"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Monday, December 17, 2018
Sewing planners
Hello everyone!
It's that time of year when things draw to a close, and I begin prepping for the New Year. Actually, I tend to organize/clean/update my sewing room every month, but for the month of December, I always include plans for the upcoming year. So today I am going to be sharing my updated sewing planner with you, and also some wonderful links if you are interested in creating your own planner too!
So, let's get started!
Let me first say that I LOVE TO PLAN! That doesn't seem to translate to everything, but it does apply with goal setting/creating vision/dreaming. I understand that not everyone is wired this way. For instance, when I get around some of my friends and ask them about their plans for the next year and what they would like to accomplish, I am often met with blank stares, lol. But I am a firm believer that goals matter. Let's face it, life is always going to be busy. Yet I refuse to let the busyness of my life determine my direction. Instead, my goals set my aim, and they are the indicators I use to keep me on track. Most years I accomplish what I set out to do. Other years I do not; however, EVERY year there is a measure of success that I know came from the extra effort to plan.
Here is a look at my sewing planner (DIY'd from FREE printables online):
I started with a 3 ring binder that has the option of a sheet protector. Whatever size you think is appropriate for you will work. I think this one is 3".
While this is a planner for sewing, I am including a page for my overall life. I think it will be a great reminder every time I open my binder.
Here is where I would like to grow. I usually check in with myself around mid year, but I would like to try a more frequent method. What can I say? I am easily distracted, and this year made me realize that, lol!
This is a monthly page for spiritual growth, but I plan on using it for the year. My faith is a big part of who I am, so I look forward to writing down things throughout the year, ESPECIALLY the things in my life I am grateful for.
I just think that calendar is SO cute! I had a sewing-oriented one last year that I used a lot, and I will link below. I would have used it again, but the updated 2019 version just came out, and I had already printed out this one (excited to start, lol). But, I will use the bottom section for planning out projects, and I like that I can write in the boxes too.
So, after each month I have put in a project planning sheet for two projects. I will speak more about that later in my wrap-up of 2018, but this one is from Seamwork's planner and I LOVE it.
And this completes my custom sewing planner for 2019!! The best part is, I didn't have to spend any money for it! All the materials are items I had in my home already, and a lot of it was updating my binder from last year. Here are some links to help you create your very own sewing resource for next year:
Specifically for sewing (non-affiliated, just what I have found helpful)
It's that time of year when things draw to a close, and I begin prepping for the New Year. Actually, I tend to organize/clean/update my sewing room every month, but for the month of December, I always include plans for the upcoming year. So today I am going to be sharing my updated sewing planner with you, and also some wonderful links if you are interested in creating your own planner too!
So, let's get started!
Let me first say that I LOVE TO PLAN! That doesn't seem to translate to everything, but it does apply with goal setting/creating vision/dreaming. I understand that not everyone is wired this way. For instance, when I get around some of my friends and ask them about their plans for the next year and what they would like to accomplish, I am often met with blank stares, lol. But I am a firm believer that goals matter. Let's face it, life is always going to be busy. Yet I refuse to let the busyness of my life determine my direction. Instead, my goals set my aim, and they are the indicators I use to keep me on track. Most years I accomplish what I set out to do. Other years I do not; however, EVERY year there is a measure of success that I know came from the extra effort to plan.
Here is a look at my sewing planner (DIY'd from FREE printables online):
I started with a 3 ring binder that has the option of a sheet protector. Whatever size you think is appropriate for you will work. I think this one is 3".
While this is a planner for sewing, I am including a page for my overall life. I think it will be a great reminder every time I open my binder.
Here is where I would like to grow. I usually check in with myself around mid year, but I would like to try a more frequent method. What can I say? I am easily distracted, and this year made me realize that, lol!
This is a monthly page for spiritual growth, but I plan on using it for the year. My faith is a big part of who I am, so I look forward to writing down things throughout the year, ESPECIALLY the things in my life I am grateful for.
