I love fashion trends and I love to sew but, these days comfort is a must. I want a wardrobe that suits my aging body, retired lifestyle and hair color (yes hair color...I've gone au natural and it's now a soft snowy white). Since I stopped coloring my hair which was a sacred ritual of mine for many years, my whole color palette has changed. It's been a challenge to re-think what colors flatter, what colors drain and those which make me look like a flaming peacock. I don't want to give in to leisure,cruise-style colors or matching cropped pant outfits. You are what you wear after all and I want my wardrobe to be current, sophisticated but casual, comfortable but not frumpy, easy to wear, easy to maintain and stylish. Not too big of a wish list, right? I am no longer girlish, but I love girlish things. I don't wear sleek tailored suits, stylish dresses or high heels that flatter, but I love the look. Alas, today I lean toward comfortable shoes and accommodating waistbands. I wish there was a fashion/beauty magazine that specifically feature fashion styles, health/beauty tips, and articles specifically designed for women like me (the 50+, 60+ crowd). With all of this wishful thinking, I have an idea...I am going to take a young, fashionable look and create a comparative style...an age-appropriate re-make! It might be a dress, jacket or total outfit. Accessories and shoes will be an important part of the makeover, of course. In the end, I hope to have a closet-full of delicious outfits that make sense for my particular life and style. I plan to document my progress and see where we land...that's what I'm up to. I'll be working on this project and posting my progress soon.
Here's a simple sundress for Chloe, which I sewed using Kwik Sew #3864. Love the cotton fabric, love the facing and button contrast; all from my fabric stash. I used Size 1T to match Chloe's measurements, but sized the dress length to a Size 3T; Chloe is petite for her age, but tall. I'll send this Dotty Dress by mail today.
Chloe is my 2-1/2 year old granddaughter, one of two grandchildren, with one on the way, all girls. Chloe has fitting problems because she's at a size 1T in body measurements, but 3T in height. Good that grandma sews! After getting used to sewing teeny tiny versus Size Women's Large (these arthritic fingers don't help), I am delighted to be sewing for my little girlies. The pink top was meant to be a dress (Chloe loves dresses) but the body of the dress got caught in the serger at the hem so not it's a top. The knit set with tiny citrus fruits and flowers is adorable. Both were made with Kiwk Sew children's patterns. These outfits are first attempts, based on Chloe's measurements which her mama sent to me from Boise, ID. Once I know they fit well, I'll be making bunches of summer outfits for this little girlie.
