I always say when you retire take the first year just to relax and do what you want. Love all the clothes that you made. I’m going to try and get back in my sewing room this next week. Emotionally I just haven’t been up to it. Oct 28 I found out I have cancer of my gallbladder and bile duct. Right now I don’t know very much about the cancer. I see a surgeon on the 5th and an oncologist on the 18th. I’m probably looking at a biopsy, PET scan. Then either surgery first followed by chemotherapy or chemotherapy first and then surgery. I’m feeling ok other than my food taste extremely salty. So really only a bland diet. Just staying busy myself with housework so I don’t go off the deep end.
Oh Victoria, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis! You will have seen the surgeon by now and I hope they gave you a good course of action and many answers to your questions. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. xxxxx
My first thought was of the Whistler by Love Notions, one of my favorites. But the Toaster sweater from Sew House Seven is another one of my favorites 🙂👍🏻
I really would like to make the Whistler but need a smidge more fabric. Maybe it would work? I have the Toaster sweater pattern and have made it up a few times in the past in colours I don't really like and fabrics that aren't particularly warm. I'll pull it out and give it another look. ❤️
Janine, closets are never ending. By the time you've gotten through them all, it will be time to start over again. I've been an empty nester for over five years and thought I had cleaned them out then. I don't know where the stuff comes from, but it is time to do them again. I think part of it is moving things from closet A to closet B. LOL And yes, I have been trying to upgrade my wardrobe after living in scrubs and slopping around home in sweats and t-shirts. In my younger day I had a great sense of style, so it is challenging to find out what still works and what is a no, no for a woman of a certain age. It is said, Rome wasn't built in a day, so I'm taking it one project at a time. I'm aiming for nice quality casual and dressy at the same time. i understand the battle. Happy sewing! 🥰 Bernadette
Ah Bernadette, a kindred spirit! We have to take it one garment (or event) at a time! Although I guess if we're happy in our casual clothes and like what we see when we look in the mirror, do we need to change? One those things that I ponder when I wake up at 3 AM 🤭 Multiple closets are a real problem. I put some of my dressy clothes in the spare bedroom and always forget about them. Although if they've been hanging there for 2 years and I haven't missed them then maybe it's time to say goodbye?
I like hearing about your thought process, going through your most worn makes! I think the decluttering of the closet becomes easier overtime with practice. Since I retired three years ago, I have enjoyed a lot of walking of dogs and being able to sew when I wanted and of course, afternoon naps! Right now I am trying to quickly sew up a much used pattern, the Demi Raglan from Sinclair patterns in the petite file, in time to go out to dinner tonight. We’ll see! Ps: the design lines in the Cashmerette Stanton hoodie are nice, you can make a sweatshirt by converting the hood to a neck line
Lianne, I agree that it does get easier with practice. The first few times it's easy to second guess yourself. What if I miss this top/dress? Interesting that you mention the Stanton hoodie. I have the pattern but didn't realise it could be made with a regular neckline. I'll take a look. Thank you! Did you get your top done in time for your dinner out?
Good review. I like your thinking. When I retired on July 1st, I faced the same problem with my sunner clothes that you have with your winter clothes. Therefore, I really appreciate your reached for often pattern review. The ITS Soler, is on my mind. I like the LN Sloane for my pullover sweater knits, it does need some drape, so I don't know how it will work with a stru turned knit like you described.
Dawn, it's a huge change, isn't it? So much time, energy and money invested in our 9 to 5 wardrobe. I have the LN Sloane pattern and agree that it looks like it needs a lot of drape. It might work better for a lightweight knit. There are a couple of those in the stash 😊
Loved this! I was feeling very blah about my winter wardrobe last year so I’m trying to remedy that this year. Isn’t it funny how Winter is 9 months around here and yet we have more fun with our summer wardrobe?!
Oh that is so true! We need a shift in thinking there, right? It's like I have 10 light jackets and 1 warm coat. What do I wear more? That darned coat 🤣 All.Winter.Long. The same coat. That was a good game last night! I'm happy with the win but am sorry to have beaten your team. 🏒 Hopefully they'll get another win tomorrow and will take down the Bruins - for you and us!
