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!