True Bias Nikko Dress

I used the exact grey marl viscose jersey from Fabrics Galore that Kate used for hers. If it hadn't been for the recommendation, I would have probably let it pass me by, thinking it was too lightweight for a project like this. When it arrived, I was still worried that the fabric was too light and also slightly see through when held up, but I went with it in the effort of honing my not-quite-there-yet jersey-judgement, and it worked!

In sunny Hebden Bridge-post Rag Market

The Nikko dress has a slightly more relaxed fit from the waist down, which I didn't think would be the most flattering fit for me, so I made some slight adjustments to get a closer fit at the waist. I cut a size 6 at the neckline and bust, grading down to a 2 at the waist and out to a 4 at the hips. I also took the split seams and hem up by 3" (I'm 5ft 6" for reference, so this is a long dress). Just like the top, it's a very quick and easy make and the instructions are easy to follow.
Whilst my Nikko Dress has turned out close fitting in the way I intended it to be, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little self conscious when wearing it. The fabric is spot on, if not a little clingy, and using plain grey has made for an unintentionally bold finish. From some angles I feel totally statuesque, and from others... more like the fifth (grey) teletubby. I definitely like the finished dress more than not though and really want to get wear out of it, so I guess I've got no option other than to try and own it.

Less into this angle...

Wearing it with a slip does reduce some of the cling and skims the underwear lines a bit. I also think I might feel a bit more comfortable by breaking the block colour up. I had a black leather jacket on before taking these pictures and felt great, so I think I might just need to wear something over the top, like a loose button up shirt (actually that's a good excuse to make one - I'm thinking khaki will fit in nicely with the rest of my wardrobe)!

Thanks Mum for patiently waiting for the walkers and cyclists to pass to take these

I'm not an un-body confident sort of person, but it is a dress that I feel like I need to 'brave' to an extent. It's quite difficult putting yourself/body out there in a silhouette you're not quite used to - even if the only person who really knows it or cares is you. It is a lovely pattern, so I am determined to integrate the Nikko into my wardrobe, to the point where I don't have to feel brave to put it on. Points if you spot me, head held high looking positively statuesque in my big grey Nikko!
Has anyone else had similar feelings about 'braving' wearing certain garments?

A recent experience on the high street

So why sew? 
As my handmade output has increased and my shop bought count hits its lowest ever, I've spent a bit of time thinking about the positive impact that dressmaking is having on my life. It's become not just a hobby, but a positive lifestyle choice. Sewing (and blogging about it) not only gives me a clear head and something to focus on, but it's altered my relationship with my body for the better too.

I think the pressure to wear the latest trends, and fit into the standard dress size clothing available on the high street can have a negative impact on people's perception of their body. The high street may tout the 'typical' body shape through their limited offering of sizes, but there's a lot that's 'atypical' about our bodies. If you fall more than a little outside of the high street standard-size measurements, finding clothing you can feel confident and comfortable in becomes even more difficult...

Apologies for the side boob - well, extreme bra exposure. This is a size 14 top from the high street. I accept that my bust measurement is slightly above average, and pick my sizing with this in mind. However I'm absolutely baffled by how this garment could ever modestly cover someone with a 'typical' size 14 bust.

As this one clearly didn't fit, I'm going to try a hack of the Rise Turtleneck. Check out this amazing hack of the Named Beatrix bodice by Mady from The Wardrobe Project for inspiration too!

More often than not, I found shopping to be a demoralising or distressing experience - in one shop I was a size 10, in another, I could barely do up a size 16, the fit was off, nothing looked right... - so that was a big incentive to start making my own clothes. With sewing, I disassociated myself from a dress size or number. Although patterns still list dress sizes, it's the measurements that count, and it's all about the measurements matching you, not you matching them. There's so much more flexibility in sizing when you have the control over it, and no need to feel bad about the perceived 'extra inch' that stops you fitting into this size or that.

Unflattering and ill-fitting 'on trend' high street clothes (going to try making the Seamwork Catarina instead of this) VS...

...A proper fitting handmade outfit (Papercut Patterns Rise Turtleneck and Sew DIY Nita Wrap Skirt)

I still shop on the high street from time to time, but it's rare that I find something that fits as well or as comfortably as something I could make for myself. I appreciate that dressmaking isn't for everybody, and not everyone has the time or means to make their own clothes, so I'm thankful that I am able to. That it has also improved how I feel about myself and my body is an added bonus, and something I could've never foreseen when I started making clothes a few years ago. Maybe this is something that I've only come to realise down the line as I've become more confident in my abilities as a dressmaker.

All in the fit

Making my own clothes has relaxed my attitude towards my figure, and banished any thoughts that certain parts of it are 'difficult' to dress. I understand fit and proportions more, and I make clothing in styles that will suit me, without having to see a model or disproportionate shop mannequin wearing it first. Choosing my clothes has become an exciting and empowering experience because I'm involved in the process from the very start - it's 100%  my choice. I don't need to compromise on fashion, fit or fabric, and I couldn't be happier about it!

Does anyone else find that sewing has a positive impact on the way they view their body?


And if you took the time to read this post, thank you. Two years down the blogging line and it's the encouragement of fellow sewists that keeps me going and sewing :)