As I tossed on my new top, set up the tripod to take these photos and wrestled my out-of-control hair into a braid, I had a major realization: I am at ease in my body. I don’t say this lightly because…well, until now I’ve NEVER been at ease in my body.
I won’t belabor the point, but when I finally got over all the excuses I built up and sewed my first pair of Ginger Jeans earlier this year (I’m wearing them in these pix — they’re my favorite pair of jeans ever), something shifted. I’m even going to say it was seismic in scale. It’s not like I’ve lost weight or have become super fit, though I do exercise regularly and that’s part of it. Sewing is another part of it, for sure. I’m convinced that the jeans-making was a significant turning point, but this burgeoning ease has been going on for a while in a nearly imperceptible way. I have many thoughts on this but I haven’t yet consolidated them into anything coherent, so I’ll have to mull over this a bit. Or not. It’s nice to feel comfy in my bod (and sort of weird since it’s not a familiar feeling) and maybe I don’t have to analyze it to death like I do with everything.
Today, though, I’m featuring a knit top I made using McCall’s 7251, view A in a size 12.
It’s so incredibly comfortable, I may just head straight to bed in it. Don’t I look sleepy up there? The fabric is a rayon jersey from here, and it handled easily without curling or slipping all over the place.
Now, I know that this demure shirt isn’t going to turn heads, but it was deceptively time-consuming. What with all the pintucks and hand-stitching of the neckband facing and placket, I was pretty wiped out by the time I finished hemming it.
I like the hi-lo hem. There were supposed to be slits, but I’ve decided slits just aren’t my jam. To accommodate for the change, I curved the edges of the back piece where it meets the front piece.
Other changes:
- This pattern is meant for a woven, but I knew I wanted it in a knit.
- Instead of snaps, I added faux buttons (I couldn’t find enough black ones in a small enough size so I settled for dark blue, which I think is a fashion no-no? Who knows)
I messed up the neckband a little where it meets the top of the placket pieces, causing the neckband to curl inward, but it’s not too bad.
One of the hilarious parts of keeping my camera on continuous shooting is that it captures candid moments. Like when I spotted an errant mosquito in my house and started to chase after it:
OK! I have other sewing in the pipeline and I’m scheming up marketing plans with the publicity team at Sasquatch Books in a couple of days, so I hope to have some cool and noteworthy updates for you next week! I will try to post this Friday, but it might be iffy…
At any rate, I love my new top!!!
This outfit looks great on you Sanae!!
Thank you Delphine! There’s something about spring that motivates me to start sewing!
The new top looks lovely on you and very “Sanae-style”!
What’s with the mosquitoes? Isn’t it too early to see them? My husband said he saw one/some in the garden and it nearly freaked me out as I love to garden but the mosquitoes just attack me! I’d better start looking for some insect repellent.
Enjoy your new top and all this sunshine!
The mosquitos are everywhere! I’ve had pretty good luck with citronella candles, so I’m going to have to go find some. Thank you, Melissa!
Oh, I love this. I would totally buy it in a store.
Thanks, Masha! I was in Anthro the other day, checking out the clothes, and found a very similar top for beaucoup $$$. That made me feel good since this fabric was about $10/yd.
Looks awesome and amazing on you.
So sweet of you, thank you Tameka!
Wow! For all of those reasons—-this is the best shot of you since I have been a reader. Who knows, in a few years, your new book may be about your style evolution!
Oh, that’s so nice of you to say, Li!! Thanks so much! More and more, I think sewing is powerful. And fun!
Love it! All the little details are so pretty!
Thanks Greta! It took a lot longer than I expected, but I’ll get a lot of wear out of this one!
there is nothing better than loving a new garment. i love your declaration that you are comfortable in your own skin. i feel like sewing my own clothes has done the same. ginger jeans were a turning point for me as well. i am not even sure the fit on mine is good at all…but i never take them off so who cares? not that i won’t try and ‘tweek’ the next pair 🙂 i rarely comment because i view your blog on my phone…but i love your blog and how even though you are much more popular than when i first started reading you have remained yourself. your writing is still genuine and relatable. it is always a pleasure 🙂
Oh, Sarah! Your words mean a lot to me because I actually remember you leaving a comment a long time ago about how you noticed how blogs changed after people started gaining traction whether it be through sponsorships or books or whatnot and wondered if my blog would change. I’m really blown away that this little blog (and it’s still little, by the way. I don’t have a ton of followers) led me to these life-changing opportunities. I do feel like I’ve remained myself just through sheer habit. I also remember responding to your comment with something about how you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and it’s good to know that I’m definitely an old dog. 🙂
Its lovely! I think you look fabulous in it. The drape is great – casual not sloppy. Aah, so jealous of your sewing prowess.
Thanks so much Gracie! I always say, if I can do it, anyone can!! Truly, I’m pretty slapdash when it comes to sewing but what I’ve discovered is that 99% of the people don’t notice any of my wonky errors. 🙂
I love this shirt Sanae. It looks so great on you. And it is so my style. I am still in child sewing mood–but one day, I will get to this!
Thank you, Asmita! I will always love kid-sewing and I’m so happy because K has had a resurgence of interest in me making clothes for her!