So, I loved my red velveteen pinafore so much… it’s such a lot of fun to wear. I can’t believe I worried a little that I was too, er mature, for such a garment and I thought I might become the butt of mutton-dressed-as-lamb commentary but you know what? I wasn’t, and I’ve throughly enjoyed having a “pinny”. So I made another! though I believe this is an improvement even upon its predecessor’s near-perfection because the pockets are a tonne better, in my opinion.
Again, I used the pauline alice Turia dungarees pattern for the bodice section, and modified so the bottom part is a skirt. I put the pinafore on and pinned carefully so as to achieve the ideal proportion to suit my figure, but it actually turned out identical to the shape of my red one! I’m really really happy with the shape and length of this, it’s absolutely perfect for me,I think…
I really love the front bib pocket of the Turia pattern, I think it’s super cute.
For the pockets, I got out the pattern pieces for Vogue 1115; the shape construction and placement of these pockets is also close to perfection, in my opinion! I like my pockets to be a bit bigger, but instead of cutting the pockets bigger, I simply stitch the with a 6mm (1/4″) seam allowance instead of the regular 15mm, and boom! I have bigger pockets!
Fabric; cotton corduroy in the most totally divine shade of dusky pink!! I saw it on Potters’ Textiles instagram and raced in immediately to snap some up! Then, for some bizarre reason that I have absolutely no explanation for, I bought only 1.5m. Sure; it’s quite wide; but still I was struggling to cut my pinafore out of such a small piece, especially since you do have to be strict about following the corduroy’s nap when laying out your pieces. To be honest; I totally would have cut my pockets bigger, but was dealing with mere scraps after getting out my big, important pieces first. Anyway, I did get everything I wanted successfully, thank goodness… Normally you’d think, oh I can always get more fabric! but while I was buying it the lady in the store specifically mentioned that they were nearly out!
Like with my red pinny; I chose to line this one fully. I cut the lining using three of Craig’s discarded old business shirts. I’m kind of a stash-busting mission lately; really making an effort to reduce pieces in there that have been kept “just in case”; and particularly; fabrics/garments from my refashioning bag. I carefully harvested all the buttons off the shirts first, of course…
these matching sets of buttons are quite valuable if you make shirts for the menfolk in your life; particularly the shirts that have those mini-buttons often found on the sleeve plackets and button-down collars. It’s almost impossible to find the two sizes in complete matching sets like this in haberdashery stores.
So you’d think there’s loooooooads of fabric in 3 shirts; and surely more than enough to line a little pinafore?? but of course unless I want my lining to be a heavily patched/seamed, and therefore rather bulky thing, I could really only use the largest swathes of fabric from the backs of the shirts, and still had to join! But that’s ok; I still feel good about using up at least a little bit more of the refashioning bag! The lining for my straps was harvested from one sleeve.
THIS! is a cautionary tale…. so, when you’re making welt pockets, and you come to the all-important, ever-so-precise task of cutting the welt opening in your dress fabric? It’s a good idea to check that your lining fabric has been flipped up out of the way first. Yeah. *kicking myself BAD over this disaster…. I used my rotary cutter, and cut the most beautiful clean neat welt pocket opening through the front of my pinny…. AND THE LINING UNDERNEATH AT THE SAME TIME TOO. Fortunately this only happened once, on just one pocket I mean, and I realised straight away. If I’d done it for both pockets, I would have seriously considered replacing the lining, for real. Anyway; I bandaid-ed the problem by ironing on a strip of iron-on interfacing and indulging in some furious and thorough zig-zagging. Not the most beautiful of repairs, but experience has taught me that this is both a durable and efficient method of fixing a cut like this.
Miraculously, I unearthed a very small length of pink, bias cotton cotton voile from my stash, that I made so long ago I barely remember it. But it was just enough to finish the hem!! STOKED!!!
So happy with my pinny!!!!! I’ve worn it a couple of times already, and am over the moon with it!
I am wearing it here with one of my wool-mix Nettie tees, probably one of my most worn winter tees! my self-designed and -made black tights, and my favourite motorcycle boots.
Now… for something completely different!
