Sewing during weight loss: Part 1 Decisions

This topic must come up for many sewers. I KNOW I can't be the only one that has faced the challenge of garment sewing during weight loss.

I am currently in the phase of losing weight and am just about at my half way point to my goal. I know many people feel uncomfortable talking numbers but here goes. My goal is to lose 75 lbs, I am at a current lose of 36.6 lbs. (Woo Hoo!!! Just about half way!) I've averaged about 7 lbs per month which in my book is pretty darn good.

Now that I am we'll on my way to my goal I have encountered a HUGE problem of my wardrobe. 18 or so months ago I did a wardrobe purge and got rid of all my clothes that did not fit. Too big (not many) too small (lots and lots) they all went to the donation pile. The only thing I allowed myself too keep we're the items that I have sewn that were too small. I seriously dislike giving away clothes that I have made and like regardless of fit!

Now I have an ever growing pile of clothes that are rapidly becoming too big, my dresser is piled high with them, which means an ever shrinking wardrobe! yikes.... I really want to be ale to sew all my own clothes but am struggling with some things.For example, spending so much time on fitting a great pair of slacks for work to only find that 10 weeks later they are too big and I need to do the fitting process all over again.

I have decided to try and focus my garment sewing on items that can be used transitionally through my weight loss and not have my time and efforts be a total loss.

After spending some time thinking about this problem I have come up with a list of items that I believe i can successfully create and will look good during my transition as well as garments that don't take as much work. This does mean that I will have to change around my sewing plans a bit, but that's OK. It also means that I am even more motivated than ever to loose the weight at a good pace! I want to create some gunning fitted garments just for me :) ... A great goal for me!

Back to my transitional weight loss sewing plans.

The NOT sewing list:
Slacks (I actually had to make an emergency purchase of 2 pairs of slacks for work) NOT 1 pair I own fit!!!
Jeans
Skirts with a fitted waistband
Very fitted and/or structured garments

The YES sewing list:
Loose jacket styles
Knit garments, tops and pants
Flowy skirts and dresses
Tops and dresses with defines waistline
Things that can be belted as I loose weight
Easily altered items

The Challenge: not to dress like a frump!

Stay tuned for my next post with a good selection of patterns for sewing during weight loss.

- Posted by Steph from Siouxzeegirl Designs