I love Spring. I love everything about it except the weather vagaries, the mud, the threat of flooding from the snow melting, and all the cute clothes in the stores.
Let me explain:
There are usually a multitude of pretty, airy dresses in lovely colors and fabrics that I really want and (now) can afford. However, most of these pretty, airy dresses are sleeveless, low-cut, and too short. It doesn't help that I have to buy longer lengths in most skirts and dresses, or that I need to have some kind of lining in sheer sleeves. I went outlet shopping over the weekend and found some dresses I just loved, but I knew that most of them would be too short so I didn't even give them a third glance. A second glance I couldn't help, because they were so pretty, but I had to look away after that. I found one that was long enough and light purple and had a decently high neckline, but the sleeves were sheer and there was no good way to fix them. My sister said "Heidi, is there anything here that you like that you DON'T have to alter in some way?" The answer was, of course, no. Unfortunately. I don't want to have to spend good money on a dress and then have to spend another $40-50 on a cardigan and a camisole just to make it wearable.
The obvious answer to this dilemma is to make my own dresses. Well, let me tell you, I'd love to! But finding fabric I like is hard around here (stupid fabric stores full of ugly fleece!), and finding patterns I like (and don't have) is also hard. Finding both patterns and fabric at the same time? Highly improbable!
The less obvious answer to this dilemma is to print my own fabric, learn draping and pattern drafting, and not be quite as picky about what I put on my body. ha.
The most logical answer is to just move to LA or New York--anywhere with better fabric stores.
I want pretty things, and I do get inspired, but then I get discouraged because I hate the fabric selection, the pattern styles, or the prices. So what happens is that I buy patterns that sit there just waiting for the right fabric, or I buy fabric that goes into storage for 10 years to wait for the right pattern. Either way, it's getting ridiculous and something must be done!
*sigh*
4 comments:
I understand a bit what you mean. There were several great dresses I could have liked to buy for an Easter dress, if the neck were just a pinch higher or the color were just slightly better or the...
Not that finding fabric is any easier. But at least I do have the option to sew if I can find the stuff for it.
You know, you'd think that Utah would have better fabric stores since people supposedly sew a lot here! I understand the problem completely. I was lucky enough to find two modest dresses at Target, of all places. I don't know if they still have them, but they do online. Unfortunately online shopping may be the only alternative...or maybe we should take a trip to NYC and get you some fabric...or maybe London :)
Yeah, the fabric around here is terrible! It's the reason I don't sew more of my clothes. I can usually find patterns I like, even if I have to alter them in some way...but I can never find fabric that isn't hideous! Good luck finding a lovely, springtime dress!
I hear you- and yes- the fabric and weather is better in LA- I miss it a lot!
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