Happy Wednesday!
As I type this blog post, I’m feeling some kind of way because I’ve received orders from the doctor, stating that I’m not to do any sewing for at least a month. May we pause for a moment of silence, please? Unfortunately, I have tendinitis in my left elbow and he said I need to wear a sling and allow it to rest. He also prescribed physical therapy, which I start tomorrow. My first instinct was to disobey the orders and try to sew anyway, perhaps with one hand. Hahaha!!! I know, that’s pretty ridiculous. After I posted my situation on Instagram, a flood of responses came through with the majority telling me to follow the doctor’s orders so that it doesn’t get worse. So I came to my senses and decided to do the right thing. Darn it!!!
While on my sewing break, I plan to take care of some things I’ve been putting off over the past few months. I’ve made a mental “To-Do List,” and while I won’t be able to complete it all in one month, at least I have some direction. I’ll be breaking down each category into manageable steps and writing them down so that I can check things off as they’re completed. I don’t know about you, but I feel good about checking an item off a list when it’s done. It somehow makes me feel like I’ve been productive.
- Decorate/Organize Sewing Room
- Re-organize Blog
- Complete Baby Lock Soprano Video Series
- Practice Photography/Videography
- Organize/Rearrange Household
While I’m going to miss sewing, getting these items taken care of will declutter my mind and make me feel better in the end, so I’m kind of excited to get started. Hmmm… When I look at the list, I’m pretty sure that it’s gonna take much longer than one month, but at least I’m starting the process.
Fortunately, for me, I managed to finish this dress a few days before I learned that I wouldn’t be sewing for a while. This was the second of a list of maxi dresses I planned to sew over the month of August. I wanted to get it done before fall, but it looks like that won’t be happening now. I guess all the fabrics I purchased from my last Joann Fabrics haul will have to wait until next Spring or Summer. Nooooo!!! It’s so sad!
Vogue 9296 – Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress
OooWee!!! This Vogue 9296 – Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress is the business, honey! I’m so glad that I sewed this dress before my break because I really like it and I get to wear it for the rest of the summer. I fell in love with this gorgeous Kathy Davis, Turquois, Floral Rayon from Joann Fabrics and purchased it just for this dress. Everything about this Vogue pattern caught my attention. I’m all for fit and flare maxi dresses–EVERYDAY!!! The full skirt, fitted bodice, keyhole front, cold shoulder, and balloon sleeves with three-button cuffs are all amazing together.
Now, let me just say this: I’m an intermediate sewer. However, that doesn’t mean that I never make silly mistakes. With that being said, you’ve probably already noticed the most obvious one upon first seeing the dress. I’m gonna go ahead and call it out so nobody thinks I’m unaware. The hem on this dress is JACKED up! Hahaha!!! I know, I know! I’m not even gonna make any excuses. I was just straight lazy and sewed the hem without trying it on. Beginners, please learn from my mistake. Don’t do this! No matter what, always try on your garments BEFORE hemming!!! After I return from my sewing break, I’ll be fixing the hem. See, that’s what happens sometimes when you try to shortcut. You end up with double the work. I’m willing to re-do this one because I love this dress and fabric too much not to wear it. In fact, I’m gonna wear it to a lunch next week, flawed hem and all. I’ll just hold it up when I walk. Hahahahaaa!!!
The other mistake I made isn’t as obvious but nonetheless careless. The printed fabric kind of hides it. I’m pointing these things out so that you beginners will see that, no matter the skill level, we all make mistakes. Some mistakes are easily fixed. Then there are those that are irreparable, like my right sleeve cuff. Do you see it? I put the buttonholes on the wrong side. Whyyyyyyy??? Anita, whyyyy??? It’s simple. I just wasn’t paying attention. It happens and it’s okay. I’m gonna rock my maxi and still think I’m cute. Hahaha!
I did my usual swayback alteration. For my beginners, a swayback adjustment is used to remove the extra fabric that puddles in the mid to lower back area. For the swayback adjustment, I use a method called “Pivot & Slide” that I learned from Nancy Zieman’s book, Pattern Fitting with Confidence. I also closed the keyhole opening from the bottom of the bodice front a few inches for my comfort.
I sewed a size 10 and used the D-cup bodice. Yes, there are different bodice pieces for cup sizes A, B, C, and D, which I think makes it much easier to get a better fit without as many alterations.
This pattern is rated “EASY” by the McCall Pattern Company and I agree, but a new beginner may require extra time, as there are quite a few steps to complete and 8 pattern piece construction.
Well, I’m signing off for now. After seeing my physical therapist tomorrow, I will have a better idea of what my limitations are. I’ll be in touch with you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.)
