2017 Wrap Up

Here we are!  The end of 2017.  Where did the year go?  I have learned a lot this year and made less than I planned.  In the beginning of the year, I planned on making 100 projects.  I was pretty ambitious considering this beginning my 1st Sewing Year. I have made a total of 55 items and 24 of them for myself.  I was very productive in the month of December!  Matter of fact:  I made a skirt this morning.  Go figure!  

The beginning of this year, I was purchasing fabric, sewing patterns, and notions like Joann’s was going out of business.  Thankfully by the end of the year the desire to shop has disappeared.

2017 was an emotionally draining year.   My father-in-law passed away in January.  My family and I still haven’t come to terms with it.  This morning I grabbed my cell phone because I was going to call him to wish him a happy new year.  It was at that moment that it dawned on me. I couldn’t call him on the phone.  That moment made me realize that I still have some healing to do.

 My husband and I both changed jobs this year.   There was a lot going on my first two weeks At this new property.  The chaos really took a toll on me and even worse a toll on my family.  I was leaving my home at 5 AM and not getting home until 10 pm some times later.  I’m six weeks into this role I feel that it’s getting a little better.  I’ve made gradual changes which is the key to keeping my sanity I am working with a great team though that’s open minded so This makes the transition a little easier 

Well let’s get started with this Year End Review.

I’ve accomplished three big goals this year!

1)      Sewing Knits

2)      Working with a Serger

3)      Installing a neckline

Now on to the bad...UFOs

I have a lot of UFOs.  I’m not sure how I ended up with so many UFOs.  In 2018, I am going to dedicate the month of January to completing UFOs and mending some garments.  Some of my projects just need to be hemmed.  Others need a little more love.

UFOs-Need to complete

-See and Sew 5908 pants

-Olive McCall 7441 (I’ve worn this jacket a few times) -finish the sleeves

-McCall 6886 LBD-  Just needs hemming

-Simplicity 1249 dress

-McCal 7542 Turquoise top- need to install the facing

-Turquoise dress Burda 9438---need to install the pockets

-Pink bow dress See & Sew 5629

-See and Sew blouse 6475--need to install the facing

-Simplicity 8519 Pants 

Going to the Doctor (me) for mending

-Simplicity 1283 African Print skirt

-Simplicity 1283 Red velvet zipper back skirt

-Vogue 1531 coral dress

-McCall 9021 pink polka dot top (the neckline is too big)

-Pink tulle skirt

-McCall 7440 mend sleeves

-Pink floral Simplicity 1382

-Camouflage jacket Burda 7734

-McCall 6884 wrap dress 

Ok so now for the 2017 Garment Awards

My favorite garment is my Bohemian Style Skirt New Look 6516.  Every time I wear it I feel like I am on vacation.

My favorite and only Mommy and Me Outfit

Favorite Formal Outfit:

Favorite Jacket



















Favorite Dress(es)  I couldn't decide on one

 

Favorite Poncho

My most worn garment is Simplicity 8379 which is a house dress!  I am thinking about making this pattern again in a solid knit to wear out.  Let’s see how that goes.

My most difficult make was Vogue 1531:

My quickest make:

You ever feel like you made a mistake by not making a pattern.  Well, this year I wish I made the following patterns:

McCall 7626

McCall 7627

Simplicity 8414

Simplicity 8415

I know I can make these patterns in 2018, but sometimes I walk into my closet and say “I have nothing to wear.”  Then out of nowhere, one of the four patterns listed above pops into my mind.  Then I say out loud “I wish I made that pattern.”  I do not want to say those words ever again.  So in February I would like to make at least 2 of the 4 patterns listed above.  

How many garments did you sew in 2017?  Did you sew everything on your sewing plan?  Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful NEW YEAR!

Poncho for Autumn, Simplicity 8428

I am really behind on my posts.  There's quite a few projects that I need to update you on. 