I just think that calendar is SO cute! I had a sewing-oriented one last year that I used a lot, and I will link below. I would have used it again, but the updated 2019 version just came out, and I had already printed out this one (excited to start, lol). But, I will use the bottom section for planning out projects, and I like that I can write in the boxes too.
So, after each month I have put in a project planning sheet for two projects. I will speak more about that later in my wrap-up of 2018, but this one is from Seamwork's planner and I LOVE it.
And this completes my custom sewing planner for 2019!! The best part is, I didn't have to spend any money for it! All the materials are items I had in my home already, and a lot of it was updating my binder from last year. Here are some links to help you create your very own sewing resource for next year:
Specifically for sewing (non-affiliated, just what I have found helpful)
- Sew DIY FREE printable planner (just released, and has a sheet for measurements too)
- Seamwork FREE sewing planner
- Burdastyle FREE Project Planner
General calendars/planning sheets
**I will add to this list if when I see any additional resources. Happy planning!!
Stay sew-filled!
Monday, December 3, 2018
November Recap and S8393 Review
Hello everyone!
It's December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I am nearly finished with the RTW fast!
I hope this past Thanksgiving holiday treated you well, and you got to spend time with loved ones, family, and friends. My family had the pleasure of spending most of that week at Disney World, and it was spectacular!
Though our time at the parks was filled with fun, my sewing output for November can be summed up by two cardigans. The first one is a black french terry sweater knit version from Simplicity 8393:
The second cardigan is another version of S8393 that never got photographed. I took it with me to Florida because the temperatures were in the high 70s, and I planned on having it for the cooler evenings. Well, as soon as my mom saw me in it, she shrieked and said "I just love that cardigan! Don't tell me you made that?"
When I told her I did, she asked if she could have it. She tried it on, and even being 5'4, it fit her beautifully. I told her I would think about it, but I already knew I would give it to her. Mostly because after all of my years of sewing, I have never made anything for her. Not because I didn't want to, I just never heard her express any interest in items I have sewn until then. So, if you see a royal blue version of this pattern on a lovely lady in her mid 60s around the Savannah area, that could be my Mom, lol!!!
Okay, so back to the first version in black. I love this cardigan!!!!! I made a size 12 with only a 3/8" forward shoulder adjustment. The french terry sweater knit is from Michael Levine's, and it has a lighter variegated gray knit on the inside. Both sides are beautiful, but I knew the black would get more wear for me. It sewed beautifully, and my only changes to the design was to close out the splits down the side, and add a small cuff to the sleeve (the length was a tad shorter than I expected).
I admit this was a sleeper pattern for me. I actually breezed right past it while looking in Simplicity's catalog during one of those 99 cents sales, but came back to it later. I am so glad I did! This is a great style of cardigan if you like the casual open look. The pockets are a wonderful addition that are not too big or small.
I have worn this cardigan quite a few times now, and look forward to sewing a couple more neutrals. I also entered this into the #cosycardichallenge on Instagram (Nov. 30th deadline). Do you remember my entry from last year?
If you said the Oslo cardigan in black, then you were right! I still have this cardigan, but it has faded quite a bit due its heavy rotation in my wardrobe. I fully plan to sew another cardi next year if this challenge continues!!
As you can see, I am fully enjoying my RTW fast this year. In fact, I will tell you now that I will be pledging again for next year! That will be a whole new challenge for me, since I won't be able to prepare for the fast as I have the last two times I have done this. Is it possible to go back to back years in sewing my own clothing??? Well, we will have to find out!
For December, I am finishing up a jacket I started mid-November, and though I could give you a sneak peek, I will wait until it all comes together. I will tell you that it will be a nice piece to wear as the weather transitions to Spring.
Stay sew-filled!
It's December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I am nearly finished with the RTW fast!
