I find it hard to get rid of clothes, too, whether they are me-made or not. I still have business suits I wore when I was in an office based job, which I left in 2007! I have started to thin out my wardrobe, but I have a long way to go. I have also put on weight over the past year, which doesn't help the sew jo. You always look lovely. Don't beat yourself up. Just be you. You are good enough, plenty good enough!
Hi Adele, I went through the exact same thing last year. Just wanted you to know that this will pass, with the help of friends, rest and care you will feel like your old self again. Sending you love 💕
We all put so much pressure on ourselves to be different from how we are currently - thinner, fitter, more efficient, better - but maybe we are just perfect as we are. One thing that stuck with me is when looking at photos of a bygone era, we always see how beautiful we were - but we did not feel like that at the time. Even then most of us were striving to be thinner etc… wouldn’t it be nice to try to have that vision now? We see you - and to us you are stunning - inside and out. Be gentle with yourself. ❤
Thankyou for sharing Adele - life can throw up some challenges and your incredible output over the months is awe-inspiring. Taking a deep breath and evaluating is always a good thing. I didn't like my Harmony top and Roni skirt too - not me. But I adore the Blaire blouse and the Rhea top was Ok. I didn't attempt the other patterns as I had project overload. However even though I've given things away I did learn through the process - so Marie Condo style I said thanks to the garments [and some fabrics I've not quite bonded with LOL] and sent them on their way. I am considering using the Harmony fabric to make a camisole though as I liked it so much. I hope you have a great weekend and your middle daughter has a lot of fun especially ❤
I know what you mean about sewjo... mines been missing since the start of the year, almost like I can only get in the mindset if I'm happy and just not been having enough energy for it. Hopefully it will come back soon 🙏 ❤
Hi Adele, Thankyou for sharing your thoughts about the negative effects of weight gain on our passion for sewing. i feel exactly the same and it was making me feel depressed . However I decided that a more involved complicated sew might help so I made a trench coat which took me a long time to complete but because it was oversized would fit me now and in the future since quite often I wear it unfastened. it gave me a great sense of achievement as well as lots of compliments.
I am in the same situation. Do not want to use my good fabric in the hope i will loose weight. This is what helps me sometimes. FORGIVE MYSELF that i am the weight that i am and just try to not to put on more weight. This means being sensible just a few days if the arrow is moving up. When i am in the right frame of mind i will loose a pound or two and then just decide that the new weight is the weight i need to keep . It is much more manageable that thinking i need to loose x amount. Love how honest you are.
I know just what you’re going through-I’ve been going thru my closet and getting rid of everything I’m not wearing. I’ve figured out finally that anything with a crew neck is not flattering on me. Also anything in certain colors don’t work. It is very hard to pass them along but it’s better that maybe they will be better suited for someone else. I also have a problem with the fact that all the ladies I spend time with wear what I call old granny styles and I just refuse to do that-even though I’m 75 years old. I like bright colors and prints -they wear only dark plain colors and all solids. Thankfully we have a lot of the same interests in other things because none of them are sewers. Thank you for all the time you put into your videos and your complete honesty with struggles we all have at times.
Hi Adele. You set the sewing world afire with the Seasons of East dress. I have every confidence you will do that again with another make after a restorative rest/break from garment sewing. Something that helps me if my sewing umph leaves is to work on a different kind of project -- say a quilt if I've been sewing garments. And when I struggle at the upper end of my weight range, a little project that brightens up what has to be more mindful and/or disciplined eating helps. Put the two together, and my usual project is to make a glorious placemat to use during meals. The idea is to use a fabric that you are head-over-heels in love with. That helps me focus on the beauty of the mat and slow down to enjoy it and my meal (which is smaller but doesn't feel skimpy because of the nice setting it's in). If I'm really in trouble, I also make a napkin to either match or coordinate with the mat. From one 'A' to another, all will be well, Antonia
I can relate to so many things you spoke of. I actually gave up sewing for myself for 15 years!! Made my childhood clothes and got int quilting. Then one day thought this is silly- I am worth it!! And started sewing clothing again. I still wish I was smaller but I’m not and I don’t/ can’t go out naked!!!
