Happy Wednesday!
I’ve been working so hard to sew outfits for our vacation and I’m tired. Hahaha! If you read last week’s post, you’ll probably remember that I waited until a week before departure to start sewing. For this reason, I didn’t get a chance to sew all the outfits that I wanted to take, but I did get some nice casual dresses done. You won’t believe what I did! Oh gosh, I don’t even want to say it (Hiding face in hands)! I bought a few pairs of shorts, pants, tops and a cardigan to take on the trip. There, I said it! I wanted to make them but I ran out of time. I dreaded walking into that store. It almost felt like I was betraying myself. Hahaha!
I haven’t shopped for ready-to-wear garments in the longest time, except for underwear, t-shirts, and workout gear. It’s probably been almost two years, and let me tell you something. I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to. Seriously, I must have tried on over 20 pieces, maybe 30, looking for the proper fit. Then, when I found the right fit, I decided t0 grab several of the same items in different colors, just to be done with it. “Well, no ma’am! We don’t have your size in all those other colors. You’ll have to go try on more clothes.” Ooooh, the frustration!!! It’s so much easier to just pull out a pattern, adjust it to fit my body, and sew it in whatever color or print I desire. When I left that store, all of my lower body was hurting. Hahaha! I’ve learned my lesson. Never wait until the last minute. I remember when I used to be able to shop for hours, going from store to store, trying on garments, looking for the best deal. Not anymore! What makes it even worse is that when I saw a cute item, I’d look at the price tag and say, “Awww, heck to the no! I can make that for a fraction of the cost.” Also, it’s impossible to not notice the poorly matched patterns at the seams. It’s not easy shopping for clothes when you can sew your own. I can’t say I won’t ever buy ready-to-wear again, but I definitely won’t do it when I’m pressed for time. In the end, I found what I needed, but the struggle was real.
As you’re reading this post, we’re relaxing in Prague, celebrating my husband’s recent retirement. You know that phrase, “Work hard – Play hard?” Yeah, we’ve been putting in the work, so we’re totally ready for the chill time.
I took photos of this cute romper before we left so that I would have something to share with you. I purchased the pattern for the jumpsuit version but thought I would try the romper to take on the trip. I really like it but the next time I will lengthen the bodice a bit and increase the width on the legs of the shorts. I especially like the fabric choice. It’s a challis and perfect for the drape on the sleeves. It’s also nice and cool for hot weather.
I believe this is a good pattern for beginners who have learned the basics of sewing. If you want to learn to sew, check out my Beginner’s Sewing Course for free step-by-step video tutorials that you can watch at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. We complete six garments while learning the basics of sewing.
Create the Look!
- Pattern: McCall’s 7609
- Fabric: 100% Rayon
Thank you for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
(All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!)
Love this outfit. Have already brought the pattern now just have to get the fabric. Thanks Anita. I love this outfit.
Love your romper, I have been trying to make one all summer (in my head) could never find the right one.. and was afraid I would ruin it. Yours is lovely. So glad that I found you about 3 to 4 weeks ago. Love your spirit and how you make your explanations so clear.
Hope you had fun on your vacation.
What a cute romper, Anita! I hope you have a lovely trip.
Amazing, as always, enjoy your trip! I am going to make myself one too, love it!
I love this Romper. Its seen that no matter what you sew I’m in love with it. This may be next on my sew list.
Thanks Yvonne!
I love it. You did it again!!! The fabric choice is beautiful. I love the colors of it. It really looks good on you. You did a beautiful job. Enjoy vacation, and praying for your traveling mercy. GOD Bless.
Thanks Ms. Sheila! God bless you too!
Have fun Anita & Cecil and enjoy your much deserted retirement vacation! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Much deserved vacation!
Thanks Sheila!
Hi Anita, Love the jumper that you made for your vacation. Looks like you are having a fabulous time. So happy for you both.
In your blog post regarding your adorable jumper, you mentioned your frustration with shopping for ready wear clothes and how it is so much easier to pull out a pattern and alter it to fit your body. I have a huge request….. I have no problem following instructions on a pattern for the sewing part, but I do struggle with adjusting patterns to fit properly (I am sure I am not alone with this) Would love to see how you adjust your patterns from different pattern companies.
I have heard that once you know which adjustments to make, they are pretty much the same for every pattern by that company. Hoping and Praying that you would consider doing a step by step video on this subject… how you measure and where to mark and alter the pattern and what makes you change or alter the pattern and at what place? I hope I am not asking too much with this request, I know that you have such a special way of showing how to sew properly and it would probably make complete sense after you explained it. Sure hoping you will consider doing this the next time you want to do a tutorial. Thanks!! Debbie
Hi Debbie! Yes, indeed! I will definitely be doing some tutorials on how I alter my patterns to fit. I have a list of tutorials lined up so it won’t be next, but stay tuned.
Thank you Anita – I am thrilled to hear this. Appreciate all of your help so much. ?
