Sew little time!

Oh dear, I have so little to show, sewing wise, for the last few weeks - or month for that matter. I just can't seem to find enough hours in the day. I love reading all the lovely sewing blogs out there and they are all so inspirational...but I just don't know HOW they do it!! So many of you seem to be able to churn out fantastic garment after fantastic garment, while I struggle to find 20 minutes to even pin a pattern piece to some fabric!! I'm afraid I'm just not able to keep up with the vast majority of sewing blogs out there. Initially it was really getting to me and then I took stock one day and realised why am I letting myself get so stressed out about trying to get as many FOs out into the ethernet as possible. That's not why I started sewing. I started sewing to learn a new craft, get a hobby (that I enjoy, not one that stresses me out!) and as a creative outlet. Well because I have been putting deadlines on my sewing I have just ended up rushing, stressing and inevitably creating FOs which are not good enough quality. I need to learn how to sew well, not quickly!

I just haven't been able to fit in as much sewing into my life as I thought, or even perhaps hoped, I would be able to. I don't want to have to compromise on socialising with my friends, boyfriend or family, or cutting down on gym or (can't believe I'm saying this) housework just so that I can get my latest project finished faster. I need to find a way to fit sewing around the rest of my life so that it compliments it, rather than prevents it!

So I'm going to slow down and take my time on each piece I start. I want to feel proud of what I have made rather than making excuses for badly made stuff. So unfortunately there won't be tonnes and tonnes of new FOs on this blog. But I will definitely continue to post on this blog, but I guess not as frequently!

And speaking of improving my sewing skills, I have enrolled in a "Dressmaking and Tailoring" course in the local college. 2 hours every Monday evening starting in September for 10 weeks! I'm really excited and looking forward to it!! If nothing else, I'm looking forward to meeting other people in Belfast who are interested in sewing as it's not a hobby I share with my current friends. There was a beginners class and an intermediate and after some chat with the college enrollment staff (who weren't quite sure to be honest) I have enrolled on the intermediate course - eep! Hope it's not too difficult. I'll keep you posted on how it all goes and what I'm learning and making.

And just to keep you updated on the latest project I am currently working on this:

I mentioned this as a project in the pipeline in a previous post. I'm making a straight skirt from the 07/2010 Burda Magaine from blue and white linen. On closer inspection of the instructions I have discovered that this pattern actually has a double pleat at the back, I'm hoping that will turn out ok and not make my bum look massive! It also has welt-look pockets but I cannot for the life of me understand how you are meant to put these in! I am currently deciding if I should get mum to decipher, put in-seam pockets in or just go ahead without pockets. Currently it's sitting with the pattern pieces pinned on fabric but uncut. It's Bank Holiday Monday next week so I'm hoping I get some time to cut and start sewing then!!!!