Burda Style For people who sew

I need some advice guys, I have until now managed great,, but for some reason the past few month I have just been so lost.

My shape has changed and I can’t work out what now fits me or looks even good on me, deciding on what style of top to wear is killing me,,

I walk through all the department stores, and believe me we have many in Cardiff,,, and I just can’t find any style I like, either to tight on the arm, or to deep in the bust,,,,,,,,,,,,, i am not small,, and it seems i have added on a few pounds, but I know there is still a style guru out there who must know, what to do,, I just want to feel comfy and happy.

HELP

Jun 3, 2010, 09.19 AM by flowergirl22

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  Jun 4, 2010, 11.53 PMby purplefan

  Give yourself permission to alter an existing garment and experiment changing the sleeve style or go to your fabric stash and take out a pattern and make it up. Will you be willing to take a couple of clothing items in your wardrobe (items that have not been worn in months but suit the season) and see how you can change the buttons, make something look like an Empire bodice or alter the neckline? You need to “play” with fabric that you can afford to mess up on until you determine what you like or not. Maybe shortening sleeves, replacing sleeves with new fabric (from your stash) or changing buttons will do the short-term trick to get you feeling like taking on the sewing again. If your sewing machine has not had a good oiling, get that done, let the machine sit and go play with the fabric and patterns. I did use a sash that did come with a blouse to cut up and make a new replacement collar—the old collar looked worn out. Not the best stitching in the world was done either, but I have a top with “new” collar for everyday and gave the garment another few months’ use. Another idea to explore and get you going again. BTW, I have an old machine and have to keep in mind which fabrics will sew with some success and which ones have a better chance caught in the feeddogs than get stitched by the machine. Making do with what I have..:)

  I’m actually pulling out two old patterns, one of them Burda, to use up fabric saved from a store-bought skirt (shiny satin print, ok fabric got snagged but colour print was too good to let go so I took apart seams over 2 years ago. Time to get the print out into the world…) and some crinkly shiny polyester (part from dress bought in 1990 and part a length of same fabric picked up in a fabric store) because they have sat around too long and I need something new next week. Nature has given me some more abdominal girth (thanks, midlife) so I have to check my measurements to the pattern pieces and “love the way I am.”

  For the past two years, I have loathed the 50’s half or three-quarter sleeve jackets seen in stores and the continuing absence of proper short sleeves on most tops in ready-made clothing. Cap sleeves or baby t-shirts do not work for me.

  If you have any dressy pants which have hems in need of repair (i.e. cut off the ripped part and take up a new hem), do discover the cross-stitch and hand sew them. Yes, it takes time but once I got the hang of it, I do that for my purchased pants. The hems look much better hand-stitched than using the machine stitch.

  Or you might be needing a small project done-apron, shoe bag, little curtains for a window, pillowcase—Start cutting that pattern or finding the fabric (some cotton tea towelling is absolutely grand for hats or bags) for it. Perhaps you want to make a child’s outfit (it uses up the little pieces of fabric) for a little one in your neighbourhood. That might give you some creative urges for your own top or outfit.

  Turquoise is in this spring/summer, so think Mediterranean hues and prints for inspiration. You might have something that goes with turquoise. Happy discovering!!