Another UFO Finished: TSW Ann's Cardigan

I'm not exactly sure how long I've had this one cut out; probably shortly after the first one I made last year. This version has a few variations from the pattern due to the nature of the fabric--a lacy mystery knit in white, green, lavender and navy that I acquired from Walmart some years ago.

I didn't have very much of it and the pattern is pretty busy, so the first thing I did was to eliminate the waist seam by overlapping the upper torso pieces and lower torso pieces at the seamline. Voila, that eliminated some matching. There is no shaping in the waist seam, so doing this didn't affect the fit of the garment at all.

Next, I realized I didn't have much in the way of fabric for the band, so I narrowed it and cut it lengthwise, and instead of folding at center back, I added a seam. And as a result of narrowing the band, I added 1" of  "fit insurance" in the side seams. If you take away from one place, you need to add it somewhere else, right?

I lucked out and found some matching T's at Kohl's this week so I'm good to go.

I already have the next project cut and ready to be sewn-the Vogue 8795 jacket by Marcy Tilton.

I'm using a sweater knit from Gorgeous Fabrics (yes! there's a glint of metallic),

and one of the separating zippers I bought recently at Santa Fe Fabrics.

*****

I've been playing with the blog's layout again. I think I like this one better than the last, although I have lost the "reply" feature on the comments. Stay tuned for more changes as I tweak. Hopefully Google will leave Blogger alone, because I don't want to migrate the blog and its contents. As to Reader, I am annoyed with Google but I guess I'll figure something out. Stupid Google--so much for "not being evil."

ASG Sale Patterns

I got patterns, too. My tastes are very similar to whoever assembled this stash. Again, I could have gone crazy with pattern buying but controlled myself. I'm actually trying to cull some of my collection! My purchases were limited to just a few that really "called out" to me.

This Marcy Tilton is one of the first Vogue issued. As I recall, the guide sheets had several techniques for fabric manipulation.

This copyright 1995 Vogue was a new one to me. I'd never wear the whole ensemble together, but the individual pieces are appealing. I was drawn to the culottes (!), thinking they were a skirt. I'd make them from a drapier fabric, though. They reminded me of an Issey Miyake skirt that I'd love to make if I could ever find the pattern for a decent price. In the meantime, these Montana culottes will work.

This one is copyright 1987, but I've been noticing similar pieces in RTW lately. Yes, the 80's are back but hopefully in a good way. Can anyone tell me about Carol Horn? Her name is vaguely familiar but other than that, nothing. I feel like she's a name I should know.

This one is copyright 1995. Anne Klein is a classic design house, and this group of blouses is no exception. I especially like the ones in the two smaller photos on either side. Very wearable.

All of the above cost $2 each, and there were many others at that price. There were also many for $1 each. I think all of them were unused. 

Now indulge me, because I'm going to take a moment to vent. My complaint is not about the sale but about behavior. This sale was a fundraiser for the ASG and all the items, 2 rooms worth, were contributed by an estate. It was organized by the officers and members, all of whom are volunteers.

And yet certain member(s) felt it was necessary to comment about how the sale was conducted, believing that the items should have been photographed and posted on the chapter website. Yes, really.  In addition, there was a complaint that items should have been priced even lower, like at giveaway prices. I was appalled! 

I've been an officer and know how much time and effort it takes to organize an event like this. Also, the point of a fundraiser is to raise money for chapter activities. Finally, there is a responsibility to the donor. 

Of course, the comments came from those who seldom volunteer but are always eager to critique those who do. Get.Over.Yourself. 

There, I've said it. And lest anyone think I'm being unfair, this is something I've already said in person in the past and I'd do it again. 

