The Ballard

Today I am part of the Ballard pattern tour! 
I was really sad that I couldn't apply to test this pattern when I saw the tester call. My schedule was already fully booked for that period... So, when Kimberly invited me for this tour I was thrilled! (Thank you Kimberly!) 

This top is made out of knit, it is super comfortable and a super quick sew! 

Pattern: the Ballard top, pattern by Straight Stitch Designs
Fabric: light-weight knit with a panel print that I used for the bands (neckband, waistband and sleeve band) to add some color contrast to the pale main color. (I don't know what I had in mind when I chose this knit because this color doesn't suit my skin tone at all... oh well, lesson learned! :) )
Details: This top features a gathered scoop neck, 3/4 sleeve (perfect for Fall weather), banded hem (which I love!) and an open back detail. The pattern is really great, the fit is perfect, and the instructions are fantastic (each step has a well designed illustration). I already have in mind a few ideas to flip it a bit and that means that I love this pattern! My next version will be just like this one on IndieSew. It is a perfect addition to my fall wardrobe!

I am loving all the versions for this tour - like this floral and this striped, oh and this houndstooth version?... {swooning...} -, so make sure to check them all! You will get lots of inspiration!

Kimberly is definitely a new designer you should keep an eye for. Her first pattern was the Ravenna and I can't wait to sew it! It has the most beautiful detail on the back. I am looking forward to see what she will be coming up next as her third pattern! I am sure it will be amazing...

{And now you can skip a few ramblings on selfish sewing and body image if you want to... I won't take personally. :) }

This post doesn't have many photos, I am aware of that. And no, it wasn't because they were all blurry (they weren't, my dear husband always does a good job taking pictures of me - thank you sweetie!). The truth is I had a hard time picking a few photos because I don't like what I see in them. I don't recognize myself in this after-having-three-kids-in-less-than-four-years body. I keep focusing on all the curvy spots (as seen in the photo above), I can't see past that and I'm having a hard time sharing it with the world. (Adding to the fact that I am shy... {I am sure all my real friends are laughing out loud now... :) })
 I really want to sew more for myself - I know that my wardrobe needs it more than my kids do, now that I have been sewing for them like crazy in this last year :) - but I am dreading having to take photos and blogging about it. I would rather not. And the truth is I don't have to, right? I can sew just for fun and don't blog about it...
But then I keep telling myself that I have to face it. That I have to accept this figure as it is. That I can't wait for the perfect time, sometime in the future, when I'll loose all my baby weight and be back to my pre-mom body. Because honestly, I don't think I ever do. And the present is now and I can't live thinking about the future and saying to myself "Then it would be perfect!..." Stop that, Sara. Stop finding excuses not to sew for yourself. "I don't want to cut into all the gorgeous fabric I have been keeping on my stash before I loose all the extra weight... I will be ruining good fabric!"... Humm... Not an excuse because if you saw this post you know I have cut a beautiful fabric that was seating on my stash for about one year, on a dress for one of my girls and you know how fast kids grow, right?... "I haven't find the perfect pattern"... No, there are a lot of amazing patterns out there! 
So, I think it is just about time I stop finding a few excuses and start sewing more for myself. It is about time I accept my body as it is and stop wondering "what if?" or thinking "one day..." 
And maybe I blog about my makings maybe I won't... :)

So... Is there anyone out there that would like to join me? Together we can do it!