Many of us spent recent months in isolation doing puzzles or baking bread. Being in isolation can be hard and self care during this uncertain time is so important.
One of the things I enjoy doing that gets me out of my head is some sort of creative activity. I’ve done a few classes in fused glass (highly recommended) but that’s not something I can easily do at home on the weekend when I have a couple of hours spare. During the last few months, I’ve found that I’ve been doing more sewing. In the beginning, I sewed masks to protect myself and my family then some minor alterations and repairs. Now I’m sewing for pleasure.
Sewing forces me to focus and distracts me from thinking about the current situation. It also gives me great satisfaction to create some unique pieces for my wardrobe. I’ve been sewing up a few new dresses for spring and summer recently!
I know that there are many readers here who love to sew and others who would love to know how to sew as it gives you so much more control over your wardrobe. You can choose the fabric, colours, prints and style of clothing in a way that you can purchase exactly what you’re after.
I’m thrilled to be featured on another Sew Mindful podcast with Jacqui Blakemore who is developing online courses to teach you to sew – even if you have no experience!
In this episode, Jacqui and I chat about optical illusions that clothing can create. Becoming a magician with clothes involves learning the art of illusion and distraction. The use of lines within your outfit has the ability to lengthen, add curves or create a sense of movement. You can use these lines to highlight body parts you want people to notice, and also create a distraction away from body parts you want people to ignore.
You can listen to the podcast here and subscribe while you’re there! Jacqui and I will be doing more episodes together in the future.
Pre-pandemic, I would have told you to find a sewing group at your local library or community centre, but since we’re all at home for the foreseeable future, I encourage you discover more about Jacqui’s sewing tips, lessons and soon to be released online sewing programs, at her website Sew Much More Fun. And you can follow her on Instagram here.
Want to learn more about body shape guidelines (such as my Body Shape Bibles) tell you where to use horizontals and verticals for each of the body shapes. Not sure of your shape? Then do my free quiz here – or if you’d like my professional opinion on your shape – you can get it as part of my 7 Steps to Style program.? This is just some of what is covered in my 7 Steps to Style program – find out more about it here.
So please be kind to yourself and do something that makes you feel good too!
