::Blogging:: Top 5 Goals of 2014

I actually spent a lot of time in the first few days of this year thinking about what I want out of 2015 in the broader sense of life goals. I ended up with A LOT of sewing goals, but I think what is most important is the general intentions I have around my sewing. So here are my 5 themes for my sewing in 2015.

Keep trying new things
I really love experimenting and the challenge and problem solving that comes with trying a new technique or sewing a new garment. So I want to continue on that journey. Don’t let the “Perfectionist Monster” get in the way of starting projects with new and interesting patterns, fabrics, techniques; and have fun.

Play around with patterns and my pattern blocks
I enjoyed doing a couple of pattern hacks this year and it was an interesting way to reuse patterns in my stash. I want to learn how to use my pattern blocks to get a better fit with commercial patterns.
Drafting patterns from scratch is a lot of fun and I really like patternmaking and the critical thinking that comes with it. I’m so grateful that I was able to take a patternmaking course so I need to continue putting those skills I learnt into practice.

The mini patterns from patternmaking course
[source]

Sew more, buy & read less
As I mentioned in my reflections post I spend a lot of time “think sewing” so in 2015 I want to shift that into actual sewing. I have a lot of patterns and a fair amount of fabric. It’s a good exercise in creative thinking to use what I already have at hand. So that means sewing from stash as much as possible and trying quell the “Shiny Syndrome” so I don’t buy fabric when going to buy notions; and muting the “Me-too Mindset” when new patterns are released.
Most of the sewing related reading is online so I need to get myself off the screens (also, out of the books and out of my head) and in front of the sewing machine or in front of the pattern drafting table. Make my ideas a reality.

Continue my approach to garment sewing
My current sewing formula is a combination of planned and spontaneous projects. The planned projects are the ones in my SWAP list; which I’m very much slowly chipping away at. However, I need the freedom and flexibility to sew something on a whim too; like projects for The Monthly Stitch. It’s a formula that seems to be working for me at the moment, but I would like to crank up the number of FOs up a notch.

My sewn garments tally board at the end of 2014

Continue interacting with the online sewing community
I’ve really enjoyed the interaction I’ve had with people in the online sewing community this year and I’d like to continue to do that this year. Participating in The Monthly Stitch challenges and Sewcialist challenges that suite me are definitely something I plan to have fun with this year. I’d like to keep reaching out to other sewing bloggers through blog comments and Instagram, but I think I should narrow my focus down to people who reciprocate.

~Final Comment~
So, these are 5 themes for my sewing in 2015:

• Keep trying new things
• Play around with patterns and my pattern blocks
• Sew more, buy & read less
• Continue my approach to garment sewing
• Continue interacting with the online sewing community

It will be interesting to see how much they impact my sewing in the coming year :)

Concluding #SewingTop5
Writing these #SewingTop5 posts has been lovely and challenging.
It was good to write a list of hit garments, despite my “perfectionist monster” seeing flaws in most of them. It’ shows that a hit garment doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect. Seeing what garments made the misses list and why was a great way to define what I should avoid in future.

Finding highlights from 2014 made me realise that it wasn’t a complete “meh” of a year for me so I’m really grateful for that. Writing down my reflections was a great way to channel some of the fleeting thoughts I’ve had about my sewing (and life) in 2014 into something comprehensible.

I’ve really enjoyed reading other people’s post for the New Year; whether they’ve been #SewingTop5 posts or not. I think it's important to see where you’ve come from to inform future direction.

Are you a reflector? Or do you prefer to focus on the future?
Leave a comment below, I'm interested to read what you are :)

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)

::Blogging:: Top 5 Reflections of 2014

When I started this post it was a rambling mess about lots of things that have popped into my mind as I look back at 2014. It was all a bit much so I started from scratch again. I did a dot point list of the things that first came to mind and then went from there. So here are the things that learnt and continue to learn…

"Think sewing" is not actually sewing
I spend way too much time thinking about and reading blogs, perusing sewing books, pinning researching sewing and drafting than actually doing it.
For me, it’s really a form of procrastination; I don’t want to start a project because of my silly fear of not making a “perfect project” and “wasting” fabric.

Focus is not a strong point
I have obsessive tendencies. I can be completely infatuated with one topic or project and then the next week I will have moved onto something else. I can be that way about sewing sometimes. I’ll start a project and then not be that into it and move onto something else “shinier”.
“Shiny syndrome” also hits me when I’m going through my fabric. So, I’ll go to my stash to start a project and then an hour later find myself sitting on the floor surrounding by fabric and with a head full of ideas. But. Nothing. Has. Been. DONE. *Sigh* Oh well. I’ll just put my fabric away again…

Sewing productivity is about quantity of FO’s not quality
This is not really a new revelation after my reflections at the beginning of this year and seeing what I’ve made this year. All of the garment’s I made this year aren’t perfect, BUT, a lot of them are still in high rotation in my wardrobe. So at this time in my sewing career, my focus isn’t really on perfection, it’s more about getting a project (started; as per the previous reflection; and) finished.