Puerto Rico Wardrobe, Butterick 5211 and 5225 (Part 7)

I decided to go ahead and make this dress in spite of receiving a warning about it. The chemise style appealed to me as something comfortable for vacation wear. I chose the embroidered fuschia linen-look I recently bought at Hancock's:

However, I tweaked the pattern as a result, and I think the changes improved it a lot. In addition to my usual habit of cutting the neck and shoulders size 10 and the rest size 14, I did the following: added a FBA, decreased the width of the neckline opening, eliminated the center back seam and neck opening, and pegged the lower edge.  A lot of changes to a simple dress, but needed since I'm not built like a coat hanger (yay!).

And I eliminated the inseam pockets. In a chemise dress? Really? IMO, nothing but a source of distortion waiting to happen.

I also added a facing and lining combination to protect the back side of the embroidery from snags. I also think a lining generally improves the way a garment hangs and wears. In addition to the neckline, the lining is attached at the sleeve edges but the rest hangs free. The lining is plain rayon challis, which is also in the picture above.

Overall, I'm pleased although I think labeling the dress with a "1 Hour" label was totally misleading. Granted, the label refers only to sewing time, but it leads inexperienced sewists astray as they equate "fast" with "easy." The pattern instructions leave out several steps that would result in a better finished garment, such as staystitching the neckline, underlining the neck facing, and reinforcing the curved underarm seams that have to be severely clipped to lay flat. The pattern also referenced markings that didn't exist.  I've got years and years of sewing experience under my belt, so I wasn't phased by these omissions. I really have no problem calling this a "Fast and Easy" or "Fashion Express" pattern, but dumbing down instructions to make them fit an artificially short sewing time ends up frustrating and discouraging inexperienced sewers who may not realize that extra steps are needed to obtain the best results.

No pictures yet, because I still need to complete the final step of topstitching the neck and sleeve edges. I'm going to see if I can locate some rayon thread that'll match the decorative embroidery on the fabric. It'll look better as a finish than plain sewing thread.

Meanwhile, I started cutting out the next project for the Puerto Rico Wardrobe, the Butterick 5225 dress. This one is another Fashion Express pattern with a "2 Hour" estimate. I dunno, it looks very simple, but I already know to take the guidesheet with a generous grain of salt!

I'm using this rayon print:

Many Thanks...

Thank you for all the kind words about my wedding sewing project and more importantly, your well-wishes for our married life together. It means a lot to me to receive such lovely comments of support!

It's a learning process for both of us. I've been to the rodeo before but it was a long time ago when I was married the first time. And this was DH's first time to the altar. We look forward to growing together as a couple.

Those Dreaded Resolutions

Every year I struggle with New Year's resolutions. On the one hand, it's probably a good thing to state your intentions for the year ahead. On the other hand, another set of obligations to live up to.

So here goes with some general intentions for 2010, ones that are important to me and seem reasonable:

• Limit personal internet at work. I think this one needs no explanation, right?

• More sewing.

• Attend more ASG activities. My attendance in 2009 was abysmal. I want to attend most of the monthly general membership meetings and most of the Material Girls meetings.

• Health maintenance. Ideally, I have about 10 pounds that I'd like to lose. So I want to eat in a more healthy manner in 2010 and make more effort to exercise.

• Explore new career opportunities. Maybe it's the Seven Year Itch, or maybe my current field has changed in a way I don't like so much. But it doesn't hurt to take a look and see what else is out there.
  

Generally, 2010 will be the year of treating myself better. I didn't do that in 2009, and I've been worn out for most of the year. Therefore, more "me"--self care, making myself happy, etc.

Skeleton Crew, Rebellion, and Wardrobe Planning

So much for bankers' hours...new rules. If the Federal holiday falls on a Saturday, we don't close the previous day as we used to. Fortunately, we still get time off, just not for the holiday. As a result, I'm cleaning my office because my customers are businesses and have closed for a long weekend. It's probably busy at the branches though. There are 4 of us here this morning, and there will be 3 in the afternoon. Normally, we have 7-8 in the department itself, plus the other groups that we share our floor with.

