It’s been almost two weeks since my last post. I’ve still been working away at my wardrobe this whole time, but not producing anything photographable. I’ve been conducting a little style research. Mainly this consisted of trying on clothes in front of a full length mirror and trying to determine what makes something flattering. I also checked out some library books on the subject. I generally disagree with the style tips because while they may be based on a true visual principle, variables often undermine the intended effect. One piece of advice that I feel is too often repeated is that A-line skirts are universally flattering. I think that they usually aren’t. I have decided that a straight skirt, one that falls straight down from the widest part of the hip or thighs, creates a much more pleasing shape on me. I have never been able to find a skirt like this in a store that fits me properly, so this alone might justify learning how to sew. I also think that skirts look better when they go all the way up to the waist, even if they will be partially covered by a top. The characteristics that work for pants are not the same for skirts. Lower-waisted pants are good, skirts are not. Also, back pockets are usually flattering on jeans and pants, but are not on skirts. Back pockets on skirts will make your butt look bigger. I promise.
Another tidbit of falsehood that I keep reading is that small prints are slimming and large prints are widening. I think the opposite is true. A small print will make people look big because they are big by comparison. A large print will make you look small by comparison. See - I’m so dainty that you can only fit ten paisleys on my skirt. If you disagree with me, it’s just because my butt is big, it’s not because my skirt is unflattering.
The best skirt length for me is just below the knee, above the point at which my calf starts to widen. I forgot to lengthen my pattern before I cut my skirt out so I added the gray band which so nicely matches my hoodie. This has become my favorite color. It’s a little darker than 50% gray and also a bit blue-greener.
I want to mention that the other development in my project has been the purchase of a Husqvarna five-thread serger. It seriously kicks ass. I have only figured out how to do a couple things with it so far, but it came with unlimited lessons on how to use it. I felt very guilty spending so much money ($1300) but I really think it’s worth it and I want to thank Scott for not hassling me about it. I can’t remember if I mentioned what a serger is yet, and most people who don’t sew don’t know. It’s another sewing machine that uses 2-5 spools of thread and 1-3 needles at a time to do stitches that a regular sewing machine can’t. Some of the stitches are decorative, but mainly it’s used to sew seams and hems on stretchy fabric (look at a t-shirt hem – you’ll see two rows of straight stitches on the top and something sort of chain-like on the underside) and for over-casting the edges of all types of fabric on the inside so that they don’t fray. It also sews really fast which makes it fun and frightening.
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