Monday, July 25, 2011

simple and satisfying sewing

Another easy tiered skirt and a simple pullover (with peeping shoulders!) I had a great fun with thinking how they would go with each other while I was sewing them. I think they turned out pretty well as I hoped.

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Please be warned, I think I'm going to mumble funnily today.

In recent years, I'm quite happy with what I sew. To me they seem just right on me, although I know that they are not too special or very distinguishing to others.

That said, I remember that I wasn't feeling relaxed this much some time ago. I didn't tell this to anybody until now, but I tell you that I had been said once by some stranger over internet that I was a very boring seamstress and I only generated something similar and tedious. I was fairly discouraged by the opinion. I felt as if I was rated bad and given a serious verdict.

Looking back, the fact was that, I stupidly didn't know what was important and what was not to me at that time. Thanks to the experience, I started considering what my sewing was. Do I have to sew a variety of all kind of clothes for the sake of showing them off to amuse the public to be a certificated blogger? No. Should I keep seeking new techniques for telling everybody that I have mastered them? No. That's wonderful to have something to tell, but as far as I am concerned, it's not necessary to create something spectacle to tell in my sewing.

My main purpose in my sewing is undoubtedly dressing myself to look nice, but not to look wearing nice clothes. (I hope you know what I mean.) I have low self esteem for my appearance and I really and fully need my clothes helping me. I tend to look a bit better in simple, un-authoritative, and well-fitted clothes, so I stick to such kinds of them. Sewing is not necessary if my wishes are fulfilled by retailed garments, but it rarely happens to me in spite of the fact I get what I wish by my sewing so very easily.

In reality, there are some people who can do nothing but blame other people for not providing what they exactly wished, they keep doing it even in other people's blogs, and I came to understand that I didn't like to share such feelings with them soon after the "opinion" incident. My sewing is naturally to be boring, to observe, darlings. And it's more than fine with me, because it's working. I write my sewing, because I am hoping to tell you that sewing is so much fun and also very rewarding for us in each personal way.

And why I blog? I really love to be your sewing friend too. You probably knew it. Phew! I guess I had too much gibberish today. Excuse me!

I love my newest boring outfit, and I reckon I look shining in them...yay...


Tiered skirt
sewed same as this skirt, lengthened much. Polyester georgette, very light.
Peep shoulder pullover
pattern: Garnet pullover from tamanegi-kobo (PDF pattern)
fabric: Tencel rib jersey, soft, thin, stretches very well, very light grayish beige.
1 smaller size was chosen and also printed out to reduce to 97%, because the fabric I used was a rib jersey and it stretches madly.

I crocheted the belt too.

83 comments:

  1. Both pieces are lovely!

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  2. Your style is anything but boring! It is subtle and elegant.

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  3. Andrea Maria KlingJuly 25, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    it´s a wonderful and very harmonic outfit and far from being boring. You are so right in what you wrote in this blog entry! Thank you for putting in words :)

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  4. I really enjoy watching your sewing - it is stylish, and your love for sewing makes following your blog really worthwhile. I recognize that love, and with so few people sewing for themselves over here it is really nice to find so many on the internet, all over the world.

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  5. I have no space in my life for bullying bloggers.  I enjoy your blog and your sense of style.  The pop of color in your sandals made me smile.  Remember, living well is the best revenge, and with such lovely clothes, you live well indeed.

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  6. I think whomever made that comment was just being a petty troll. You make clothes that suit your style and life, that is much more important than being "interesting".

    I always like your stuff, your clothes are always so pretty and well made. I like the shirt the best with the open shoulder pieces. I have two knit projects going, and one of them has a similar feature.

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  7. I really like your clothes, and you certainly shouldn't take a blogger's negative comment to heart.
    Be proud of what you sew! Some people don't need to wear "exaggerated" (sorry, can't think of a better English term) clothes to look pretty ;)

    Your clothes are well-made, stylish and they suit you really well. Why should you dress like a clown? You have found your style. That is the most important thing of all!

    And, yes, I agree, sewing is soo rewarding :)

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  8. First, your outfit is elegant.  Second, thank you for your blog.  I have been feeling lately that I need to sew more elaborate things to push myself.  But your comments will make me stop and evaluate whether I would do that for others or for myself.  Sewing makes me happy -- it defines my days.  And blogging makes me happy -- it satisfies another part of me.  If people like my blog, fine.  If they feel it is a waste for them, they need to move on to something that fulfills them.  Thank you for saying it so well.

