My dear sister-in-law S gave to me a length of precious “Outback Wife” barkcloth for my birthday… soooo thrilling to finally get a piece of this gorgeousness for myself! I’ve bought other designs of this once or twice before as gifts for others but never for myself for some strange reason, I know not why … Because, oh my gosh this stuff is just so lovely, sews up like an absolute DREAM!! I’m in love! I’m seriously thinking about sneaking out to Calico and Ivy and buying more! For meeeee!
I turned to my ol’ reliable, tried and true,Vogue 1247 for the skirt… my copy of this is now a little bit tattered, not surprisingly since this latest is version number 23, ahem. I just counted, and wow, that’s a shock, even to me! Yes, I really do need to move onto a new pattern… A lot of my V1247’s have been straight, sans pockets, because to be honest, although the pockets in this design are really cool I actually don’t really use them all that much. Very occasionally for my phone and keys and it’s very rare I shove my actual hands in them.. I worry about distorting the lines of the skirt and contributing to premature pocket sag. And if there’s one thing NO ONE needs in their life, it’s premature pocket sag, am I right? Quelle horreur!
But for old times’ sake, I put the pockets in this version.
I über-carefully cut my pieces so the print matches up practically everywhere, along both horizontal skirt seams, and as well the centre back seam, and even the waistband seams matches as well as it is able. This took only a little bit of frowning and sighing, and moving my pattern pieces around more times than the most diligent of sleight-of-hand operatives, but it’s always a worthwhile thing to do, I reckon. Otherwise, the not-matching pattern would probably bother me forever.
At the same time as I was making my skirt, I happened to notice in my stash two lengths of very thin jersey knit that I’d bought at the Fabric Store in Melbourne during one of my trips over there with Mum and Cassie, one a bottle green and the other in deep teal blue; both an absolute perfect match for the skirt! It was meant to be!! I quickly whipped up (k-tchaaaaah!) two long sleeved modified Nettie tees. These are practically identical to each other, narrow neckline bands and wide sleeve and bottom bands.
It’s so funny to me, looking at these pictures. See, S actually gave this fabric to me back in early June, yes, it was a very early birthday present! and I made the skirt and two tees up straight away, like within a week. And took the pictures of the tees on Bessie, though it was too cold to actually wear them at the time… then a few months later, early September to be exact, I took the wearing-with-black tights-and-boots pictures. And did precisely nothing with those pictures, either. As it happens, I’ve been in a bit of a funk over the past few months, feeling a little intimidated, like I’m just not capable or good enough, almost on the point of giving it up entirely. Generally speaking, it’s been taking me a looooong time to write a blog post lately, like almost as long as to make a little dress for myself. And so I’ve just been feeling… less inclined, and oh so lazy about it, to be honest; even though I want to write.
Anyway; yesterday, it was a perfectly beautiful day and we went out walking at the beach, and I wore the whole lot of them, the skirt and both the tops too. Meaning, in my funny weird little world, a blog post must transpire. Eeeek! Quick sticks!! so I gave myself a bit of a pep talk. Just lay it out there. With minimal fiddling. Just spill, organically. I mean apart from spelling. I am as it happens, the biggest spelling nazi imaginable. I roll my eyes on the regular, at the newspaper, at advertisements on instagram; at all the offending “your”s instead of “you’re”s and so on. I’m sooo judgemental, the absolute worst, in fact! But, I’m getting off track… where was I? Ah yes, writing without pause. Letting the words flow, flying from my fingertips, of their own volition. That’s what this is. Stream of consciousness blogging, for better or worse. Well, that’s what blogging is supposed to be, right? It’s supposed to be a personal journey? Just me, being me? SO! I hereby free myself of further worrying, right now. Begone, thy treacherous feelings of inadequacy!! Vamoose! Whooooosh!!! And; this house, is clean *… I hope!