I'm being a little rebellious today, wearing my latest Plaza Pants with a Cynthia Steffe twinset and Carlos Santana mules. Sounds pretty conservative but I'm breaking the "no bare legs" rule. Yes, we are a panty hose wearing company. Usually I'm ok with with wearing them because I'm pale, but sometimes you just need to break out a little.

I'll be on my own for the weekend. DF is on his way to New Jersey on Saturday morning for a family funeral and won't be back until Tuesday. So I'm planning to work on my black and cream TSW outfits for the ASG Conference.

I'm also hedging a little in case my reach again exceeds my grasp, and I don't accomplish as much sewing as I'd like. So I'm thinking of items already in my closet that will give that Sewing Workshop look without necessarily being an entire ensemble. I think sometimes people get overwhelmed with this line because they feel they must dress head to toe like the pattern envelope. It can become costumey. Not that these patterns are costumes--but sometimes, hmmm, they can be a little over the top, particularly if it's a departure from the wearer's usual look. Hard to say what I mean by this without sounding like I'm giving offense to the wearer or Linda Lee. That's not my intention at all, I hope you understand. Personally I see the pieces as separates instead of ensembles, which means that these items can mix in with RTW and other sewn garments without a problem. Sometimes it's the better approach.

I Suppose I'm the Devil Now...

You see, I'm a banker. And we're somehow responsible for all the ills of the world. Credit cards going up? Yup, my fault. Foreclosure? OK, that would be me. Rates (too high or too low)? Uh huh, my bad. Trips? Yeah, whatever.

Well, I'm done with all that.

I just got insulted by someone on a sewing chat site. When I called her out on it, she said she meant the Fat Cats, not the people at the teller line or managing the branch. Well dear, your idea of a Fat Cat and someone else's may not be the same. I'm not a teller nor do I manage a branch (both jobs are in my personal category of you couldn't pay me enough...). However, I do hold a managerial position. I dunno, maybe that would make some of you consider me a Fat Cat. If so, you may leave my blog forever and delete my name from your feeds.

The same person also told me that many more people agreed with her, and that she knew what she was talking about because her Senator (whoever that is!) and the Wall Street Journal* tell her so. Well, I guess that makes it ok, right?

I'm so sick of the mob mentality that seems to be prevalent today. Too many people think they should sound like a pundit at all times for any reason. I tell you, I'm sick to death of ideology and blather. Shut up and stop pissing and moaning. Please, I beg you. I'm tired of hearing a bunch of chatter that solves nothing. We're all good at complaining, but no one seems compelled to actually do anything to fix it.

I believe there's plenty of blame to go around. It may make you feel better to demonize an industry--take your pick!! If banking doesn't suit you, then try real estate, automotive, or even food processing! Or pick something else--that favorite whipping boy, the government. Or Octomom. Blame all you want, but it doesn't actually solve anything, does it?

But remember, as the old comic strip Pogo used to say "we have met the enemy, and he is us." It was true then, and it's true now.

*Please note, I have no personal beef with the Wall Street Journal. I read it every day. But it's not the fount of all financial knowledge. You still need to interpret what you read there.

Musings on Stash

It's time for me to chime in on this topic. Since Marji posted her thoughts, several of us sewing bloggers have joined the discussion. Since I have a load of "stuff", I just couldn't let this one go by.

I'm in the process of getting a bit more organized with my fabric collection. Not necessarily because I want to, but because I have to. DF is in the process of moving in, and he's getting the guest bedroom for his dressing room and Man Cave. That means I need to give up the auxiliary storage space (aka the guest room closet, bureau and under the bed). It all has to fit in my sewing room now, more stuff in less space.

I've already given a good bit away, having taken several unloved pieces to the ASG Trading Post. I still have some bags of upholstery velvets, brocades, etc. underneath the ironing board. I have a friend who teaches in the theater department at UNM, so one of these days I'll give her the first right of refusal on all of that.

