My 2009 Sewing Goals

Since 2009 is coming to an end, I began to reflect on my sewing achievements over the past 12 months. In January, I started with a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish. I am happy to say that I made significant progress on all of them. Although, some will definitely have to carry over next year.

1. Update my wardrobe.

I updated my wardrobe to include clothes that better suit my figure/frame as well as styles that are much more contemporary. I don't follow fads and mostly sew what I like. I did, however, recognize that my wardrobe was seriously out of date. I had clothes in my closet from when I was in graduate school (that was almost eight years ago).

2. Make a good fitting woven blouse.

I still don't have a good fitting woven blouse, but I have learned so much in the process. I have a better idea of what pattern alterations I need to make. Needless to say, this goal will definitely carry on to 2010.

3. Purge unwanted fabric and patterns.

I did manage sell a small bit of fabric. As I review my stash, I will probably put more up for sale. My stash has gotten out of control and I need to trim it down. I don't think I sold any patterns this year. I'll have to review my pattern stash and remove the ones I don't want.

4. Make a coat.

Yup, I made a short coat and don't like it. I think it's too big in many places and very poor fitting - despite the muslin saying other things. Maybe I'll come back to this later next year.

5. Sew with a plan.

I have become better at picking items to sew. I started thinking about the clothes I already have and how I can punctuate them with new items. I also completed my first full wardrobe plan (Not Your Usual Fall Colours) on Pattern Review. It was stressful and rewarding to finish the plan. I don't know that I'll sew another 10 garment capsule (I find that too limiting), but I will definitely take the lessons learned and sew smaller, more manageable wardrobes.

Month of Pants Sew-A-Long

It is December in Michigan. I need pants. Short skirts are no match for that cold Canadian arctic wind. Here are some pants patterns that are in my current mental rolodex:

Kwik Sew 3384

McCall's 3935 (OOP)

Simplicity 2700,3686, & 4965

Jalie 2608

Vogue 2812 (OOP)

I've already traced and altered McCall's 3935. I need to cut it out in muslin to check the fit. More updates soon!

L~

It's Been a While!

I hope everyone is doing well! Wow, three months. Since school started in September, blogging has been a very low priority. I have been sewing a bunch, but just haven't really had the time or energy to write about it here. Many things have happened since my last post:

1. First, my beloved dog Chelsea has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery to remove her mammary glands on one side, but there are new lumps on the other side. My vet said that chemotherapy is hard on dogs and does not want to try it. Besides, it's also very expensive. I've resolved to love Chelsea for as long as I have her.

2. I've had 3 sinus infections since August!?! What the hell, man? I gotta see a specialist about this. My allergies are seriously becoming a problem.

3. I joined and finished the PR Wardrobe contest! Wow. Ten garments in 3 months. 2009 has been my best sewing year, ever! The good-fitting woven blouse is still on the loose...

4. Work had me seriously burned out a month ago.

Anyway...I hope that I can get back on track with blogging. I have lots to share - especially for the month of December. I was so inspired by Faye's "Month of Tops," that I thought of starting a "Month of Pants" sew along. I want to try new pants patterns and would love to have some folks join in. I know many folks are in holiday-sewing mode, but if you'd like to join, let me know!

Until next time!

Lynn

Other Passions: Painting

I've always wanted to take a painting class and for the first time I finally did it. Even though I like my pieces, I was not terribly impressed with the course instruction. I expected to learn about techniques to painting. The instructor was nice and supportive, but left everyone to do what they wanted. This method of teaching works for some people, but not for me. I need structure and basics. Once I know what I'm doing, then let me explore. "Paint what you want." Um. Okay. That works on walls, not canvas. Though I will not take another class with this instructor or at this school, I will continue to "explore" for free at home. I have a couple of canvases, tubes of acrylic paint, and an easel. When the mood is right, I'll pick up a brush.

L~

Other Passions: Skating

In addition to sewing, I have other creative passions: roller skating, jewelry-making, ceramics, and painting. First, my absolute must-do:

Roller Skating (All skate. Roll, bounce.)

I have been roller skating for nearly 29 years. My first experience on skates was at a school field trip to the now defunct (and demolished) Wheels Roller Rink on 8 Mile in Detroit. I was in kindergarten and distinctly remember falling every time. It was also the first memory of physical body pain that I had.

My first pair of skates were bought at Kmart and were white with blue wheels. I wore them for about 4 or 5 years. My second pair of skates, also purchased from Kmart, were white with hot pink wheels. They were made by Roller Derby - a name brand in skates (so I thought...). I wore those joints until December of last year. Yes. You read that right. I have been skating on the same skates for over 20 years. This might sound like a wondrous feat. Let me tell you. It isn't! I did not realize how bad those skates were until I got some new ones! First, the boot is vinyl and was hard to break in. The plate is stationary - which makes movement very difficult. The wheels are made of rubber and have ridges. This is not good because the wheels grip the rink like mad! The bearings were old, dry, and fuzzy with lint. Bad bearings do not allow the wheels to turn at will. This means that you put a lot of unnecessary energy into moving.

I finally broke down and got new skates when I realized how bad I was damaging my knees. One day in December, I was at the rink for about an hour and had to leave. My knees were SOOO sore, I could barely walk. It was time. People at the rink kept telling me that my skates needed to be retired. They were so right.

Old and Busted

New Hotness

Here are the specs:

• Fomac Premier wheels (REALLLY slippery. They grip nothing! I can slide on carpet.)
• China Bones bearings (wheels keep spinning around and around and around...)
• SureGrip Classic plate (non-stationary and allows for movement)
• Leather Riedell boot (supple leather...mmmmmm....very easy to break in and I wear a thinpair of socks)

I freakin' LOVE these skates. It took me a few weeks to get used to the fact that they are really slippery. Yes, I fell...a few times. These skates are a HUGE improvement from the old. It felt as if I had to learn to skate all over again.

Skating is my passion and I skate at least twice per week. It's great exercise and loads of fun.

L~