* … name that movie 🙂
Details:
both tees; loosely based on Closet Case patterns Nettie, thin cotton jersey
Skirt; Vogue 1247, in Outback Wife barkcloth
Tights; made by me, details here
Boots; Roberto del Carlo, from Zomp boutique
Love the outfits (and please don’t ever retire the skirt pattern, it’s just so very *you*)! I would never have guessed that blogging was anything but utterly effortless for you- your posts are always so wonderfully put together (and they’re a mini-vacation for my own grammar-nazi…). Thank you for blogging, even when it’s difficult for you, I truly relish every word and every beautiful picture.
thanks so much Julie, that’s such a nice thing to read for me 🙂
Thanks for sharing your makes! I love your blogging and always enjoy what you have to say, I never knew it was a struggle. I sew all the time but never have the guts to write about anything, I just put out the occasional blurry instagram photo… Also, thanks for being on top of the grammar/spelling thing, I think I read so much that’s not done correctly that I’m starting to make more mistakes myself!
thank you very much Emily! 🙂
I’m glad you ignored the doubt and carried on writing. I often hesitate to blog, because I’m unsure of my writing and think I sound like a robot! It’s difficult to get past the self – conscious feeling sometimes! I love your skirt and need to get myself some tnt patterns…why reinvent the wheel when you could have 23 unique and perfect skirts!
thank you Chris, yes it’s a really good idea to hang onto those patterns the speak to us so clearly. Sounding like a robot; that reminds me of the little blurb you have to fill in to comment on some sites; Please prove you aren’t a robot, or something like that! Always makes me laugh! 🙂
Pulling out a Poltergeist quote, eh 🙂 I think a lot of us sewists fall into the inadequacy funk, we just need a mini vacation away from sewing to get the creativity going again. You have inspired me to make more of my daily clothing and am pushing myself to get better. Seriously, my dad asked me to make him something for Christmas this year and this has never happened. Thank you for sharing your process and makes with us in the blog-o-sphere.
thank you so much Kat! and yes, I have plenty more decidedly non-literary, pop culture quotes I can pull out at a moment’s notice. “Somebody stop me!!”
Great post and I’m so sad to hear writing has been a struggle. I taught a class last week where one of my students turned out to be a reader of yours! Such a funny small planet. I love this skirt and was just petting some Outback Wife fabric last week, in fact. I have the pattern too but haven’t gotten around to making it… though now I’m tempted to completely knock off your skirt!
wow! that’s quite amazing! what a small world we live in, in some ways! It’s also pretty funny you’ve never used the pattern… it seems to be SUPER sought-after!! Thank you so much for those lovely words, too 🙂
such a great outfit and nice use of that print for a special skirt. It’s so nice to have an item from fabric that was a gift and remember the giver fondly. As for blogging – oh no please continue – the sewing blog world wouldn’t be the same without you and your conversation, plus the gorgeous beach photos. I do think the stream of consciousness style works well. I find that I take some photos, and then generally cogitate for a few days coming up with some thoughts that tie the sewing and the pattern/fabric/techniques together then sit down and just write.
thanks so much Beth, that’s so nice; and for your good advice too xx 🙂
Bark Cloth – You lucky Pup! I haven’t seen bark cloth in ages and if I do it’s something the store dug up from the archive and put on sale because it has a burnt crease. I remember it fondly and used to love it and love sewing it. Your skirt is wonderful – I do appreciate your pattern matching. I love a TNT and yours always looks great on you. I appreciate your grammar Nazi – I find poor spelling and bad usage unbearable. Where do these feelings of unworthiness come from? You are THE MOST WORTHY!!!! I would miss you terribly if you stopped posting. Maybe some Spring sunshine and a good belt of chocolate would help! And besides missing you I would miss the cat(s) and dog photobombs.
aw thank you so much Barbara! you say the loveliest things…. MWAH! Lovely lady! xx
I was just thinking how I enjoy reading your blog when reading about your self-doubts. I bet you are the only one in the world who has doubts about your writing! Nevertheless, self-doubts occur. I think it is important to recognize them, even have a conversation with them, give them their due, but not let them dominate. As little kids say, “You’re not the boss of me!”
