Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

In Hiding.

2/5/2017

14 Comments

 
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Lately, my relationship with the internet is tormented. We used to be great friends. Over years it's introduced me to wonderful things and incredible people, we spent HOURS together each day,  and then it turned on me. For the past several months the internet has been a source of anxiety. I've tried to make our relationship work; instead, things escalated, and I can barely glance at it without getting upset. For the preservation of my own mental health, we needed a break. It's been a rude awakening. I didn't realize how much of my life was spent in front of a screen until I consciously decided to take some time to actively avoid it. 
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I miss the blogs and stream of inspiration from my fellow makers that I've sacrificed as a result of my internet hiatus. But, disconnecting has been nice. I'm spending a lot more time at the library getting caught up on my reading list. Mike and I have been tackling some of the small projects we left unfinished when we moved into our house. And, of course, I'm knitting and sewing. Avoiding the internet hasn't shielded me from the current state of things; however, it gives me a lot more control over the content and amount of opinion that I'm exposed to.
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In addition to breaking from the internet, I've decided that I need a little infusion of joy. In particular, I decided, that I want to work on projects that are more joyful. Less practicality, more fun. Useful, but not for the sole purpose of function. I want to sew the pieces of fabric that I've been holding on to; the pieces that make my heart go pitter patter. I want to sew cake WITH frosting. Lots of frosting. Dammit, I want to feel inspired again. 
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I love my wardrobe staples. I firmly maintain that I can never have too many Archers. Right now, however, I want to sew patterns that push me: push me to try new things, push me outside my style comfort zone, push me to tackle new techniques. I want to have fun.
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It's time to put my pattern collection and fabric stash to work and get a little creative. I can't promise that I am going to blog the way I have in the past. I miss it. I miss you. Truly. I'm going to take a relaxed approach and see where it leads. Without doubt, I'll check-in from time to time, but I'm not able to commit to posting with regularity. 
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Pattern: Simplicity 7252, View 2 from 1967. 

​Fabric: Vintage poly/cotton blend purchased at an estate sale. 

Modifications: To get the above the knee hemline pictured on the pattern envelope, I shortened the body of the dress below the yoke by five inches. Also, I did a 1/2 inch narrow shoulder adjustment and omitted the sleeve cuff. 

Notes: The most time consuming aspect of this pattern was aligning, pressing and topstitching my pleats. Overall, I'm very pleased with the spacing and placement of my pleats. They integrated very nicely into the overall pattern of the dress.  There wasn't a lot of fitting involved in this pattern. The shift shape of the dress makes this easier to wear. My fabric is a light-medium weight fabric and it works very well with this pattern.

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14 Comments
Renee Anne link
2/13/2017 11:50:56 am

Seriously, I was just thinking about you the other day and I was going to go over to Ravelry and troll you....but that didn't happen (it's been nuts around here). And now you've popped in :)

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Sue link
2/13/2017 01:30:11 pm

I feel you on the internet fatigue! So glad you made it back for this post; this dress is amazing. One of those projects I see and am struck with I NEED THAT!! :) Great work!

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Lynn
2/13/2017 04:33:11 pm

Welcome back! Your new dress looks terrific on you! Lovely shape, incredible "plaid wrangling. "

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Sue @ A Colourful Canvas link
2/14/2017 09:16:24 am

Oh so weird...I was just thinking about you last night. It's lovely to see you posting today. I have to say your words could be my words. I am feeling so confused about everything Internet and Social Media related. I'm tempted to take that break too, but I'm almost afraid that I'll lose my sewing mojo if I do. I'd suggest that we should discuss this more, but that would mean more online communication....sigh...too bad you didn't live nearer...like a lot nearer, LOL.

Your dress is lovely! From time to time I think about your massive collection of vintage patterns. It's nice to see that you are digging into the stash!

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neko
2/14/2017 09:51:52 pm

Oh that is so cute. And beautifully made, I could barely see the pleats until I saw the pattern drawing. I usually resist the attractions of vintage patterns but I really want this one!

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zilredloh link
2/15/2017 08:15:34 am

The internet (well.. me) have missed your posts too!

I am all for sewing items that will bring joy! Although... I am still a hoarder at heart and have a difficult time sewing up my most pretty of fabrics. But I'm all for watching you do it! :D

This dress is flattering and charming on you. And those pleats and matching are superb! Cheers.

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Lia link
2/15/2017 10:09:17 am

Nice to see you back, if only occasionally! I second the instinct to wrap one's self in plaid. Hear, hear, and it's super cute too!

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Jessica link
2/15/2017 10:47:26 am

That dress is just darling on you! Glad you have popped in to say hi. You've been missed, but I'm glad you are taking your health seriously.

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katie metzroth link
2/16/2017 11:36:33 am

You do you! I completely understand. I'm so glad you're taking care of you! Love the dress! Well done!!! : ) I have to be honest. on the cake/icing link you posted, that skirt is the thing that calls to me. so cute! I guess cake and icing are different for each person. :)

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Sarah
2/22/2017 05:40:12 am

Great dress! Good to see a post from you. You mentioned a new job in the last post. Hope you are happy there.

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MayravB
2/24/2017 06:55:27 pm

I sure don't blame you! The internet can be a draining and exhausting place. I'll look forward to reading your thoughts and seeing your makes whenever they happen to come.

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Lisa link
2/25/2017 05:56:16 am

So good to see a post again, but understand the need for disconnecting! The dress is adorable!

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Heather link
3/3/2017 08:49:45 am

I've missed your beautiful presence and seeing your makes, but I completely understand. The internet can definitely bring lots of anxiety and make minor anxiety worse - I try to keep myself in a little bubble. I don't watch the news, I hardly ever scroll through facebook because I don't want to hear those sad stories and scary opinions. I never go on media websites like msn, I keep it to sewing and cute dog photos. Ha ha! But it's tough. I guess what I'm saying is, I get it.
I love this dress - and the idea of sewing cake with frosting! Yes!!

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Holly Trantham
9/12/2017 04:55:05 pm

My mother made this for me in the late 60s. It was a beautiful ocean blue wool, and I wore it with black perforated Pappagallo flats. I have a granddaughter now, and want to make it for her! You and your version great, and I'm so glad to see classic styling still trumps tees and jeans!

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