Self-indulgent sewing, the best

Here's what happened. About this time last week, after rounding third base on my mother-in-law's Christmas present, I paused to take stock of my Christmas-progress. It may not be apparent here, but I've been quietly sewing presents since the beginning of September.

The quilts are done. The pillows are done. The purse, the napkins, and the tote bags are done.

I did a double-take. A month to go, and only four presents left to make? Four quick, easy presents? Whaaat?

Self, I said, it's time for some self-indulgent sewing.

Hungrily, I hauled out my bag of thrift store/vintage/to-be-altered clothing, and dumped it on the floor.

All this week, with Thanksgiving looming distractingly in the near future, I carved out a few hours of sewing time and devoted it to myself.

Oh, it felt good. As many of you know, I have a hard time spending time on myself. (Money, on the other hand, is no problem...) I'm working on this. Certainly, my new-found love of refashioning helps. I can rationalize: I'm just a beginner, I don't want to flub someone's gift, for goodness sakes. Perhaps it's better if I just sew this one little thing for myself. Because then I'll have a new skirt for Friday night...

A new skirt, or two. And a dress, and cardigan.

(For those who are curious: the dress is vintage, bought at a yard sale this summer for $5. I repaired a tear with a little interfacing and creative embroidery, and hemmed it. The skirt in the middle was a thrift-store purchase, about ankle-length and a size 2. I cut the top off so it would fit my waist, made a waistband, and added some elastic. All I did to the sweater [also thrifted] was take it in. A lot. The skirt on the right used to be a button-down shirt [if you click on the picture you'll be able to see the buttons]. I bought it at Salvation Army, and altered it using this tutorial.)

All this has result in four new things to wear, and a quite obnoxious amount of pride. Next week, it's back to the presents.