that’s a great way to think of it, thank you Carol! 🙂
oooo tres chic!! That skirt pattern had to have been created just for you as it is most definitely part of your core signature, beautiful! style. These 2 tees pair perfectly. And please never stop blogging! As one commenter said above, the sewing blogging world would never be the same. You would be so very missed. 🙂
thank you so much Lisa 🙂 xx
I too always enjoy your blogs and projects, and deeply appreciate you pushing through these baseless feelings of inadequacy. I always find your projects inspiring, especially since they seem so positively wearable, not at all precious. And strange how I never realized that you have a matching cat and dog.
thank you Leigh! Would you believe I never noticed particularly that we had a matching cat and dog either?! 😀
Ditto on all of the above. Your blog is one of my favorites. Its hard to understand that someone who is so accomplished, productive, and entertaining would have self doubts. I don’t want to make light of what you are going through but please know so many of us out here thoroughly enjoy what you produce. And love it when the furry friends wander in.
thank you so much Jean! That’s so nice of you to say 🙂 I love it too when a little furry friend pops over to hang out with me
I’m glad you wrote this post. We all have times when we don’t feel great. I just want you to know that I always LOVE reading your blog. You always inspire me with your sewing. I love the things you make. I love seeing your photos of Australia because I live in California and it’s so far away. I love your dog. I’m so impressed by your skills. I hope you have the energy to post again soon. Happy sewing!
thank you so much Natasha! I love seeing pictures of where people live too. I shall try to post them more often 🙂
Love the colours in this skirt and the pattern matching is a must as like you it would drive me nuts. There is no wrong amount of skirts to have from the same pattern, to me it is the fact that has all the right things. Please don’t stop blogging, you writing would be missed and it has inspired so many of us.
thank you so much Sharon 🙂
I’m trying to do my own travel blog and am so struggling with getting the first few done so your sharing of your own issues is really helpful. Not for you obviously but if you’re having issues with your beautifully crafted blog, well then I’m allowed to too!
Skirt is gorgeous, and I say when you’re on a good thing, stick to it. It’s what you do with it!
thank you very much Mel! It can sometimes feel little daunting to put your inner thoughts and feelings out there, but I believe it’s best to just be yourself and post only when you’re feeling it and actually have something to post… wishing you good luck with your blog! 🙂
I recently obtained this pattern and that in and of itself was a challenge. No one is giving this pattern up. Anyway, your skirt and shirts are great, Clara is still a sweetie, and your blog is one of my “must reads”.
thank you so much for those lovely words, Patricia! yes, I’m so glad I got my copy of the pattern when I did, I cannot imagine my wardrobe without it!
Just adding my voice to those above – yours is one of the blogs that consistently inspires me, it gives me joy when I see that you have a new posting. You have a BIG fan base out there, who think you are wonderful! No pressure, but please feel encouraged by our goodwill!
that is so sweet of you to say, thank you so very much! xx
Yes me also. I started my own blog because you inspire me so much. I hate it when my favourite bloggers stop writing. Please carry on inspiring us all.
thank you so much bracken!
I’m going to echo the other comments – I’m so glad you keep blogging. I love your creativity and find your work really inspiring. I hope this low period passes soon and you get your groove back.
