Hello?
What in the ham sandwich is going on out there? Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard or been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). I can’t believe the world is dealing with a pandemic!? As I deal with the confusion, anxiety and apprehension of what’s to come for the world, I’ve had to lean more on my hobby/way of life and I’m super grateful for my family and my sewing!
Speaking of sewing, I’d like to dedicate a paragraph as a honorable mention to what’s hot/trending right now: MASKS!!! On the subject of masks, I’ve made a few, I’ve sold a few. I’ve donated to family and healthcare workers and I’ve sold to everyone else (and given away to those who couldn’t afford it). I realize desperate times call for desperate measures so I wont go into the validity of homemade masks, let’s just say I’m aware of the homemade mask phenomenon and our inability globally to secure PPE. There are a gazillion masks tutorials on Youtube and blogs. Also, the CDC and other organizations have instructions on how to make your own using: no-sew and sewn masks/ face coverings tutorials/instructions. I don’t know about filters, I don’t know how well fabric works or filters for protection, etc… I do know that I dont want to get anyone else sick and I want to reduce exposure so I wear them when I go out and I’ve been practicing social distancing.
Now that we’ve caught up, I’ve been sewing, hanging out with family, reading, drafting and reading. I don’t know, I just haven’t felt like taking pictures and that’s why I haven’t blogged lately. Sometimes I want to get dolled up and sometimes I dont. So, how can I still blog even if I dont feel like taking pictures? I’ll share processes, selfies and the occasional photo shoot, there is no right or wrong way (IMO) to do this blogging thing, but I do miss it.
After a few years of solely doing pattern reviews on the blog, I’m going to pivot, doing a little bit of pattern reviewing, a little drafting, a little what’ve learned and a little of this and that. I want the blog to be a great resource for when I look back and also a good resource for folks that want to see clothes on a bigger body. I’m embracing whatever space i’m in sooo… As I dust you off blog, I’ve neglected you but I’ve been reading and sewing and staying connected to the community. I won’t try to catch you up but I will share what’s interesting and important to me more often. I want to treat MY blog like the sewing journal diary I originally envisioned. And, if what I share happens to inspire and add value to others, WIN, WIN!.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been drafting quite a bit, I took a class by Brooks Ann Camper a while back called Skirt skills and that’s when I made my skirt block; i’ve taken the follow on course Smarty Pants and it has me making all the pants that fit! I’m learning to use my blocks/slopers to draft and also as master patterns for pattern fitting commercial/indie patterns. It’s been fun to learn something new and get good fitting garments at the same time.
I now have the following slopers:
- Woven bodice
- Woven one piece sleeve
- Woven skirt,
- Woven pants
- Leggings
- Knit bodice
- Knit sleeve
- Knit skirt
I’ve sewn tons of skirts and pants lately, but I think I’ll share a few of the pants I’ve sewn next time so stay tuned…
14 Comments
Vanessa
That is wonderful progress on your slopers! I saw a dress you sewed on IG and it was beautiful! I look forward to what you will post here moving forward. And yes, things have been crazy in the world!
MadebyLaQuana
Thank you and I see you've been busy with your make nine!
Unknown
It was nice to hear from you… I often check to see I you posted an article of clothing… miss them… but understand that you are busy doing other things… I will start following you on Instagram..
MadebyLaQuana
Thank you, I'm excited to get back here on the blog.
Abbeydabbles
Girl….. this world is so crazy right now! But happy to hear from you (and will msg you later). Been sewing some masks as well; even had a security guard at the pharmacy asking if I have any for sale. Pattern drafting for yourself is a such an experience – interesting, exciting, frustrating and annoying all at the same time. But I've found that having sewn indie and Big 4 patterns helps a lot in understanding what the end product should look like.
MadebyLaQuana
Yes and thanks! you are right indies especially give you a good idea of process and end result. If you've pattern tested it really helps too because the pattern tests I've done have been really helpful it showing you how to fit to your body. Also, I have to start walking with masks for that same reason.
Marjie
I think we can all agree with your first sentiment – What in the ham sandwich is going on??? I just wrote on my blog(s) in the middle of the night last night for the first time since Mid December. It's hard to know how I feel, much less what to say. I've sort of wanted to sew, but every time I start to look at one of the 4 projects I've got cut out, I just want to hide in the corner in despair. I'm not really sure why. Ryan proposed last weekend that we start scheduling Board Game Night on Saturdays; maybe that will give me the feeling of doing something on schedule and being a little normal? I've been watching your stories on the 'gram, and I have to say that you've done a terrific job of developing your own personalized patterns. I admire your perseverance.
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks Majie. I do think it's a good idea to get some type of "normal" with the family and do things that you like. I think we'll all be on the confused, despair train for a bit until we get real answers and a way forward.
Ellen
Nice to hear from you–glad you're still writing!
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks Ellen, yes, I'm still making.
Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)
I think you should use your blog as you want to and if you want to share drafting information, go for it. Your instagram stories are interesting and since you're already taking pictures, it would be easy to share that here.
MadebyLaQuana
Thanks Carolyn, my thoughts exactly!
SewRuthie
hello its lovely to hear from you!
MadebyLaQuana
Thank you!