Hi sewing friends!
Today’s blog is a bit personal and a tad emotional for me. As you know, I started 2021 with the idea that I was going to be more intentional with my sewing. I wanted to sew things I truly love and would wear. Well it’s literally March 1st, and I can already say I’ve failed. February was a really tough month for me. Specifically because of another lockdown phase that left me sewing from my stash and taking indoor shots. It was easily one of the most stressful times I’ve experienced recently. I knew I was heading down a familiar path. I knew I was falling into the Instagram trap again this year but because of my role as Co-host for #bhmpatterndesigners, I put those thoughts aside and pressed forward sewing up all the fancy garments. It was a combination of having to use stash fabrics I was no longer into and shooting in night lights because of our restrictions. Right now my grid is definitely not an accurate reflection of Keira if I am being 100% honest.
It took someone special asking me yesterday to describe my style, for me to realize I had no idea what project I would move on to now that #bhmpd is over. And the problem is.. we are still on partial lockdown, so outdoor photos are still iffy. I really really don’t want anymore night time shots although you all seem to love them. In real life, I literally don’t go anywhere at night. And if I do, I am wearing the same sandals, flip flops or sneakers I was wearing in the daytime. The same old jeans or casual dress. Now don’t get me wrong, I have all intentions of making more of an effort when it comes to dressing up. But it would never be a sequin dress; I have no intentions of ever sewing sequins again unless there is a very special occasion that requires it.
The long and short of it is that, how I described my style to answer the question yesterday vs my current Instagram grid are so very different right now. I am really eager to get back to my true island style. I am so ready to start back taking photos at the beach and with greenery in the background. And most of all, I really want to be in love with my wardrobe again. My sisters in law are going to be over the moon when they see how many bags of clothes they will get first picks from. It is actually ridiculous! You’re probably wondering why I can’t take beach photos right now, aren’t you? our restrictions only allow us to visit the beach between 6am-9am and 3pm-6pm and we must only be swimming or exercising! It is actually driving me and my husband crazy! We have not gone to the beach in probably a year now! If you know me, you know we are avid snorkelers! It keeps us sane!
I’ve always struggled with fitting in when I was growing up and it was really easy for me to slip into those same thoughts again on my sewing journey. Instagram is an intimidating place. It’s really hard to find balance because the fancy clothes and photos get way more love than my simple island girl shots. I even found myself looking at patterns and fabrics going ‘but that’s not instagrammable’. Needless to say.. it’s definitely time for a break!
So I think I am going to take the next few weeks off, especially with outdoor photo taking still being uncertain. I need to regroup, and rethink some things. And I definitely need to plan my new wardrobe so that as soon as fabric stores reopen, I can go in with a clear mind and know exactly what I want. It’s sad that I have so many stash fabrics I am no longer into but I think I’ll use this time to sew for my mom and my husband instead. I have so many fabrics that were promised to them that just sit there now. I think it will be a great palette cleanser to do some selfless sewing.
Another major thing that has affected my sewing lately is weight gain. It is absolutely necessary now for me to work on getting healthier. Having to relearn my body every few weeks is really demotivating and makes sewing a lot more difficult than it should be. It has definitely changed the types of styles I pick and I think I use the fancy garments and photos to detract from fitting and sewing actual styles that are true to me. Even fabric choices.. I keep gravitating toward knits for easier fitting.. but wovens are my first love.
To wrap up this very long winded post.. I will be taking a short break from my IG to get myself together and plan a new wardrobe. I also have new exercise equipment on the way.. yay! (I do have a make to share from pre-lockdown and a fab pattern test in the works – one that is very me!) You will still see me around! I did want to make my style very clear.. I love a classic with a good modern twist. I think you guys know already that I like a mix of classic and trendy. I love adding something creative to a basic design. And I want my wardrobe to be filled with versatile pieces that I can wear with sneakers or flip flops in the day, and swap out for sandals or heels at night. I love a garment that can be dressed down or up. Of course you’ll have a better idea when I resurface! But think cute little dresses, flowy maxi dresses, breezy woven tops! See you soon!
