Dear Clio,
We need to talk about our sewing hobby because, right now, you are thoroughly annoying me... us... our self. You know what I mean.
Now, I like our sewing hobby just fine. Sewing gives us a sense of accomplishment, challenges us and, well, we both think it's fun to wear the things we sew, although you get a bit too excited when we get compliments from strangers.
Do too! You get all giddy and proud of yourself.
Like that time last week on the train.
Fine. You get "appropriately pleased".
Anyway, as our better judgement, it bothers me that you never, ever sew popular patterns. You know, the kind of patterns that other people have tested out and worked all the kinks out of, that yield good results for just about everyone and inspire sew-alongs because they are well drafted basics that are easy to fit.
Instead, you seem drawn to patterns that have 3 or less reviews on PR. Not that there is anything wrong with that; not all patterns are for all people's style. It's just that all that fitting is rather maddening and takes a long time and, well, would it really kill you to sew a Renfrew or a Scout tee? Sown Brooklyn did that awesome Scout sew along, complete with pattern hacks.
Ok, fine. Yes, I realize that sewing basics is not the best use of our limited sewing time. How about a dress instead? I mean, I know we are never going to sew a Cambie or a Macaron; sweetheart necklines and gathered skirts are just not our style. But would it kill you to give Tiramisu a chance?!?!
Really, this is like that time in high school that Nana bought us that very nice and on-trend white sweater for Christmas and you returned it just because it had little skiers in turquoise snow suits on it.
It was a very nice sweater! And expensive!
Yes, it was! It was too!
So what if it wasn't "edgy"?!?!?
Ok, fine. Bad example. You're right; it didn't go with our Doc Martins.
I thought we'd made progress when you decided to sew a Bombshell Dress out of our wax cloth. Loads of people have sewn it and there is even a Craftsy class. But, no! You are totally ignoring the class and now you're talking about NOT using any of the pattern pieces for the actual Bombshell dress. I mean, I understand that you don't think that our boobs should have an equator, but McCalls 6325 really doesn't seem to be working for us in muslin. Can't you see how this is all a bit frustrating for me: this constant insistence on trying new things and going our own way?
Oh geez. This is the same fight we had over cake vs. frosting, isn't it? When I posted a sensible list of goals for the year and you freaked out and ran away with our mojo because it was "boooooring" and decided to put us on a Frosting Diet? Right. I'm really not going to win this fight, am I?
Fine. Be that way.
But if you insist on sewing a Bombshell dress that's going to be out of season 10 seconds after you finish hemming it, then we're doing it as a two piece dress and I'm drafting us a pencil skirt for the bottom half. We were planning on doing that this fall anyway. I'll even use Kenneth King's instructions since he has some fitting help for hourglass/pear shapes. Look, I'm already finished preliminary drafting.
Ok? Ok, I forgive you, too.
Love,
Clio's Better Judgement
PS - Do you think our Doc Martins are still somewhere in mom and dad's attic? They really were badass with our Catholic school uniform.
We need to talk about our sewing hobby because, right now, you are thoroughly annoying me... us... our self. You know what I mean.
Now, I like our sewing hobby just fine. Sewing gives us a sense of accomplishment, challenges us and, well, we both think it's fun to wear the things we sew, although you get a bit too excited when we get compliments from strangers.
Do too! You get all giddy and proud of yourself.
Like that time last week on the train.
Fine. You get "appropriately pleased".
Anyway, as our better judgement, it bothers me that you never, ever sew popular patterns. You know, the kind of patterns that other people have tested out and worked all the kinks out of, that yield good results for just about everyone and inspire sew-alongs because they are well drafted basics that are easy to fit.
Instead, you seem drawn to patterns that have 3 or less reviews on PR. Not that there is anything wrong with that; not all patterns are for all people's style. It's just that all that fitting is rather maddening and takes a long time and, well, would it really kill you to sew a Renfrew or a Scout tee? Sown Brooklyn did that awesome Scout sew along, complete with pattern hacks.
Ok, fine. Yes, I realize that sewing basics is not the best use of our limited sewing time. How about a dress instead? I mean, I know we are never going to sew a Cambie or a Macaron; sweetheart necklines and gathered skirts are just not our style. But would it kill you to give Tiramisu a chance?!?!
Really, this is like that time in high school that Nana bought us that very nice and on-trend white sweater for Christmas and you returned it just because it had little skiers in turquoise snow suits on it.
It was a very nice sweater! And expensive!
Yes, it was! It was too!
So what if it wasn't "edgy"?!?!?
Ok, fine. Bad example. You're right; it didn't go with our Doc Martins.
I thought we'd made progress when you decided to sew a Bombshell Dress out of our wax cloth. Loads of people have sewn it and there is even a Craftsy class. But, no! You are totally ignoring the class and now you're talking about NOT using any of the pattern pieces for the actual Bombshell dress. I mean, I understand that you don't think that our boobs should have an equator, but McCalls 6325 really doesn't seem to be working for us in muslin. Can't you see how this is all a bit frustrating for me: this constant insistence on trying new things and going our own way?
 |
| Muslin of M6325 |
Oh geez. This is the same fight we had over cake vs. frosting, isn't it? When I posted a sensible list of goals for the year and you freaked out and ran away with our mojo because it was "boooooring" and decided to put us on a Frosting Diet? Right. I'm really not going to win this fight, am I?