thank you Robyn! 🙂
Hi Carolyn
Your writing is divine. I always read everything you write. Your style is so down to earth and friendly. Like talking to a friend. I’m glad you pushed through. I bought myself 1.5m of this exact fabric for this exact skirt for fall and have some jersey almost the same color for my top! Now I feel infinitely more sure of my choices and can even brag I made the same outfit as you did! Makes me feel so stylish and cool to have chosen what you did without knowing I was doing it. I got a bit extra fabric because I have played pattern matching with this skirt and I always love the effect and am so proud of myself when it’s seamless like yours is on this one. I do adore and use the pockets. I hadn’t ever thought of premature pocket sag. Lol. I always get compliments when wearing one of my V1247 skirts. I’ve made 8 so no where near your count but I’m good with making multiples because I paid a sort of outrageous sum for the pattern (may I confess to falling in love with it after seeing your versions – have even gone without pockets as a gift for a friend) so for me using it multiple times brings the cost per pattern use down to a “regular” amount. By that I mean it’s finally approaching what I might pay for a Vogue pattern on sale. Sorry this comment was so long. But I squeaked when I saw the picture and was sad for you that it’s so hard for you to write. Hoping it will be easier for you in the future as your grammar is impeccable (I’m also a grammar and spelling fiend – I think we are of similar age – Perhaps that plays into it – we weren’t raised with texting shortcuts???) and your style is delightful. I would miss the light that is you if your blog went quiet. Thanks for continuing to shine.
thank you so much Lori! for such a lovely kind comment! I hope you enjoy using the outback wife fabric too; it really is gorgeous and I was so sad to find out recently that it’s been discontinued. So it’s even more precious now! I agree, definitely “text speak” has made us far less interested in writing full words and sentences, forget grammar and punctuation, maybe such a thing is on its way out for good 🙁
I oooh and aaah over that fabric line every time I see it! Looks great as a skirt! I totally get the inadequacy feeling when composing a blog post… putting your thoughts out there is really personal, and every time I go back and read my old posts I totally cringe and contemplate deleting the whole thing! Keep up the good work. 🙂
Oh Lisa! Please please don’t delete anything on your blog! I mean, I know whaat you mean because I cringe big time when reading back over a lot of mine, but then I shrug and think, well that’s how I was and I shouldn’t just erase that part of my life!
I look out for your posts especially so thank you for taking the time to photograph and write them. Also thanks for popping over to see my tunic/dress. I was inspired by your denim mash ups of the past that I have always admired. The back is plain Carolyn – so sorry to disappoint you! Jo x
https://joeveryday19.blogspot.com/2018/09/sew-different.html
thank you so much Jo! Please don’t apologise, your dress is just how you want it to be and it’s awesome 🙂
Carolyn, I was totally shocked to read “feeling a little intimidated, like I’m just not capable or good enough, almost on the point of giving it up entirely.” Assuming you are referring to sewing/blogging, not only are you good enough you are my favorite blogger! So precise, such beautiful work, and so humble. I love your blog! I always check to see if you have posted something, and have bookmarked many a post. Please keep blogging!
aw thank you so much Angela! you are so sweet… I appreciate your lovely kind words so much 🙂
Don’t leave us Carolyn! You have inspired us to sew, knit, make shoes, bake, make soap, travel, and it is wonderful. Best of all we can enjoy it from your fantastic horizon of blue ocean and white sand with lovely cats and dogs. Great post and inspirational writing as always.
thank you so much Blanca! I will definitely try to include more beaches and cats and dogs, since they always make my heart happy too 🙂
Is it possible that you’re ready for a new challenge? You’ve tackled clothing, lingerie, clothing for others, male clothing, shoes, dyeing…. I find a new challenge always sparks creativity.
Is there a local community theatre company? There are challenges galore awaiting the local theatre costumer!
I love your blog and your creations. Love, love, love them!
Tory
thank you so much Tory 🙂 A new challenge is always good for the soul. I’m currently working on my own new creative challenge right now 🙂
Sorry to hear you have been struggling. I really appreciate your blog, both your sewing and the glimpses of Perth!
thank you so much Ellen! 🙂
Please keep blogging. The combination of good sewing skills and creativity combined with a personality that doesn’t need to be front and centre is so refreshing. Your blog is one of my favourites.
thank you Julie! xx
Wow, that fabric rally is beautiful. & for what it’s worth, I really love your blog. Your passion for precision in sewing is very inspiring to me.
thank you so much Ciara! xx
I love that skirt with your two tops, just so beautiful.