ah the weight issue affecting what you what to sew, I'm so with you there Adele, I'm losing it now and 'in the zone' but it's taken me time to get my head in there but I know how hard it is when you don't feel great in how you look in your clothes and it puts you off sewing, you'll find your groove xx
Totally empathise with you. I jumped a couple of sizes very quickly and my waist got lost and never came back. I sewed a lot of items but only liked a couple😒. Sideways I think I look like a barrel on legs. I haven't sewn for 2 months now - just watch RU-vid sexists!🤣🤣 I hope you feel happier in yourself soon - its a horrible place to be. Currently all the clothes that don't fit are stored in vacuum bags in the attic - I need to donate them!
Sometimes we just need a break. My husband finally noticed today that I haven't sewed for like 3 weeks. I've been doing other stuff (I also crochet) but I just don't have my sewjo and I don't want to force myself because then it won't be fun and it'll feel like a chore instead of enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about body image and sewing I think so many of us can relate ❤ nothing wrong with having a break from sewing! I had a break last year and a massive sort out and it was exactly what I needed xx
I totally know how you feel, I’ve been a size 10/12 my whole life, I hit 45 and suddenly my metabolism seems to have switched off 😂 it’s bloody demoralising and I’ve struggled to be excited about sewing clothes because of it. I hear you ❤
Be kind to yourself, tiny steps and sew when you feel like it. You have such a busy life I’m amazed at what you do. How is little Alice? I hope your house is sold and you are progressing with your plans. Take care ❤️❤️❤️🙏
Great vlog. It's very hard to get rid of me-made clothes, so well done on that. On weight: it's also really tough to lose weight and keep it off. For those of us who view food as the great comforter, a change of mindset and lifestyle is needed. Only you can decide if you want to do that. Having been there and done that, I can assure you that it's possible. You look good as you are but I know that you may not feel good. I hope you either find self-acceptance or the will to make a change. Best of luck in any event. ❤
Hi Adele, even when I’m managing my weight my sewjo comes and goes. I’ve found that taking healthy baby steps works best, like meal prep healthy lunches for the week and going for a walk 3x a week just to get started. You got this!! 😊❤
Thank you for sharing how you are feeling at the moment. I really hope finding your « why » and focusing on that helps you. I love sewing for my daughter or sewing bags when my desire to sew for myself disappears. Also, why not have a really good play with your Cricut machine for a while? You can still feel creative without the pressure to make something that will « fit » someone. But most importantly, be kind to yourself and do what works for you. 💞
Our size is so challenging. I am 62 and only seem to be able to gain weight. One tidbit I would share is I wish I would have appreciated the size I was at the time. I wasn’t as big as I thought I was.
Great vlog as always don’t worry about giving clothes you have made away; you have learned by making them that’s a positive. Also with skirts they will look better on you by wearing a top that goes over the skirt rather than tucked in that way you lengthen that part. Losing sewjo is something we all go through and I have had challenges in my life and sewing goes out the window I am with you there. Cashmerette put out a great vlog out about avoiding sewing because of our weight. Anyway sending lots of hugs keep smiling ❤❤
I totally get how it feels to lose your motivation with sewing and struggling with my body. My weight has been up and down for years and I felt like I never wanted to sew for my bigger body. Luckily trends and my tastes changed so I started wearing things that could change with me easier, like jersey dresses and elasticated waists. But the biggest thing to help me have a positive mindset towards food and know that gaining weight isn’t a lack of willpower or personal strength has been listening to the audiobook Ultra Processed People. I always tried to follow eating plans but honestly felt like I was addicted to food and couldn’t help myself no matter how much I wanted to, but that book has totally changed the way I eat and see food and it’s helped me to lose and maintain my weight in a way I’ve never been able to before. Just sharing in case it resonates with you but even if it doesn’t, I hope you find something that works for you. Sew-Jo will come and go, don’t force it, you’ll get your inspiration back soon, and remember that no matter what weight you are, you deserve to wear beautiful clothes. You don’t have to save them for when you’ve lost weight, you can always adjust and take things in but wearing special things that fit well can help you to feel more positively about yourself ❤