Once again, Sterilite to the rescue! I discovered that I could stack Sterilite covered boxes 2 deep and 6 high in the sewing room closet. Great! That gave me a lot more storage, but I can't root around like I could when I had the closet and bureau.

So I've numbered all the swatch cards (um, there are 314 of them!!!!). I plan to get some stickers, number them, and stick them onto the side of the boxes so I have some idea of what's in there.

I always think it's funny when people tell me how organized I am. I don't think so. For me, doing organizational stuff is a means to an end. I don't organize for organization's sake, but to make my life easier and simpler.

But before all of that, I'm going to rearrange things so I'm making the best use of the Wall of Sterilite and the open shelves. Like with like and consolidating what I've got so there's room for future acquisitions (I know how I am) And yes, there may be another round of purging fabric that no longer speaks to me. That's ok, life moves on, tastes change.

For the most part though, I enjoy my fabric, so let me make clear that I'm not getting rid of any of it out of guilt. Why should I feel bad about having a collection? I enjoy my fabric and the possiblities it represents. If I want to start a project in the middle of the night or on Christmas Day, well, I can.

When I read the inevitable threads on PR and Stitcher's Guild about stashes, there are always comments along the following lines:

• I feel guilty that I have a supply of fabric.
• I feel guilty if I don't use every square inch of fabric that's left over; what do I do with it?
• I feel guility that I have fabric that's "too nice" to use.
• I feel guilty that I have fabric that's "too cheap/ugly/off register/off grain" to use.
• Having fabric is a burden.
• I have to sew up x number of yards before I can buy y number of yards.

With all due respect, I can't hardly read these comments anymore! Honestly, sometimes I think sewing is the last refuge of the obsessive-compulsive. The guilt and shame really get to me. Am I at a stage where I need to divest? Yes! Do I feel guilty about it? No! It just a fact of life. Folks, let go of the guilt. Collect, don't collect. Whatever. Your hobby should reflect you and your needs. For most of us, sewing is a hobby. That means it's supposed to be enjoyable, not a burden. Don't feel bad about having a hobby you enjoy. And if you don't enjoy sewing, find another hobby. Please. Life is too short for your hobby to be yet another burden in your life.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Like many of you, I planned on writing a New Year's Resolution post. I even went back to last year's entry. Well. Let's just say that I can state the same resolutions this year. So I will. As I said last year, this is more a listing of intent. It's not that I didn't accomplish anything in 2008, it's just that I need to keep going in these areas.

• At work, focus. In 2008, my rationale was because of a management change. The new manager has been place since February, and it's worked out very well. He really does a great job! But as we all know, the economy isn't doing so well right now. Although my company is doing pretty well, performance will be key. For another year, gotta bring the "A" game.
• Sewing, more of it. I continued to spend for RTW, stash, patterns, and sewing books. I'm not entirely disappointed in the sewing I did in 2008, but I want to continue to have this one on the list. Sewing is a good outlet for me, and since I enjoy it, I need to do it. Plus, I'm running out of space, so I have to reduce the stashes.
• Health and Fitness. I continued to maintain. However, still lackng in the fitness area. I'm moving the fitness intention into 2009.
• Financial. Doing better here, too. I'm making use of BillPay to schedule payments, etc. This year will be more about making better financial decisions instead of spending money because I'm bored or whatever.

So there you have it. 2009's intentions. Have a great New Year!

Customer Service

Edited to add: photo of the J.Jill jacket. I found a picture I could scan in.

I recently had 2 very different customer service experiences involving exchanges at 2 different yet related stores that reminded me of Deja Pseu's recent post on shopping.

Often I'll order goods from a store's website and return it at my local brick-and-mortar store. Nothing at all wrong with that--it's allowed by store policy and often results in increased sales when the customer is physically present and can see the other pretties they have.