I hope this past Thanksgiving holiday treated you well, and you got to spend time with loved ones, family, and friends. My family had the pleasure of spending most of that week at Disney World, and it was spectacular!
Though our time at the parks was filled with fun, my sewing output for November can be summed up by two cardigans. The first one is a black french terry sweater knit version from Simplicity 8393:
The second cardigan is another version of S8393 that never got photographed. I took it with me to Florida because the temperatures were in the high 70s, and I planned on having it for the cooler evenings. Well, as soon as my mom saw me in it, she shrieked and said "I just love that cardigan! Don't tell me you made that?"
When I told her I did, she asked if she could have it. She tried it on, and even being 5'4, it fit her beautifully. I told her I would think about it, but I already knew I would give it to her. Mostly because after all of my years of sewing, I have never made anything for her. Not because I didn't want to, I just never heard her express any interest in items I have sewn until then. So, if you see a royal blue version of this pattern on a lovely lady in her mid 60s around the Savannah area, that could be my Mom, lol!!!
Okay, so back to the first version in black. I love this cardigan!!!!! I made a size 12 with only a 3/8" forward shoulder adjustment. The french terry sweater knit is from Michael Levine's, and it has a lighter variegated gray knit on the inside. Both sides are beautiful, but I knew the black would get more wear for me. It sewed beautifully, and my only changes to the design was to close out the splits down the side, and add a small cuff to the sleeve (the length was a tad shorter than I expected).
I admit this was a sleeper pattern for me. I actually breezed right past it while looking in Simplicity's catalog during one of those 99 cents sales, but came back to it later. I am so glad I did! This is a great style of cardigan if you like the casual open look. The pockets are a wonderful addition that are not too big or small.
I have worn this cardigan quite a few times now, and look forward to sewing a couple more neutrals. I also entered this into the #cosycardichallenge on Instagram (Nov. 30th deadline). Do you remember my entry from last year?
If you said the Oslo cardigan in black, then you were right! I still have this cardigan, but it has faded quite a bit due its heavy rotation in my wardrobe. I fully plan to sew another cardi next year if this challenge continues!!
As you can see, I am fully enjoying my RTW fast this year. In fact, I will tell you now that I will be pledging again for next year! That will be a whole new challenge for me, since I won't be able to prepare for the fast as I have the last two times I have done this. Is it possible to go back to back years in sewing my own clothing??? Well, we will have to find out!
For December, I am finishing up a jacket I started mid-November, and though I could give you a sneak peek, I will wait until it all comes together. I will tell you that it will be a nice piece to wear as the weather transitions to Spring.
Stay sew-filled!
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Oct. recap and Nov. plans
Hello everyone!!
We are a little into November, and I wanted to show you what I accomplished in October. I started five different projects, and finished a total of three:
The first two tops are Vogue 8526. It is an out-of-print pattern that I made a couple of years ago. I remember thinking that it fit so well I HAD to revisit it. Well, when I went to do so, I couldn't find the pattern! I ended up re-ordering it on Ebay just so I could see if I enjoyed it as much the second time around. I definitely can say I did! The brown and green version have a crossover that joins beautifully, and fits nicely. I am still on the fence with wrap tops because I tend to have issues with gaping due to a hollow chest, but this top didn't need any tweaks. I have worn the brown version already, and noticed some minor shifting with moving about, but nothing out of the ordinary. Otherwise, this style is a nice change from my usual basic tops.
The third item is a pair of leggings from Simplicity 8212. These are the leggings I wanted to sew with my daughter, but since school started she has been busy with other things. She will get to her version one day, but in the meantime, I made a version and added a black lace accent to the bottom.
Can I tell you that these leggings fit me perfectly??? I made them from a black knit I think I found at Fine Fabrics. If I find any other colors there the next time I visit, I would love to make these again! I am looking for neutrals like brown, charcoal, and gray, or even beige. I expected to need a full seat adjustment at the very least, but since I chose a super stretchy fabric, I didn't need one. However, for my next version I will experiment with adding some more fullness.
