The networking blouse: or how to succeed in business by really really trying!

On May 31, 2016August 16, 2016 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized6 Comments

Pattern: Simplicity 1779 (view c)

They say that job searching is all about the networking. Let me tell you from a diagnosed introvert, networking really sucks. You really have to put yourself out there, totally out of your comfort zone and start conversations with complete strangers. You have no idea if they want to talk to you or not. Sometimes these conversations go well, sometimes they feel as painful as falling down a flight of stairs. Making that perfect connection that furthers your career can feel like a needle in a haystack. It’s also extremely exhausting, being “on” all the time. When I come home after a few hours of networking, I feel almost as if I ran a marathon. But it is important – applying for open jobs the old fashion way definitely doesn’t get the maximum result. And getting a job can be more “who you know” than “what you know” in general.

I feel it helps to have some sort of ice breaker prepared. Which is why last week, Continue reading “The networking blouse: or how to succeed in business by really really trying!” →

Run for it! A reflection on running as I sew with spandex

On May 16, 2016August 16, 2016 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized12 Comments

Pattern: Fehr Trade Duathlon Shorts (3-quarter length)

Skills acquired:

PDF patterns

I’ve never considered myself a runner. When I was in middle school, we were forced to run a mile and a half in gym class and it was always a day I dreaded. The gym teacher made fun of the way I swung my arms when I ran. “You look like this,” she said, while she made some exaggerated movements. She called me a retard. She said I was un-athletic. This would turn anyone off from running.

I didn’t really pick up running, except for the odd jog around the neighborhood, until I started having some real life problems. Lack of control in my life situations created major anxiety. I was not myself, I was just a walking bundle of nerves and hurt feelings. I wasn’t sleeping properly and so I slowly introduced a running routine to “tire me out” during the day. It also relieved some of those anxious feelings:

Oh you have to move – run 5 miles to feel better
Grad school is getting to you – see if you can make it to 6 miles
You didn’t get that job – run 3 miles faster than you have before

Everything would play through my head during these runs, and I started to add more Continue reading “Run for it! A reflection on running as I sew with spandex” →

An update on loungewear

On May 12, 2016August 16, 2016 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Small Projects, Uncategorized1 Comment

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3793

We interrupt this blog to bring you the picture I was hoping to include on my previous entry about lounge-wear. Back when I was on my pajama pant kick, I made my guy some nice ones out of bicycle flannel. I used this kwik sew pattern because it includes a fly, but I also added pockets using an online tutorial. There is a little bit about the pocket install on my other blog post.

I wanted to share the final result, although these pictures are only from the waist down Continue reading “An update on loungewear” →

See my vest…in textured fleece

On May 8, 2016May 12, 2016 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized3 Comments

Pattern: Kwik Sew K3813

Some key takeaways:

Wait to buy your separating zipper until you confirm the final length
Make sure your fabric works for the arm binding, if not you can use spandex or knit

Just as spring made its way in New England, so did the cold weather. For a winter which saw 70 degree temperatures on Christmas Eve and only 2 snow storms, this spring sure is cold! We had more snow storms in April than in March, and now that it is May, I can’t walk around my house without a sweatshirt. Or a fleece….which brings me to….

I decided to make a fleece vest! I started this a bit on the late side – as in after winter was technically over. Glad this cold weather started up, or I would have felt completely foolish!

This was a pretty ambitious project. I have never made anything like this before, and half-way through making the vest, I was worried I may be in over my head. However, the results of this one are very positive!

When I first decided to make this pattern, Continue reading “See my vest…in textured fleece” →