Last week, a leather tote bag I'd ordered from Talbot's was delivered. Lovely bag...just very pink. What the heck was I thinking??? Since I would be in the neighborhood, I decided to take it to the local Talbot's for an exchange. The sales associate was very polite but gave me a massive hassle about it.

• First, she told me that there was a price difference between the pink bag and the red bag I wanted. Well, there was no price difference. None. They were new inventory, the same style, just different colors. Not only was each and every color of this bag the same price, the website also had a 30% off sale going, which was reflected in the price I had paid. Shouldn't she have known that?




• Second, that particular evening featured a special in-store event for customers. Everything at 30% off. I knew this, because I had received an e-vite. Nope, it was a "private event" by invitation only, according to her. I advised her that I had been invited and she asked who had invited me. "Talbot's," I said, "I received an e-vite." She gave me the gimlet eye like I was lying...until, finally, another associate told her this was correct. Mind you, there is 30% off signage all over the store, so how private could the sale be? So she decided to "do me a favor" and give me 30% off on the red bag even though the sale had "officially" not yet started. Umm hmmm. It was like, 5:55 pm and the event ran from 6:00-8:00 pm.
  

Like I said, very polite, yet I felt totally run through the mill by this treatment. So much so, that after taking the tote to my car and returning to the store for the "private event", I let myself be poached by another associate for 2 additional items I decided to buy. Too bad, sweetie! That's what you get for being a tool. And you'll never wait on me again if I can help it.

I'm still appalled. And I thought Talbot's was famously customer-centric. It will make me reluctant to exchange at the store again, or really, to even shop there. I guess I'll stick to the website.



By contrast, I recently exchanged another item at Talbot's sister label, J.Jill. I had ordered a suede jacket at a deep discount in my usual size. It fit like a glove, maybe too much so. I should have ordered a Small and a Medium. Anyway, since I wanted the option of wearing it with sweaters and after the holidays, I went to the local store to see if they had a Medium. Again, the associate was unfailingly polite, but this time she was also extremely helpful! No Medium jacket at the store. I explained that it had been purchased online, so off we went to the concierge station, aka the PC. Nope, none in the warehouse either. Then she did a search of all J.Jill stores in the entire US and located one in New Hampshire! She called, and a Medium is now on its way to me. Plus, the shipping fee is only $5.95 with delivery direct to my home. I know this was a bit of a hassle for her, but I felt very well taken care of.

Even though I generally don't like the J.Jill line as well as Talbot's, I'll definitely shop their brick-and-mortar store again. If you had told me that J.Jill would have superior customer service, I wouldn't have believed it. But there you are.

Am I a Bad Friend? Or Am I Normal in Feeling Like This?

Do y'all mind a bit of a rant?

I have this friend, she's definitely a phone junkie. And she's driving me crazy. She phones at least a couple of times a day and it's difficult to get her off the phone in less than 1/2 hour. She calls at work, and she calls at home.

Friday, she called at least 6 times in the space of 2 hours. I was trying to have a quiet evening at home, and after the final call, I finally answered, thinking it might be something important. It wasn't. Jeez!!! I'm afraid I let my irritation show, but really. Friday evening--wouldn't you begin to consider that someone might want to have some recovery from the week.

Then there's tonight. 4 calls, after I'd explicitly stated that the debate was on tonight and that I'd be watching. Ummm, live TV? I haven't picked up, but once again, I'm annoyed. Leave. Me. Alone.

True, said friend has "issues." Once again she's unemployed. IMO, it's due to a severe lapse of judgement, but still...I have to have some empathy at her situation. She's estranged from her son, who's acting like a spoiled child, ugh, want to smack him. And there are other family members who are also amazing in their lack of support and sensitivity. But regardless, I'm feeling that boundaries aren't being respected and it's pissing me off. I've been through similar circumstances and I've had to deal with them basically alone (and yes, she and I knew each other during those periods of time, where was she?). But in spite of that, I'm still feeling a lot of resentment at how needy she is, and what a time-sink she can be.

