Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Goodbye Perfectionism, Sewing my Complete Spring Wardrobe

Yes, I have decided that I am going to sew all my spring and part of my early summer clothing (undergarments not included). This is a big commitment, but one I want to accomplish once in my lifetime.  Some people do marathons, but this suits me better. It's a personal challenge that I have been thinking about for awhile.  As I have learned more over the last year, thanks to many of you, my garments are looking cleaner and fit better. My goal is NOT to make things fast, no that would just bring disappointment, my goal is to make, with a consistent, steady hand, the best garments to my ability and to wear them all spring and summer, starting right now, today! This is not to replace ME-MadeMay or anything like that, rather it comes from something deep inside me that says, I can live out of the box, be happy in the garments I make, and break any thoughts of perfection.
This is how I want to meet my mistakes, with a smile and a light heart, this picture reminds me that I may forget to do something, but it's still okay! 
  Why am I doing this? Because pretty is good enough, nice is awesome, and perfection is a slow death. I don't want to allow perfection to keep me from living happily with the work from my hands. NO regrets! I think in the past I have been really hard on myself, others who see my garments remark how professional they look( my mom loves my work, but she is my mom hehe) and all I can see are the flaws of this or that. Most of the flaws you wouldn't even notice, but I find myself avoiding wearing some of my sewn wardrobe because of this darn perfectionistic attitude of mine. Which is to me, a character flaw, yes it may seem noble, but it's a harsh reality that really isn't good for me or my family. And it's chasing after the wind in my book. Sorry to get so psychological/spiritual on you all, but I want to be honest about this stuff.

 There are many other reasons I am sewing my complete spring and summer wardrobe.

1.  I desire color! Bright, bold, soft, and muted. I am not afraid of wearing color, it's been hard to find in our khaki and beige world. 

2.  Fit, this is the hardest obstacle, if you were born out of portion, according to those little charts, you know this too well! I am super tired of gaping waistlines and hiphuggers on RTW!

3.  Huge stash of fabric- Yes, as I write this, everything is falling out of the cabinet upstairs. Too much fabric.

4.  Skills- I want to sew like a pro (within reason and my sanity) , so practice, practice, practice and try new things is my motto. 

5.  Time- honestly, it takes me longer to go to the store and try on a 1000 black dresses than to just make one that I like.

6.  Style- I love to marry a bunch of different styles together. Part of this process is trying new silhouettes out. Time to pull out those patterns!

7.  My grandmother dressed way better than I ever will, and I would like to give her a run for her money.

8.  I just feel like I am living in someone else clothes! You all have encouraged me so much as you step out in the clothing you love.

I will be including a mix of handbags and jewelry to complete the looks. Are you hard and too readily critical on your sewing projects or are you more relaxed feeling good about the process of sewing? Do you ever avoid wearing your sewn wardrobe, what is holding you back? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for cheering me on, and dropping by. 

Happy and peaceful sewing to you all!

Gina

43 comments:

  1. Great challenge - and wonderful approach to it. You make such lovely things, good for you to make more stuff to wear and wear more stuff you make.

    I have a similar issue with other people telling me my sewing looks so professional while I just focus on the little flaws... maybe we should call the flaws "homemade flair" instead :)

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    1. That's a great way to think upon flaws as "homemade flair". Love it!

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  2. That's awesome!! I know how you feel about perfectionism. I often let my hand sewn things sit in the closet for a few weeks before I'm brave enough to wear them. I can't wait to see what you sew!! x

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    1. I thought you are brave, wear your beautiful thing and I'll wear mine. x

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  3. So true - sew true! You're embarking on a great adventure and you already have a head start! Good luck! I love the picture ; )

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    1. Thanks Eva, you already do this, wear your clothing, I love your dresses.

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  4. What a fantastic idea, and I love your thoughts on perfectionism - it is true it can really stifle creativity and flow. I love your clothes - you have a beautiful and unique style and flair for colour. I look forward so much to seeing what you make and how you put your spring/summer outfits together! xxx

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    1. Thanks, you are right about the flow. Thanks for your support beautiful lady.

