2011, I’m a Little Sad to See You Go…

But I’m so looking forward to 2012! Already, most of Christmas has been packed away for next year. Only the stockings are waiting and I thought I'd share this one with you. My paternal grandmother made it, back in the fifties, for my doll. Somehow, the wool felt has survived all these years. Doesn’t it make you smile?

Christmas here was fun but there weren’t any sewn presents this year – no, not even for the dog. He did get shoes, purchased from Tuesday Morning. Watching him adjust to the new additions caused deep belly laughs for everyone. Best $9.00 spent ever…

Though not planned, 2011 saw me attending my own denim sewing school. I really did benefit from sewing with the same fabric over and over and over again. Another bonus: sewing pants no longer intimidates me.

About mid-year, my sewing mojo took a hit. It wasn’t totally lost and it has since returned (somewhat), but I sure am taking my time completing things. I’m not one to set a weekly or monthly sewing quota and I'm not going to start now. I will continue to let productivity be driven by my interests along with the need to clothe myself. No explanations, excuses, or apologies. It is what it is.

However, if it is any consolation, if I'm not sewing, there is a good chance I am reading about sewing (mostly blogs). And, sometimes I find myself on eBay looking at old sewing machines. I even bought one a few months ago. Just haven’t had time to clean it up, much less blog about it. It is a Singer 301A, the long bed version. Like my 403A, it has a slant shank and that means they can share presser feet. The condition is pretty good, especially when you consider it was made about the same time as my doll’s Christmas stocking. It came with its original little carrying case and will therefore become my traveling machine.

I wish you a Happy New Year!

See ya on the flip side!

Again with Burda 02-2007-129

Recently, I haven’t had large chunks of sewing time. I grab ten minutes here, twenty there and I really just wanted to sew something without any style or fit challenges. As it was, it took about two weeks to complete this pair of jeans. Using a pattern that already had the kinks worked out was golden.

Burda 02-2007-129

The waist is good: not too high, not too low. I can’t say that the front pockets are total perfection but they ain’t bad either…and big enough to actually be useful.

I did change up the back pockets as I really liked the shape and size of the pockets (from Burda 8059) I’d sewn on my recent Burda 7284 jeans. I felt this pocket pattern deserved to go another round.  My trusty Clover pocket curve template made quick work of the corners.

 

I was able to enjoy sewing. Mindlessly. Yes, check out the zipper topstitching. I’d forgotten to topstitch the seam before sewing in the zipper. No seam ripper was going to spoil my fun and so I just did the best I could after the fact…

I have spent the past several months figuring out how to sew myself pants. Next, I want to tackle the classic shirt. Thanks to the BML (Bernina My Label) software, I do possess a shirt pattern that fits (see this posting).  There truly isn’t a need to chase other patterns. And, even if there were, I already possess several; enough that I should be forbidden from buying any more…

My BML shirt pattern works but could be tweaked. The most obvious issue is the sleeve cap - there is a bit more ease than necessary on the back. Common sense tells me to take scissors to the pattern, even out the cap and see what happens.

I sewed lots of denim in 2011. May 2012 be the year of the shirt…

Blog Anniversary

Well, I’ve done this blog thing for a year now and, for the most part, have given up searching through retail stores for garments that fit. It just made sense to sew basic garments for myself and use the blog to record how it was progressing. Lately, I've realized that I’m no longer angry that retail doesn’t provide clothing that works for me.

A friend gifted me a sewing machine and I’ve also purchased new (and new-to-me) machines, tools, books, patterns and low-cost fabrics. It was wise to limit my fabrics to the mostly $1.95/yd. variety though I look forward to feeling comfortable purchasing more luxurious ones. To be honest, I do like a bargain and will continue to order them just being a bit more selective.

I have confidence that I can create clothing that fits my body.  There is much to do in waistband fitting and in tackling fear of zippered welt pockets, but rest assured, I’m gonna conquer those issues and others too.

I have to say that I enjoy wearing the things I’ve made. They may not be perfect and some are even odd – but they are mine.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy New Year!

2010 was a good year, in part because I was able to make clothes for myself that I actually want to wear!

I’ve learned a lot, but I’m not making any sewing resolutions for 2011 nor do I feel the need to revisit my 2010 projects. I know, I’m denying myself the annual ritual of self assessment…I’m ok with that.

There are no 2011 sewing goals or resolutions because, well, there are just too many variables. I mean, how do I know how much time I will have to sew, what fabrics will come my way or what events will dictate the type of garments I will need?

I don’t. As a result, my sewing of simple (and comfortable) garments will continue and I expect that the quality and fit of my garments will improve with new-to-me techniques and equipment. Also, I am getting closer to creating a wardrobe plan, though I’m not ready to set it in stone yet. I’m just gonna keep on sewing the clothes I need and the rest will take care of itself.

I wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! Make your dreams come true!