So, am I being a massive B? Or is my response a reasonable one? I guess I'm just more of a self-reliant type. It's hard for me to have to shoulder this.

Again, sorry to vent. But it's my blog and where else can I?

Farewell Tim, We Will Miss You

DF and I watched Tim Russert almost every weekend on "Meet the Press." He was an excellent interviewer on that show. He also added so much to this primary season and past presidential campaigns. What insight into the process.

Although he was usually the smartest guy in the room, he was also a kind and generous man. Courteous while grilling the guests on his show, and always willing to share the stage with his fellow reporters.

Like many of us, I was shocked and dismayed to hear of his sudden death yesterday afternoon. It's a great loss.

2007 Draws to a Close

I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions.

However, 2007 got a bit out of control at times. I didn't get a lot of things done that I wanted to, sewing among them. So perhaps a few would be helpful for 2008. But let's call them intentions instead--somehow, that has a more positive connotation to me.

• At work, focus. My mentor and current boss is moving to another department in January, so I'll be working directly for our department head (his boss) for a while. He's known to be a stickler and obsessive about metrics. It will be a challenge. And then there'll be a new boss--hopefully, someone I know but it's not unknown for management to hire from out of state. So in other words, gotta bring the "A" game.
• Sewing, more of it for starters. I spent a lot of time and money buying RTW, stash, patterns, and sewing books in 2007. Time to turn some of those sewing goodies into garments. I won't be on a fabric/pattern/book fast; however, it wouldn't hurt to be more mindful of what I'm buying. No guilt, you all may know my attitude already, but I don't believe it it. At least where sewing is concerned. I want to be more productive because it's fun and makes me happy!
• Health and Fitness. This is an area where I actually did accomplish a lot in 2007, dropping down from 155 to 128 (goal is 125!). The fitness part was lacking though, so I'm planning on getting toned up in 2008. After all, I have that wedding to go to in August, and it would be great to look buff in my fabulous designer original!! I'll also be turning 50 in June and I would like to look really good for that.
• Financial. Too often in 2007, I did my bills in a rush at the last minute. Not good. I have the tools so I need to make better use of them. It's not like I'm procrastinating because I'm broke, I'm procrastinating because...ummm, well, I don't really have a good reason. Sheer inertia.

I think these are good general goals for the year, and achievable. Have a happy and safe New Year everyone, and may your favorite team win (unless your team is playing the Gators, heh heh heh!)

Personal Service

The past few days have been heavy with personal service people. I've recently visited the shoe guy, the alterations lady, and the watch guy. I'm happy that I know these folks. I mean, if you're going to have nice things, you should maintain them.

The shoe man is a real treasure. In the past 3 visits, he's put new heel taps on a favorite pair of pumps, replaced the rubber sole on a fabulous pair of clogs, and dyed a pair of orange pair of slingbacks (what was I thinking!?). So now I have 3 "like new" pairs of shoes.

The alterations lady shortened the sleeves on 2 jackets and 2 suits for me, and she also shortened the 2 pairs of suit pants. Yes, I know how to sew. But with the exception of very minor alterations, I go to Ms. Kim. She does a nice job on my RTW and I'm happy to support her small business. It was sweet but somewhat sad to hear her story of her little son who's trying to win the McDonald's sweepstakes so she doesn't have to work so hard any more.

I always figure that the watch guy is slumming a bit when he replaces the batteries in my many fashion watches. His real business is restoring antique and vintage watches to "like new" condition. Yet, he and his wife are cordial and cheerful whenever I bring in a new set of watches.

My dry cleaner picks up and delivers to my office. It saves time, and the company uses an environmentally friendly process besides.

People that perform these kind of services are becoming fewer in number as the result of an increasingly throw away society. I'm so glad they're still around in my community and can help me look my best.

Stop Ranting, Start Sewing

I'm a reader of a couple of sewing related blogs, and it strikes me that one of the continuing themes from women in middle age concerns what's in the stores and shown in RTW.