When I bring out my fall & winter clothes, I always look through my jewelry and scarves, too. I have lots of solids that are backdrops for these accessories and might seem boring, without them. I, recently, thrifted 5 beautiful scarves at $2 each, specifically, to wear with my solid long sleeve tees. I feel like I have a new wardrobe for $10, and I can calmly focus my sewing on whatever I want for the season. Always fun to see how other sewists manage their wardrobes. 😊-Deborah
Deborah, that's such a smart way to extend the wardrobe! My mom had 3 or 4 boxes of scarves that we went through with the granddaughters. They all wore them as headscarves - like people did in the 70s. It was pretty funny, but they looked cute.
Hello Jeanine, always nice to see your content. May I suggest the Toaster Sweater by Sewhouse7 for the quilted fabric. That is a nice simple but elegant sweater with two variations and necklines. Looking forward seeing your makes.
Thanks so much for the pattern recommendation! I actually have that pattern and have made it in a couple of different fabrics in colours that I don't like, or fabrics that aren't warm. I'll definitely pull out that pattern ❤️
Shelley, I wish I had enough fabric for the Whistler. The pattern is printed and just waiting ... I saw Izzy's version (@dizzyquiltsandsews) and really liked it.
Janine, good luck with the tidy up. A couple of years after we retired we moved so that got us to clear out a lot (but still more to do🙄). You mentioned you got more sewing done when you weren't"t looking at your phone. For me, it's TH-cam! I use the TH-cam accounts I subscribe to as company while I sew but I just can't listen. I have to stop and take a look at everyone's makes, patterns, and fabrics!😂😂
I started the seasonal swap today, something I don't enjoy as it seems to show me all the purchasing mistakes I've made! It's also interesting how one year you may wear something a ton and the next year, not so much despite similar weather and occasions. I had to stop buying so much black and gray for winter - I thought they were dependable basic colors but they wound up depressing me, too similar to the brown, gray landscape outside, so now I look for warm, colorful fabrics for the winter to lift my spirits.
Oh Mary, I experienced the exact same thing! There were things I wore constantly in 2021-2023 and they weren't touched this year. There are so many dark colours around in the winter and yes, you've hit the nail on the head! Dark clothes and dark landscapes are depressing! A bit of colour is so invigorating !
I think take a really good look at Pattern Emporium - the knit patterns are great and the sleeves very inter-changable on many of their styles. As for t-shirts, my go to is the Pattern Emporium Besties Tee, its a nice A-line fit and super quick to make. I really enjoy your channel, your perspective on things is refreshing. Also wanting to do a de-stash in my wardrobe, opposite seasons for me though.
Thanks for the pattern recommendation! I'll definitely take a good look. Interchangeable sleeves would be fantastic. What a great way to make the most of patterns.
I find taking notes at the end of the season very useful! I like to think of what items/silhouettes worked well and why. Also what shoes/accessories are workhorses each season.
When I did the season switch of my clothes I decided to just pack away all of the warm weather clothes. My idea is that hopefully some of the shorts will fit again. Also I'd rather donate the clothes I don't want or need for the appropriate season. So when I pulled out the winter clothes many were donated to my local thrift store. Really when you are retired you sure don't need so many clothes. I also donated jeans that haven't fit since before covid. I do have to go through the coat closet. I'm sure there are some fall and winter coats that someone else could use. We only had 7 kids come to our house for Halloween. And 5 of those kids i knew from my daycare job. It was lovely that they came as I miss seeing them.
Jennett, this is such a smart way to donate clothes! I suppose that sometimes things that you thought of getting rid of are more appealing when the season comes around? I have 3 pairs of chinos that don't fit and haven't fit since Covid (ugh) so I've offered them to my sister. She is always too warm so will wear them in the coldest weather. Your coats will be a real gift to someone as we move into winter.
@JanineSews I found a pair of my dad's chinos in the tote full of jean scraps I use for patching. I was using the belt loops to add to a pair of shorts for a gentleman I do mending for. My dad died 22 years ago and I've never used any part of them for patching. I was thinking maybe cutting them up and using the fabric for a bag. And then I had a TADA moment. I want to make my two great nieces little stuffed bunny or cat toys for Christmas. The pattern I'm using suggests cotton. Those pants of my dad's will make the softest toys and he would be so pleased that his great granddaughters would have those toys. I might even make myself a little cat to sit in my sewing room.
Janine, I happen to subscribe to The French Seams as well. You might take a look at the vest pattern, that she has sewn twice and dearly loves the pattern. Another thought for your boxy tee, what about adding touching in the side seams for shape. I am so happy for you learning to play Pickelball. It's a great sport and is so much fun to play, if you have a four some, otherwise, it can run your legs off. Have a great week.