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  9. I love your style!  Not everyone shares the same aesthetic, but I am so glad you didn't let that comment keep you from sewing and enjoying what you like to do.  For me, sewing is a process that brings me a lot of joy and many opportunities for improvement and learning.   And I agree with you and the others that this is a very rewarding process that cannot be captured by a mere photo of a finished garment.  Please keep sewing and sharing with us your joy of creating beautiful things!

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  10. Your style is lovely! So chic. It inspires me too :)

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  11. Reethi JagannathanJuly 25, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    I love everything you sew!

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  12. I've been a long time reader and I just wanted to say that I love coming to your blog to see what you make.  You make beautiful things that seem to really suit your lifestyle/aesthetic. And boy can you sew up a pair of slim cut pants!

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  13. What a mean comment! Some people are too brutal and look only for their own interests and amusement.
    Your style is very different to my style, but I love reading your new posts and seeing your lovely clothes. They are elegant and extremely well-made. Thank you for sharing them!

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  14. I think your sewing is beautiful and I am very glad that you share it with us! Its simplicity makes it very elegant and that is a very wonderful thing! Keep up your awesome work and thank you!

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  15. Beth (Sunnygalstudio)July 26, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    You are a beautiful sewer, writer and person, your blog is one of my favorites of all the internet.  Please keep up with all this, as you have many fans.  I agree with other comments, your creations are elegant and your photography is always interesting to look at.
    happy sewing always,  Beth

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  16. I love the belt you crocheted - - where can I find the pattern for it?  I love reading your blog.  Your garments are simple and elegant and definitely very inspiring.  Thank you for sharing your talent!    Rosalia

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  17. I absolutely love your style and the clothes that you make.  It's a very classic style that looks beautiful on you.  It is inspiring for me to see people creating what they love.  Thank you for always sharing your creations with us.  ありがとうございます。

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  18. OMG, I love your style. You're an inspiration to me, so I hope you don't stop blogging :-)

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  19. It's funny how we can be so affected by a stranger's offhand comment or critique, isn't it?  My own style is rather plain & simple & while I admire some of the couture-ish things that some bloggers make, I know I'd never wear them.  I think that's why I enjoy your blog so much.  You make what you know flatters you & what you'll enjoy wearing.  I like your real & wearable style & it inspires me to want to sew & knit things I know I'll wear.  Thank you for that.

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  20. I appreciate your comments because I do think as a blogger you have a right to share your own style, whatever it is.  I also increasingly value simple, well-fitting clothes as I live a more casual lifestyle.  You also look great in what you wear!  Those of us on the not so small size of things enjoy what you wear. 

    I especially liked today's outfit and have been thinking about a tiered skirt as well.

    Gambatte!

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  21. I love your outfit, too, and you DO look shining in them - just believe me!
    Greets,
    Liese

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  22. What I love about your blog is how unique the clothes you sew are. You're probably thinking, "Unique? Huh?" But your blog is unique in the sense that you are not sewing all kinds of flashy garments, but rather things that you can wear from day to day. That's what I love about you. Your style is simple, lovely, classy, and, I think, shows people that you can sew clothes that are for everyday use, not just spectacular garments. I hope I'm making myself clear, but if not, here it is: I love your blog. Don't change.

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  23. You are a most beautiful soul and your sewing is the perfect expression of this out in the world. That is why I love your blog and this remains an inspiration to me in sewing and the rest of life as well. Thank you for just being you.

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  24. What a horrible and un-called for thing for someone to say! Sheesh! Unless you're one of those people trying to make a living off their blog, a blog is first and foremost for YOU, a way of expressing and sharing yourself. No one has the right to make any judgment about what you choose to share, show, or sew.

    Which says nothing of the fact that your blog and your creations are  NOT boring, dull, or uninspiring. You have one of the most striking styles I've seen out there---simple, perhaps (although not always), but elegant, smooth, stylish, polished, brave---there aren't enough wonderful words in English to describe how awesome your stuff is. It makes me think about simple things in a different way, open my eyes up to how the right shape, pattern, fabric, can be all you need to create a piece that is wonderful.

    Also, you are beautiful, and I'm terribly excited to get another glimpse of your face ;).

    ... and I love peep-shoulders so much. Now I will have to make something with peep shoulders, except I have no time right now. As always, you inspire me :).

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  25. It is amazing what people will write as comments. Every time I sew something for my teenage daughter I get the nastiest comments. But you know what they say: "Don't let the turkeys get you down."

