Real Life Real Sewing

Here I am, participating in Sew 20's first blog tour, it is quite an interesting concept, so I am pretty excited of taking part. This first tour focus on us (or people we sew for) wearing the pieces we made on real life. No posing for nice photos, etc. A while ago I wrote a post kinda similar to this (idea). I had collected a few photos of my kids wearing their handmades on a daily basis. This time though, added to the fun we were given a few questions, and I hope you all enjoy reading my answers. 

1. What do you look for when choosing a sewing project?

Most of all, I look for things that my kids (or myself) are missing at the moment. I like to do a sustainable sewing everytime it is possible. I usually look for projects that I know we need and will use. One thing I totally avoid is sewing items that will be used on a photoshoot and that's it. Of course I sometimes do it, guilty pleasures maybe, but if I can say no to a project like that I will. I also, always try to find a thrifty garment I can refashion into whatever I have in mind, so sometimes it takes a lot of planning and creativity to make these things work. One more thing I look for on my sewing projects is for a comfort and edgy look. 

2. Is there anything you would like to (or wish you could) do differently when selecting projects?

I have a tendency to want to sew all at the same time - don't we all? - One thing I'd like to do, is to get more thoughtful on the projects I take. I'd like to concentrate in one project at the time for a change, and really take my time to each piece of it. I tend to avois simple projects sometimes because they are too basic and won't teach me anything new, but I guess going back to basics is a good thing too and I should work on that. 

3. What is your most used/worn sewing project? This either could be of all time or currently.

Mmm... this is a hard question to answer to. When you start sewing most of your and/or your kids clothes, and you do this for years, there are quite a few items on the made list. I guess the most worn item I made my daughter was this coverall for kindergarden. wore it for two years, almost daily, and now that she's in a new school, her brother used it often in our house (that's him on the photo). 

4. Do you have a project that you thought would be used/worn frequently but just did not end up working out?

I might have sewn a few of those in the past. But when that happens I don't get attached to the pieces and I just pass them away. Usually that is easier if the garment in cause is mine and not from the kids. Then I might keep it for a little longer. One thing that didn't get a lot of use, although I really LOVED it was a blazer I made my daughter. It turned out too small, and she only wear it once, so I could take a few photos before I put it aside for good. 

5. What is your favorite tip or quote that applies to sewing for real life?

My tip(s) is to always look at what you have, either sewn garments (rtw ones, or hand-me-downs count as well). Make a list of what is missing. Go to rtw shops in search of inspiration and start your project when you are sure this will be something that you or your kids/husband/etc really need and will wear, and make sure you ask their opinions (when you are not sewing for yourself), toknow your garment will get a lot of use. 

Do you have any examples of Real Life, Real Sewing to show off? You can play along by using the #realliferealsewing on social media.

6/20 | Sew 20 Tour Kick-off | The Wholesome Mama | Wild & Wanderful | Randoms by Rydz

6/21 | Daydream Believers | Sugarplum Cuties | Friends Stitched Together | The Inspired Wren | PenSeb&Rox

6/22 | Sewstarly | Very Blissful | House of Estrela | The Berry Bunch | Musings of a Seamstress

6/23 | mahlicadesigns | sewingbyti | Candice Ayala | Call Ajaire | Sunflower Seams

6/24 | Beri Bee Designs | Lulu & Celeste | FABulous Home Sewn | Mae & K | Sew 20 Social Media Round-up

6/25 | Sew 20 Tour Wrap-up