Recently I had a conversation with my good friend E. Now, E is one of my closest friends, we’ve been so for decades and I hold her opinion in high regard. At the same time! she doesn’t even know I have a sewing blog really, and though she knows I have an instagram account I’m totally sure she has never looked at it… why? because the topic of our conversation on this day was about her recent holiday with her husband, and as an extension of that; how she feels super strongly that “instagrammers” are ruining the world and are just beyond despicable, in her eyes. In her own words; she despises instagram, because people are obsessed with taking their pictures in the most beautiful places and are thus destroying these places for everyone else, in both the taking of the photos, and the damage they do while doing so. And not to mention they look ridiculous in their ballgowns and long tresses blowing in the wind, out on the moors, or in front of a particularly picturesque cottage, that’s not even their cottage, or whatever….. Now… on the one hand I can certainly see her point, especially when it comes to people monopolising key beautiful tourist spots, setting up tripods and preventing other people from enjoying the view because they are prancing around right in the middle of it. Our conversation didn’t even touch on people leaving rubbish behind, or treading on and damaging delicate flora or anything physically destructive like that! though of course that is a problem too. My friend blames instagram completely for all this.
Now of course, I have thoughts! I personally love instagram! though I can see too that all of her points have validity. I know exactly the type of instagrammer to which she is referring… I have seen them myself too. And secretly thought how silly it all looks. And I know I might well be accused of being one of “those prancers” sometimes…!! HOWEVER; I would argue not! since I take great care to take my own photos in complete private. I think this is something not many readers of my blog or viewers of my instagram understand about me; I am actually a very shy and quiet person; and would be terrified to take photos of myself in front of other people. I need complete isolation! If there were other people there enjoying the view and taking their own pictures or whatever, you can bet your bottom dollar I am NOT going to be getting in their way, or taking my own pictures. So while the evidence is there on my blog that I do indeed take pictures of myself in beautiful locations, I’m not really making a spectacle of myself in the action of doing it; if that makes sense.
It’s always felt logical to take photos of my new creations in my favourite spots. It just gives me lots of pleasure to make this happen. Should I stop? because I’m being ridiculous? or continue because it gives me joy? rhetorical question btw, no need to answer… I don’t even know why I’m going got all this effort to explain myself really, except maybe to lay out my own thoughts coherently. Did she strike a nerve? maybe. I have a sense of the ridiculousness of it all, even while I’m doing it. But at the same time, I want to take pictures of my clothes, and I like the idea of nice photos, though my commitment to this waxes and wanes. I did actually go for a fairly long period of time where I only took pictures in my own garage, or in our own house and garden. I don’t know if it even went noticed on my blog here because I am fortunate to have some quite picturesque corners in my garden, but yes; I went off the idea of ” real” photos “out and about” for nearly a year…
And obviously; I am super opposed to damaging the environment in any way. If I love a beautiful spot, I definitely want it to stay beautiful for the future! Leave only footprints and take only pictures. Am a big proponent of that.
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but I guess I should just continue to be super vigilant and careful about taking my photos only when alone. It’s easy to “say”, like many people do in this time of (over?)-sharing; that I don’t care what other people think of me, but obviously that would not be true!
What a weird, double life I’m living! Maybe I should just delete all this?!
Dear Carolyn I, for one, would miss it if you didn’t show these beautiful pictures. They remind of our meeting and my Australian holidays in general. I think you are doing the right thing in trying to be discreet and not shouting out to everyone where you take your pictures and that they should go there to take pictures as well.
I love your pinny, this really should be one of my next projects.
All the best from a really summery Basel Anita
I think social media in general can really raise people’s ire – it’s still “newfangled” to some and not to be trusted. And when there is new(ish) media, it gets used in all sorts of ways that can create unforeseen problems. In short, we live in interesting times, and though I can empathize with your friend’s perspective, I feel it’s a rather extreme one. It doesn’t take into account users like you at all.
I don’t think you’re harming anyone, or the environment in how you take photos or in how you share them. I enjoy the beauty that you share, as well as the story of your makes.
Thanks for a wonderful post. I love your outfit and am very impressed you made the lining out of old shirts, well done! Great job on the repair too, I can imagine how you must have felt when you discovered the mistake!