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  26. OMG I had a similar experience and I know how it hurts. But you are not boring, neither your clothes nor your blogging. Your clothes are well-fitted and subtly elegant, which is what most of us seamstresses try to achieve.

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  27. Hello.  I have been reading your blog for a little while and I love what you sew.  They are clothes that since I have seen you sewing them and looking so nice in them, that I would like to sew for myself.  Please continue sewing and blogging.  Thank you.

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  28. JustlikeaboughtoneJuly 26, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    You are beautiful and I LOVE the clothes you make!!! Thanks so much for sharing <3

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  29. I love what you have on the blog. I sew exactly for the reasons you do. Retail just does not have the fabrics, colors or styles I want. I am inspired by what you have on the blog.

     I have not been brave enough to start my own sewing blog yet. but so happy to see yours.

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  30. Your outfits are lovely! I am glad you are feeling better. I am pleased to be your sewing friend. That stranger was not very nice, but that is okay. That person will go read other blogs, and your friends will stay here with you.

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  31. Ignore the haters -- they will move on to other blogs to troll and be hateful at.  Your clothes are lovely and an expression of you.  I hope you're proud of everything you've sewn and how much inspiration you've given to others.  I just found the arm warmer pattern I sewed from your design years ago, even before you started blogging!

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  32. I love what you sew and say!

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  33. I have always admired your style. Isn't that why we sew anyway, to please ourselves and make something unique. I get tired of blogs that seem to be more about producing a look than sharing a personal vision. Also, it's nice to finally see your gorgeous face !

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  34. I'm sitting in wintery Sydney dreaming of summer and this is exactly the outfits I'm imagining.

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  35. Your sewing is very inspirational to me, love your style and the way you put pieces together.

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  36. I've been reading your blog for over a year and never commented before (sorry!), but I wanted to let you know that I really love your style and I always enjoy seeing what you have sewn.   I loved your balloon top so much I bought the pattern and have made my own!  Simple is stylish, not boring :)

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  37. Your style is just different from them, and it is surprising how people can react to something that is different from what they know or familiar with. This blog is your place, your home, and it is up to you how you will decorate it. It is your courtesy to let people come by and have a look, and if they should go if they don't like what they see. Just kick those impolite guests out!
    Your blog is one of the sewing blogs with the most distinct style that I know. You have these certain color set and style and it is amazing to see what one can make with a certain set of 'rules'. Those little details that mark every clothes, your shoes and dainty accessories, if all of those are boring, then I want to be boring just like you, Yoshimi!

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  38. Just keep doing what you've doing! There is nothing wrong with being who you are. You've been an inspiration to me since I discovered your blog about a year ago.  Be proud!

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  39. Your new outfit is lovely! It is simple and there is beauty in simplicity. Sometimes I think the hardest beauty to achieve is simplicity, and you've done it :)
    By the way, I love reading your blog and seeing all your sewing creations, even though I hardly comment. Keep sewing what you like and writing what you want because it's been a pleasure for me to read your blog. Thanks for the pleasure!

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  40. This is a beautiful outfit.  Everybody's style is so different, and that is what I like about reading sewing blogs.  Thank you so much for a being a part of the sewing/blogging community.  You totally inspire me!  I see I've missed a few of your latest posts, I am anxious to go back and read them.

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  41. I don't find your blog boring.  If I did, I wouldn't read it.  I certainly wouldn't tell you, because we don't all blog for the same reasons.  Everybody is entitled to their own style, even when it comes to blogging, and unless an opinion is being sought (and they sometimes are), I don't think that you need to take on somebody else's idea of a good blog.

    I am inspired by your style and envious of the sophistication of your outfits.

    Sew what you want.  Blog what you want.

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  42. Funny, but I find your clothing to be one of the more stylish that I find. Everything has a simple sophistication that draws me in to see more.

    Gorgeous picture showing your face! I love your entire outfit, including the belt you crocheted.
    @2eddbfa31c18def02178b0d3cd671058:disqus 
    Thanks for sharing....

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  43. I'm sorry but I have no pattern because it was my ad‐lib crochet... I started crocheting using a polyethylene ring which is called "knit ring", to hold the shape of flowers. I jointed my flowers by crocheting too. I googled for the tool but I couldn't find anything similar from other than Japanese Handcraft shop's Homepages. Please refer here if you would like to see the ring. http://amzn.to/pL8PGX

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  44. I've found that people who are disparaging are usually acting that way because they have low self confidence.  Your sewing is beautiful and suits you perfectly.  Whnever you post I think, "O goodie"  I love her style and sewing and blog etc.  So never stop being yourself and sewing to suit your needs tastes etc.  I love your style and its not the least bit boring!

