Renewed Hope for 2017

-
2016 - what a year.  It started with what felt like a sucker punch in January.  Before I could recover from that blow, February floored me.  The rest of 2016 seemed to continue the same path it started - one crushing blow after another.  I still don't quite understand and still struggle to process all that has happened.

There is something about the dawn of a new year.  For some reason the dawn of a new year brings a sense of renewed hope, a chance for change, and an opportunity to start anew.  No matter how I feel there are some truths that I can stand on.
  1. I know God loves me. (Romans 5:8)
  2. I know God cares for me. (1Peter 5:7)
  3. I know God have a plan and purpose for my life (Jeremiah 29:11)
When the storms of life are raging, the Lord will be my shelter even when I don't "feel" it.  I thank God for giving me some "hiding" places in addition to his word and prayer.  I can hide in my baking and my sewing.

Sewing Goals for 2017

I reviewed my sewing goals from last year and I met most of them and can use 2017 to complete or remove the ones I didn't meet.  

My sewing was so, so in 2016.  I am not sure what happened to my pattern alteration skills - they seem to have disappeared.

  1. This year I want to sew more custom patterns - patterns specifically for my measurements.  I have been pleased with Lekala, so I planned to order patterns from them so I don't have to deal with alterations.
  2. I want to sew some pants.  I have shied away from them because of all the adjustments I will need to make.  Lekala will save me.
  3. I want to attend at least one sewing related class either in person or online.  My preference is in person.
  4. I want to make at least one clothing garment per month.
  5. I want to continue to dwindle my sewing stash with the hope that one day I will no longer have a fabric stash and will purchase my fabric at the point when I plan to sew the garment.  This will be difficult I know.
  6. To stretch myself , I want to plan for Fall 2017 by selecting a couple coordinating patterns and fabric to complete a wardrobe that will consist of at least 1 jacket, 5 tops, 2, skirts, 2 dresses, and 2 pairs of pants.  I want to have all garments completed by October 1, 2017.
Goal number 5 will be my biggest challenge.  I am so easily distracted and such a procrastinator but excited about trying to accomplish this goal.

My Next Project

I plan to sew blouse pattern Lekala 4000.  This is a blouse with a decorative inset and I plan to use fabric from my stash.  It will probably be a couple of weeks before I can get started on this one.

Lekala 4000

Comments

Post a Comment

Enter comments here

Popular posts from this blog

StyleArc's Londdon Woven Pant - Sheer Comfort

-
Image
One word says it all - comfortable.  When this pattern came out a few months back, I loved it but wasn't sure if I would like the pants on me.  I am so glad I went with my first reaction because I love them on me.  If you are on the fence about this pattern - don't be - you will look great in them just like me 😁. I did sew during August 2023 but had several disappointing sewing failures including this pattern.  The failures were all my fault.  Sometimes my brain checks out on me and forgets to tell me that it is on vacation😊. Londdon Woven Pant How I Did It I knew I needed a drapey fabric and had a fabric that I bought for another project - that was my failure pair.  Waist down I where a 22 in StyleArc patterns and I know this, but for some reason I decided I needed a size 24 and I was drowning in the pants.  The pants looked really really bad on me and it was my fault because I chose the wrong size. At first I gave up and thought I was right that this pattern would not look
Read more

Stylearc's Eme Dress

-
Image
 I bought this pattern when Stylearc had a sale.  What drew me to it was it's simple silhouette and the cocoon hemline.  You can dress the dress up or down and it looks good either way and it has pockets. How I Did It Look at the finished measurements for this dress, not your size.  This dress has a lot of ease and runs large.  I went one size down from my typical size and really could have gone down one size more possibly and still been fine. Fabric I ordered fabric for this make - surprise surprise.  I selected the Mod Spot Linen Shirting Print in Natural and Paprika  from Style Maker Fabrics. Pattern Alterations I would normally cut a 22 but based on the finished measurements I chose a 20. I struggled with that decision so much so that I added 1" to the hip area even though the finished measurements had more than enough room.  Big mistake and I had to remove it.  I continue to battle with loose and just too dang big. My Pattern Changes I removed 1" from the top I remov
Read more

Total Comfort - Style Arc Kim Swing Top and Laura Knit Leggings

-
Image
The more I sew the more I want easy to sew and comfortable to wear.  These two patterns fit the bill.  I finished the top about a month ago and the leggings about 6 months ago but am just now getting around wearing it and taking pictures. StyleArc Kim Swing Top & Laura Knit Leggings How I did It I will only will focus on the top since I already reviewed the leggings here .  This top was only 3 pieces, front, back, and the sleeve. What really drew me to this pattern was its angle lines and length.  I have made about 10 pairs of the Laura Knit Leggings and I need some tops besides the 3  hoodies  I made to wear with them. Fabric I ordered some bamboo jersey knit for this top - OMG it is so soft against my skin.  I used some kind of ITY that I bought at my local fabric store for the leggings.  In other words I did not use anything from my stash of fabric (I already had some bamboo jersey in my stash). Pattern Alterations/Adjustments Shortened the sleeve 1"   Shortened the top 3&q
Read more

Love Notions Crescendo Jeans

-
Image
I was a tester and I tell you this pattern took me way back to the 70's era I believe.  When I saw the 4 options, I knew immediately I wanted to make the flare version.  I ended up making 3 pairs with one going in the give away pile. This pattern has 4 leg styles (flare, boot, straight, and skinny), 2 butt options (curvy and straight) and 3 inseam options (petite, standard, and tall).  That is one of the things I love about Love Notions Patterns - you get multiple options. If you have been too afraid to make a pair of jeans - this is the pattern for you.  It has a faux zipper and an elastic waistband. Version 1 - Muslin Version 2 - Disaster Version 3 - Final The fabric requirements call for a 10 - 12 oz stretch bottom weight fabric with at least 25% stretch.  Fair warning, if you have lots of curves like me stay away from anything lighter than a 10 - 12 oz fabric unless you go up a size otherwise you get version 2 which is a hot mess. I did purchase fabric for this project for vers
Read more