Oh, I subscribe to The French Seams, too. I'll take a look for the vest pattern. The pickleball top - I think I need to add pockets! In the class, I seem to have balls stuffed everywhere 🤣 We have one more class left. We will finish the classes knowing the basics (plus scoring and a bit about strategy) so we won't embarrass ourselves but will need to play with others who are patient. The people who play at the gym are all really good ...
Not yet! But I do like a nice henley. What do you think would work for the binding on the neck opening? The fabric might be a bit bulky. Maybe foldover elastic?
What about Itch to Stitch Bainbridge or Irene pullovers for the sweatshirting. One is very Patagonia type sporty pullover and the other has a nice wide v neck.
Wow 91 kids….we moved to a new neighborhood in the NW in May so I didn’t know what to expect as in our old neighborhood we had over 100….this year a big 0 ;-(
@ our neighbours had warned us that we wouldn’t get many….just didn’t realize that meant zero….oh well. Not too disappointed as at least my 2 dogs weren’t going crazy with the doorbell….silver lining
Wait! You did hem those bedroom drapes, after retirement, right? 😮. Don’t beat yourself up about reorg projects, you now have a new career as a sewing instructor/podcaster.
I always say when you retire take the first year just to relax and do what you want. Love all the clothes that you made. I’m going to try and get back in my sewing room this next week. Emotionally I just haven’t been up to it. Oct 28 I found out I have cancer of my gallbladder and bile duct. Right now I don’t know very much about the cancer. I see a surgeon on the 5th and an oncologist on the 18th. I’m probably looking at a biopsy, PET scan. Then either surgery first followed by chemotherapy or chemotherapy first and then surgery. I’m feeling ok other than my food taste extremely salty. So really only a bland diet. Just staying busy myself with housework so I don’t go off the deep end.
@@victoriahannah1633 I’m very sorry about your diagnosis. Wishing you the best outcome
Oh Victoria, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis! You will have seen the surgeon by now and I hope they gave you a good course of action and many answers to your questions. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. xxxxx
@@victoriahannah1633 big hugs and prayers. Wishing you only good news. 💌 Bernadette
Hi Janine! I need to go through my closet. It's not that big but it is overflowing!😢
I did the My Body thing in Cashmerette.❤
Zelda, how did you like My Body Model? Have you found it helpful?
Joy and excitement in the wardrobe. I love that as an old lady with very little excitement.
ME, TOO!!!! 😁
My first thought was of the Whistler by Love Notions, one of my favorites. But the Toaster sweater from Sew House Seven is another one of my favorites 🙂👍🏻
I really would like to make the Whistler but need a smidge more fabric. Maybe it would work?
I have the Toaster sweater pattern and have made it up a few times in the past in colours I don't really like and fabrics that aren't particularly warm. I'll pull it out and give it another look. ❤️
I absolutely understand ido this wardrobe shift periodically it makes you think what you love wearing have a great week 😊😊😊
Thank you! You too!
Janine, closets are never ending. By the time you've gotten through them all, it will be time to start over again. I've been an empty nester for over five years and thought I had cleaned them out then. I don't know where the stuff comes from, but it is time to do them again. I think part of it is moving things from closet A to closet B. LOL And yes, I have been trying to upgrade my wardrobe after living in scrubs and slopping around home in sweats and t-shirts. In my younger day I had a great sense of style, so it is challenging to find out what still works and what is a no, no for a woman of a certain age. It is said, Rome wasn't built in a day, so I'm taking it one project at a time. I'm aiming for nice quality casual and dressy at the same time.
i understand the battle. Happy sewing! 🥰 Bernadette
Ah Bernadette, a kindred spirit! We have to take it one garment (or event) at a time! Although I guess if we're happy in our casual clothes and like what we see when we look in the mirror, do we need to change? One those things that I ponder when I wake up at 3 AM 🤭
Multiple closets are a real problem. I put some of my dressy clothes in the spare bedroom and always forget about them. Although if they've been hanging there for 2 years and I haven't missed them then maybe it's time to say goodbye?
The best laid plans always go awry!! I have wanted to clean my closet forever and just have not done it!!