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  45. I think this is the first time I saw your face in this blog, hello! I think you sew very well and you are not boring at all, I never miss your posts.

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  46. Fab outfit!  Did you use a pattern for the crocheted belt?

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  47. I love your style, and I can see 300+ followers of  your blog love it too.  Thanks for sharing your sewing with us. 

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  48. I think your outfit is wonderful!  So well put together down to the crocheted belt. 

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  49. I'm sorry but I have no pattern for the belt, because it was my ad‐lib crochet. I put a polyethylene ring to the center of the flower and crocheted motifs one by one.

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  50. Don't let one negative comment mean more to you than the many many admiring comments from ladies who, like me, love your style and admire everything you create.  If you are "boring" then I must be very boring, lets be boring together!

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  51. And I love the simple elegance of your styles. They suit you exactly and you look beautiful. I also prefer simple, clean lines. Don't let someone else's comments drag you down. Be you.

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  52. Adorable outfit!  Almost as cute as you are ;-)

    Mostly the internet is good, full of ideas and people with similar interests.  Tune out the bad, you make lovely things that suit YOU and it's YOUR blog.  You can do what you want and we love to see what you're up to and learn from your creativity.

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  53. I, for one, think you look fantastic and I love seeing your style! You've got it exactly right - we sew to please ourselves, and we blog to show what makes us happy. Bravo!

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  54. I don't think there's anything boring about your style! This is your sewing diary and if someone doesn't like what they see, then they don't have to read it! Just plain silly for them to make negative comments.

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  55. Gosh, and here I am being a regular visitor because you always make such beautiful, wearable and well finished clothes. I love looking at the things you make and wear, because I find them beautiful in their elegance and simplicity. You have a clean aesthetic that I find calming, and I envy your sense of proportion. You cannot possibly know how much delight I have taken in seeing your blog, reading what you write and admiring your phorographs. Thank you.

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  56. Yoshimi your style is classic and elegant. You look beautiful in everything you sew. I think the person that posted that comment was jealous. Honestly! 
    As for being a certified blogger I am glad you are just being yourself. There are obviously people out there that do it because they want fans. You do it because you want to share your sewing and I am glad you do.

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  57. Don't let what people say discourage you. I don't think your clothes are boring at all. You always look great!

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  58. Hi I have just seen your blog for the 1st time, I love the outfit, particularly the peep shoulder top. It has given me some ideas and inspiration. 

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  59. Yoshim, you have a wonderful style and  blog and I always enjoy when I visit - just keep doing what you are doing, and don't listen to that one person with their one-eyed comment, listen to the tons of commenters here (59 so far) who are inspired by you!

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  60. I absolutely love your blog and your style. The clothes you make are beautiful and you look stunning in them and I think you're very creative - especially with things like crocheting the belt. Its your blog and your sewing room and you are free to make and blog what you please. I think anyone who accuses another of being 'boring' is a giant bore themselves.

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  61. I love your sewing.  You are lucky to know your style and what works for you.  Thank you for continuing to share with us.

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  62. I really like your outfit. The reason why I come to your blog is because I like what you do and it inspires me. If I didn't I would come here, but I would certainly not expect you to change what you do to be more in line with what I need (If you see what I mean ;o)
    Certainly the internet is a big place with a lot of different people and just like you have rude people in the real world or simply people who had a bad day, so you do on the internet.
    By the way, I think you are really pretty and have a really nice figure and excellent taste.
    Carry on with what you do and have a great day!

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  63. I just found your blog and the outfit you are wearing is absolutely gorgeous in its simplicity. Continue on wearing what you make and ignore the negative comments. I love what you are wearing as it is the simple details that create a elegant look. I love simple also with just one or two details.

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  64. I wouldn't call your style boring or tedious - I'd call it understated and elegant!

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  65. I reached your blog through Carolyn's blog.  I would have had  to register to post a comment there.   Too much work.

    First of all, from this photo, I don't think your style is boring.  I myself like simple, well made basics that fit well and feature nice fabric.

    When I do come across boring, or badly made or tasteless garments on sewing blogs I generally just move on.  Sometimes the arrogance of certain blog authors is pretty amazing.

