Last month I participated (kinda) in Me-Made-May, an online challenge created by Zoe of SoZo blog. Here's a bit from Zoe's blog about the ins and outs:
Me-Made-May is a challenge designed to encourage people who make their own clothes to develop a better relationship with their handmade wardrobe. You set the specifics of your own challenge to make it suitable and useful for YOU. However, one very common pledge is for a participant to aim to wear one self-stitched or refashioned garment each day for the duration of May.
This challenge is crazy popular in the sewing community on Instagram - the hashtag #memademay has over 166,000 posts from makers all over the world.
I really wanted to take part in this community that's inspired me so much with my own sewing journey. Plus, it couldn't have come at a better time. I think forcing myself to participate - which for me meant addressing my sizing issues and taking photos of myself - was a productive distraction to have in the middle of the pandemic. It made me feel part of a community that is kind and encouraging. And it made me more compassionate towards myself.
Participating in this challenge gave me a huge boost of focused sewing energy. It forced me to look at my body from a different perspective. I've learned so much about how to read patterns - with indifference to numbers and shapes!
I mentioned above that I kinda participated... I think I made it through a full week of documenting my small stack of handmade garments. :) but hey - a week is all it took to get me on a roll!
Now on to the slideshow:
This is a modified Wiksten Top- I added a little "v" to the neck line. The fabric is cotton double gauze from Topstitch ATL.
This is my wearable muslin of the Coram Top. I used bias binding for the neckline and sleeves from The Small Circle. The fabric is a combination of scrap fabrics from Odette Stripe and overprints.
The Donovan skirt. Can't wait to make more of these. I used the same linen we stock in our base cloths but in navy. The bottom hem is decked out in The Small Circle bias binding, because I just can't resist! :)
This is the Esme Tunic from Lotta Jansdotter's Everyday Style. I figured out a full bust adjustment on this one and it fits perfectly. The fabric is a remnant of Pine in Indigo on Bisque Linen. And wouldn't you know - The Small Circle bias binding is hiding on the seams.
The Lark Tee modified to a gathered dress. Fabric is organic cotton jersey from Organic Cotton Plus.
The Wiksten Shift Dress. Fabric is Heuchera Leaves on Sage Linen. This dress gets better everytime I wear it.
A little side step to make something fun for my baby nephew, Amos. This little jumpsuit pattern is from Tiny Design Co, super easy and fun to sew.
And last but not least, a Willow Tank and Ponoma Shorts!
Fabric for the shorts is Essex Linen from Topstitch ATL. I used Daisy Pinstripe printed in Mallow on our Light Weight base cloth for the tank. It's quite structured, but I like this in a cropped tank. FYI - if you're using our hemp/organic base cloths for garment sewing, they have very little drape!
Thanks for following along with my sewing journey! I'm continuing to work towards a handmade wardrobe and I plan on keeping you posted on what I'm making here. Till soon!
Sara
Mary Harris on Jun 29, 2020
Live all of these, both patterns and fabrics. Wonderful!
Nancy on Jun 26, 2020
Love, love, love your makes. You’re inspiring me!
Linda C Greiss on Jun 26, 2020
Sara, How wonderful are all your handmade clothes! I love them all! I just pull on some shorts & a t-shirt. You look so great & are so brave to post photos of yourself. It is so fun to see you! It is a great way to stay in touch. Take care. Be safe & well!