I am 47 and perimenopause it kicking my butt also xx much love to you x be kind to yourself and I hope you get the motivation to make something that’s makes you feel amazing right now x
Thank you for sharing, we all have those feelings Adele I just have a good tidy up and make another underwear set 😂 and you can’t have enough Iris Knickers and Sommar camisoles in your life X
First, you are so beautiful and capable. Second, I am in the same position. I gained a bunch of weight too. I started seeing a nutritionist. I did more walking. I have lost weight. It happens. I gained some back too😊. It’s a struggle isn’t it. Make nice clothes for where you are now. There’s always more beautiful fabric out there. Take care❤
Hi Adele your bias cut skirt looks great, it really suits you, I haven’t made that pattern yet I’ve only made the Genoa by style Arc. I didn’t think a bias cut skirt would look good on me then I saw Kristen from the Dahlia Sewciety in the Genoa and I made one and love it. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s difficult to lose weight when you start to move towards menopause and your body shape changes, keep your chin up, love your channel, Deb 🪡🧵💕
Hi Adele, I can relate with your weight struggles, I am also perimenopausal. I run and I try to be active. I also struggle with my sew-Jo lots of plans but can’t get myself to start on them. Maybe when our life’s get on the track with other family business the sew-Jo will return. ❤
Adele, I think this is one of the reasons we lose our sew-jo. And a lot of people feel like you do at times too, so you aren't alone. I'm sure it will come back. Try to make something that isn't for you in the meantime. Hope you feel inspired soon. 😊
Thank you for such an honest and inspiring vlog. You always look fabulous whenever I see you 🥰 I do get what you are saying though, It’s easy to hide under layers in the winter but now spring is on the way I’m feeling the same. I’m still enjoying my sewing but if I don’t get things under control I won’t be able to fit into all the spring & summer clothes in my wardrobe. There will be some happy people when they find your lovely clothes in the charity shop xx
Thank you for articulating how I and I am sure many others feel. It always hits home when I see how much fabric I now need to make a garment. There will be some lucky people picking up your gorgeous donations.
Love this vlog. I feel exactly the same. Don't want to sew as trying to lose weight. I've found making bags etc helps as can still sew and enjoy it. I've surprised myself at how much I enjoy making them too. X Lisa 🇦🇺
Hi Adele Great vlog as usual. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t force yourself to sew. If you don’t want to sew for yourself sew for Alice or your husband. You have a lot going on at the moment. Regarding your weight, take it a day as the time, it’s a constant battle. You have your health & you are a pretty lady so TRY and think positive. Look after yourself & take care. X Pam
Love your honesty in this post, I’m 4 months post partum at the moment and am struggling to recognise my body! I have had to give myself permission to use my ‘nice’ fabric for now, and am delighted the style these days is all oversized. My secret trick to loving your body at a different size is to sew sexy underwear 😂
Thank you for being honest. You are not alone! Maybe sew some non clothing bits, bags and bunting, something special for your new home. Or get into that cross stitch.
I understand the weight gain thing, having gone through it and gained 20 pounds it's quite depressing. I'm getting healthier and am slowly losing it. But sewing things is hard when we aren't happy with our weight. Keep the fight going for weight loss and sew only when you want to.
Hi Adele, thank you for sharing that you have lost your sew jo, you are not alone. I have just gone through a period of about a month where I just did not want to sew, coupled with my overlocking being serviced did not help. I did not want to put myself under pressure to sew as it is my hobby and it makes me happy. I have now just started to make again, but tried and true makes and it has helped me. Also I made a list of things I want to make for spring (6 patterns) and Im about to go out tomorrow to a fabric shop and just get the fabric for these patterns. Hope you find you sew jo. xxxxx
Thank you for being so real and sharing where you are in your sewing journey. I can relate to everything you said. I too am going through perimenopause and struggling with the weight gain. And have also lost my sewjo. Recently I’ve been going through my habberdashery , fabric stash and reviewing my patterns. It’s amazing how much as sewing’s we can accumulate. It’s been such a therapeutic process. It’s also reminded me of what I have. I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass. Hoping you find your sewjo. I also try remind myself of how lucky I am that I can sew and am not forced to continually buy rtw.
