Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Frosting Diet

I don't think my mojo problems were jet lag related, afterall.

I've been feeling angsty since posting my (yawn...) sewing goals last week. I've noticed that one of the big trends in the blogosphere for 2013 resewlutions is sewing more cake - practical garments and basics. I admire those who turn out beautifully fitted and sewn staple pieces that go with everything and take them effortlessly from season to season. I envy those who sew up lots of things quickly. Cake is great. But... you see...it's just that... well...

I love to sew Frosting!


Debbie Reynolds in Singin in the Rain

And I guess I was feeling like I ought to sew cake. So, I am scrapping my 2013 sewing plans and going on a Frosting Diet!

My rationale is that, since I am just not one of those amazing people who have the time, talent and skill to sew most or everything they wear, I want the things I sew to be the real show stoppers in my wardrobe.

For many, the drawback to frosting is that it doesn't get worn. But I wear my frosting so much that it didn't make sense for me to participate in the Frosting Fortnight. Case in point, last summer I wore my flowered pants so much that my sister had to threaten an intervention if I didn't wear something else. And I've been positively living in my leather jacket. It's the cake that remains unloved and unworn in the back of the closet (eg: knit tops). 

So, here are the basic tenets of my Frosting Diet:
  • I will not sew basics. 
  • I will neither make sewing decisions based on what I need, nor will I worry about coordinating with the rest of my wardrobe. My mojo will be my guide.
  • I will not worry about when or where a garment will be worn or if it fits my lifestyle.
  • I will sew the things that excite me and that I fantasize about wearing. 
  • I will work with leather, lace, silk, cashmere, sequins, metallics, animal prints, hardware or whatever fabrics or trims truly excite me, including the "too good" fabrics in my stash that I've been saving for an occasion.  
  • I will sew garments with interesting and unique details that will set them apart.
  • I will go the extra mile in terms of technique and finishes. 
  • I will be bold when it comes to style and pushing my fashion envelope. 
  • Luxury will replace practical. 
  • Color is "in". So is black. And white. And texture. 

Ok, I realize that this list of do's ands don'ts is rather broad. My overarching point is: why should I sew basic when I can sew fabulous?

This diet already fits with what I like to sew and wear. It just kicks it up a notch. So, this is more of a clarification in my thinking and motivation rather than a radical reassessment. I am going to trust that my creativity will take me to a happy place.

Importantly, the aim is not to sew impractical or spend the year stunt-dressing or radically altering my style. I plan on wearing my frosting as if it is completely normal, much as I do now. I still want an LBD for example - what could be more basic than that? But I'm getting a strong urge to incorporate leather into my LBD. Carolyn is probably to blame.

Also, I'm not saying that each and every project will be necessarily challenging. But each will be well thought out and that extra special non-basic something will be added. I think my kimono is a great example of this - the pattern was easy enough, but I think the combination of luxurious fabric and a decorative stitch elevated it from bath time to boudoir.

Anyway, I'm feeling so much happier about my sewing plans since this revelation - my mojo is running barefoot through the grass. Probably naked. LOL. Yes, that excited.

Here's to 2013! Bring on the buttercream!

26 comments:

Karin said...

This makes sense to me. Most of us cannot sew everything we need realistically, so you might as well skim the cream off for yourself to sew!

Ginger said...

How fun! Looking forward to seeing your fabulous garments this year (and feeling slightly sad that I never have anywhere to wear anything glamorous)!

T. Sedai said...

Excellent! It does seem like most of us are sewing cake items this year - I am glad you will keep things interesting with the frosting! I think I am going to stick with my cake plans for the year... So that way next year I can make frosting to go on top. I look forward to seeing what your mojo brings to life this year!

Kimbersew said...

Wooohoooo-hooo! I will forever and ever love those flowered pants, by the way. and I can't wait to see what your mojo decides to don first! Do it up!

Charlotte said...

Long live frosting! I understand why people make utilitarian cake pieces, but I feel like I've been hit with a tranquilizer dart every time I start sewing them. Yawn. I can't wait for your leather/cashmere/sequin explosion.

Faye Lewis said...

The absolute best post I've read all year. You really explained your sewing self well.

Clio said...

Someone has to balance out the force, right?

Devra Goldberg said...

LOVE these goals! i completely agree! i was nodding the entire time--yes, this is me! this is what i should do!

Clio said...

According to the experts, diets are more successful when you do them with a friend.... just sayin...

AllisonC said...

Great post! I haven't made a single sewing resolution this year because I know I will just make what I want, when I want. I can see it would be great to have co-ordinating capsules in my closet, but feeling forced to sew certain items just sucks all the mojo away for me. It might not all be frosting over here but it will certainly be random!

K-Line said...

This is totally my kind of sewing! You make some fantastic, eye-catching garments and it's infectious - or should I say confectious! I will certainly sew with this philosophy this year.

Claudine said...

LOL I was on the frosting diet for 2012. I have a tummyache now.

marcy harriell | oonaballoona said...

YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! HELLZ YEAH!!!!!!

Catherine Daze said...

Good for you! Can I join you?

mary pepin said...

Amen, Sistah!

Alyssa Opishinski said...

You have a great point. When we can buy cake items so readily, why not spend out time sewing fabulous, exciting pieces. For me in particular, I can't afford really luxurious designer clothing. But I can make it myself!

Maggie Smith said...

This is great! I am also on the cake train this year, but I will watch your frosting with envy. Who knows, I might need to binge at some point of the year ;)

Clio said...

You are one of my frosting inspirations! Everything you made last year was TDF!

Clio said...

Yay! More frosting sewists!

mimi jackson said...

How do you give a standing ovation in the comments section? I am not just sewing frosting, now... I AM frosting. That's it. Never questioned it, really.

Clio said...

LOL I'll let you know when I figure out how to take a bow. ;-)

Clio said...

Exactly!

Meg the Grand said...

OMG I love everything about this post. The idea of a frosting diet is perfect!! "Bring on the Buttercream" might be the best motto ever, just fyi

Debi_myhappysewingplace said...

here! here! I loved your comment on my last post SO MUCH, I had to highlight it in my recent post (hope you don't mind) but I am SO ON BOARD with this philiosophy. Nothin' wrong with sewing cake but I'm a frosting gal all the way....and like you, I wear my frosting all the time!

House of Pinheiro said...

Good for you, make amazing frostings for us to die of envy. Yumm love frosting

Tia Dia said...

Amen. Sewing frosting is where I get most of my satisfaction. I need to just make more of it!