A Summary of Some Recent Sewing Projects

 I think one the only good things about the pandemic was the time to learn a new hobby, and I've kept trying my hand a sewing since my first projects last spring. After having some success with Shirt No. 1 and the Wiksten Shift Dress (#wikstenshiftdress #shirtno1), I took a big leap (for me) forward to sew some Burnside Bibs (#burnsidebibs).

Do I normally wear overalls? No. Is the zipper a hot mess on these? Yes. Do they look cool in these photos? Yes (in my opinion). Do I wear them? Almost never. 😔 

I cut a size 8, graded to a size 4 at the waist, kept the bib at a size 8 width above waist, and lengthened the bib by about 1.5 inches. This is version 1, cropped, and with a scooped bib. I omitted the back pockets to try to avoid the "saggy butt" look, and I think that worked out. 

I WANT to wear these. It's just the zipper is pretty rough looking. Also using the restroom is not the easiest in these with all the strap-tying involved. Plus, barely leaving my home anyway during covid has made me less willing to put up with things like what I listed above for *fashion*. I think the pattern is great, the look is good, and even the Joann linen fabric is nice quality. Maybe someday these will be working for me. 

Next up is my Wiksten Shift Top (#wikstenshifttop) (short-sleeve version) in the same black linen as my Burnside Bibs. This one I LOVE. I like the fit better than my shirt no 1 and I actually was wearing this one a lot throughout the spring and the summer.  I've made this top multiple times now, and I think it's the best pattern I currently own. I also like the fit better than Shirt No. 1.

Finally, are my Pomona Pants (#pomonapants). They are comfortable and the pattern was super easy to follow. I made a straight size 8, but subbed a 1.5 inch elastic for a 2 inch. I do feel like these pants aren't super flattering on me. I think I could have sized down. I also need to add a couple horizontal lines of stitching to make the elastic band look a little more finished. I plan to do that and to make these again, perhaps adjusting the fit a little more.

Even so, I've have actually worn these multiple times. They were perfect for midday walks when it was still warm outside.

Since sewing my Wiksten shift dress and Shirt No. 1, I've worn them almost never. It's a little disappointing, but I'm not sure (especially for the dress) how much of that is a product of just staying at home a lot.