Some days aren’t for sewing.

 Today I’m trying to start the sewing process for a red bolero jacket….and I’m just not feeling it! Taking another nap sounds SO MUCH better! Why am I having a lack of desire to make this jacket? Well it’s because of several things. I never originally planned on making it. Here’s the story. I used some $10/yard vintage fabric (from the 50’s….it’s only 35” wide so that’s the first clue that it’s vintage), to make a semi custom dress for a lady who messaged me of another dress I have listed on Mercari. She said this: “I just love your vintage dresses, but I’m a size 16. If you ever make a dress in a size 16, I will buy it!” So I chatted back and forth with her and showed her this pattern I had recently purchased (it’s a reprint “Retro” series that includes modern…larger sizes which is rare in actual vintage patterns). I also showed her this fabric. She said she loved it all! So I made this dress in a size 16.

It’s a brick red print. Can look orange/rust to red depending on the light. I messaged her as I went along and got no response (ah oh…not a good sign). I listed the dress for sale and messaged her again. She wrote back that she loved the dress but she had “forgotten” to mention that she has larger arms and never wears sleeveless dresses! Umm…perhaps she could have told me this when I showed her the pattern of a sleeveless dress. Oh well…it happens. And I totally understand the problem! My once slender arms are now bigger and softer too. So over the last few days I thought why not offer a coordinating jacket? So here’s the deal….I never want to drive 30 minutes to Shreveport to shop for anything and that’s where the one and only JoAnn Fabrics is. And they are limited on apparel fabric choices to begin with. I went to one of my favorite online and very affordable (like $3.99-4.99 a yard!) shops and found a stretch twill in a polished cotton red. The owners mails it out quickly and I get it fast. Well…it’s a bit too red. It’s a gorgeous Apple red. Now I’m thinking it won’t work. But I’ve already found a bolero jacket pattern I already own, so I’m going for it. I’m hoping that using the print for the cording and covered buttons will tie it together. But I can’t help thinking I’m going to be stuck with a jacket that matches nothing! And I just found out that it’s supposed to be lined. I don’t want to. Lining is great but it’s like making TWO jackets and not just one. And my customers still want it for $20. I’m not Walmart or H&M or Forever 21. 

Oh well for now I’m having another coffee and hoping that I feel like sewing this blasted jacket this week. 

Not all days are good sewing days.