Fine. Be that way.
But if you insist on sewing a Bombshell dress that's going to be out of season 10 seconds after you finish hemming it, then we're doing it as a two piece dress and I'm drafting us a pencil skirt for the bottom half. We were planning on doing that this fall anyway. I'll even use Kenneth King's instructions since he has some fitting help for hourglass/pear shapes. Look, I'm already finished preliminary drafting.
 |
| Pencil skirt back |
Ok? Ok, I forgive you, too.
Love,
Clio's Better Judgement
PS - Do you think our Doc Martins are still somewhere in mom and dad's attic? They really were badass with our Catholic school uniform.
32 comments:
AHHHH I wanted a pair of Docs so bad but my momma never caved on that one. I love this conversation as I fight with my better judgment often.
This conversation with self was awesome... and yes, Doc Martins!
This made me want to start MY bombshell. I am, however, okay with boob-equators.
You see, you have respectful conversations with yourself - even as you are self-annoying. Very mature.
Actually, I read your blog because you seem to sew the patterns I like...those popular patterns you listed have never taken my fancy. And I was so pleased to see your review of Vogue 1342 because I have pattern and fabric ready to go.
Good luck with your bombshell...it will probably look badass with your docs too!
I hate bandwagon sewing. All hail to individuality even if it causes you pain. I'm with the suffer for your art school. PS why can't I comment on Disqus sites using my blogger address http://myfabrication.blogspot.com
Shhh. My better judgment doesn't know about my sewing and I'd rather keep it that way!
Sew what speaks to you. I agree with Katherine - your unusual and edgy style is great!
As I recall, I had to do a lot of chores in exchange for those Docs! Glad I'm not the only one who "talks" to myself!
Ha! Yeah, it's the kind of thing that doesn't bother me at all on others, but on me, it's a no. It took me a while to realize that was why I was dragging my feet on getting started.
LOL - Yeah, I hugged it out with myself in the end. I'm still trying to talk myself out of the bustier top... we'll see what I ultimately do.
Ha! Thanks. You know, I always like seeing how others sew up those popular patterns and part of me envies how much I could produce if those were the kinds of things I sewed. But I just can't seem to force myself. Oh well. Frosting for me!
Oooh, Vogue 1342 is a GREAT pattern, if a bit challenging to figure out. Good luck with it - the thing that helped me most was to pin and baste a few steps at a time so I could figure out how it was all supposed to fit together and if I was doing it right.
LOL - You are smarter than me!! But at least my better judgement knows when she is beaten!
Thanks! Honestly, I find it impossible to sew things that don't excite me or challenge me. The downside is of course, lower output. Oh well.
Thanks, Gail! Hmmm, I don't know. I know that Disqus has some issues with google chrome, and honestly, it's a very imperfect solution. My own personal settings are that I have to approve of comments that have an email embedded (like this one) because I was getting a lot of spam comments with websites at one point. Thank you for being persistent!!
It's funny how we make creative decisions and negotiate with ourselves, isn't it?
Do what inspires you. Better judgement is may well be "better" i.e. fit in with the masses, but it's probably also more likely to be boring. :)
Yep, that basically sums up my internal argument. Luckily for me, my better judgement generally knows when she is beat. And she is better at compromise than my creative self. ;-)
I think this is something all sewists question. Sewing with a current pattern that doesn't fit in with your style is useless. Buying (not necessarily sewing) with the trends has left me with many patterns I'll likely never make.
I bought that Bombshell class and the dress is totally not my style. Haven't watched it again, yet.
Exactly! It's hard to resist when everyone is churning out fun or beautiful things even when they are not your style, isn't it?
So true! I'm new to the online sewing community and everyone is making Hathorns while I turn out of date New Look top patterns into dresses...
But I've just kind of decided to make what I like from now on.
Good for you for realizing that early on. When I first started sewing it took a while for me to come to the same conclusion - I sew for fun so I should sew what I find fun!
I agree with just about everyone, and just about everyone feels the same way. Sew what feels good to you and what's right for you. I mean, you're the only sewing blogger I've seen sewing and rocking the tube top, and that's awesome! I actually used to wear tube tops a ton in past years, and you inspired me to think about adding them back into my wardrobe. Now that wouldn't have happened if you were sewing some other project just because it's the cool new pattern.
Your pencil skirt drafting is impressively professional! You definitely never choose the easy route--but the results you get are always worth it.
Thanks for saying that! It can be a little tough sticking to what I know I do well when it takes so long and others are churning out lots of fun and easy garments!
Ha! I will be responsible for a tube top mini-trend! LOL
your Better Judgement should get together with my Shaky Morals and party.
I always love your "unconventional" sewing! Love, love...like the leather jacket and the color blocked Burda dress and.... I'm the same way, never follow the path of least resistance ;-)
Lisette
Ha. Yeah, she should let her hair down.
Aww, thanks! Those are two of my all time favorites projects.
Oh, don't sew a pattern just because it's popular! It's boring to read the reviews after reviews for the same few patterns. Especially any that many sew without fitting tweaks or design variations - nothing to learn from. The resulting sight would be pretty boring too. Vive la différence!
But on the other hand, don't pick patterns that over-stretch your patience either. We want you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Because we enjoy them too!
I guess that is the tightrope walk - patterns that are challenging and interesting but that don't drive me bonkers.
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