Your blog post featuring the Vogue 9296 cold shoulder maxi dress is a delightful exploration of fashion and style. The detailed description and visual presentation of the dress are appealing. It’s a great source of inspiration for those looking to create a chic and elegant look. Your passion for fashion truly shines through in your post, making it an enjoyable read for fashion enthusiasts. Keep up the fantastic work!
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Yes, Anita. Please follow Doctor’s orders! We’ll be here when you get back.
Yes, Gloria, I’m following orders. Thanks for your support.
hi Anita, Im so happy I discovered your blog. I have learned several things from you already. Such a pretty lady,and your clothes look very classy, well,,,, you can tell the way you carry yourself your a classy woman.Another thing I want to thankyou for being a Christian, and not being afraid your going to “hurt” someone feeling if you say the word God, or talk about our Jesus and he is our rock, Take care and listen to your Doctor,best of luck Betty
Hi Betty! Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting my blog. Jesus ALWAYS! Blessings to you, sister.
It’s absolutely gorgeous and you look beautiful. You are always in my prayers.
Aww it looks lovely and the colour on you looks fab.
It is a beautiful dress for such a beautiful lady. Take care of yourself is right follow the doctors orders, we will be here when you return your help its what is important we love and take care of yourself.
Thank you so much, Veledas! I’m taking care of myself.
Hello my inspiration. When I read your post, I smile all the way to the end I could hear your voice from meeting you. I just love you! I’m so thankful GOD has allowed you to cross my journey. Well you might not know this but I retired as a RTD/MTA bus operator. So from driving all those years I have a bad back. I receive pain block epidurals in my spine every 3 months and nerve burnings every 6 months. Sometimes my heart wants to sew but ny body says no. And then out of no where here comes one of your motivation stories. I get up and I ignore the pain and push on. Today I received a couple of shots to relax the muscles in my neck which has locked up to the left. And here comes your motivation. Keep on pushing! I’ve learned how to design steel tumblers with fabric, epoixy them and sell them. I know what pain is because I am in constant pain with fibromyalgia. But thanks to you, I keep on pushing. I want you to know I appreciate you and I am thankful for you. I know it’s not topic but I just want you to know it.
Now to the dress! It’s just fabulous. The fit is perfect. And no I wouldn’t have looked at the hem, nor the button issue had you not mentioned it. The fabric is so spring. Keep on walking by faith, I may not walk beside you but I’m following you stepping in your footsteps.
Yes, sister, push through! Thank you for sharing your journey. I love you too, LaTanya.
Dear Anita,
That dress is amazing! I love the fabric. If you had kept the design deviations secret, I never would have noticed. Never. ?
Please follow doctor’s. We like seeing you in action and want you to rest that arm. Thank you for sharing your time, space and beautiful spirit.
Thanks Vanessa! I’m following orders and taking time to heal.
Anita…just imagine how amazing it will feel start sewing again in a fully decorated and organized sewing room! Keep your eyes on the prize my friend!
Also, my favorite thing about this dress is that I didn’t even notice the hem or the buttons, which tells you everything you need to know about how my hems must look! ?
Love you my sister!
Yes, I can only imagine how excited I will sew when the doctor releases me to sew again. Love you too!
you are awesome stay spirited while you recoop.
thank you,
Delores of SwagARag
Sorry about your tendinitis. Follow your doctors instructions so that your recovery will be speedy. The dress looks beautiful on you. I love that you pointed out your mistakes. You are so right that what ever your sewing expertise, mistakes happen. I did notice the hem right away but wouldn’t have noticed the buttons right away. I look forward to hearing how far along that list you do get!
This dress is so beautiful!! You are such an honest and loving person. I hope you take your doctors advise and heal. I love you list of things to do and if you are like me…if I get at least 2 done I will be happy!!! Take care and thank you so much for the great content.
Yes, getting at least two will be huge.
I’ve struggled to find time to work on developing my sewing. There is so much going on!!!! I refuse to pack up my machines because I know I’ll be able to get back to it sooner or later. I’m sorry tendinitis has caused you to take a break from what you love to do. I hope the break will allow you to take care of your list which will free you up for more sewing !!!!!! Happy healing Mrs. Anita!!! Lots of love coming from Atlanta!!!!
Thanks, Ashlee! I hope you’ll be able to get back to sewing, but I certainly understand life circumstances taking priority.
You are Much loved by all your students. I struggle with Aspergers and the PTSD that is the result of a lifetime of being bullied and victimized because I am different. You bring joy and happiness with your blog. Have a blessed recovery Anita
Oh Barbara, I’m sorry to hear about your struggles. I’m so glad you find happiness reading my blog.
