Modestly Sew: 2020

Friday, October 30, 2020

Jean Jacket Pattern on sale

If you like this pattern it is only $3! today only!

Otherwise $9.95. Check it out!

Fall 2020: Some Thoughts on Clothing

Autumn photo from Pexels

2020 has been a very unusual year and it has taken its toll on many parts of life. However, one can find solace in the Lord in the most trying times as well as the good times because he has designed our life for our good and his glory. So whatever we have to go through we find our strength in our God.

In the meantime we make the best of everything we have control of. If you need some time to sew and have that available as well as the supplies, now with the shorter nights and cooler temperatures, we can begin our projects either for present needs or for the upcoming seasons.

I have tried to find some decent and simple styles that work on most figures. I find there are more patterns that are designed for larger sizes which is wonderful and encouraging, Here are some for cooler weather wear.

For those who are able to wear cotton dresses part of the season, this is a great pattern. It can also be made in heavier fabrics, just make sure it hangs with a nice drape in the skirt.

Above: Another simple and classic style which lends itself well to heavier fabrics. A very nice length for the skirt.

This one needs a longer skirt to make is look balanced and feminine. Interesting shoulder detail.

This is definitely summery, but with longer sleeves in a heavier fabric it would work nicely.

Above: This classic shirtwaist needs a longer hem also but will work in heavier fabrics and can be dressed up with scarves, jewelry, and jackets.

For those needing a long full coat, this one is ample and warm looking. It looks feminine because of the waist and flare of the skirt.

Butterick 6793 A coat for the cool weather.

I found a jacket that could be used more for casual wear from WinterWearDesigns with interesting details.

This one below is a very simple and easy design. Not a lot of buttonholes to make and a nice, slightly flared skirt.

This one is not quite so fitted but gives room for comfort. It does need a lengthened hemline to balance it out. The offset buttons give it a little different look. The drawstring waist is another comfort feature.

This is the Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated. If this was made in a corduroy one could put a turtleneck sweater underneath with leggings to keep warm.

This HInterland Dress above was modified with no buttons in the front.

This is a pattern I purchased and am looking forward to making it for this winter. Found at WinterWear Designs. You have probably noticed I like shirt dresses because they never go out of style.

For those who like jumpers, this one looks nice. Skirts need to be lengthened. This one is practical and comfortable looking.

So this is a small collection of clothes that would work for cooler weather. I hope that you are able to enjoy sewing this winter. Sometimes it is easier to buy online in the pattern department, but more difficult to do for fabrics as they have a "hand" that requires actual handling to know if the fabric is the right choice.

May it be:

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Giving thanks unto the Father,

Colossians 1:10-12a

Monday, October 26, 2020

By what standards do we live ?

Dress found at Rusclothing.com

It is increasingly difficult to find clothing that is beautiful and pretty. There always seems to be some sexualization in the designing of the garment i.e., bare shoulders, low necklines, very fitted over bust and hips, short skirts, revealing fabrics, etc.. It is as though if there wasn't something "sexy" about a garment it wouldn't sell. Major pattern companies like McCalls, Vogue, Simplicity, and Butterick seem to have taken some of that to heart also.

Along that line while I was home due to snow closure of church I listened to a very poignant sermon called Female Modesty I highly recommend listening to it.

Classics are timeless in that one can use current fabrics, adjust collars, sleeves, add extra couture touches or just add pieces that coordinate well. Classic patterns can be used many times. They are investments as well as the classic clothing made from them.

If you are honestly trying to please the Lord Jesus Christ your desires would be to act and live as much as possible with the reliance and guidance of the Holy Spirit and by studying God's word and following his reasons for you to be a gracious, loving, kind, and gentle woman and dressing in a complementary way.

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27a

Sunday, July 19, 2020

A few suggestions for Summer Wear

lomets.com

Summer is almost half over. There is still plenty of time to make a few lightweight additions to your wardrobe. If you are still in situations where you have time to sew, read, write letters, etc., due to Covid19, this would be a good time to sew a new garment. I have found a few items that are available from the 4 major pattern companies that are mostly quick and easy to sew.

First, a few different angles on some jackets for a little warmth when the days or evenings are cooler.

