Anne Whalley

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Solutions for way too many sewing projects

Finally finished my Kantha Wrap and Go - good thing the Spring weather isn’t always warm

8 min read

Oh the Dream 😴 💭

The dream of opening up your wardrobe …to find what you love to wear and only what you want to wear. zzzzzz

The reality … 6 garments on high rotation worn well but sadly wearing out!

This is the pain AND a great place to start!

Hot patterns poncho with Stylearc Margaret pants

Looking forward to an event is exciting. Opening the wardrobe door and wondering what you have to wear to it, can be a real party pooper.

Decisions Decisions

Confusion is rampant and is a roadblock to action.

Time is ticking and all I want …

is to sew something new and fresh and exciting … it’s such a simple plan and yet …it may not be a logical journey to the actual destination.

Creative people are inspired and influenced by so many options .. colours, prints, fabric types (woven, stretch), wardrobe needs & wants and whatever else we see!

There is a lot going on …

Where to start?

Sewhouse7 hoodie Simplicity 8790 made from scraps with a front pocket added by me

Why not try my “Cherry-Picking Process!”

cherry-picking - choose and take only the most beneficial or profitable items, opportunities, etc. from those already available.

What helps me is …

- going through my fabric collection

- getting reacquainted with past loves

- actually patting my fabric

- Pulling out the fabric that feels good and I want to wear now (season-appropriate of course)

Discovering what I’m passionate about NOW is the key!

Adding Black accents on the sleeves and hems makes me want to wear this Silk dupioni jacket by Liz Mizano Vogue 1274

Next fun activity is flicking through my patterns ..

- What type of garments do I want to wear

- Tops - fitted, draped, type of neckline, cropped, asymmetrical, gathered

- Pants/ trousers - fitted, elastic waist, pleated, flared, stretchy, woven, pockets, casual, evening, tailored

- Coats - duster, knitted fabric, fitted, belted, pockets,

- Jackets - formal, casual, lined, boxy, pockets, zipper, lapels

- Dresses - what length, fullness, sleeve options, sleeveless

Pile up the patterns that look like possibilities

Next…

Choose some fabric and see if there is a good connection with the selected patterns ..

- Enough Yardage

- Recommended Fabric type

- Suitability for purpose

- Pre-washed

Go and have a coffee and let your mind imagine …

- What this outfit will look like on you

- Will it be appropriate for your lifestyle or the event you are attending

- Will you be able to wear it often

- Could you style it for other occasions

Wearing my boiled wool self drafted Wrap and Go sweater cardigan with pockets

If you’ve found a good combination consider

How are you feeling about the project ..

- Enthusiastic

- Confident

- Do you want to cut it out and sew it now ✂️

Wearing another version of my Wrap and Go pattern The Sequin Version

It helps if you know your “Style Ingredients” This is what I’ve helped many men and women discover over many years, with great and profound success. You can book an appointment with me to meet and discuss over the Internet, no matter where you are in the world.

If you don’t know where to start and there have been a few too many changes, I would love to work with you to achieve a roadmap to your sewing success that will empower and reignite you!

Why not join my 12-month Sewing Mentor program and get started on creating the wardrobe of your dreams? Click on Link to read more …

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A Simple top that pops with colour with Stylearc Margaret pants and holding my boiled wool Marci Tilton jacket Vogue 8430

Taking these steps paves the path to your sewing machine and also reignites your sewing mojo, which will cause a ripple effect of an eagerness to do more sewing … you have been warned 😁 Funnily enough along the way, you will find that you’ll see other pairings of fabric and pattern choices that you have never considered before!

Feeling excited and enthusiastic about the fabrics and patterns you have already, is a step into actually wearing your fabric and getting real value for all your time and money spent already.

Being creative is an adventure and ever changing… what we do and what want next

Our careers change

Our situation changes

Our bodies change

Our lifestyle changes …

Knowing what you want next, is important. It’s worth thinking about. If you don’t know where you are wanting to go, it’s difficult to make a great plan.

Our New Wardrobe Needs means our fabrics and patterns can accommodate the new versions of ourselves for our new situations. Hopes and dreams evolve as we mature and we need to focus on what makes our hearts sing.

Our different life experiences mean our original plans for our fabrics change to suit a different future …. Ah yes the adventure of creating a wardrobe that is suitable, comfortable, and a mood lifter, is a worthy sewing journey created with loved fabrics, ready and willing to be made up and worn well!

Another way to Wear my boiled wool cardigan

Knowing what matters to you now and how to translate that into fabulous garments, is a quest for the Wardrobe's Holy Grail. Spending time with your patterns and fabric will be worth doing. See if there is something there that ignites your interest.

Go forth and sew the styles you love to wear!

Why not … Follow Me on Instagram and subscribe to my Blog for more Adventures with Sewing, Pattern Drafting, Fabric, and Life! Making & wearing my Me Made Wardrobe!

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Your Wardrobe and Life will never be the same again!

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