This is January 2010. When I was a kid I never dreamed I'd still be alive in 2010! Not only am I alive, but I'm enjoying my life more than ever! Last month I took an opportunity to attend a wonderful retreat on the Rock River near Rockford, IL. The retreat is held during our "catch up" season before we get so busy that we don't have a minute to spare for ourselves. Fourteen women, all members of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals get together once a year with one stipulation--no client work! Some plan the weekend down to the minutest detail, and others just wing it, but each year I am amazed at the quantity and quality of work accomplished by these extremely talented women.
Last year at retreat, I wanted to use the wisdom of these fitting specialists to help me perfect a pattern for pants for myself. Being a large woman with many curves proved to be quite a challenge, and though it was not perfected, I got a great start. This year, I brought last years' pattern, and with the help of 3 wonderful friends, was able to get the pattern perfected from waist through the hip. So you can see, custom sewing for people is an art and can sometimes take quite a long time to get it right. I am anxiously awaiting the results of my first pair of beautifully fit pants!
STYLE
We humans are complex creatures. Most of us do not fit in one body shape and we each have different roles to fill in our lives which necessitates a combination of styles in our wardrobe. What is your style? Make a list for yourself: Ethnic, Elegant, Feminine, Simple, Homespun, Casual, Tailored, Timeless, Soft, Structured, Eclectic...add your own adjectives. We also have color preferences, and I was once told that the colors you are most attracted to are the ones that look best on you. Do you like the jewel tones, pastels, bright, warm, dull, cheery, cool or sophisticated colors? Of course, we must NEVER rule out a color because we are not drawn to it, but can use it as an accent piece. Finally, what are your favorite surface textures? Maybe you have never thought about surface texture. My first instinct is to touch the garments on a rack. I LOVE things that are very soft, flowey, that feel good on the skin. Silk, cotton, microfiber are on the top of my list. Other textures you might like are smooth, shiny, sparkly, crinkled, rough, bumpy, twill (as in jeans) or plain weave.
When you have clothing made for you, you have so many more options than one who purchases her garments from a retail store. You can choose your colors, textures and styles to suit your personal preferences and lifestyle as well as getting the perfect fit. Though it takes more thought and time to get a one-of-a-kind outfit, the end results can epitomize who you are and can last for many, many years!