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  5. I know how you feel. Perfectionism never quite works out anyway, does it? Your clothes certainly look professional in your pictures. Keep going!

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    1. LOL- you are right, it never does, thanks a great thought to think upon.

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  6. This sounds like a wonderful and heart-felt project. I love everything you post here and I think you look great in what you make :) I can't wait to see what you create!

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  7. Excellent post. Those are a lot of compelling reasons to create your own wardrobe! And good for you, for not letting perfection get the better of you. Personally, I know there are some mistakes I can live with and some I can't. Most of the time, no one will notice them but me, and often I forget about those ones myself after a while. :)

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    1. This rings true, there are some things that I can't get pasted, but you are right, :)

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  8. What a great post! Whenever I show anyone else something I have sewn, I can only ever see the flaws also. Very inspiring post :)

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  9. Good on you! I'm looking forward to sharing your experiences!

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  10. I am hard on myself too some times. Distance from a project helps me a lot of the times. Let those frustrations wind down a bit and then come back. Kudos for taking this step and trying to overcome your perfectionism. Can't wait to see all of your lovely new pieces!

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    1. Thanks, it has been good so far, today I am wearing a printed skirt and vintage sweater, it feels good to wear things I have spent hours on.

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  11. I applaud your decision, since this is where I am right now. I just finished drafting my first bodice pattern and I am so excited! Sewing our own wardrobe is not hard, just takes a different perspective :)

    Looking forward to your designs...
    m.

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    1. Yes, Maria it does take a different perspective, I am so happy for you, drafting your own bodice is a lot of work! Great job!!

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  12. What a great and achievable way to challenge yourself Gina. You make beautiful clothes that look great on you, so there's nothing to stop you! My aim for this year is to sew slower, better my skills and actually wear my makes...so many are relegated to the back of the wardrobe and I'd love to become less critical of them!

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    1. Oh, Marie, your clothing is so pretty, you should wear it, sounds like we have the same goals good luck!

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  13. What a wonderful challenge to yourself. I too am a perfectionist and see only the flaws in what I sew. Because of this only too often are my garments left in the closet gathering dust and taking up space. Kudos to you! Can't wait to see your new wardrobe.

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    1. I hope you get something out and wear it even just once a week would be nice. thanks for your great comment and good luck!

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  14. Gina, I am so excited for you. This is a fantastic challenge. I look so forward to
    seeing your spring /summer wardrobe as you make it. I absolutely love your blog. I so ,enjoy
    all the beautiful things you make..
    I think we are all hard on ourselves/and our sewing.. But, when I see your photos..I only see beautiful garments..no flaws can I see!!!
    Happy sewing.. and I will be watching for each garment. Happy sewing.

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    1. Thank you so much! This really is a flaw that I want to get rid of in my life and embrace all things good and bad. I hope to be sewing shorts soon. Happy sewing to you! :)

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  15. Gina what a fabulous challenge. I think you can probably tell from the comments so far that you are not alone in your "perfectionistic" (great word!!) attitude. When someone compliments something I have made, I find myself saying things like " aw thanks,but look at this mistake" or "I didn't finish the seams very well". Generally pointing out all the cock ups rather than appreciating the really good parts of a make! But then I think it's that ability to analyse the good and bad points that helps us to pursue progress in our sewing and keep us motivated, as long as we don't allow disappointment in minor flaws to sabotage that!
    Px

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    1. This is really good, sometimes my own disappointments can slow me down, but really they are things that are the best teachers. I need to remind myself of the words you have written here so true. Thanks! I personally love all your clothing and feel it really suits you!

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  16. Your goal of working with a consistent steady hand to make your own wardrobe is a beautiful one. Spending some time admiring your already finished work would be great inspiration to move into the next season(s). Your photos always look polished and stylish.

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    1. Great advice! It's always good to look back at where you have been. Thank you Kirsty, happy sewing to you!

