the sleeves aren't too short. The collar is neither too high or low. My favorite part is the dress came with cup options. So I didn't have to do a FBA. I cut the D and sewed it straight out of the package. I just love everything about this dress.

There was a snafu.... I didn't get enough fabric for the dress. In hindsight, I was looking at version A, but planning for sleeves. So I ran out. I had some other black knit remnants but they didn't match. The remnant are ribbed. I ended up going out to buy more fabric but I ended up at a different store. The original store is an hour away. I only go over there when I plan to buy in bulk when they are having a sale. I was fortunate to find fabric that matched the dress. And it was on sale too. So even though I made a boo boo it worked out.





Pattern:
M6988, there is no exact version that I did. A with short sleeves, D with a peblum. Take your pick

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?:
Yes!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?:
Absolutely

How long did it take from start to finish?:
I cut and sewed it in a sitting (except the sleeves). Came together really fast. I only watched 1 Blaxploitation movie

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
Cup size Options!

Fabric used?:
Black stretch knit

Pattern alterations or design changes made?:
Added short sleeves

Would you sew it again?:
Yes!!!!

Would you recommend it to others?:
No. I don't want folks looking like me

Conclusion:
TNT pattern. I'm going to make one in most colors.

M6886

Peace!

I'm reviewing M6886... but I don't need too. It's a crazy easy pattern!!! 3 effing pieces. This is not really sewing to me because this can be easily made with a needle and thread. I actually teach a class to young women and broke people (its the truth!) on how to mange a household. Sewing is a part of the class. But folks think you MUST have a machine to sew. I try to how them that they can still make clothes without a machine... it just takes longer. This pattern is perfect for that particular demonstration.

This silhouette is everywhere. When I see dresses that are ridiculously expensive with this silhouette, I get annoyed. But don't hate the hustler... hate the game. This fills in another gap in my transitional wardrobe.

The fabric is 100% polyester. That makes me break out, but..... the print I pretty and cost $1.99/yard. I only needed 2 yards to make the biggest size. On that note, the dress is kinda saggy. I'm not sure if that's because of the fabric or if I cut a size too big. I'll figure it out the next time I make it.

This is one of those patterns, in my opinion, that looks best in a printed fabric. The pure simplicity of the pattern will make a solid color look too plain. Not saying that is a bad thing, but its the difference from a work appropriate dress to something only worn on the weekend.

Look at this Valentino dress Taraji P. Henson (my girl!) is wearing.... This is the same silhouette. Just in an expensive fabric.

Just click the images to see what I'm talking about.

Here's mine....

Don't say ANYTHING about how big my boobs look. That's just what they do!!!! I wore it with a belt and a jacket. I think it looks better like that. I took them off for the pic.

Pattern: Misses' Dresses I made a longer version of A

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?:
It does doesn't it. I didn't realize that the fabric looks EXACTLY like the one on the envelope.

Were the instructions easy to follow?:
There were instructions????

How long did it take from start to finish?:
1 Hour

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
Simple to make. But the silhouette is very on trend and super useful. It can easily be shortened to a shirt. I did not like how the directions called for the neck to be finished. That was too chintzy. The V-neck version offered a band. I wish all the necks offered that. But it isn't hard to figure out how to band

Fabric used?:
A nasty smelly 100% polyester knit. I had to wear a shirt under, a long slip so that it wouldn't touch my body. Oh and lots of perfume. I was striving not too smell like a fat girl

Pattern alterations or design changes made?: None

Would you sew it again?: Already have plans

Would you recommend it to others?: Everyone should own it. It's that versitile

Conclusion: will be an all-purpose TNT for me


Peace

M6713

Peace!


Did y'all enjoy your long weekends??? Yesterday was supposed to be a Day of service.... Really? The only day commemorating the martyred birth of a Black man is a day where Blacks folks are supposed to work for free??? Do the Irish work for free on St. Patrick's Day? The Mexicans on Cinco de mayo? Do the Colombians have a day of service on Columbus Day? IJS..... My goal for the King weekend was to make 4 dresses for myself... And I did!!!!! shall we?

