That was until I came across the Vali Dress by Pattern Fantastique. It.blew.my.socks.off. Described as a “glam 70’s smock dress” it was everything I’d been looking for in a pattern. It has huge sleeves, a glamorous silhouette, an interesting neckline and most importantly it posed a challenge. Just the thing to reignite my sewjo.
I think it’s safe to say for most of us we all have a sewing project or two that becomes an aspiration or a goal. For some that might be the perfect pair of jeans, a beautifully tailored jacket, but for me it was the Gibson Girl Blouse by Folkwear Patterns with the lace inserts and pin tucks.
I am dressed obsessed. I know people say that, but I actually have over 200 dresses and 90% are hand made by me. So when I say dress obsessed I really am dictionary-definition obsessed. In saying that, there’s always been one dress I’ve wanted to make and have just always put off. It’s what I would deem as an “everything but the kitchen sink” dress.
What I have found in my sewing journey is that much of the joy for me comes from mastering new techniques and “levelling up”. Sewing is self-care for me for many reasons. Of these, perhaps the most significant is the very act of learning to sew. Learning necessarily requires us to stretch, to grow within ourselves and reach for something new and different.
Lockdown ignited my curiosity into the wild world of vintage sewing, specifically the gems of the early-to-mid 70s. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time lusting over vintage Gunne Sax, and stumbled across the magnificent relic that is Style 3712.
Trin has so many beautiful fabrics on her site it was hard to pick a favourite, but I couldn’t go past the glorious hand woven ikats. They immediately conjured up images of floating around on a warm summer’s day, large fruity drink in hand, maybe a yacht? Maybe just a picnic blanket (budget constraints…) Either way, the way our summers deserve to be after the year we’ve all had.
As we reach the end of 2020, I find myself reflecting on what effect the pandemic has had on creativity. I assume that you, reading this blog, are a creative person, or if you don’t consider yourself creative, you at least have a high appreciation for creativity.
