Diane, I wonder, this is sort of taking the topic to another level, but would it be possible for you to lease space with another dressmaker/tailor (or group of them) in your area once in a while? There are co-op sort of arrangements here in the states where people share common space for things like that. Often sewing clubs or quilting clubs have spaces where they can meet. Yes, you'd likely have to transport a portable sewing machine - or choose to just work on patterns and such on those days - but then you'd have a *destination* for at least maybe a few times a month and maybe a group of like minded people.

Just wondering if it's an option. I have started doing office work out of my house once in a while and plan to do it more in the future. It's kind of nice having a different place to "be" even if it's only a couple times a month or once a week or so.

Not quite your situation, but I've noticed to my surprise that designers at their own fashion shows are rarely dressed in a big statement - they are often not in heels or suits or even any of their runway creations, but in something plain and black (Vera Wang) or jeans and a tee shirt. So maybe they're experiencing some of the same... ?

Just adding on to what texstyle said, another option is to see if you can have someone to work with visit you at your home.

I'm not sure how apprenticing and interning work in the UK, but in the US I've often had interns from the local art schools who will come and work with me for various periods of time (ranging from full-time for a week or two, to 2-3 times a month for much longer). I contacted the department heads at the art schools and let them know what I was looking for (and that it was unpaid), and they suggested students and invited them to email me, so there was a bit of a screening process.

I don't know if there is any kind of university near you where fashion design/textile work is taught, or simply another place to inquire where interested sewers might gather. I trade modelling/demonstrating specific craft skills to the intern for their assistance with specific projects, and we set up the schedule in a way that works for us both (for example so they don't overlap with evening and weekend family time). Sometimes they just come and work on their own work if I don't need help with something and assuming there is space and equipment for them. That way we can both bounce ideas off of each-other and problem solve, or just happily natter away while we work.

Thanks Lynne!

Texstyle, I'm afraid there's nothing like that in my area, and I'm not aware of any local sewing clubs at all. There is an adult education college where I believe there may be some kind of sewing taught. We also have an Art College which I actually attended for a year over 30 years ago, but they specialise more in Fine Art and Graphics.

Yes, possibly Una! I see what you mean.

Rabbit, your comments link to Texstyle and it is food for thought. Perhaps I could just volunteer to help at sewing classes.... hmmm food for thought. Or maybe after school sewing classes at my son's school...

Thanks for the helpful responses. You know I only really do mostly alterations in my business these days with just the occasional making from scratch. I'm not exactly the next DVF I actually decided to take on less work this year and I don't even advertise anymore so I can't really justify renting any workspace even if the option should ever arise, but you really have certainly provided me with some ideas and for that I'm extremely grateful. There are some possible ideas germinating in my head now. Isn't it great how we can all brainstorm and help each other here?

I'm not stay-at-home, but I totally feel you. I work Sunday afternoons, and it's a great temptation with those few morning hours to just wear the same thing as Saturday and throw a coat over it before having to change for the bakery.

I'm so thrilled to be reading this thread and learning that I'm not alone with this issue! It's so hard when you're interested in clothes and fashion but have no where to wear them! I meet friends for coffee once a week and pull out all the stops with all my cute outfits, makeup, hair - the works. My friends are NOT interested in fashion. In fact, they wear jeans, tennis shoes, and their old college sweatshirts (mind you we're all about 50 so college was a LONG time ago). But I'm starting to notice a strange thing....they're now wearing makeup, sometimes shoes other than tennis shoes and nicer T shirts! Maybe I'm rubbing off!

Diane, I'm ever so sorry to hear you're feeling down and drab. Lots of us are in that space now and again. This forum has really helped keep me interested in things beyond my WAH life. Great advice, support, laughs. I'm sad and sorry that i really have to writewritewrite these next few months: please know I'm thinking of you even if I'm not checking in. And just between us, in another couple of weeks I'm likely to be exactly where you are.

I can relate to this. I retired from working full time and I lived in a larger city. Now I am at home in a small town. I walk my dog, go to yoga and write. I do still teach a tiny bit. I wear yoga clothes too often. When we travel I dress up more. I miss dressing up. Lately I have been forcing myself to wear my jeans and sweaters. It is hard.

I will also make more of an effort. You have inspired me. You also inspired me to change my hair. I was looking for a new haircut and I loved yours. So now I have something similar.

I work in an office but I usually see the same six people every day and I don't think any of them would notice if I wore the same thing every day!! So sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time caring about how I look but I try to keep it fun for myself. Also, posting WIW's always helps in that I get feedback from people who actually notice. Ha!!
The other thing I was going to add is I recently did an exercise (I think it's on unfancy's website) where I actually sat down with pen & paper and figured out how many hours each week went into 4 separate dressing categories. Business casual for work was #1 which I expected but "lounging" was pretty close behind at #2 which I was not expecting. I tend to be home most evening and many times the whole weekend with DD. So what I decided is that I should probably have a better lounge capsule than the 3 pairs of sweats and sweatshirts that I rotate!!

Diane, I think you can see from the response here that many of us have been in your shoes--and stained t-shirt! I think Una makes an interesting point: it may be that your work is providing a lot of the creative satisfaction that you might otherwise seek from putting together a killer outfit. And I agree with those who suggest outings you can dress up for a little, even it's it's just to the local library. But mostly, I would encourage you to dress for YOU--for your mood, to get what you need from your day. It need not be a matter of fashion; there might be a color that appeals to you on a gray morning, a splash of perfume and a soft cashmere hoodie that wraps you up when you need a touch of luxury, or some tough-girl boots that make you feel that you can get any job done. The important thing is to consult yourself, to ask "What would make me feel better right now?" and then give yourself permission to do just that. It's a small thing that we women-at-home may overlook, and it can make all the difference.

You are not alone ... SAHM reporting :). Hugs to you!

I do not have too many occasions to dress up either .... But when I do go out, I go all out :). To my benefit, people here in general are always dressed up ... Even in supermarkets! So, I try to dress well too. The friends I regularly meet, are mostly in shorts and tees for every gathering! So my social crowd is just boring fashion wise!

You know ... I have to agree with Una .. Create a structure for your day where you can dress up :). Honestly , I go to church more often just because I get an opportunity to dress up in my pretty clothes :D. Sewing classes would be a fun idea to start with ... I am sure I would be signing up with you if I were in UK

I'm really humbled by all the helpful and caring replies. Thank you!

Rachy, the slippery slope eh?

Sarah, Keep up the good work, and I wish some interest in style would rub off a little on my pals as well.

You're very kind Cerinda, thanks!

Style fan, I would so got out with you for coffee/tea and a chat if we lived in the same country and we could dress up together. I'm flattered you chose a haircut like mine!

AviaMariah, I'll have a look through UnFancy's posts and check that out. I think the result will probably hark back to Angie's point of acceptance of lifestyle and where the main focus should be for one's wardrobe.

Tulle, thank you. "The important thing is to consult yourself, to ask "What would make me feel better right now?" and then give yourself permission to do just that. It's a small thing that we women-at-home may overlook, and it can make all the difference". I'm going to pin that on my wall!

Thank you Neel, you're very sweet. I always admire you fab style!