I think there are two major issues people have with instagram. Mine, becasue I am completely lacking in self control, is the escalation of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), which for the sewing community means people sewing more clothes or buying more patterns simply to feel part of the community. Your friend resents the intrusion by instagrammers into people’s lives in the “real world.” I would argue that you are not in danger of committing either crimes (though, I’ll admit I don’t look at instragram very often!). For the first, I find the composition of your outfits very instructional and you’re very open about your efforts to wear each piece of clothing at least 30 times, etc. You encourage your readers to think deeply about their closets merely by example. And for the other, you’re taking pictures in the places you actually live, which helps us understand your garments and style better (and is very pretty), and you’re doing it while being mindful of the people around you. Like most human creations, I think instagram can be beneficial and shouldn’t be condemned merely becasue some people use it thoughtlessly. But maybe these kinds of open discussions are necessary to help users to be more conscious of how their actions affect others.
I appreciate so much the generous makers who share their knowledge and skills on blogs and social media AND who take the time and trouble to make their posts look attractive, professional and inspiring. I always imagined you pausing to take your outdoor photos while walking your dog. I don’t think that you need to compare yourself to the instagrammers your friend was referring to. I like to use social media to my advantage and delete, ignore or not subscribe to things I am not interested in but enjoy, appreciate and learn from what I am. Thank you for your blog, it’s one of my favourites.
Well, like the others, I hope you continue to take photos and post them. I enjoy your blog posts very much.
I kind of figured you were a shy person, a sort of introvert. And that might be why you feel you are guilty of living a double life. You don’t have to explain everything about yourself to everyone. Sometimes we just feel that we can’t share some things with some people. I have two groups of friends in my life and they don’t cross over. So I share some things with one group and other things with the other group and wouldn’t dream of trying to share all with both groups. It just wouldn’t work. That doesn’t mean you are a living a double life or, worse still, that you are kind of a split personality!
Your photos are entirely harmless, no need to feel you have to justify yourself in taking them. There are a bunch of us who enjoy this side of you very much and understand your need to maintain your privacy at the same time.
I’ve never posted before, but I felt compelled this time. I love your photos whether they are at home or out and about. You are an amazing seamstress and I love seeing your work. It’s always a treat to see them when you’re out walking. You live in a beautiful part of the world, thanks for sharing!
Your friend hasn’t seen you politely off to the side, taking pics where no one will be bothered. The ones who block traffic, and that sort of thing are the ones she is bothered by. I wouldn’t take it personally, since it doesn’t actually describe your behaviour.
She may be right about it being best not to mention exact locations… unless it is already a famous tourist spot. But then, you already knew this.
Don’t let her rant get you down, it wasn’t about you.
I agree with everyone else who has said they enjoy seeing what you sew and also seeing the lovely photos you take in nature. In fact that is a reason your blog is one of my favorites, it allows me to see a different part of the world and learn about Australia and other places through your travels. So keep taking photos where ever you find a nice location.
As to Instagram ruining things, I actually was talking to a friend the other day about this and I think it’s not so much Insta that is doing it but the fact that we all can take unlimited photos with a device that you carry in your hand all the time, with no cost associated. I say that as a person who grew up with film, right? We thought a bit more about what photos we took, and didn’t take hundreds just to get the perfect shot. And then the ones that came out well were more precious or joy-inducing. If that makes sense!
Anyway, I think there is a happy medium with taking photos and sharing on whatever platform and alternatively being an idiot in public and ruining a space for others. The sewing community is so warm and I get so much out of the relationships that I think on balance it’s worthwhile.
While seconding all of the beautifully composed thoughts above, I’m going to add that there is also a qualitative difference in the perceived value of a person taking and posting copious photos of themselves for the purpose of self-aggrandizement, and a person, such as your lovely self, taking photos of themselves wearing their carefully crafted art. The one can feel ickily self-indulgent when taken to the extreme, whereas the other generally doesn’t, as it’s a further expression of the artist/artisan’s work. It’s probably worth noting the service that it offers to the world at large, and to the crafting community in particular, to have a detailed and accurate record of handcrafted garments, as we’ve reached a bit of a crux in our communal relationship with clothing… I adore your Instagram, and blog, because your sweetness and humility come through in your photos, and the sheer number of them feels purely admirable, and not at all immoderate. I hope you don’t take your friend’s words too much to heart, as she was talking about an entirely different form of instagramming, and no doubt would have spoken more carefully had she been a devoted blog follower
Glad your friend obviously has very little else to worry about than getting herself in a twist about people on IG…… please keep on posting your lovely photos of your beautiful creations as so many of us enjoy them Carolyn! Let’s hope she doesn’t have a bee in her bonnet about people making their grandchildren hand made clothes lol!!!