I have already worn my leggings quite a few times. I mean, I have LOTS of black leggings (lol), but I really like the touch of lace on these. It goes so well with items in my closet, and is just enough to be different from the rest. I am sure I will find other places to squeeze lace in too!
Overall, I didn't do so bad. My two unfinished projects are my Oakley vest and a black basic V-neck tee. The saga with the Oakley vest continues! Hopefully this month will be when it makes it's appearance.
November Plans
For this month I will be focusing on a few more basics to continue filling my wardrobe gaps for Fall. Our family is going on vacation for the week of Thanksgiving, so I don't want to overload myself. Right now, I look forward to finishing this cardigan from Simplicity:
We are a little into November, and I wanted to show you what I accomplished in October. I started five different projects, and finished a total of three:
The first two tops are Vogue 8526. It is an out-of-print pattern that I made a couple of years ago. I remember thinking that it fit so well I HAD to revisit it. Well, when I went to do so, I couldn't find the pattern! I ended up re-ordering it on Ebay just so I could see if I enjoyed it as much the second time around. I definitely can say I did! The brown and green version have a crossover that joins beautifully, and fits nicely. I am still on the fence with wrap tops because I tend to have issues with gaping due to a hollow chest, but this top didn't need any tweaks. I have worn the brown version already, and noticed some minor shifting with moving about, but nothing out of the ordinary. Otherwise, this style is a nice change from my usual basic tops.
The third item is a pair of leggings from Simplicity 8212. These are the leggings I wanted to sew with my daughter, but since school started she has been busy with other things. She will get to her version one day, but in the meantime, I made a version and added a black lace accent to the bottom.
Can I tell you that these leggings fit me perfectly??? I made them from a black knit I think I found at Fine Fabrics. If I find any other colors there the next time I visit, I would love to make these again! I am looking for neutrals like brown, charcoal, and gray, or even beige. I expected to need a full seat adjustment at the very least, but since I chose a super stretchy fabric, I didn't need one. However, for my next version I will experiment with adding some more fullness.
I have already worn my leggings quite a few times. I mean, I have LOTS of black leggings (lol), but I really like the touch of lace on these. It goes so well with items in my closet, and is just enough to be different from the rest. I am sure I will find other places to squeeze lace in too!
Overall, I didn't do so bad. My two unfinished projects are my Oakley vest and a black basic V-neck tee. The saga with the Oakley vest continues! Hopefully this month will be when it makes it's appearance.
November Plans
For this month I will be focusing on a few more basics to continue filling my wardrobe gaps for Fall. Our family is going on vacation for the week of Thanksgiving, so I don't want to overload myself. Right now, I look forward to finishing this cardigan from Simplicity:
I chose it so that I can participate in the Cosy Cardi Challenge for this year again. If you sew a cardigan by Nov. 30th, and post it to Instagram, you can participate and have the chance to win awesome prizes! You can read all about it here.
I would also like to sew some more shirts. I still have not made Threadcount 1617, but I really like the look of it:
View C is my favorite view for Fall, but I also like the pockets on View D. If I can figure out a workable fit on a muslin, I may pursue both versions.
And, yes, I still have this pattern in my back pocket:
I would love to finish a pair of Ginger jeans before the year is out! I am only apprehensive to start this project because I just know that it will take up a lot of time, especially with fitting them. I like that lots of people have had success with this jeans pattern, and hope I will have the same. However, I am learning a lot about getting pants to fit, so it will be more practice for me too, lol!
I am sure other things will come up for this month too, but this is me trying to keep it minimal. I already went into my sewing closet, cleaned/organized, and threw away what was no longer needed. It is still hard for me to believe that the RTW Fast is almost over for this year! It feels like I just signed on, and I have truly been enjoying myself.
Thank you for helping me stay on track this year, and learning so much in the process! I plan to keep going strong until the end of the year!
Stay sew filled!
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