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  17. Good for you! I have been working toward the same goal for myself and my toddler. My bigger girls are way too fussy to sew everything for. Its a good feeling to know you can see something you want and make it yourself. Im sure your work is better than some factory in China can do anyway.

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  18. This is so wonderful! I am slowly sewing my own wardrobe, and getting rid of the shop-bought items as I go along. But sometimes I get stalled waiting for the perfect fabric / pattern match... instead of making the most of what I have already.
    I am looking forward to seeing what you make! :)

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  19. Good luck on sewing your spring wardrobe! It sounds exciting and I'm looking forward to following the process.

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  20. Perhaps I'm sewing more of my own clothing now that I have an empty nest and live in a space where I have some. Space, that is. I feel there's not a thing wrong with "stalled." At 50, I've learned the value of stewardship in waiting for the right inspiration-- sometimes it's via an old movie, an old magazine, a vintage pattern.

    One wise thing I do is: "Sleep on it." The other day I cut up a beautiful new fabric I'd bought last year, only cut it with the wrong pattern. After sleeping on it, it was the next day I realized I shouldn't have done that, that another pattern in the queue was ideal for that fabric. Oh, well. Back to sleeping on it to see how I can make this new outfit work. It may/may not go, but I learned once again another valuable lesson.

    Blessings,
    Kelley

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  21. I really enjoy reading your entries. I'm a recovering perfectionist, too. I think a lot of sewers are. It is encouraging to read about those of you who confidently wear something that wasn't bought off the rack. I have been wearing mostly home sewn skirts and dresses for the past 20 years now but I still feel "different" than those around me. I don't let that stop me though, because it is just too much fun to wear clothes that I love.

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    1. Cathy, I really love your comment here, if you ever made a blog please let me know. I am interested in your 20 year journey. I think it's totally wonderful you wear the clothes you love. I know about being different, always been that way and really can't help it.

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    2. Guess I haven't been brave enough to start a blog, but I would love to share about my journey. I'll have to make it pretty sketchy to fit here.
      Back in 1979 (college days) I had the privilege of traveling to England for 6 months to help my sister with her growing family. In my spare time I would go to museums in London, work on organic farms, and sew. I made lots of sewing mistakes, lots of failures, but I learned how to make things fit. I noticed that the European ladies wore a lot more skirts that Americans did. I admired the grace (and coverage) of skirts and dresses, and really wanted to dress this way.
      Back home, my new enthusiasm gradually wore off and I got tired of being asked why I wore skirts instead of jeans. I never left my love of vintage, though, and regularly sought out 1940s Women's Day magazines (of which I have a modest collection).

      Fast forward to the year our youngest went off to school (1997), I began sewing again. I laid aside the jeans (which I never thought comfortable or flattering anyway!) I decided to wear skirts all the time. If my mom could do everything in a skirt in the 60s, then why not I? She always looked so nice.

      And now, I'm still learning how to make things look right, I still have to rip out seams and redo, but I love to be able to use those vintage patterns and wear history.
      Thanks so much for inspiring all of us!

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  22. I have perfectionist problems as well - I have yet to wear anything I have made. Your outfit above is gorgeous. Jacqueline

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  23. Yippee! I really look forward to seeing what you make. Your blog is both inspiring and funny (your pics). I really enjoy it.

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  24. Hurrah, you have an exciting challenge ahead of you! As for perfectionism...well, I always figure I'll do better "next time". I'll pay better attention to that detail, and have better experience with that skill. I don't know how else a person improves. I guess the difference is either you toss the imperfect or enjoy it while you're improving.

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  25. Firstly, congratulations for taking on such a challenge! :) I was toying with a similar idea (or doing the 30 for 30 Challenge again that I did last April), but life has been too crazy for much sewing this year for me. :/ But I cannot wait to see what beautiful things you create! And I love your point about letting go of perfectionism; I think we are all our own worst critics (as cliche as it sounds). I know I am far more hard on myself in regards to what I make than most people will ever be--it's been a real struggle the past few years to learn to let go and give myself a measure of grace in regards to my craft.

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