Toodle-loo
Keira
Stay true and honest to who you are. I really enjoyed this post.
Author
Thank you so much for reading! Truly appreciated! 💗
Keira, yep can totally relate to all of this. I would sew whatever. But I was in a sewing group where we went through that style process. I’m definitely more of a classic girl and adding a more modern flare to it, so I get it. I also love me some flowy tops, maxi dresses and different types of skirts. Do you lady, it will be FABULOUS
Author
Who knew finding your own personal style could be so hard! It is something I struggled with my whole life. Constantly switching up my style.. which is totally fine! But now it has come to a point where I have too many clothes I don’t wear and the pandemic has made this 10x worse! I feel the need to really hone in on styles that I really love and feel represent me!
Hey Kiera, I love how you were real and vulnerable this post as many including me at one point could relate. I have always been into fashion and found myself gravitating to making “special occasion ” garments a few years ago. Now I make my wardrobe, period. That includes a gamut of all types of clothes. Some I would wear more frequently than others which is natural. I also have accepted that my style isn’t one thing, it flows with my mood. Today 1950s vintage, tomorrow classic, Saturday trendy and next week boho resort wear. I love them all and make them all. I do feel some items may seem boring to the sewing Instagram world which led me to stop posting. Recently thanks to you I realized everyone isn’t the same and there will be someone that would appreciate my boring tshirt and tips on how to make it. So keep doing you….whatever it may be, we will be watching and cheering you on.
Author
Thanks so much Reagan!! You summed it up really well! I feel like my style is all over the place lol I can’t seem to settle into one particular style which is no problem at all. I like the fact that I can change it up! But lately I feel like I’ve really lost myself in the Insta hype. I seem to be making only the special occasion items which really have no place in my wardrobe during this never ending pandemic. Seeing those photos you sent over tonight just confirmed for me that I truly miss that island girl side of my sewing journey. I can’t wait to galavant outside in the sun and sand!
Your honesty in this post is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing and for keeping it real. Definitely take time for you and whenever you decide to return I am looking forward to seeing Your personal style.
Author
Thank you so much! I really try to keep it real and share my thoughts a lot. Sometimes I hold back because I don’t want to come off as being negative. I’ve been feeling so lost lately, I felt it was time for a complete revamp. I already feel inspired again after reading all of your comments and I already have a 100% me project on my cutting table which is crazy! You may see me back sooner than you expect!
Keira, this is a great post! First, I must concur that the yellow bird of paradise fabric Screwdriver top is one of my most favourite makes of yours. And no, it isn’t just because I have some of this fabric stashed 🙈. For me, that fabric is fun and cute and like wearing sunshine so I’d wear a top like that with shorts or jeans regularly.
Ok, but back to finding and sewing your style. I started sewing my own clothes simply because my shape/ measurements are not accounted for in RTW. And I wanted to wear all the cute stuff but that was not possible for a short, very busty, short torso, short crotch rise, sway back, narrow shoulder kinda body. It still isn’t possible in most RTW.
So when I discovered the online sewing community, it was like a whole new world of people very much in a similar situation as me looking for the same solutions. And sewists are indeed amazing and inspirational and motivating. But the lingering RTW trauma of comparing how a garment looks on someone versus how it would look on you, that doesn’t necessarily disappear simply because making your own well fitting clothes is a super power and has your confidence levels through the roof.
If it’s one thing I learned through pattern testing, it is what garments and styles of clothing I like best and would wear. I have tested things totally out of my comfort zone and loved and wear them. And then there’s those test makes that get gifted to others. I have bought patterns simply because the testers looked amazing but I know that I’ll never make them up. I just say I’m supporting someone’s dream and move on.
But I’m working towards being more responsible and intentionally in my pattern purchases. Only getting patterns that I can truly feel like wearing every day or at least often enough to validate purchasing. Same thing with pattern testing tbh. Only working on tests that fit in with my life and lifestyle, while giving myself the opportunity to do a wild card that seems out the box for me.
