A Two-Fer

TGIF! As you know, it’s #memademay2022 this month. I pretty much am keeping to my pledge, but am honestly behind. Personally, I’m like, whatevs. It’s supposed to be fun, right?

Free Range Slacks

I am proud of myself for making pants, however, this is one garment I felt self-conscious in because of how the garment photographed.

Issues

1. Proportions
   • I, like many women who are mothers, have wider curves after having two kids. I don’t have that snatched waist anymore so I’m feeling a little thick in these pictures as there’s no definition of my hourglass figure.
   • I have a short neck as well so wearing that turtleneck doesn’t help.
   • The rolled up leg hems make me look weird. I should have left the turtleneck untucked or half-tucked.
2. Fit
   • I chose a size close to my body measurements and while I can sit and crouch down fine in these pants, I should have chosen a size with more wiggle room.
3. Color
   • Sometimes I’m not enamoured of this brown. I feel it can be difficult to figure out what to wear with it.
4. Quality
   • I didn’t take my time making these Free Range Slacks. I powered through the last steps wanting to finish and didn’t realize I could have French Seamed lower parts of the legs so the colorful serger threads wouldn’t show.
   • Plus I didn’t have brown thread and used a salmon pink. I feel this element makes it hard to match the garment to whatever’s in my wardrobe.

Solutions

1. Next time I make this pattern I will make the wide leg version so there is more of an even, elongating flow from my waist down to my feet.
2. I will match the serger threads to the fabric.
3. I will use the French Seam technique in the appropriate areas.
4. I will hopefully use a heavier linen for a bit more structure.
5. I will make these slacks in a neutral that will go more with other pieces in my closet.

Butterick 6318

This dress is one I had made for my friend’s July 2021 wedding. I believe I had made it in a short amount of time. It’s a comfortable sew.

The dress is in a broadcloth that’s lightweight so I wanted to layer with it since it was in the low 60’s yesterday. I wore a grey turtleneck underneath, navy tights, and canvas sneakers.

This first time sew of the pattern wasn’t perfect; I know you can’t tell, but I remember every detail:

• the length of the bodice still a bit long on my torso
• the gathered skirt seams in the back don’t meet up
• the top points of the back closure don’t meet up
• my first time, invisible zipper sewing sucked.

On top I put on my Tin Can Knits Flax sweater in Barrett Wool Co’s Home Worsted, in their colorway, Big Woods. The hem of the jumper is tucked under the dress’s ties/belt.

I haven’t been a fan of wearing a jacket lately and so I would rather throw on a cardigan, sweatshirt, or sweater. I was cozy for sure. I don’t do well with cold air being blown upon me; it makes me catch a chill and I can even strain muscles if I move wrong.

Well, I’m still trying. Putting myself out there even though things aren’t as perfect as I would like them.

Anyways, TGIF! Until our next chat, I bid you farewell. TTYS.