Firstly… adore your dusky pink pinafore!! Perfectly perfect in every way. As always…. love to see the insides and learn how you finished the garment. Using old shirts is such a fabulous way to create a ‘lining’. I’ve been reading your blog for a very looooong time now…. and I remember when I first came across your blog, all those years ago, that your quality of photos and information was such that I took the time to go back and read your blog from its very first beginnings. I have learned so much about sewing from you!!! And for that I am so very grateful that you take the time to ‘teach’ us here. And your photos of your glorious Perth….. Australia…. are the icing on the cake….. as well as your sweet pup. These are things that IG simply can’t provide like a blog can. As far as IG….. it has enabled the sewing community to ‘come together’ and get ‘close’ ….. more ‘close knit’ than the blogs seemed to allow maybe?….. though most of us, in the beginning at least…. had blogs then created IG accounts. I think it was through IG and a simple candy bar 🙂 that created a sweet friendship with you that I treasure.
Your friend really does seem to have a bee in her bonnet where IG is concerned. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and sometimes we need to remember that they are only opinions. I really don’t see any problem with photo taking as long as it doesn’t harm anyone or anything and if the photo takers look silly, we’ll that is their business and no one else’s.
Your new ‘pinny’ is gorgeous. I love the colour and the pockets are excellent. Also, I can totally relate that if people are looking, the last thing I would do is take photos of myself! Also, we are very lucky that often we can go to a beautiful, local place and there is hardly anyone else there. You are hardly the annoying type who hijacks the best pool lounger and then poses endlessly with your bum in the camera! Keep on doing what you do 🙂
Dear Carolyn,
I can see what your friend E. is complaining about and there is a true side of her point of view.
However, I agree with everything the others have already said. You taking beautiful pictures of you wearing your selfmade outfits, inside your home or outside in lovely spaces is a complete other thing. Please don’t stop sharing your views and fantastic makes because it’s so enjoyable and instructive at the same time. I love reading about your thoughts and instruction details in your posts as well as seeing your pictures or stories on IG. How would we all know about one another without these possibilities? (Surely like with every other thing too, it is important not to waist too much time surfing unnecessarily).
Thank you for all of your efforts you are making for sharing your thoughts, knowledge and beautiful pictures!
Your pinnie is the cutest.
Have a great time in the US!
SaSa
First, I think that we are all entitled to have our own view of things, and some of them are not worth a longer argument. I can relate to your friend’s anger about inconsiderate instagramers when she has encountered some of them in person. Personally, I could never understand what all the fuss about Facebook was about until I got to see a very impolite exchange concerning rather second-rate topics – I was shocked by the language as well as the world view these people displayed. Obviously, I had lived in a FB dream world until then, and now I am a little more careful about which profiles and sites I visit.
Second, I like to see pictures on instagram. Not everybody uses it to show themselves off at special places (and from what I hear, even suffers fatal accidents on crowded streets or dangerous cliffs). So keep your IG account as long as you like. And please keep posting your gorgeous makes.
Short version: please don’t stop, your posts give both pleasure and role modeling.
Also: I have no doubt you reverence the environment, never occurred to me to think otherwise, from all that you say generally. Many of us enjoy backgrounds as well as the main subject-in this case, especially, as most of us get to learn something of beautiful Australia.
(I’ve personally not seen these over-the-top instagrams of which you speak…)
I love Instagram and I love your blog and IG posts. It’s a lovely way to see you, what you’ve made, your dog and spectacular locations. Keep up the GREAT work,
I just discovered your blog from a list of someone’s favorite sewing blogs and I think yours will be my favorite from that list. Can I first just say – I can’t believe you make your own tights – that is so cool! When I was young I used to sew so many of my clothes and though I still love sewing, I haven’t made it a priority for many years. But I miss the feeling of joy I found in my clothing from those earlier years and I can’t find the clothes I want to wear now – the style, the fabrics, the fit, etc. in any shops or online for that matter. Finding your blog is sooo inspiring to me. I get the instagram dilemma. I’m not on it myself and I often ask my daughter why her generation loves just posting photos of themselves. When I was young that would have been called narcissitic! I am learning that taking photos of ourselves (especially where sewing and dressing our bodies is concerned) can be very healthy indeed. And your beautiful locations give a sense of place that just adds to it all. Can’t wait to come back and spend more time on your lovely blog. Thank you 🙂