Author
But why did you just describe my entire body? LOL We obviously have some things in common and I knew without a doubt that you would understand where I was coming from with this post. One of the things that really changed my outlook on my wardrobe, is joining the Love Notions team. Sewing up their patterns really helped me to discover that I actually prefer the simpler designs. I still have a natural love for trendy styles so I can take those simpler patterns and add my lil island gal ting! But those are the styles I wear on a daily basis. Not the fancy smancy stuff (once in a while yes!). Somehow I managed to slip down that ig crack again and I lost myself. So time to get back to the basics!
Hi Kiera. I loved reading this….thank you for your honest words. I think it’s very clear in those pictures which outfits you love, you look so beautiful in them. Stick to your style and make for who you are. Xx
Author
Thank you so much! Can you believe I already have something on my cutting table after I just said I was taking a break? I felt inspired and the project I have in mind is 100% my style!
Keira, I can’t wait to see what you do during your Instacation! I do love your casual island clothes, and those daytime photos are so…beautifully tropical. I can totally understand your frustration at not being able to visit the beach. I dream of revisiting the Caribbean!
Author
Thank you so much! A piece of fabric in my stash really spoke to me after I wrote this post… it’s on my cutting table right now. My instacation will be a few days later than planned!
Kiera, I think I found you via something you did for Love Notions. Stay true to yourself and make what you love, what fits your lifestyle, and what you will actually wear. I love seeing your makes. We will be here for you when you return.
Author
Thank you so much! I anticipate the majority of my new wardrobe will be Love Notions patterns! I actually felt very inspired by this week’s feature friday pattern and I am working on it right now. So excited to share what I came up with! Then I can take my little break. 🙂
Keira – personally I find all your makes to be inspiring. I love your fabric choices not to mention the fun and vibrant fabrics you select (not to mention I would have loved to have won your red velvet purse). I also think the patterns you utilize are basics that can easily be hacked or easily changed via fabric choices. I don’t subscribe to IG due to the fact I simply don’t have time to spend on social media. As a result, I am not certain what the problems you are experiencing via IG but I suspect it might be some sort of trolling by complete strangers. If my suspicions are correct – may I suggest you avoid IG along with any negative comments etc. from people who don’t know you and have no business commenting on anyone else’s lives etc. Such people are basically bullies who hide behind a computer screen and I suspect are not happy with their own lives so they feel it is OK to put others down. Complete strangers have no business offering negative comments over the internet regarding any aspect of other peoples lives. In the meantime – I suggest you surround yourself with people who support you in all aspects of your life. I will continue to look forward to receiving your future posts which I personally find inspirational.
Author
I have had absolutely no negative comments or bullying on ig. Not sure how you came to that conclusion from me expressing my need to revamp my entire wardrobe to better reflect my lifestyle and me as a person. I just don’t want to sew and post clothes I won’t wear ‘in real life’ and I am excited to give my wardrobe a full makeover.
The instagram trap is the exact reason I’m no longer sewing. I want to be myself but it’s not instagramable 🤦♀️. I actually started to resent sewing because I can’t make the fancy stuff anymore. I want to be simple and quick and cute and comfortable. Insta wants fancy and sparkly and wow from the little bloggers and my wallet can’t keep up with that. I am happy you are taking time to go back to your true style.
Kiera, thank you for sharing. It’s not just you, it’s everyone! I am sitting on fabrics that I bought because I wanted to be like someone else. Being in lock down gave me time to reflect. What I bought into isn’t me. Started to sew again, after a year and a half. This time just sewing what I would love to wear. It takes time and that time is going into me and family.
Noticed you on the Itch to stitch website and always admired your interpretation of the the patterns. The things that stood out for me are the casual, simple makes that would transition anywhere (beach, going out, dinner). When you feel inspired, please start sewing again. The world is brighter when you have people who love to sew and share.