Hi Anita! Congrats to your hubby and to you. You should definitely play hard. The romper is too cute and you always find the perfect fabric. I’m a new sewer and I’ve only made 2 straight skirts (thanks to your beginning sewing class). I’ve purchased 25 patterns (can’t resist a sale), but I’ve had problems finding cute fabric.
Hi Lesa! Thank you! I certainly understand the fabric choice issue. It’s so personal and there are so many options. I think it’s easier once you know what type of fabrics work well with particular garments. I’m actually doing a study on textiles right now. When I’m done, I plan to share what I learn with my sew sisters.
Hi Anita! This romper is so adorable on you. I’ve got to get some of that fabric. Congratulations on your husband’s retirement, and have a fabulous time in Prague. I look forward to seeing your photos with you wearing your “me makes” and RTW. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve been a busy lady, so enjoy your time with your husband celebrating! God Bless!!!
Hi Sandra! Thank you so much sister. We will certainly enjoy ourselves. God bless you too!
Anita, This is a really nice romper. You look wonderful in it as you do in all of your creations. Love the selection of the rayon challis. That’s one of my favorite fabrics. I know you hated not to be able to make all of the outfits for the vacation but I hope that you are really having a great time. Congrats to the Hubby. I am waiting for that day of retirement. Get plenty of relaxation and have lots of fun so you can come back and create more great outfits. God Bless and we wait to see wonderful pictures (smile)
Hi Jean! Thank you so much! Yes, ma’am, I intend to enjoy myself and relax a lot. God bless you too.
Lovely I can’t imagine you wanting to change the fit. it looks fabulous on you.Beautiful print
Thanks so much Stacey!
I love this so much! I live in Georgia, and I would spend 8 months out of the year wearing something so cool for the scorching hot weather. The full length jumpsuit on the pattern looks fabulous as well. Can’t wait until I have a bit more experience under my belt to tackle this!
Have a safe and wonderful vacation! Prague…I swoon!
Hi Tracy! Thank you so much! Keep sewing and one day you will be able to sew anything you want.
Oh my, Ms. Anita!!!!!!!!!! Gurl first of all, congrats to your hubby on his retirement. You look too FABULOUS in this romper!!! Now I’m going to cut mines out, thanks for the inspiration!!!!
Enjoy your trip with your hubby!!! Listen, don’t be so hard on yourself for buy RTW, it happens. Can’t wait to see what you’ll stitch up next.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much! Yes, we will have a fabulous time.
Progue…yes yes…take lots of pictures and post…I can’t wait:) Congrats to you and your hubby!!!
Thanks Lora! Yes, will take lots of pictures.
I love it..very nice.have a wonderful trip…and congratulations to your husband…
Heeeeey Vernita! Thank you so much sew sister!
Super cute!
Thanks Shamj!
Beautifully done, love it.
Thanks Karon!
You shouldn’t feel bad about buying a couple of things, Anita!! Maybe it’s good so you can empathize with the struggles??
Without our struggles, we wouldn’t appreciate life as much, right?
You are incredible!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You’re absolutely right Jodie! Thank you so much!
It’s beautiful. Great fabric choice. I am following your beginners sewing series. Im working on the circle skirt now. Enjoy tour vacation. ?
Thanks Carmen! So glad to hear you’re following the course. Have fun sewing your skirt!
As always I am speechless. The more I try to catch up with you the more I realize you are far ahead. I look forward to every Wednesday to see what you have on the table and you always come out absolutely stunning. Beleieve me since following your blog I have an organised and awesome wardrobe.. when I can’t do it I will say to myself what would Anita do differently. You are a mentor, a motivator and a good designer.. you and yours deserve the get away. I pray to Almighty to continue to bless you both.. have fun and I luv u big sister
Oooohhh, Ray! Thank you so much for your support. You are doing an amazing job with your sewing. I’m so proud of you.
Anita, you look FANTASTIC!!! You are soooo CUTE!!! The romper looks good on you, it’s looks like a vacation piece. I wish I could wear things above my knees (I used to all of the time) but I no longer feel comfortable because of the scars from my knee replacements. Isn’t it something when we make our own clothes then when we go into a store to purchase a garment, the first thing we look at is the price and then see how poorly it’s made. I haven’t shopped ready-to-wear in years.
Enjoy Prague, congratulations to your husband on his retirement.
Thanks so much LaToria! You know what? I never wear anything this far above my knees anymore either, until this trip. I haven’t worn shorts in a very long time for the same reason. I have cellulite thighs and these dark spots (patches) on my right leg along the calf. Looks like blood clots but they’re not. Anyway, I don’t care anymore. I just don’t care. Hahaha!
Anita, I don’t see all of that. LOL!!!! My friends told me I will get to that point too, “I don’t care”, they told me the scars will lighten over time, right now the scars are dark. You look fabulous.
Yeah, you can’t see it in the photos. I agree with your friends. You won’t care one day either.
Anita, make sure you buy some fabric from Prague (if there are fabric stores there) so you can make something beautiful!!!