Hi Anita, The fabric choice is a perfect match for that pattern. The color is so calming and lovely. Please take good care of yourself, and rest. Your To-Do-List don’t qualify as resting. An alternative would be a few spa treatments and reading a good book. You could sign-up for an online course to learn a new language. Just rest that elbow, we want you back to sewing soon! LOL God’s blessings!
Awww man! I guess I don’t know how to rest. Hahaha! Spa treatments and reading definitely happening. New language definitely not happening. Hahaha! Thanks for the encouragement.
Take care of yourself! You will come back stronger than ever!
Even if you can’t sew I hope you stay in touch. Your blog and spirit is so inspirational to me. Take care of yourself. You are much loved by all your followers.
Thanks, Marnie! I Love you guys too.
Anita its funny I’m reading this blog while sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to be seen and I have tendonitis in my left hand. I guess it happened to seamstress regularly. I sew making flags every day at work and sew at home on the side. I hope I do not have to take 30 days off work because I cant afford it. Well I pray for a fast recovery for you and you can get back to sewing soon because I like the items you make and it gives me inspirations to keep going. And keep me in your prayers as I go thru the same thing your going thru.
Oh no! I pray that you will heal quickly too.
Love
Yes Anita, be obedient because God has a plan. The dress is beautiful regardless of the mistakes. Take care of yourself. God bless.
Gorgeous!
Wow!!!!
You look gorgeous Anita! Sorry about your health problem. It sounds like you have a plan so time will go fast! Praying for you!
You’re a beautiful person. I just loved the dress I might try tackling it. but I got to start at the beginning sewing again. Due circumstances beyond my control I had to stop watching your classes. While you are resting I am going to stRt sewing again. Nevertheless I am glad you are listening to your Doctors. God bless you the wonderful woman of God.
Welcome back, LeJeun! I’m so glad you can start sewing again. Have lots of fun with it. Sew a stitch or two for me.
Anita! You were having fun in this photo shoot! That fun translates into the photos. Of course I didn’t know your late husband, but from what you have shared of him, oh. my. goodness. he would be so proud of you. Look at this latest challenge, and how you are rising to meet it. So proud. You are a lovely light and I’m happy to have found you online. About the sewing, I thought I was not a fan of cold shoulder dresses. This dress of yours has changed my mind! Blessings dear lady.
Delamarie
Thanks so much, Delamarie! I’m still learning and trying to have fun with the photo shoots. Thanks for your encouraging words. I didn’t like the cold shoulder style until I made my first one. I’m hooked now.
Anita, your BEAUTIFUL SMILE makes up for whatever you say is “wrong” with this dress! Take your time and get well! You are such an encouragement to ALL of us. God Bless You!
Thanks Dara!
Beautiful Anita! I always love seeing your makes! XO
Thanks, Rosy
You look fabulous!
Thanks C
Sorry to hear about your elbow! And your mistakes HA HA HA we all do it ! Nonetheless it looks flawless and beautiful.
You take care and Lord willing we’ll see you later!
Thanks Gwendolyn
Yes, must obey. I’ve had this in my shoulder before starting back sewing. You won’t heal properly & may make it worse??. Will miss!
Thanks Jc
Uh…that does not sound like rest…lol. Sounds like you will be very productive despite the sling. The dress is gorgeous!! I would love to know how you measure for your own hems. I can seem to get that process right yet. Have a great day!
LOL! I know, I didn’t think about that. LOL! Since I don’t have a dress form yet, I have to measure on my body. I pin and try on until I have it right. Most of the time I can hem right from the package without alterations, but this dress was ALL uneven.
You look amazing in that dress. May the almighty be with you and help you recover soon…
Thanks Ray
That is a hard call to give it up, but knowing it’s only temporary is nice. And getting things organized means maybe once you start again, things will speed up??
You were our inspiration for today’s post on my blog, Anita!! My mom made the open shoulder shirts for all 3 of us, and we wore them together!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh , Jodie, that’s so cool! I can’t wait to go read your blog.
So sorry to hear about your elbow, but glad that you had a change of heart to follow the doctor’s orders. I think your recovery time will be shorter by adhering to what the doctor and physical therapist recommend.
This dress looks great on you. I agree the design elements really are quite nice. I love that you take so many pictures so your readers can really see all the details from different views.
Thanks for sharing and a speedy recovery to you.
P.S. Thanks for responding to my e-mail and offering your words of encouragement. I can tell in your writing that you have such a kind heart and are full of compassion. You’re the best!
Thanks, Tarah!