M6713 is a faux wrap dress. Wrap dresses are perennially in style and part of my transitional wardrobe. The sleeves are short which is indicative of warm weather but the color is darker which is indicative of cool weather. I can always wear it with a sweater and boots ans well as alone with sandals. I guess I've made the transition from sewing what I want when I want to actually thinking about what is most useful for me. I respect the maturity as well as mourn the impetuous spontaneity.

After making a muslin I new I needed to do a fba. I was hoping I wouldn't need one because it's a plus sized pattern. No such luck. So I opened up the front 3” and the back 2”. the fba was so successful I don't need a pin to keep the dress closed! I didn't open up the skirt at all. I assumed that the top would blouse some against the skirt and I would be okay with that. It kind of happened... Kind of didn't. I guess it wasn't a significant enough of a change to see. I'm still okay with it.

The thing I did wrong was to cut one of the top pieces incorrectly. And do you know.... I felt like I was making a mistake when I was cutting it but just couldn't put my finger on what I was doing wrong. The fabric is different... significantly different... on the back vs. the front. So I had to re-cut. I didn't quite have enough fabric to cover said mistake (I bought the fabric last year) so the flouncy detail of the skirt was supposed to be double- sided... is not. I don't think it's super noticeable.

Also the flouncey thing... just doesn't seem attached right to me. I attached it how the directions said to do. Is just seems weird to me. Otherwise... I'm very satisfied with this dress. I adore the color! It's not red. I've quit red. It's.... raspberry....


Pattern: Misses' /Women's Dresses Version C

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope?:
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?:
Yes. I did read the directions. The flip thing was confusing for me. And I don't really like how it attaches. It just seems super weird to me. If I make this dress again, I'm changing that

How long did it take from start to finish?:
About 4 hours

What did you like/dislike about the pattern?
I don't do shoulder pads.

Fabric used?:
ITY knit

Pattern alterations or design changes made?:
FBA of course, and lengthened it about 3” on the skirt and 1.5” on the top. 3/4th requires my dresses to go past my knees.

Would you sew it again?:
Maybe. A Solid maybe. I can see that this is a wardrobe builder.

Would you recommend it to others?:
Yes. Especially if you have normal sized breasts.

Conclusion:
A woman I don't know, who works in the hospital looked at me this morning and said I always look so nice. We are besties now. So I think this dress is a winner!!!!


Peace!!!!

No Sewing... Just thoughts

Peace.

I live in Georgia. I am originally from New Jersey (ie the Promised Land). In Georgia the cold/wintery season is short. Not non existent, but short. It does get cold here in spurts and occasionally snows, but it doesn't last. Folks here always have hope that the weather will “break.” Even though I've lived in GA, at this point half as long as I lived in Jersey, I still take on the NJ perspective. I'm not planning to move back to NJ unless I hit the lottery (and I so would... I don't like it here, but it's cheap and warm) so I need to fill the gaps. And as it stands.. The gaps are transitional clothing.

In NJ, it gets cold in October and doesn't let up until the beginning of June. It's how it is. And you just deal with it. I never needed true transitional wardrobe because you wear the winter clothes until May and pull the summer clothes out of the trunk if they made it in. With such a short summer, you can buy cheap crap and wear it to death until it got cold again. You put your money into warm clothes.

Here in “Hotlanta” the reverse is true. It's pleasant for 9 months and cold for 3. Those 3 cold months are punctuated with unseasonably warm days where my people will grill. Drive through the hood on a warm day in February and you will smell charcoal and meat! You may not see it but you will smell it. So it stands to reason that you would make your summer clothes the keepers and the winter clothes few and far between. I've noticed, over the years, I've stopped with true sweaters. I got rid of all my turtlenecks a few years ago because I didn't like how my boobs look in them and it's too warm to wear them under clothes. I'm hard on shoes, and sandals used to last me 2-3 seasons now last 1. But boots that used to be dogged out by June now can me 3 years. The boots I'm currently wearing are on their 3rd and final year.

I've said this before but it bares repeating... My goal with my personal sewing is to make my wardrobe more “seasonless” by creating garments that aren't specifically for summer. Now every summer I acquire a few white dresses. I have no idea why I love to wear white so much but I do. That's toatally summery. But other than that, the clothes I make need to be able to be worn with tights and boots as well as sandals.

