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| This is what we are aiming for. |
I badly need some clothes. My jeans are shabby, my t-shirts are shrunk and pilled. It would be nice to sew for myself, but I just cannot get any time to do it.
This swimming lark takes up a lot of time. I haven't lost any weight. I have gained a little. On the other hand, it is improving my core muscles more than pilates did, and it has opened up my chest after just a few weeks! I can stand up straight now without it hurting in my chest, neck and shoulders. That's definitely new. I don't stand up straight automatically, but at least I can do it.
Finally, I am tempted by HotPatterns new downloadable patterns. I stopped sewing HP because it was just too costly with the shipping, etc. The price is suddenly do-able. I like the look of their new Fast and Fabulous Fiesta Knit Top.
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| Good for the pear shaped woman? |
Also, those sleeves might not fit into coats and jackets here, where there is a proper winter. Thoughts?
LINDA
ReplyDeleteI love that quilt Karin! I've been thinking about learning how to quilt, I've just seen far too many beautiful ones to be left out...
ReplyDeletePleased to hear that the swimming is helping :) I like the cut of the blouse, but would find it difficult to wear when weather demands a coat on.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that quilt is going to be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI adore that quilt; sadly I lack the precision and patience to do one... Re: the swimming, what technique/strokes do you do? I do a lot of breaststroke and a bit of backstroke, not sure that's such a good combination. The top pattern is a bit of a gamble for a pear I think, but if you love it I'd say go for it but make it in a busy pattern and wear with well-cut dark pants (or skirt). That hides a multitude of sins in my experience :-) !
ReplyDeleteI do 2 lengths front crawl, 2 lengths breast stroke, 2 lengths front crawl again, then 2 lengths back stroke. If the pool is busy, I will do side stroke instead of backstroke because I don't want to bump into anyone! These 8 lengths make up one "set" for me. I do 7 sets in about 35 minutes. I'd like to work up to 10 sets without needing more than 45 minutes to do it. We'll see how I go.
DeleteI recently made a blouse with similar sleeves and have similar worries. However, I think that if you need to, you could just push the sleeves up inside the coat? And my blouse makes my shoulders seem bigger, though I think mostly that's because it fits slim from the empire line down, so I don't know if the results would be the same. I'd sure try it though, you wouldn't be out much time or fabric in the test, and if you succeeded you'd have an adorable blouse. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it would depend on the fabric you use for the blouse. I've worn this style under jackets without any problems if the fabric is not too bulky :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful that your swimming routine is working out so beneficial :) I have a few tops with a similar wide sleeve and they are more difficult to wear underneath a jacket or cardigan imo. Good for a summer top though, breezy and cool with the fabric away from the body like that.
ReplyDeleteHello Karin. What took me soo long to get here is beyond me really, but I´ll be following you from now on. Swimming is the best overall exercise, the back benefits specially, as long as your technique is good, it beats pilates hands down ( shhh!I´m a pilates instructor, I don´t tell this to everyone ;)
ReplyDeleteI´m really afraid of downloadable patterns. The test square is never right for me, but I only tried Burda´s. There are lot´s of hotpatterns I´d like to try.
One more thing: I´m in love with your bags!
i'm pear-shaped, too. i have never found a dolman-sleeved, drooped-shoulder blouse that didn't make me look like a box. the only thing i like on myself is a neckline that has interest so that it draws the eye away from my hips. i wear light colors on top and darker colors on the bottom, meaning burgandy bottom and pink top, for instance. its a slenderizing look. earrings or necklaces help, too. v-necks and cowls are the best. tunics are very boxy. bring just a little attention to your bust. slim skirts don't bring the eye down. i stay away from blousey sleeves, but i do use pretty scarves around my neck. i have a relatively small waist, but i don't accentuate that, because it makes my hips look bigger by comparison. i do wear sheath dresses that skim the waist and have top interest for dressy occasions. i wear bright necklaces. i know it cuts down on the choices, but in the end i'm much happier with the way i look.
ReplyDeletethe best thing to do is go to a really good store and try things on. bring some nice long colored necklaces with you to see what happens.
I like the HP blouse but not the neckline. A V or something lower would be better for you I think. Good for you with swimming it's a really good way to tone up.
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