A few months ago, I will looking for a pattern to make for my 3 year old.  I came across this poncho pattern and knew I had to make it.  I decided to use a fleece fabric.  I've worked with Fleece before, so this was an easy project.  Check out my previous fleece projects here.   This is my first time making a Poncho and definitely

I decided to make View A without the ruffles.  The butterfly applique was purchased at Wal-Mart.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

This adorable Child's poncho is featured in two lengths with or without a hood and pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

S-M-L

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes it does!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The pattern was very easy to make.  The instructions included tips for working with fleece.  Most of the tips in the instructions mirrored my Fleece tips from my previous post ( link post here)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There's nothing to dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Fleece 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I decided not to add the ruffles.  If I make this pattern again, I will make it with the ruffles .  I would also add ruffles to the good.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would love to sew this pattern again but I have quite a few items on my sewing plan.  

Conclusion: 

This poncho was very easy to make.   I took my time making this project and enjoyed the sewing process.  My sewing machine struggled with the thickness of the fleece fabric.  I will avoid using fleece for a while.  

This was my first time hand pick.  So it took me some time to wrap my head and hands around it.  Lol! If anything I would say this is a perfect for a beginner.  

My favorite part of this poncho is the neckline and the butterfly applique..

Fall Sewing Plan

27 more projects in 57 days

5 tops

2 skirts

1 pair of pants or a jumpsuit (first time for everything 

7 dresses

1 cape

2 tops for my tween

2 shorts for my son

1 romper for my 3 year old

1 dress for my 3 year old 

Add on----> Poncho for my 3 year old!  I will make changes to my sewing plan later.

2 dresses for my 6 year old 

2 rompers for my toddler

1 dress for my mom

And something for DH--> Done. Check out my post here

Hello December

Hello December!  There is so much that I need to update you guys on.  I have not been consistent about my posts but I have been sewing.  I am going to work on catching you guys up on my Fall Sewing Plan and My Winter sewing plan.  I need to work on photos.  That is truly the reason why I haven't posted anything in almost a month.  That and my new job is keeping me busy.

A few months ago, I tried to make 30 items in 90 days.  Did I achieve that goal?  Drum Roll Please.  Nooo.  Epic fail.  I made 19 items.  So for the winter my sewing plan is to complete the remaining items from my Fall Plan and add some staple items to my wardrobe.  I definitely would like to try that challenge again.  So maybe this coming spring I will try it again... it being "30 items in 90 days."

This is the pattern that I am working on today.  My next post will have some of my fall projects. 

 

Make 30 in 90 days

I did not complete the 30 in 90 challenge.  I started a new job and have not had any time to sew.  I made a total of 5 items.  It's sad I know.  Maybe I will try this challenge again some day.

 

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy!

Last Minute Sewing Kwik Sew 3497

Well I am here!  I am sorry that I have not posted any of my recent projects. It has been a crazy 3 weeks.  I transferred to a new property and I have had to adjust to the change.  The first two days I thought I had made the wrong decision to transfer there.  But now I realized that I am here for a reason and my goal is to improve my department. So I am going to give this property 200%.  Change is never easy but it is worth it.

I’ve relied on my family and sewing to calm my nerves.  Now if I can find time to take pictures we will be on the right foot.

Yesterday I woke up and decided to make a top to wear to work.  I chose Easy Stitch -n- save McCall 9144 which is also Kwik Sew 3497.  This top was made with sleeves.  I decided to use the sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.

For Kwik Sew 3497/Easy Stitch -n- save 9144 was cut in a size medium neckline, Extra Large bust, and the remainder of the top in a size Large.  I made a mistake with cutting the back piece.  I forgot to cut the neckline.  So I made me own neckline instead of using the pattern piece.  So the back neckline is a little lower than the pattern piece.  Then I cut the size Large sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.  This is a great top to wear under blazers and cardigans.

The fabric I used was purchased at Joann’s in May.  It was a 1 yard remnant and I was determined to make a shell with this fabric.

This was a very quick sew.  I used my serger to make most of this top and finish the neckline, sleeves, and hem with my sewing machine.

I have a few more remnants in my stash that I would like to use as tops.  I will probably use this pattern a few more times before I retire it.

If you have this pattern definitely make it.