It's a good job when you're procrastinating 😁
I like hearing about your thought process, going through your most worn makes! I think the decluttering of the closet becomes easier overtime with practice. Since I retired three years ago, I have enjoyed a lot of walking of dogs and being able to sew when I wanted and of course, afternoon naps! Right now I am trying to quickly sew up a much used pattern, the Demi Raglan from Sinclair patterns in the petite file, in time to go out to dinner tonight. We’ll see!
Ps: the design lines in the Cashmerette Stanton hoodie are nice, you can make a sweatshirt by converting the hood to a neck line
Lianne, I agree that it does get easier with practice. The first few times it's easy to second guess yourself. What if I miss this top/dress?
Interesting that you mention the Stanton hoodie. I have the pattern but didn't realise it could be made with a regular neckline. I'll take a look. Thank you!
Did you get your top done in time for your dinner out?
@ yes I did! It was fine.
Re Stanton top, Tomkat Stitchery did a hack and just put on a neckband.
Good review. I like your thinking. When I retired on July 1st, I faced the same problem with my sunner clothes that you have with your winter clothes. Therefore, I really appreciate your reached for often pattern review. The ITS Soler, is on my mind. I like the LN Sloane for my pullover sweater knits, it does need some drape, so I don't know how it will work with a stru turned knit like you described.
Dawn, it's a huge change, isn't it? So much time, energy and money invested in our 9 to 5 wardrobe.
I have the LN Sloane pattern and agree that it looks like it needs a lot of drape. It might work better for a lightweight knit. There are a couple of those in the stash 😊
Loved this! I was feeling very blah about my winter wardrobe last year so I’m trying to remedy that this year. Isn’t it funny how Winter is 9 months around here and yet we have more fun with our summer wardrobe?!
Oh that is so true! We need a shift in thinking there, right? It's like I have 10 light jackets and 1 warm coat. What do I wear more? That darned coat 🤣 All.Winter.Long. The same coat.
That was a good game last night! I'm happy with the win but am sorry to have beaten your team. 🏒 Hopefully they'll get another win tomorrow and will take down the Bruins - for you and us!
@@JanineSews It was a really good game even if my Habs lost. We at least got a point out of it. LOL
When I bring out my fall & winter clothes, I always look through my jewelry and scarves, too. I have lots of solids that are backdrops for these accessories and might seem boring, without them. I, recently, thrifted 5 beautiful scarves at $2 each, specifically, to wear with my solid long sleeve tees. I feel like I have a new wardrobe for $10, and I can calmly focus my sewing on whatever I want for the season. Always fun to see how other sewists manage their wardrobes. 😊-Deborah
Deborah, that's such a smart way to extend the wardrobe!
My mom had 3 or 4 boxes of scarves that we went through with the granddaughters. They all wore them as headscarves - like people did in the 70s. It was pretty funny, but they looked cute.
Hello Jeanine, always nice to see your content. May I suggest the Toaster Sweater by Sewhouse7 for the quilted fabric. That is a nice simple but elegant sweater with two variations and necklines. Looking forward seeing your makes.
Thanks so much for the pattern recommendation! I actually have that pattern and have made it in a couple of different fabrics in colours that I don't like, or fabrics that aren't warm. I'll definitely pull out that pattern ❤️
I think the love notions whistler hoodie would look great in that quilted knit fabric. I might even head over to l’oiseau fabric to purchase some
Shelley, I wish I had enough fabric for the Whistler. The pattern is printed and just waiting ... I saw Izzy's version (@dizzyquiltsandsews) and really liked it.
Janine, good luck with the tidy up. A couple of years after we retired we moved so that got us to clear out a lot (but still more to do🙄). You mentioned you got more sewing done when you weren't"t looking at your phone. For me, it's TH-cam! I use the TH-cam accounts I subscribe to as company while I sew but I just can't listen. I have to stop and take a look at everyone's makes, patterns, and fabrics!😂😂
I love making lists but I've yet to make one where everything is crossed off!😂❤
Maybe we need to make shorter/easier lists? 😉
Love you top today ❤
Thank you, Dolores! It's just right for this season 🍂
I started the seasonal swap today, something I don't enjoy as it seems to show me all the purchasing mistakes I've made! It's also interesting how one year you may wear something a ton and the next year, not so much despite similar weather and occasions. I had to stop buying so much black and gray for winter - I thought they were dependable basic colors but they wound up depressing me, too similar to the brown, gray landscape outside, so now I look for warm, colorful fabrics for the winter to lift my spirits.
