Over the last few weeks I’ve had a lot of non-sewing time which I just couldn’t tolerate. To pacify myself, I spent my spare time reading sewing blogs – a lot of them had their roundups of last year.
It made me think about what I liked, didn’t, and still wanna do with my sewing.
So for my first post of the new year, let’s keep it simple!
Let’s start with what I liked…
By far, last year I was happiest with my jackets, like my MotorCycle Express by Islander Sewing Systems. It was a complicated pattern for me to tackle but using the excellent instruction book included, I learned how to “bag” the lining properly and make sleeve gusset zippers and zipper pockets. Then there was the added bonus that the fabric was a gift from a friend!
My Sister’s Sewing Projects, the “Snake Skin“, “Picasso’s flowers” and the “Clark Gable” were all made with a 1989 vintage pattern, McCall’s 4408. I enjoyed them simply because I felt I was on an episode of a TV show where they give you ingredients and a recipe and say go to it. The fabrics my sister picked made me feel like I was learning a new style … and adjusting Petunia “The Dress Form Formerly Known As Dolly” to someone else’s measurements was a first!
Last year, I found my favourite skirt pattern (my TNT), the Sewaholic Hollyburn – there will be more of these in my future!
I also discovered a favourite top pattern (another TNT), Butterick B5988. Do you think I have made enough?
Eww, the nasty one… what I didn’t like… and can’t figure out what to do with…
There just must be SOMETHING I can do with this thing. I loved the look and feel of the fabric but no matter what I did it still felt like a thin shapeless T shirt fabric. I made a dress I didn’t like and refashioned it into a top I don’t even want to talk about! I think it still lies in a heap on the closet floor!
Lastly, looking to the rest of this year, what I still wanna do…
I always love a Challenge and I plan on taking part in a few this year, just like last year.
Jungle January is NOW! I have two bundles of animal print fabric and I am almost finished my first garment. Hopefully I will have time to finish my second before Jungle January is over! (I have the fabric but don’t know what I am going to make… that’s the delay.) Here’s my last year’s contribution…
I also plan on continuing my RTW FAST on Facebook. Last year was my first year… the first year of many to come. I enjoy not buying clothes and making my own. I tackled pants for the first time, after first tackling the slopers and muslins. I examined what I really had in my closet and what I really liked to wear, then I filled in the holes in my wardrobe with tops, pants and skirts. I really need to start on some dresses soon!
I’m also a fan of MAGAM (Make a Garment a Month) on Facebook. It’s a lovely group of creative sewists, helping each other out, sharing ideas, unveiling plans and trying to sew selfishly.
DESIGNIN’ DENIM – I plan on another pair of jeans this year. I already have my black denim fabric and am anxious to get my hammer and jeans buttons out and start smashing away!
DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER – What can I say… I think I may have already found my Designer photo to copy this year. Now I have to find my fabric. Why buy when you can make it yourself?
There are so many more Challenges and Sewing Groups, as you know … The Monthly Stitch, Sew It Chic, Me Made May…
Are you planning on joining a Challenge or Sewing Group this year?
Happy Sewing in 2016!