I'm not sure why this is even a big issue for many of us. Long gone are the days when designers dictated a single look (think back to the 1950s when the Dior's New Look ruled). Or when only certain colors could be worn in a given season. Fashion is much less rigid now, and it makes sense not to buy into a trend when it's going to make you look like a fashion victim (ie, the recent babydoll trend). Even die hard fashionistas don't participate in every look that comes down the runway, believe it or not.

A major theme of the last several years has been high/low, or a designer garment mixed with inexpensive ones in the same outfit. Mixing designers and clothes to create a unique look. Wearing an inexpensive t-shirt with a couture jacket. Vintage influence, wearing things from many years ago with new. I wouldn't want to look like an Olsen twin, but they've had an influence in this area, and it's kind of a good thing, because a lot of people are afraid to do it on their own. But if an Olsen twin does it, it gives permission for us to do it. Why can't we, but in our own way?


Yet, I keep seeing these posts with a theme of, "should I, a woman of a certain age, wear a babydoll top? I can't find anything else in the stores." Oh really!?! I live in a mid sized Southwestern city, and I don't find the selection limited to only babydoll tops (Or whatever. I'm not picking on babydoll tops, although I left them behind in about 1975 or so). It's not like I live in a fashion mecca or anything. And you know, there's always the internet.


And then there are the complaints about what's on the runway. Those are show pieces, folks. Realize that the looks on the runways during Fashion Week are not necessarily the ones that will appear at the stores. Store buyers do give feedback to the designers about their customers, so hemlines get changed, linings get added, etc.


It's easy to complain. Just sayin'.


But....


If you're posting on a sewing board, you probably sew. You're not limited to current RTW offerings. We sewers can make things that suit us and bypass unfortunate trends! It's OK. Heck, we're not even limited to current offerings in patterns and fabric. Most of us have admitted that we're stashers, with many patterns and fabrics that we can raid when, say, orange mini skirts are the fashion du jour and they only make us look jaundiced and like "mutton as lamb." And there's also e-Bay with its plethora of vintage (although some of it isn't vintage to those of us approaching mid-century).


Come on ladies, quit whining. If you can sew, you have a solution. It doesn't matter if you're petite or tall, skinny or fat, or whatever. You don't have to depend on RTW. You can do what you like.

Park Bench

Carolyndh had a great question concerning the details I liked at the Park Bench trunk show, and it got me thinking. What did make those sample garments look so good?

1. Drape, first and foremost. MLR (that's Mary Lou Rankin, the owner) designs these patterns to have 8-10" inches of ease. Yes, really. And with that much ease in a garment, it absolutely cannot be made out of a stiff fabric like quilting cotton. The fabric needs to have drape. One of my most favorite garments was an Audubon Park jacket that MLR was wearing as an overblouse. It was plain white or cream, she wore it over a matching tank top and black pants. I'm not sure what the fabric was, but it was drapy and very flattering to her.
2. Color choices. Many of the garments were more muted in color than you'd think. I already mentioned the white Audubon blouse. The Griffith Park skirt was made up all in black too--you couldn't see the gores but it had great movement, and it would be a flattering staple. The Woodstock skirt, which is a pieced skirt, was made up of related prints that blended with each other.
3. Fabric choices. MLR is not a fabric snob. She mentioned that she has been using a lot of fabrics from Jo-Ann's, including the polys, because that's what's easily available to most people that are buying the patterns. True, there were also some pieces in 4 ply silk crepe. But I liked that she was trying to be where her market is, and Jo-Ann's fabrics have never looked so good! As long as it has the necessary drapiness, she'll use it.
4. Embellishments. Denver City Park includes a super simple jacket, but one version was made up with a double layer effect with fabric tubes trimming the opening. Balboa Park's jacket has a seam that can be finished off as a seam or made as an opening into which fabric tubes, trims, etc. can be inserted.

