First, thank you for your encouraging comments on my previous post; I truly appreciate them.  In a way, there's something comforting knowing that some things are shared human experiences, growing pains, that we all work through at one time or another. 

I had an especially long weekend with time for some mental recuperation, and I'm heading into this week more centered than I've felt in a while; confirmation that I've been spreading myself too thin and not allowing for proper rebound or appropriately prioritizing my life.

In lighter, blog-related topics, one thing that I've been wanting to do, as silly as it may seem, is get these white jeans OFF my sewing table. I've had these Ginger Jeans cut and waiting to be sewn since May. I knew that if I didn't finish them prior to Labor Day, they wouldn't get sewn until next year ( I'm a little bit of a traditionalist with regard to the taboo of wearing white out of season), and UFO's haunt my subconscious.

These jeans were sewn using white denim from MOOD and the Ginger Jeans pattern. My biggest fit issue with my first pair of Gingers is the waistband. So, on my white pair, I borrowed the construction method from the Birkin Flares and cut my waistband two inches smaller than the waist of my jeans, on the stretch grain of the fabric. It helped. However, I think I was too conservative. Next time I will cut the waistband three-four inches smaller. Also, I think I could benefit from shortening the rise another half inch. 

All things considered, I'm very happy with the way these turned out and feel another step closer to conquering my 'perfect' jeans.  In these photos, I've paired my Gingers with a silk Wiksten Tank that I sewed earlier this summer. The fabric was purchased at Paron during my first trip to the garment district in NYC....three years in the stash.

So, mission accomplished. Jeans complete. Little goals, right? I finished these with two weeks to spare. I've worn them twice already and will probably wear them again before retiring them to the closet until next spring. 

Is it really the middle of August? Is it possible? I feel like I've lost several months in a fog. My level of productivity with personal projects is at an all time low. I've been struggling to find motivation or energy for even the smallest and most enjoyable things, and it's been, overall, very frustrating to feel simultaneously aware of my current condition yet unable to bolster myself up to a better one. 

On a high note, I am very aware of the root cause of my state of mind and have been working to find a way out of my current situation. Solutions pending, I'm in a state of constant limbo. More accurately, I feel like I'm on a teeter-totter alternating between high and low periods without the ability to jump off the ride. 

When I can, I've been pushing to spend more time doing the things I enjoy, like sewing and knitting. In a weird way, they are my therapy and moment of zen. A huge reason I tolerate the nagging irritation of my weekday hassle is to afford myself the opportunity to have hobbies, after all. But, unfortunately, the scales have tipped against me. I'm finding that I have less and less time to spend in pursuit of those things I enjoy.  

I'm sure that a lot of people feel this way about one thing or another. While I'm working on ways to change my status quo, I try to remind myself that it could be worse, so much worse, than it is. But, that only leads to a different sort of feeling, a sort of ingratitude and selfishness and guilt.   

Even now, I feel sorry for reappearing, whining and complaining, after more than a month of blog silence. I haven't even stopped to say, "Hello" or ask how your summers have been; fun, I hope.  

I have managed to work on a couple things over the past months. I found this lovely cotton print during a notions run at my local Joann store. Something about it immediately caught my eye and I instantly imagined it as an Alder Dress.  After a little rummage through my button stash, I found some perfectly coordinating red, vintage, wooden flower buttons to adorn it. 

Inspiration fueled me through this project and I sewed it in a single session. The construction was very familiar for me, since I've sewn the Archer numerous times before. Grainline's patterns are always a delight to work with. I find them to be incredibly well done. The designs are simple, but the attention to detail is superb and I always know I will end up with a garment that is beautiful inside and out. 

I continue to remind myself that this is a passing experience and keep finding little pockets of sunshine between the clouds at every chance. And, I do hope to get back to my "normal" self soon. I'm at least to a point where I can see an end in sight, so that's encouraging!