I need dresses, skirts and tops. I believe... because I'm not sure... if I make these garments now they will be transitional enough to work through the summer when I'm working in an industrially cooled hospital. I just have to be mindful of the colors. Not too bright, not too dark.

I needed to get that out on paper.... so to speak.


Peace

My Only sewing resolution

Peace

Ever since making a scrub jacket for my last client, I have been getting inquiries on some other custom scrub garments. Unfortunately I can't make them more cheaply than they can be bought. The fabric alone is more expensive than store bought. So I suppose I'm not quitting my day job to become a scrub seamstress. Though some ushers have inquired about my services. Apparently usher whites, which used to be scrub dresses, are harder to find these days. One of my new Years resolutions is to make 8 scrubs/uniforms for myself.

I work in health care, but I am front office right now and don't have to wear scrubs. I don't even like wearing scrubs because they make me look sloppy. I'm short, have wide hips and huge breasts. For a top and bottom to fit me in those areas I will look a mess. I already know this because in previous jobs where I had to wear them, I looked a mess. I looked like I was playing dress up in my mothers clothes. Also, last time I wore scrubs, I gained 30lbs without realizing. Everything is so adjustable. And you go to work and come home and put on “in the house” clothes. You never notice. Regular non-scrub clothes keep you honest! Lastly, I don't wear pants. I know skirted scrubs are doable but hard to find. But there are 2 reasons that making 8 sets has made it to the resolution list....

(1)I am still studying to be a midwife. I want to have some laying around. I can't see how I'd get passed that. And (2) My evil coworker here at the front desk has been whispering to the boss... REPEATEDLY... to allow her to wear scrubs. She claims she doesn't have the clothes I do. But instead of plumping her wardrobe she would rather mine go stale and wear scrubs. For some reason she has his ear. The boss told her that SHE could wear whatever she wanted. And she said, “No, not if –my name-- isn't going to wear them.” At this point she is just being a bitch. He knows that I'm in school and has even asked me what I wear there. That is an odd question is it not? I told him since I'm an apprentice I just watch so I don't have to wear anything special.

I'm a seamstress!!!!! I will be making my own scrubs that fit my body and make me look amazing! Oh yeah.... there aren't really any patterns for what I am looking for. Everything is pretty unisexual. Unisexual isn't my thing. Unisexual is the 1st step to sloppy. I have NL6634 that covers a wrap dress, a top, a cap and some pants. The dress has a tie for the back..... e_e.... Have I told you how much I hate ties??? It screams “fat girl”. And that too screams sloppy. I have compiled a list of what characteristics scrubs should have...

These garments should be simple and sanitary
Loose fitting, composed of 1-2 pieces
Designed to prevent spread of infection
Protects employees from body fluids and/or chemicals
Covers up the lady parts and not be suggestive
Durable: stands up to frequent washing
Professional yet casual and comfortable
Should be highly breathable
Tops tend to be short sleeved unless it is a jacket
Scrub pattern needs to match environment that one works
Cotton poly blend
Lots of pockets

So as long as my garments have these characteristics, I should be okay. Here is the thing.... Scrubs, for the most part, are made of woven fabric and doesn't have zippers and the like on the tops. That's going to be hard for me and my breasts. I could make a tunic of sorts... but I personally think tunics look sloppy on me. I'm just going yo have to find a way to use some sort of fastener in my tops. Or possible use those knit t-shirts that give me uni-boob. I'm not really worried about the skirts. I can put zippers in those. BUT... I'm going to try to stay true to the genre and use elastic. As a midwife I'll be doing a lot of squirming. I don't want to possibly be uncomfortable.

If I have to wear them in the office, I will ONLY wear a doctor's coat over them for warmth. I'm a doctor even though I'm not practicing. And since I now embroider, I will put that on my coat too. That will super piss my evil coworkers off. That's an extra bit of icing.... I think I will embroider my righteous name on the scrubs as well. I'm not one of these people who think that folks must have name tags on at all times. Actually it's stupid. But my boss knows I have this alternative name and uses it sometimes.

So that is my sewing resolution. I kind of want to focus afterward on making transition clothes but I have all year for that.


Peace