The overall impression of the sample garments was of boutique ready-to-wear. Granted, this is not a line that works for everybody since its focus is on easy dressing for women of "a certain age". The patterns aren't graded so that's out of some people's comfort level. And if you need highly detailed guidesheets, you won't get them here. Personally, Park Bench's styling is way too relaxed for my work environment, but I can see using these patterns for items to wear during my downtime on the weekend.

MLR mentioned during the show that she will be putting pictures of the sample garments on the site. It may take a while, as she admits she's not web-design savvy. I hope so, because the current gallery page leaves a lot to be desired--what's on there now is extremely limited. It would be great if some professional-type photos of the garments were added.

The Return of the Summer Dress Code

I received notice today that my employer is doing the annual implementation of the summer dress code on Monday. This isn't a bad thing--panty hose are optional until fall--except that this year's notice included photos of specifically what was and wasn't acceptable. I'm not blaming my employer for this. We're going on the 3rd year with this program, and let me just say that there are a lot of women out there that don't seem to know the difference between a workplace and a nightclub.

The fact they even have to mention that belly shirts aren't acceptable work wear tells me that it's been a big issue in the past. Ladies, you can dress for summer and still look professional. Let's not ruin a good program, go get some "work" clothes (what a concept!). It'll be nice and hot here through October, so it's not like you won't get any wear out of them. And stop complaining you have no money for clothes--I've seen what you wear at the office, and you do so. Besides, there are plenty of places that sell appropriate inexpensive attire, even if they aren't the most trendy. You know where they are, now go.

Guilt!

I don't know if it's a trend or timing or what, but I've recently noticed several posts on boards regarding self-inflicted guilt. It concerns me when people do this to themselves. I'm not saying that you shouldn't have a conscience. However, to devote a lot of one's energy feeling guilty seems like such a waste, especially when the object of your guilt isn't something that's your problem or it's relatively minor. Save the guilt--you're holding yourself back with misplaced feelings of guilt or shame.

For example, you've been holding on to a special occasion dress for years and you know you'll never wear it again, nor will your children. You don't even think it's that well made. Yet there is guilt over disposing of it. Why? Pass it on--to someone else it could be perfect for their special event. It would be a blessing for them to find it at the thrift shop.

Or you sell things on eBay. IMO, it's not your problem if the price is bid up beyond the value you would place on it. Now, an important caveat is that you presented the item clearly and truthfully with no deception (if so, shame on you, you should feel guilty). But otherwise, no. You are not responsible for the bidder's decision making process. Perhaps they have a special reason that they have to have your item, or maybe they have more money than sense. These are their issues, not yours. Don't presume you know better than they do.

Then there's the case of having a degree and not "using" it. Personally, I won't sew for other people. But if that's what you want to do right now and are fortunate enough to be able to afford to build a business, then go for it. Perhaps a break from your career is what you need. Maybe you'll go back to it someday, maybe not. It's a business decision; don't feel guilty. Channel those emotions into a plan for the sewing business, so you can make it work for you and your lifestyle. And be sure to charge enough--don't let people "guilt" you into giving your skills away.

Or guilt at being able to sew but taking items to a tailor to be altered. Look, if you were inclined to do it yourself, that blazer would have been altered already. Instead, it's been sitting in the closet (yet another occasion for self-inflicted guilt). Why not have someone fix it up for you? There's no reason to feel bad about it. You don't have to sew everything you wear, nor do you need to do all your own alterations. I outsource most of my alterations because it's just not how I want to spend my limited sewing time. Also, I've actually learned a lot by watching my alterationist pin up my garments and seeing how she made the adjustments.

Build yourself up instead of tearing yourself down. Let go of misplaced guilt. I say this not as a putdown, but because I think it's important to feel good about yourself and your decisions. Guilt directed to you from others is another topic, but first things first--be kind to yourself.