The Tried and True Philosophy of Sewing
In my mind, there are two types of sewists – those who enjoy the constant challenge of new patterns and those that enjoy sewing tried and true patterns over and over again. There are pros and cons to each –
As I’ve said in previous posts, I am a sucker for a tried and true pattern. I love working out the kinks in a pattern and then making it many times. It may not be exciting but it sure makes things easy!
I love that working with a pattern you’ve made a few times allows you to work with more difficult fabrics. Despite sewing for 2 years now, I am most comfortable using something stable like cotton lawn or ponte de roma. I wanted to opportunity to try using something a bit more slippery and this rayon challis fit the bill! I also really love this one and this one for a similar look.
I turned to a previous post on the Cali blog – How to Sew with Rayon Challis to get me started.
I made two of my favorite patterns – the True Bias Ogden Cami and the Sewaholic Rae Skirt.
The rayon challis was much easier to work with than I originally imagined. It pressed beautifully and I had no problems with it slipping around. One additional tip I would give is make sure you reinforce the curves with a line (or two) of staystitching when you begin construction. Though I’d made the Ogden several times, this one turned out much larger than anticipated due to the fabric stretching out during construction.
Are you more of a tried and true sewist or a constant challenge sewist?
You can follow Alexandra’s day-to-day sewing adventures on Instagram where she’s @alexandrap529.
In principle I like TNT, and really enjoyed making a number of simple woven tank tops and dress from a single pattern. But in practice that is the exception, as I mostly make new patterns, whilst simultaneously cursing how much trouble they are.
I love doing new patterns. I love the challenge and discovering interesting new construction techniques (especially with modern vogue and many vintage patterns) But, I typically work on more than one at a time doing similar steps at once.
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Great post! I love TNTs much more, but I try to expand my skills by trying out new patterns.
Your top and skirt look really beautiful. The fabric is so pretty.
I think I fall between the two camps. I do like a sewing challenge and trying new things, but I’m also trying to improve my pattern hacking skills, and that works better with a TNT. It’s nice to be able to knock a TNT project out quickly, too! The print worked great for both of your pieces. And the Rae is one of my favorites, too!
I haven’t sewn enough to know where I lie… But I do love the print on that fabric it is so gorgeous! The Ogden is really flattering for you!