Thanks for your comments on the Peony dress, Adele. I bought the pattern and was planning to cut it straight away. Now I know I should make a toile first! I like to donate my clothes to a place called Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS). They give them to people starting over and folks in crises. I also give them to our local women’s shelter, which is dear to my heart. I do need to order size labels to add in. None of the nearby charity shops take clothes without those. 😊 I’m wishing that I lived close to you so I could benefit from some of your absolutely gorgeous makes. It must be difficult to let go of those.
Hi Adele you are beautiful as you are…I’m also going through the menopause…..I have decided to love the person I am. If I loose a bit of weight then that’s great but if I don’t then I refuse to beat myself up about it…..it is life.. and I try to accept who I am ….we are all different though….but I love the outfits you make…keep strong 😊❤
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reasons for losing your sewjo. You are not alone and recognising why you feel like you do and having a plan going forward is great. Your local charity shop will be lucky to have those lovely garments. Enjoy the Cricut and I look forward to seeing your upcoming makes. ❤
I like you and prob many others have been going through this the last few years too. My why is to be healthier and happier, so on a journey with healthy eating and style RU-vidrs and I'm just finding my way back so don't give up. Also loving that you're going to review seamwork as I don't feel inspired by mine but want to utilise it more 😊
Hi Adele, really feel for you .Your such a lovely lady.You have so much going on in your life,job,family ,elderly parents , moving etc. Take care of yourself. Have a break from sewing ,tidy up your sewing space ,make it all nice and ready for when you feel better. Try a different craft maybe ? xx
Thank you for sharing. I too have gained weight from menopause and over eating. I like you need to get back on track but it’s hard. With some of your beautiful makes that don’t fit right now, could you add panels in places with the same fabric or use a contrasting fabric. It becomes a design feature then. I use to work in a military tailors and we would add panels down the side of jackets, sleeves and trousers. The bigger the panels makes it look like a style feature. Don’t loose heart with yourself, you are a beautiful lady inside and out. You look amazing in all the garments you wear right now. We all have the warmer weather to look forward to for pretty clothes and healthy foods. ❤
Make and wear only what makes you feel good and comfortable! Menopause is no joke! Most of us even watching what we eat, never get back to our smaller selves.
Hi if you don’t want to sew garments have you finished your Adam sews caddy it was looking good last time you showed it with the quilting being done I would like to see it finished you look fine keep going with your slimming world program you will get where you want to be have faith in yourself take care
Hi Adele, totally I understand how you're feeling. Like you my weight has gone up in this last year, my waist measurement has gone from a 16 to 20 😕. Getting rid of makes is hard, especially if you love the fabric, I'd be tempted to see if I could re-use it. You've got so much going on at the moment with selling your home, that's very stressful. No wonder you feel you've lost your sewjo.Just be kind to yourself 😘
Sorry you have lost your sewjo. I started sewing again because of the menopause. I had lost my identity to who I was and my shape had changed and nothing seemed to fit me properly. Hit the shops and try on different styles of clothing, if there is anything you like take a photo in the changing room (a bit cheeky) and then find a pattern similar to the clothing you like and make it to the size you are now. Also get outside and go for a walk or run. Even if you only have 30 minutes. Walk for 15 mins, turn around and go back home. The outdoors is always a pick me up. Don't fight your weight, just go with it and think how lucky you are not to have any serious illness or handicap. If youre feeling low, just think how lucky you are to have legs that walk and hands that can sew beautiful clothes (which you always do). I do wish you all the good will in the world with you're feelings, as I know how bad it can get.
Hi Adele, I just wanted to start out by saying that although I don't know you personally, I feel like you are a fun loving person, and I feel like you are fun be around. So I hate seeing you down. Even though you are beautiful it seems like the extra weight is bothering you the most. So focus on that and give it your best try. Just like clothes make us feel better ,being healthy also makes us feel better. I started going to the gym 3Xweek but then found myself feeling hungrier. The game changer for me was continuing to go to the gym but I started using an calorie app. It made me more aware of how the calories add up and if I wanted to eat something how could I make it work for the rest of the day. Do I go over some days? Of course. But try to get back on track the next day. I am not trying to tell you what to do, just trying to give you a suggestion that has worked for me. Just like you found a way though sewing to relieve anxiety, you will find your way in this too.