StyleArc's Tommie Jeans Skirt Is Singing My Love Language Today

-
Image
When this pattern came out I knew I wanted to make it and bought it immediately.  Well it's been a few months since I purchased and I am so glad I finally got a chance to sew it up.  I like it even more than I thought I would. Tommie Jeans Skirt This skirt is singing my love language today and I am feeling myself in it.  BTW this skirt was pressed but I did not have time to take pictures before I went out so excuse the wrinkles. How I Did It Fabric I bought this fabric sometime ago from JoAnn's in the kids Pop section.  I didn't have a specific pattern in mind, I just liked the fabric.  It is called  light tie dye denim knit - a 8 to 10oz I believe.  I didn't realize it had any stretch until I went to JoAnn's site to look it up.  It has very little stretch though. Pattern Adjustments I shortened the length 3" Yoke and waistband - I have shared this information before and where I got it in previous posts.  Once you get a good fit on a yoke and waistband you can
Read more

Stylearc Jara Knit Tunic

-
Image
 OMG - this pattern was an absolute joy to sew. StyleArc Jara Knit Tunic How I did It I can't explain why I had fun sewing this tunic - I can only say I just did.  I remember saying to myself after completing it "this was so much fun".  It is feels amazing next to my skin.   Every time I buy a directional fabric (something with letters or numbers) I always forget that I need to lay every piece in the same direction 😄.  The great thing about this fabric is it is so busy that unless you really look at it you will miss my "design" feature. Fabric I bought fabric specifically for this pattern.  I purchased Butterfly Letter Silhouette Sweatshirt Fleece from my at the moment favorite fabric store Style Maker Fabrics, but I no longer see it on their website. I really love the fabric and I really love the pattern.  What drew me to the pattern was the pleat detail at the sleeve hemline and hipline.  This was one time fabric really mattered.  I never considered the fabri
Read more

StyleArc's Logan Shacket - Version 1

-
Image
I have an Air Force jacket that I bought about 10 years ago.  It's roomy, comfortable, and ridiculously warm.  It has been my go to coat/jacket since I bought it.  It is now beginning to fall apart and I needed something to replace it.  When I saw StyleArc's Logan Shacket I thought it would be the perfect replacement. Logan Shacket What I Needed to Replace How I Did It Fabric I saw this beautiful rich merlot corduroy and wanted to use it, but they were sold out of it at the time.  The weather was changing and I didn't want to wait for the fabric to be restocked.  So I chose a reversable quilted jersey knit instead. It wasn't the color I wanted but I loved that it was quilted.  The pattern calls for a woven (non stretch), so I knew I was taking a risk by choosing a knit. I knew I was in trouble, when I tried to stitch on the top pockets.  The fabric moved all over the place and I couldn't stitch a straight line if my life depended on it.  It was down hill after th
Read more

Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top by Pattern Emporium

-
Image
Y'all it was the sleeves that captured my attention and I knew I had to have it.  I have more patterns than I can count waiting to be sewn and have had some for years, but that didn't stop me from buying another 😂. Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top Not only do I love the sleeves, but there are a lot of  options given and you can do so many things with this top.  This is now a favorite pattern for me.  How I Did It I am doing good using my fabric stash, but I have to admit it has been really hard not salivating and ordering when I get the emails about new fabric.   I got this fabric some years back at an estate sale for a $1/yd and I believe there was 8 yards on the bolt.  I have made 2 tops with this fabric and still have some left. Fabric Cotton gauze from the stash Pattern Adjustments  I cut a 20 and graded out to a 24 at the bottom edge I shortened the sleeve 1" I shortened the bodice 1" above and below the waist (total of 2") For the next version, I will only short
Read more

Amanda Stretch Short by StyleArc

-
Image
I really, really, really love this short pattern.  They are comfy, stylish, the perfect length, and easy to sew.  I believe I got this pattern during one of the StyleArc sales. Amanda Stretch Short How I Did It This was an easy sew for me and I enjoyed the process!  A girlfriend ordered this pattern, made them, and said they looked like gaucho's on her.  When I viewed the pattern I liked it and decided to try them for myself.  When I showed her mine she figured she had probably cut the pattern to big for her size 😊.  I used either a 12wt or 30wt cotton thread for topstitching - BIG mistake.  With stretch fabrics your told to use the wobble or lightning bolt stitch to keep your thread from breaking when the fabric is stretched.  I hate those stitches because if you have to remove the stitches they are a nightmare to get out.  Should have used it this time - just putting them on causes stitches to "pop". Fabric This light weight stretch denim fabric came from my fabric sta
Read more

A Labor of Love - Logan Shacket - Version 2

-
Image
This version was a labor of love.  It took about 2 days for the quilting.  I love version 1, but there were some adjustments I needed to make and I wanted to use a woven.  It was still a struggle to sew because of the thickness but I am pleased with the outcome.  This shacket weighs a ton 😊.  Even though I have already done a review here - I will do another full review because the sew on this one was completely different. Quilted Logan Shacket How I Did It Fabric I am happy to say that everything used for this project came from my stash.   Because I loved the quilted fabric I used with version 1, I wanted to use another quilted fabric that used a woven fabric as its base.  I went searching at online fabric retailers and wasn't willing to pay the price, besides they did not have the color selection I wanted. Out of frustration I went looking at my own rather large fabric stash trying to find a woven that wasn't already slated for something else.  I did not want to use this str
Read more