“A limiting belief is a thought or state of mind that you think is the absolute truth and stops you from doing certain things.” While copying a pattern, cutting, ironing, sewing, and unstitching, I have an ongoing monologue of limiting beliefs. “I will never get this done on time. I probably didn’t copy this correctly. I should just stop and do something else. It’s too late now to fix this.” Etc. Etc. Etc.
Here is a list of my most common limiting beliefs and how I got things done this time!
“I don’t have time to…”. Yes, I do, if I set up a plan and priorities. The baby romper was a fast and easy project, but the mommy outfit took much longer than expected. Copying the Rory Jumpsuit pattern, cutting the fabric, ironing, putting the pieces together… It all took a lot more hours than anticipated. The sewing itself is straightforward, but it took a long time because there are many steps, and I got confused when assembling the pieces: there are eight pieces in total for the front and the back, plus the pockets and facings. Shout out to the daddy who entertained my baby while mommy was sewing!
It is not perfect. Maybe not, but it is done! For once, my measurements were supposed to match exactly with the pattern size 12. I was precise with seam allowances and hem width. I place a paper with the hem widths under my iron to do that, it is simple yet effective. Still, the Rory romper came out too loose for my liking, probably because of my fabric choice. To try and give it a slight shape, I decided last minute to add some elastic in a casing on the front side panel. The pattern does propose other options, though. The baby romper is adjustable since it is tied at the shoulders. She’ll outgrow it faster than I imagine, but I hope we can use it for at least a few months!
“I don’t have the budget to…”. Yes, I do if I research and wait for the best fabrics at the best prices. Materials – especially fabric – can be pricey: any project requires between 2 and 5 yards of fabric, sometimes amounting to $50 or $60. If you invest time in making a garment, you better use good-quality fabric, right? Fabric Mart always has daily deals, so it is just a waiting game until I can fall in love with a fabric and get it! I was super happy to order this beautiful coral challis for less than $7 per yard.
“I don’t have space to…”. Yes, I do if I use space creatively and forgive the mess for a little while. My home is a small and open space. Any sewing project requires me to push the dining table to one side, lay fabric on the floor, and use all surfaces to scatter my supplies: a cutting board on the kitchen island, the ironing board on a side table, pattern pieces on the dining chairs… Everything is a mess until I get the project done! Saying “I am going to sew” means a hurricane is about to hit our living room, and I need to be ok with that. My hubby – a Mary Kondo in disguise - has learned to become blind to this chaos, and he stoically puts up with the mess until I am done.
“I don’t know how to do…”. I don’t know yet, but I can practice and learn! I am self-taught – or online-taught. Every project is a learning experience, and I know I will probably hit a wall at some point. In this case, it was my first time sewing with such a slippery, thin fabric. So I made sure to have more material than needed in case I had to repeat a piece. Also, I had never finished an armhole with bias tape, and I know the fit could be better, but I will try this method again in future projects!
INES | @bynunis
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: CHALLIS.
You can also shop our collection of True Bias Patterns HERE.
Lovely outfits!!! I know you are so happy that you didn't give up because now you have pictures to show your rewards of the struggle. Such a cutie beside you!!!! FIESTA :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am very happy and will wear this proudly! Worth the work!!
DeleteThe outfits are adorable! You did an excellent job and I was happy to read your commentary. It was very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Usually I enjoy thinking about my writing while I am sewing! By the end of the project, the post is fully written in my head :D
DeleteI have the same Cora challis from fabricmart. I will be making a simple shift dress for the summer. Glad to see it looks great as a romper. Good work!
ReplyDeleteA shift dress will look fabulous! Thank you for your kind comment :)
DeleteBoth makes are adorable! I have that pattern, now I need to use it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The pattern is great! And I am sure it works even better with fabrics that have a little more structure too.
DeleteThe elastic on the sides of your romper look great. Both outfits - you did a fantastic job, and excellent choice of fabric. Would never know you are self taught or struggle for space based on results!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! Oh yes the struggle is real but it is worth it! And I am self taught but the reality I have lots of "sewing professors" on Youtube. I am thankful for all the people that take time to share tutorials!
DeleteLove the rompers! And the fabric too!!!
ReplyDelete