Check before you send your lovely clothes to charity shop. I asked at our local Cancer Research shop about hand made clothes and was told that without a shop label the clothes get sent straight to rags! This includes hand knits. When I asked why they said if someone set themselves alight in them they could get sued! I offered to get labels saying ‘do not set yourself alight’ but apparently that is not good enough! Some other charity shops welcome hand made though.
I made sewgirl Gloria Dress a pattern on sew magazine few years ago which is so similar to the Peony but not all that fitted I just added a tie around the waist looks good, hope you feel better soon good to take a break
Bless your heart, I understand about losing your sewjo. The only advice I can add on losing weight is drink plenty of water (if you don't already) and try to get some exercise (if you don't already). If you do exercise try something new, sometimes just mixing it up helps. I love your channel and hope that your sewjo comes back. Would like to see Alice again, she's so cute and was wondering if you have had any offers on your home?
It's hard to sew when your body isn't where you want it to be. I've gained about 20 pounds since the beginning of COVID. Plus, I had a hysterectomy 20+ years ago and now aging, my body is completely different and I'm not sure how much hope I have for being able to change it. I would think with planning to move house, it doesn't help. Lots of considerations associated with that situation could affect your sewjo. I'd fell guilty every time I sat down to sew because there's so much sorting and packing to do plus the sewing mess when you could have prospective buyers in on short notice. It's an exciting, but tough, situation. I hope the wardrobe clearcut helps. Good luck!
A battle of the skirts would be great, I am not sure about how they would suit me. Don't put pressure on yourself to create for you tube you have enough going on with with your house plans, and, the dreaded menopause. I truly sympathise it can be a bitch but you will get through it. Just a little warning; some charity shops won't accept clothes without sizes and they put them into the rag bag. Do check as it would be so sad to see that happen to your lovely makes. Keep your chin up lass, Angela
Be kind to yourself Adele. I can honestly say that every make and photo that you take of it is stunning. Take a step back from vlogging for a week and be selfish (just a week mind because I would miss you). Even go back to your nemesis that blinking carry all caddy and make it stunning. Even try other crafts which you have been thinking about. Love your vlogs and don't like to see you so stressed. Massage at the spa is in order I think!!...Libby💖❤
Why not use this time and your charity clothes to make things for Alice. I've dicovered that charity shops throw unlabeled ( fabric content) items in the rag bag for recycling which they get so much a kilo. One shop did tell me it's law that clothing must have content labels. So I put all my cast off me mades on marketplace free for anyone to collect. As for weight, I've tried every diet going and the only thing that works for me is calorie counting. I consider my sweet tooth an adiction so for me its all or nothing. I tried the weekend idea, but it then seeps into friday and monday and days out etc. Also you said your waiting for nicer weather so you can exercise, a little every day no matter the weather is the way to go. Hope your not offended by my comments, they are just friendly suggestions. Good Luck Adele 😊
I think you need to make time to lose weight. It’s not easy and it requires planning, shopping and cooking all the healthy stuff. I think you have done Slimming World before and you should get back to the meetings. Not just online because you get so much support from a group. You’ll start to feel better the moment you are in control of what you eat. And SW is all about improving fitness too. Give away the clothes you don’t like and forget about the ones that don’t fit you. Pick a couple of things you know will look good on you and make them. Those jumpsuits are gorgeous, make them again in your size and enjoy wearing them. So many of us have weight issues, I’m sure your followers would love seeing you conquering these issues. Good luck Adele and don’t be hard on yourself, you are such a lovely person.
Hello Adele from the Georgia, USA Thank you for being so open. I felt like you were talking to me . I too am struggling with weight and sewing a size I don’t want. Depressing 😢 For now I am making only flowing items and cardigans, looser sweaters. Mindset is everything, hang in there ❤ 🫂🫂🫂 Started back on Weight Watchers today and focusing on getting in a activity a day . This time around , it’s about health over skinny 😊😊😊