This one could be made shorter in length and with a level hem.

A short open jacket might work well with a lot of outfits that have a definite waist line. A solid color would be best.

I found this jacket to be a little different and would go nicely with dresses and skirts. It looks very comfortable and not difficult to sew. Heavier fabrics or a loose weave would work well.

Secondly, dresses that are fairly easy to sew and quick to make and comfortable to wear.

A pullover dress that is modest as well as comfortable.

Some more easy to sew dresses

Lengthen this pattern for a modest loose look or even a dress for those expecting, just make sure you have room to expand.

This dress has interesting gathering details at the neck and waist making it a very feminine-looking garment.

A cute dress that is fitted and would look great on young ladies with a lengthened hemline.

Well, those are a few suggestions for now. Summer is the time for some easy and quick to sew projects because with the days being longer and warm weather there are many outdoor activities that most people want to take advantage of while they can.

May your summer time with your family be blessed, may your faith in the LORD increase, and may your projects glorify the LORD.

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Psalm 147:1

Monday, May 11, 2020

Just a quick glimpse at a versatile pattern

Summer sewing suggestion.

In times like these where our attention is drawn from being able to do what we have been used to doing, to being given direction from government authorities as to what we should do, we can find that sewing is a nice diversion, distraction, and practical activity. Hopefully fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are also part of your life as they are a great boon for the body, soul and mind also as well as praying always.

In the midst of all that has been going on, we have moved into our new home, therefore I have only a quick note for now. I found an excellent and easy pattern for the classic shirtwaist that is offered by New Look Patterns and I am always pleased to find the price is right with New Look! The nice part about this is being able to order it and hopefully use some of your stash just to try it out for fit and looks.

I like the simple lines, not too full nor too slender, side pockets, shorter sleeves (not sleeveless) for summer, great length, very modest all around, easy to sew and it does not require a lot of fabric Dress it up with a scarf, jewelry, pins, belt, sweater, or jacket. Make several if you like it. A variety of fabrics are suggested so pick is what is best for your climate and enjoy! I am not sure if Walmart carries New Look patterns any more but if you can afford it, get the pattern and a pretty print for summer.

May your summer be blessed with faith and family and some sewing!

Thursday, January 2, 2020

"To Look Like a Lady"

Burda 6454

I was explaining to a friend why I preferred skirts and dresses and thought that maybe it comes across as "legalistic" or "religious" in their minds because many people do not make the Lord their reference point for their clothing choices.

So we need to ask ourselves-

are there any guidelines in the Scriptures ?
for whom do we dress ?
who will be pleased with our choices ?
what are our motives?

I like to listen to the newly listed sermons on Sermon Audio on the topic of Modesty and after listening to some, the newer the sermon the more adamant the speaker is about ladies looking different and distinct (meaning one should be able to SEE the difference between women and men, boys and girls). We should want to look like ladies so that when we are walking with our husband,sons, father, and brothers, the world ought to be able to see a distinct difference (I Corinthians 11:14,15) between the male and the female of God's created order since we are his representatives. (Genesis 1:27, 2:21-24, 1 Corinthians 11:3.)

By looking like a lady means dressing femininely plus acting like a lady ought. Our deportment* is very important to our character. First impressions often make an indelible mark in one's mind.

Our job is to rise above the present culture to the standard of the Scriptures which would become evident by the way we live, talk, walk, and dress. Letting your light so shine before men that they will see that you are different by your good works, which would encompass all aspects of our lives, so that others would glorify God because of how we behave and live before mankind. Matthew 5:16.

*Deportment has to do with how you behave and present yourself. Being polite, well-dressed, and soft-spoken shows excellent deportment.

I am pleased to see that the Simplicity Pattern Company came out with some dresses and skirts that can certainly make a woman look pretty and feminine. The skirts are at a flattering length with fullness for ease of movement. Simplicity also carries New Look and Burda so I included some of those patterns. Please note I do not endorse immodest necklines. I sincerely hope that you raise, close openings, or alter them so they are still becoming and modest. I am pleased with the length of the skirts. It is so much more in proportion to looking like a lady should. It flatters her femininity, if I may say so.