January's Epic Wrap-Up and February Plans

This month I sewed 14.25 yards and 10 items. WHEW!

The month started with a plan of adding some new tops to my wardrobe. I cut out S8948, realized I didn't have proper interfacing and the project stalled. I still ended up getting it done in January along with 3 other tops. Woohoo!

Also, I've changed my "from stash" criteria to fabrics that I've owned for 6+ months (vs 3).  Thanks Carolyn!

• Vogue 8772 top - 3 yards (narrow fabric)
• chambray cotton twill from Fabric Mart (stash)
• buttons 
• McCall's 6886 dress - 1.25 yards
• mushroom colored rib knit from Stonemountain & Daughter 
• snaps
• New Look 6150 top - 1.25 yards
• deep purple wool jersey from SR Harris (stash)
• elastic
• McCall's 7061 x 5 - 6 yards 
• rainbow hearts cotton knit from Fabric Mart (stash) 
• top: cording
• pants and shorts: elastic
• unicorn cotton knit from JoAnn
• shorts: elastic
• Simplicity 8948 top - 1.75 yards
• black and white print poly georgette from JoAnn (stash)
• buttons, elastic
•  Butterick 6183 top - 1 yard
• silk cotton blend twill from SR Harris
• zipper, beaded trim, bias tape

Favorites: I just finished the Butterick top and I am crazy about it!!!! But I have to say, this was a very successful month overall.

FAILS: Kinda but not really (yet) was the fabric fail of that Doodle knit from JoAnn. My 2 yards shrank a full 1/4 yard in length during pretreatment and we'll see it how it performs with washing. Also, I made a muslin of V8772 but missed this weird shoulder fit thing. We'll see if it affects wear.

Accomplishments: My biggest accomplishment this month was drafting a custom sleeve pattern! I haven't worked out the possible adjustments needed but I did it! More later!

Otherwise, I didn't step TOO far out of my comfort zone this month but I think I did some good sewing. I did not pay attention to cutting layout when working on V8772 and ended up piecing one of the tie neck pieces after freaking out about it. I added a front placket with snaps to the M6886 TNT. I am super proud of my work on the loungewear from M7061. I was way more patient than ever with B6183. I was using a suiting fabric and adding trim and merging the pattern sleeve with "my" sleeve. It was a fun albeit slow sew (for me!).

I did buy fabric and patterns this month. It happens that a fabric idea I had in mind popped up on FM's site for a steal. I want a pleated trouser with matching top in a coral/orangeish color and scored the Milly cady suiting for $3/yd. I bought 5 yards.  And the Sue's pick that day was a beige/black/white printed rayon challis that is SO. Me. and it was $1.99/yd. I bought 6. That print is the kind of fabric I'd wear as a top or a dress or even a skirt and I wanted more for later. I kick myself often for not buying a gazillion yards of the rayon challis I used on THIS dress when I knew it was love.

So while I sewed a lot, I'm already “upside down” at 22.5 yards IN and 14.25 yards OUT for a total of $85.43. That's the JA Doodle knit, the SR Harris remnant, and a FM order. Totally worth it though.

 

 


I bought a Simplicity (8457), a NL(6633), 3 McCall's and 3 Vogues this month. Oy!

February's Plans:

I finally scored a knitting machine!! Woohoo!!!!!!! My first lesson is February 5th and I think we'll meet weekly for like, 4 weeks. So I'll probably spend a good deal of my free time working on the assignments in between lessons. BUT, I do have some sewing planned.

I am doing the Burda challenge this year. The fabric I used for B6183 was a remnant I picked up to use for my January Burda project (DOH) and I jumped into the Butterick top :)

• Burda 01/2020 hooded top (WIP as of 2/1)

• Simplicity 8694 and a pair of matching pants for my daughter. Not sure specifically but I'll use a pattern that I've made for her before.

• I initially planned to sew V8890 for my husband this month but now, KNITTING MACHINE! :-D But I do plan to, if nothing else, get it cut out and prepped. 

• I am attending the U of MN senior design student fashion show this month and I always plan to wear something handmade. This year, it's on the 15th and we also have 2 other events/functions so I'm going to try to make V1674 to rock that day.