What Would Robin Wear

Before I can show how to alter clothing, you have to know how to use the sewing machine. There is a great series on the internet;

http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_5328_use-sewing-machine.html

Once you learn the basics, how to sew a straight line, how to thread your machine and bobbin (the single most important aspect of sewing is threading the machine, once you have this mastered you can thread any sewing machine) and which needle to use with which fabric you can move on to more complex alterations. There are thousands of videos on the internet that can show you how to thread a sewing machine and how it works.

Tip: I usually never buy a new sewing machine. I have in the past for hundreds and hundreds of dollars and been very disappointed in my purchase. I pick up most of the ones I have at local flea markets or yard sales. Most people do not know how to thread a machine and assume it is broken. Once you master threading the machine and learning about the tension knobs, you will know if the second hand machine is actually broken or not. You can buy a very nice used machine for around $20-$100 and up.

The most I have ever paid for a used sewing machine was right around 60 dollars, and it was never used and came with the carrying case. A nice new sewing machine usually cost’s around $300-$1000 and up depending on the brand and what you are using it for. If you are not a second hand shopper, a nice Singer Machine from a local Department Store is usually around $300-$350.

How to alter a simple pair of elastic waist pants.

1) I always try on my pants and look at them in a full length mirror. I turn them inside out, then measure with my hands how much fabric I want to take in to make the pants fit so they don’t slide around when I walk in them. You know where the crack of your pants is going diagnolly because they are trying to twist around your body. Eeek!



2) I measure the fabric is on both sides with the measuring tape. Before I take the pants off, I pin the waist and below the waist a few. Once you get used to sewing you probably won’t need to measure with the measuring tape, you will just know visually how much to take in on each side. Try not to stick yourself with the pins, it hurts like the Dickens.





3) Lay pants flat on the table or floor, inside out. Measure the amount (mine are usually between two inches on each side to go down one size, two inches on each size to go down two sizes, this varies per person) of material to be sew and removed. Use pins and a yard stick, or a measuring tape, to help make your lines straight. Also make sure that the waist is even from the front to the back, otherwise you hem will be uneven when you sew it. Keep your fingers away from the needle, ever sewn your finger on a sewing machine...I have and it hurts for weeks.









4) I always begin at the top at the waist band and sew through the elastic waist band (don't pull or stretch it) down in a straight line towards the hem of your pants. If you cannot sew a straight line make sure you use pins or white chalk to guide you. As you sew remove the pins until you get to the hem. Make sure to go very slow so you do not break your needle.











5) Repeat on the opposite side.



6) I always try my pants on again just to make sure I have taken enough in on both side and I do not have any puckering of the seams. Ok so this terrible picture, and I would not typically wear this shirt with these pants, but I wanted to show the actual seams so that you could see them. And how much actual fabric I am removing.



7) Cut away the excess material making sure to leave a little extra so that you can zig zag stitch the ends of the seams closed. (also known as the selvage) Zig zagging will prevent the edges from unraveling and ruining your garment. If you have a serger, this whole process is done quickly and easily, if you don't try this method.








8) Try pants on again to make sure all seams are closed and the stitching is complete.



This is a quick and easy way to make your pants fit as you go through your weight loss stages. It takes me about 10 minutes to do. It will take you much longer if you are a new sewer. Take your time sew very slow at the beginning. Sometimes my new sewers use the foot pedal like a gas pedal, slow down. If you mess up you can remove the seam and start over. You have nothing to lose since the pants didn't fit when you started.

Everyone has that photo, the one where you go, “Oh my God, I cannot possibly be that fat, I don’t feel that fat.” The one when you know you need help, more than any diet, exercise, or joining a gym can give you. This is my photo, it is Christmas 2006 and I am standing with my sisters and my sister in-law. Of course they made me crop them out, but you can see what I looked like before my weight loss.







My after picture was a gift from a friend of mine, a glamour shots session. She gave it to me for my 40th birthday and I never used it until I started this blog. In October of 2009, I went in for my session and really just had fun. I already knew I would hate every photo because I hate photos of myself, so consider my sharing here a gift because I really do not like to “put myself out there” so to speak.

My third photo, another photo where you go “what the heck was I thinking dying my hair blonde, am I nuts?” This photo I found on my dad’s camera and I think it is so funny I have to share it. This photo was taken again, at Christmas in 2003. Christmas is usually the only time I will take a photo. I wanted to share the physical difference the weight loss shows in my face.

Have you ever had one of those friends who always make comments (in a funny way) about something you have on? Well, I do and his name is Mick. I have known Mick since I was fourteen. We went to high school together and have remained friends since.

Mick and I have a great time joking around with each other. He is well aware of my love of fashion and likes to point out something he considers weird, too trendy, or that someone in OHIO is going to have a hard time pulling off. He truthfully loves to tease me and finds ways to do so, this is one of his ways. His favorite item to pick on me about is my zebra stripped silk sweater. I thought I was the height of fashion and he took one look at me and burst out laughing……the man called me Serengeti for eight hours….of course I laughed till beer came out my nose, but needless to say, I do not wear that very often anymore and never around him.
I once wore a blue ruffled shirt and I was dubbed "What are ya Prince" and he sang Little Red Corvette every time I looked at him. Then came the Pirate! A beautiful white ruffled blouse with french cuffs, as I walked down the stairs to the party thinking I was making a grand entrance, he blurts out "ARGH MATTIE". Everyone should have a MICK!!!

So now I have clothes I call the Mickism's. Clothes that are too fashion forweird to wear…

It is that time of year again where I have to participate in my birthday. Every year I attempt to let it slide past without anyone knowing, but it NEVER works. So my quest is to find something to wear that I look good in (always a miraculous feat). I also want an outfit that is remotely comfortable. Sometimes the two just do not hold hands.

The Disco Scene . . . Really?
This year I will be 41 and my single girlfriends are dragging me off to some crazy place to dance. Hopefully with handsome men, lots of drinks and a laughing, goofy night in general.

Fit Makes All the Difference
Since I have lost soooo much weight, I am usually very self conscious about what I wear. I have a horrible habit of buying clothes that are my old size, that are too big, and really look like I have on a bag. My friend Le-Le told me I was like a kite, if she tied a string to my leg the wind would blow me away. Yep, my pants were that baggy. So now I take a very HONEST person with me when I shop and buy the size that actually fits. Not a little big, not tight, but a good fit--regardless of the size on the tag. Fit makes all the difference in the appearance of your figure. Plus, no more tugging or adjusting when you stand up or sit down.

Robin's Tip: To get the perfect fit from pants "off the rack" I sometimes have to buy the bigger size and take in the pants in certain areas--the waist, butt, or legs for example. Click on the video (coming soon) to see how I do this. If you do not sew, find someone who does. If you can learn how to sew a very straight line, you will be able to improve the fit in your problem clothing.

Color Makes You Shine
Another important thing for me when picking out something to wear is color. I know what colors look good with my hair, eyes, and skin tone. I choose reds, bright blues, purples, and my favorite--black. Those are my basic color palette. I can also wear others like whites and browns, but I always choose tones that are in my color palette. Make sure you have the correct color palette for your skin tone.

Robin's Tip: Check out the website: http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/index.html to find out which "season" you are and which colors make your hair, eyes, and skin stand out. I am a "winter" and I stick like glue to my color palette. You can also get the book Color Me Beautiful (by Carole Jackson) at the library.

Help Me Choose An Outfit
Click on the outfits below to see which makes me look great. Then cast your vote. Check back here next week to see if I wore your outfit!

Remember: "There are no ugly women, only those that do not know how to make themselves beautiful."--Christian Dior