I started sewing when I was 27...forced into it really because I was pregnant and a professional. There were not very many maternity fashions suitable for women professionals. I decided that I would teach myself how to sew to make attractive maternity jumpers to go with my bow blouses! I didn't have a sewing machine. I bought a Bernina 910 Electronic. It was a large
purchase, but one that I justified with the money that I saved sewing
for myself. There is no question that was achieved.
I bought beautiful wool gabardines that you can wear 3 seasons, really, in black and navy. I didn't know much about fit or anything else. Worse, I was under the impression that pattern sizes (although they had the measurements) followed traditional garment sizes). Wrong! I still remember how tight the armholes were! But I was intrepid, and I forged ahead tackling reasonable projects around the home such as simple curtains, etc.
When my daughter was older, I redeployed to making her attractive, high quality knit tank dresses and lovely corduroy jumpers and even a collared dress. I don't recall when I added my serger (maternity or post maternity). My Bernette 334DS (made by Juki I only recently came to learn), helped me sew through knits and professionally finish seams. I only recently resurrected it from a closet where it has lived for about 2 decades! It has been serviced and is ready to go.
Thinking about those tank dresses led me to desire one for myself. I found some red with white polka dots and white with blue polka dots, but I elected to use this children's fabric to make my first tank dress. I made a V neck Tank Dress, and I have to say that I was out of practice. The pattern called for arm and neck bands, neither of which I made before. Luckily the internet is repleted with how-to's something I did not have the benefit of way back when.
My tank dress fit comfortably. The material is thin, so it is not something I would wear out and about. But as a dress to wear at home or as a bathing suit cover up, or even to sleep in, it is just perfect. It was fun to make, and it is ENORMOUSLY comfortable to wear. Soft, non-binding and cool--and a cheerful fabric that makes me smile.