    But it's really important to remember that when you post, you are posting to an audience that is all of the Internet.  People have opinions, some are rude.  If you're asking people to read your blog, I think you have to have a certain amount of give and take.  I'm not saying you shouldn't ban people who lack civility.

    Full Disclosure:  I don't have a blog, but if I did, I'm not sure I'd enable the comment function.  :-)

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  66. To return to Carolyn's blog post for a minute:  Life is full of criticism and disapproval.  The sensible approach if you don't like it is not to put yourself out there in the first place.

    I see this attitude all the time in posts by women bloggers and it's troubling.  It's extremely naive.  If you want to be out there, you have to expect some rough-and-tumble.  Someone saying your clothing is "boring" is negative, but it's hardly abusive.

    Again, I almost never post negative personal comments, and I wouldn't subscribe to Carolyn's feed if I didn't find many of her choices interesting, but it's silly to be surprised that you get some negative feedback.

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  67. The most important reason to sew is the pleasure it gives us.

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  68. Hello Sewer, thanks for your comment. I think I know what you mean, at
    all. However I would like to remind that Carolyn got the comment face to
    face. The person might have had the basic human rights to express
    whatever she would like to say to the acquaintance, but I don't believe
    that it's a nice attitude in whatever culture as far as I got to know. For me, it's surprising to do it to own friend.

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  69. It is surprisingly hard to brush off the random meanness of the internet, even when it is counterbalanced by 50 times the volume of niceness.  I guess this is human nature; I have certainly experienced it! 

    I don't find your clothes boring at all.  I *love* the peep shoulders on this top!  It is not a look that often appeals to me, but you have done it exactly right here with just the small opening in just the right place in a color that is not shocking against your skin tone.  Love!

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  70. I love your blog, and yor sewing is lovely!

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  71. I love reading about your sewing adventures and I hardly think you are boring! I love hearing about your family and you inspire me often! Please keep writing!

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  72. I love your style, and your blog.  Your clothes are elegant, beautifully made and certainly not boring :-)

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  73. I love your style and your blog.  Your clothes are elegant and well made and certainly not boring :-)

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  74. Your clothes are elegant and beautiful and your writing is always interesting to read, ignore the detractors they are probably jealous of your skills!

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  75. To quote a song "Garden Party" by Rick Nelson in the late 1960's-early 1970's "...You can't please everybody, you've got to please yourself."  That popped into my mind when I read this post.  I really enjoy your style.  I have been to Japan 3 times in the last 7 years----LOVE it.  I think of your country's situation often and know you can pull through.
    Renita

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  76. Wow. I'm just catching up on your blog now and that comment was very unkind! Ignore that person. S/he is thoughtlessly, needlessly cruel, and you don't need their attitude. Sew what you love. Sew what works for you, and sew because you love to!

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  77. Trust me you're anything BUT boring! You're such a cutie and your style is spectacular. I understand how uplifting the right clothes can be to one's self esteem.I really appreciate your blog and the wonderful clothes you share. You're an original and that's why we love following along with you!!!!

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  78. How graceful!  Beautiful pictures!

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  79. I don't know what that other blogger was talking about.  I think the garments you sew are beautiful and elegant.  I wish that my taste level was the same as yours and your styling is beautiful.  You are not sewing to please me or any other reader.  You keep up doing what you do best.  You are a pretty woman with a great figure and you dress beautifully in clothes you have sewn....  So there!

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  80. I think you sew very pretty clothes that fit you very well. Keep doing what you are doing. I'm sure a lot of people (like me!) enjoy reading your blog very much. You are a very talented sewer and you inspire people to sew beautiful clothes. Thank you for blogging your sewing.

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  81. Oh my goodness, how could someone be so rude!  Your clothes may be simple (not my opinion) but you always look so elegant and lovely.  You write so beautifully too.  I love to read what you say and look at what you make.

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  82. Hi, 
    I just found your blog today and was inspired by what you had to say. I, in the past have felt like I needed to learn new techniques as that was what I was reading about on other blogs and I was becoming overwhelmed..I feel far less intimidated after reading what you had to say as I have realised once again the joy in sewing for oneself. There is simplicity and peace in it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the simple but true message and now I am off to sew myself the skirt I have wanted to for some time. lizzie xo.

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  83. I love reading your blog because you sew very wearable clothes...the kind that I envy and want to sew myself. Please keep doing exactly what you are - being yourself! :)

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Thank you for your comments!!