thanks, Sue 🙂 xx
It’s easy for us lurkers, not-actually-sewers, and stylish-only-in-dreams-ers to forget that sewing, blogging, and living in general is HARD for everyone and takes consistent doses of courage. Some days more than others. Thank you for being courageous so often. For getting out of bed, deciding again to be you, and then sharing all that you’ve learned with this sometimes-too-quiet void.
thank you Sixer! that’s kind and sweet, and I appreciate your words so much xxx hehe, I definitely do not think of myself as courageous though! but just more like sometimes when it comes to blogging it’s easier to not do it than to do it, if you know what I mean. Just me being lazy? Most likely 🙂
Oh my goodness, I absolutely understand your spelling Nazi tendencies! Another one that causes me major eye rolls is “its” & “it’s”. But then, at about age 12, I used to take great delight in sitting with a red pen (of course) & correct all the mistakes in our local newspaper! Haha! What a geek I must be. 🙂
haha, I’ve done the red pen thing a few times myself! Oh yes, “it’s” and “its”, also “their” and “they’re”, “gifted” when they mean given or gave, oooh don’t get me started!
I love your blog so please don’t give up you make such amazing garments too. I love this outfit, I have a bit of a thing for patterned skirts to the point where I have nothing to go with some of them! I’ve also been feeling a bit lazy, trying to get back into a productive streak. x
thank you so much Dianne! 🙂
I have been feeling much the same lately. I don’t know whether it is the change of seasons or perhaps blogging has had its season and as for sewing, even though I have beautiful patterns and fabrics, I have struggled with inspiration. I think blogging still has its place. It is hard to put detail into an Instagram post even though that is my preference lately for my sewing makes.
I do hope you continue to blog because I do read every post, even though I don’t often find the time to comment regularly.
thank you so much Andrea! yes, I agree; blogging is past its hey day, but I still like it personally for reasons I can’t even put my finger on! I think you’re right about the change in seasons too, I traditionally get quite down at the end of winter; in these early days of spring I’m desperate for summer and warm weather, and the cold always drags on way longer than I want it to.
Hear, Hear! Don’t listen to that little voice, your blog and great style are such an inspiration! The Floral trench had me finally starting on my own trench that had been cut out for a year and laid aside because it scared me. Well, no more! It’s happening and I have you to thank!!
thank you so much Carol! and the very best of luck with your own floral trench coat… there must be something in the air, I’ve seen several around lately!
I hope you will continue to blog and, of course, to sew and do all the other things you do and show on the blog. Hope you will feel more optimistic soon, once spring has returned to your part of the world. I always enjoy your thoughts on what you made and am in the process of sewing your dress. All the best Anita from Basel
thank you so much Anita! I do think warmth and sun brings more optimistic feelings, for me they do anyway! All the best with your new dress 🙂 xx
Dieses Beispiel habe ich in letzter Zeit erworben und das war für mich ein Test. Niemand gibt dieses Beispiel auf. Wie auch immer, dein Rock und deine Shirts sind außergewöhnlich, Clara ist noch ein Schatz, und dein Blog ist einer meiner “Must-peruses”. Einfach meine Stimme zu den oben genannten hinzufügen – Ihre ist eine der Websites, die mich zuverlässig bewegt, es macht mich glücklich, wenn ich sehe, dass Sie ein anderes Posting haben. Diese können Sie ebenfalls kostengünstig von Modasto.de beziehen.
Bu fantastik, dantel tüm amaçlar için yapmak ve her şeyi amaçlar. Filizleri severim ve tavuklar da arar. Bu küçük dokunuş için takdir etme yükümlülüğü hep birlikte. Annem bana 60’lı yıllarda aldığım bir guipur bağı koparıp, gereksiz yere korktum ve onu kestirmeyi zorlaştırdım. Eğer aşklarınız için en iyi kıyafetleri almak istiyorsanız o zaman Modasto’ya gitmelisiniz. Bütün bu kıyafetler üzerinde en iyi mahrumları sağlıyorlar.