Don’t Be Afraid, Be Yourself!

The next pattern to jump out of my cabinet was this reissue pattern of a 1960’s jumper. I thought it was cute, but I also liked how on the pattern front it showed how this pattern could be made into something more formal by using different fabric. I did not know who I would be making this for, so I started texting. Kira (my niece) said she would take it if no one else wanted it. I appreciate that Kira is willing to model anything for me, that’s my girl, but it’s my hope that the clothing I make gets worn and not just once for a photo shoot. The perfect outfit for Kira would have to present itself.

Mia text me and said she really, really wanted it. So Mia won out.

I sent Mia pictures of fabric choices, and she chose this plaid flannel. The patterns doesn’t recommend flannel for this jumper, but we weren’t concerned, and went for it anyway! Yes, I know that recommended fabrics are best, but sometimes you’ve got to take a chance and do something different.

With only two main pattern pieces I was sewing it before I knew it. This picture is the first stitching that I did on it. I was stay stitching the neckline.

Stay stitching seems like an unnecessary step, but it helps to keep the fabric steady when you’ll be adding other pieced to it, like the neck facings.

Here are the neck facings, complete with interfacing.

Putting in the zipper.

Trying really hard to make sure the plaid lined up!

Off to Georgia the jumper went.

While making this pattern I was thinking; in the not so distant past women sewed because making clothing was more cost efficient. Now, with fast fashion, and things made so cheaply, it isn’t cost effective to sew it yourself. Because of this, sewing is becoming a dying art.

And let me tell you, I absolutely hate that! Let me just do this real quick….

The life skills that people possessed in the past are in real danger of not being passed down to future generations. This is so incredibly sad. When these skills are lost, it’s like we’ve lost a part of who we were! Don’t let these skills die! Ask someone in your life how to do some skill that’s in danger. Look to the internet if there is no one you can ask. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

*Getting off of my soap box now, back to the sew!

I would say that everyone I sew for is excited to get something made for them. Being able to pick out your fabric, buttons, zippers, and have it be everything that you like is amazing. AND you know it will fit you because it’s made specifically for you. (Reason enough to learn to sew.)

Don’t worry about being in with the latest trends, fashion is circular. What do I mean by this? I mean that what was in fashion before will circle around and be in fashion again. So why chase the latest trends? Wear what you like, even if it’s a jumper that was in style in the 1960’s.

Mia never follows fashion trends, but chooses instead to wear what makes her happy!

Here she is, happy in her new 1960’s style jumper!

She and her friend Gabi ran around to find buildings that best accessorized the jumper.

Playing it casual, “I always walk down stairs like this”. HA!

Can we take a second to admire her earrings. They were made by her cousin, Daphne. She makes beautiful jewelry, such a talent!

Cute for work, and cozy because it’s flannel.

A classic look by a classic brick building!

What a great friend that Mia has made! It’s nice to meet someone who is willing to run around a college campus with you to match your outfit to a building. Mia never would have met Gabi if she wasn’t willing to take a chance and move.

Don’t be afraid to make a change!

Don’t be afraid to make a new friend!

Don’t be afraid to take a chance with your style. Wear what makes you happy!

Don’t be afraid to learn something new. It’s never too late! If you’ve “always wanted to learn how to” *insert thing here*, then start today! Watch some videos instead of being on social media, you can find time!

Don’t be afraid to ask others to show you how to do something, and save a tradition that is meaningful to you.

Don’t be afraid to start a blog that features your weird sewing adventures…oh wait, that’s old advice for me! HA!

Don’t be afraid.

As for me, onto the next!