Oh Mary, I experienced the exact same thing! There were things I wore constantly in 2021-2023 and they weren't touched this year.
There are so many dark colours around in the winter and yes, you've hit the nail on the head! Dark clothes and dark landscapes are depressing! A bit of colour is so invigorating !
I think take a really good look at Pattern Emporium - the knit patterns are great and the sleeves very inter-changable on many of their styles. As for t-shirts, my go to is the Pattern Emporium Besties Tee, its a nice A-line fit and super quick to make. I really enjoy your channel, your perspective on things is refreshing. Also wanting to do a de-stash in my wardrobe, opposite seasons for me though.
Thanks for the pattern recommendation! I'll definitely take a good look. Interchangeable sleeves would be fantastic. What a great way to make the most of patterns.
I find taking notes at the end of the season very useful! I like to think of what items/silhouettes worked well and why. Also what shoes/accessories are workhorses each season.
That's a great idea!
When I did the season switch of my clothes I decided to just pack away all of the warm weather clothes. My idea is that hopefully some of the shorts will fit again. Also I'd rather donate the clothes I don't want or need for the appropriate season. So when I pulled out the winter clothes many were donated to my local thrift store. Really when you are retired you sure don't need so many clothes. I also donated jeans that haven't fit since before covid. I do have to go through the coat closet. I'm sure there are some fall and winter coats that someone else could use. We only had 7 kids come to our house for Halloween. And 5 of those kids i knew from my daycare job. It was lovely that they came as I miss seeing them.
Jennett, this is such a smart way to donate clothes! I suppose that sometimes things that you thought of getting rid of are more appealing when the season comes around?
I have 3 pairs of chinos that don't fit and haven't fit since Covid (ugh) so I've offered them to my sister. She is always too warm so will wear them in the coldest weather. Your coats will be a real gift to someone as we move into winter.
@JanineSews I found a pair of my dad's chinos in the tote full of jean scraps I use for patching. I was using the belt loops to add to a pair of shorts for a gentleman I do mending for. My dad died 22 years ago and I've never used any part of them for patching. I was thinking maybe cutting them up and using the fabric for a bag. And then I had a TADA moment. I want to make my two great nieces little stuffed bunny or cat toys for Christmas. The pattern I'm using suggests cotton. Those pants of my dad's will make the softest toys and he would be so pleased that his great granddaughters would have those toys. I might even make myself a little cat to sit in my sewing room.
Janine, I happen to subscribe to The French Seams as well. You might take a look at the vest pattern, that she has sewn twice and dearly loves the pattern. Another thought for your boxy tee, what about adding touching in the side seams for shape. I am so happy for you learning to play Pickelball. It's a great sport and is so much fun to play, if you have a four some, otherwise, it can run your legs off. Have a great week.
Oh, I subscribe to The French Seams, too. I'll take a look for the vest pattern.
The pickleball top - I think I need to add pockets! In the class, I seem to have balls stuffed everywhere 🤣 We have one more class left. We will finish the classes knowing the basics (plus scoring and a bit about strategy) so we won't embarrass ourselves but will need to play with others who are patient. The people who play at the gym are all really good ...
Hi have you tried the Love Notions Breckenridge Henley, it's not to hard to make.☺️
@@elywolf9825 another reason I like it is the neckline is more flattering than just a rounded tee shirt neckline. It gives a nearly v neck look.
Not yet! But I do like a nice henley.
What do you think would work for the binding on the neck opening? The fabric might be a bit bulky. Maybe foldover elastic?
Thanks for this! Good idea 👍
What about Itch to Stitch Bainbridge or Irene pullovers for the sweatshirting. One is very Patagonia type sporty pullover and the other has a nice wide v neck.
Wow 91 kids….we moved to a new neighborhood in the NW in May so I didn’t know what to expect as in our old neighborhood we had over 100….this year a big 0 ;-(
Zero?! Wow - that must have been a real surprise! Were you disappointed? I would be if I bought candy and left the light on 😞
@ our neighbours had warned us that we wouldn’t get many….just didn’t realize that meant zero….oh well. Not too disappointed as at least my 2 dogs weren’t going crazy with the doorbell….silver lining
Wait! You did hem those bedroom drapes, after retirement, right? 😮. Don’t beat yourself up about reorg projects, you now have a new career as a sewing instructor/podcaster.
Hahahahahaha! You're right! Forgot all about that project. Thanks for the boost 🤗