Sewing for Myself…Finally

It’s been ages since I’ve done any real sewing for myself.  Garment sewing that is, because I have sewn myself some bags. I used to sew a lot in high school, things like wool plaid pants, baby cord mini skirts, summery batik dresses, just a variety of clothing in fun fabrics.  Then I broke my sewing machine moving to college and didn’t sew for several years.

Although I’ve been sewing a lot over the last several years, I haven’t been doing much sewing for myself recently because having two babies within a few years has wreaked havoc on my once tiny body.  I gained 60 pounds with my first one, then lost almost all of it, then gained 38 pounds with my second one…

On top of that, my body shape has really changed:  my ribs are wider, my upper bust is wider, I swear my shoulders are broader (I have NO idea how that happened), my hips are wider, cough my waist is bigger…

I’ve been giving it time, waiting (ahem, hoping) for my body to stabilize.  I’m going to assume I’m where I’m going to be for awhile (considering I haven’t lost a pound in a year), so there’s no more procrastinating.  I must get sewing for myself, and I’m soooo excited!

In preparation for this, I’ve decided to purge my wardrobe, just get rid of those items that are clearly just taking up space.  This is sooo hard!  While doing this, I happened to stumble upon Wardrobe Architect 2015 on Coletterie.  What better timing than now!  And we all know it helps to have something keep us on track (for instance, February is for cleaning out your closet.  Perfect timing!).  Being creative and full of ideas can be my biggest obstacle.

Now I know I’m going to have to tailor this challenge to my own needs, because I can’t actually follow anything.  I need to have the space to go rogue and come back when I’m ready, and I think I can do this and still meet the core goals of this challenge. It seems pretty flexible anyway.

On top of that, I have stacks upon stacks of vintage patterns I would love to use.  It only makes sense to join A Stitching Odyssey’s 2015 Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge!  “I pledge to sew myself 5 garments using 5 of my vintage patterns.”  Now I have two things keeping me on track!  I like challenges.  Keeps me honest 😉

And do I have to mention that Selfish Sewing Week is coming up!  My husband overheard me mentioning this, and his response was, “Isn’t that every week?”.  Really, husband?

Anyway, anyone out there joining these?  Any other challenges out there to keep me busy?  Do I really need anymore?  Now to pick which patterns…