Interacting with the online sewing community is fun
In the past I’ve not really interacted with people in the online community on a regular basis until this year. I suppose it reflects my extrovert tendencies. It’s been fun chatting to people online and have commenting conversations. The challenges I've participated in with TMS have been great to participate in and have helped push me to make things I probably wouldn’t otherwise.

Guidelines help make wearable garments
It has been really rewarding to wear more me-made in my everyday wardrobe, at the moment I'm usually wearing at least one piece a day. The S.W.A.P. Analysis from a couple of years ago has helped me make garments that get worn because they are the right colour, the right shape and suite my lifestyle. Although, I’ve felt of late that I don’t really have a ‘style’ as such.

~Final Comment~
I find it interesting the combination of new ideas and old in this post. I’m finding this series helpful to get the thoughts I’ve been having out of my head and making them ‘concrete’.

Do you ‘think sew’ instead of doing the real thing? 
Do you procrastinate instead of starting projects? Do you have ‘shiny syndrome’ too?
I’d love to hear about the your reflections. Leave a comment below :)

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)

::Blogging:: Top 5 Highlights of 2014

As 2014 draws to a close I'm going to go over the #SewingTop5 highlights. To be honest this has been a tough post for me to write. When I first sat down to write this post I drew a blank. I couldn't think of any highlights. I've been 'between jobs' this whole year and I think that my confidence has taken a big hit because of it. I've second guessed myself, my ability and my skills.

After awhile a few things came to mind; so, I drafted a post about my top 5 list and did a rethink.

My analytical brain kicked in and I noted that so far with my #SewingTop5 posts I've had criteria for what made it onto my list. I thought, "Why should this be any different?"
So, I decided that for something to make it onto my list it had to have made me feel good about myself and make me feel accomplished/pushed me out of my comfort zone.

The first thing that has made me feel good as been my family and friends. I am very grateful for my Mr. He is a very patient man and I don't know where I would be without him. I'm incredibly grateful for my family and friends. I love the laughs we share and the chats we have. My family is great, they drive me crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't want it any other way. My friends keep me sane and I love that I have a special and unique relationship with each of them.
Tick for "feel good".


One of the biggest highlights for me by would be doing the patternmaking course. I really enjoyed it and it made me feel good about myself and boosted my confidence. I'm so glad I was able to create pattern blocks during the course. I'd been wanting to do this for years but the course was the push I needed to accomplish it.
Tick for "feel good" and "accomplishment".

Making the bodice toile for my bodice block
[source]

I'm so proud that I've accomplished a couple of the ambitions I set myself for 2014.
I made at least 14 garments this year, though not all of them made it to the blog.
I made a dress for each of the three weddings I attended this year.
I used a pattern twice the S2444 which I used to make 2 of the 3 dresses I wore to the weddings I attended.
Tick for "feel good" and "accomplishment".

The dresses I wore when attending weddings this year

I'm so honoured to be asked to be a bridesmaid at the wedding of one of my oldest and closest friends. I was so proud to be able to say that I drafted and sewed the dress I wore.
Tick for "feel good" and "accomplishment". 

I have now idea what I'm doing here :)

I overcame my perfectionist fears and a couple of knitting patterns for beginners; The Isabella Riff Cowl and then The Ridges Bandana Cowl I had an idea and I followed through and I'm so proud of myself for that.
Tick for "feel good" and "accomplishment".

~Final Comment~
So this year has been a strange one for me. There haven't been any very high high's, but on the flip side there haven't been any very low low's either and I am extremely grateful for that. So really to sum up it's been a good year.


What do you do when you find it difficult to see the good? 
Do you have any tricks to boost your confidence when you're feeling a little deflated/defeated?
I'd love to hear how you handle it. Leave a comment below.

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)

::Blogging:: Top 5 Misses of 2014

Back to the #SewingTop5 :)

So I'll move onto the projects that taught me lessons about what features I don't like in a garment. A garment was a miss if there were issues with the fit or materials (construction) or if it rarely gets worn (wearability).
So with that in mind here my Top 5 Hits of 2014. The lest starts with the worst and works down to the... least worst.

Click on the image or the link below each image to go to the original post.

Refashioned Beach Dress

[Refashioned Beach Dress Post]

This is the biggest miss for 2014. I can only remember wearing it once and only at home.
Cross for 'wearability'.

I like the stripes, but ultimately the skirt was a little too snug and too short.
Cross for 'construction'

Teal Peony for the Lady Dress

[Teal Peony for the Lady Post]

I can only recall wearing this dress in 'the wild' twice. Although, I've put it on intending to wear it out and then changed into something else on several occasions.
Cross for 'wearability'.

The terrible fit is what puts me off this dress. The clammy poly-cotton fabric doesn't help, but really I would tolerate this dress if it fit better.
Big cross for 'construction'.

Navy S2444 Dress

[Navy S2444 Dress Post]

The 2 reason this dress has made it onto the list are fit and fabric. It's just too loose in the upper bodice and this is the same poly-cotton I used for the Peony dress above. Some of the seams are very puckered too.
Cross for 'construction'.

However, I have worn this dress out a few times and it a dress I reach for more than the peony.


Tick for 'wearability'.

Blue Paisley Sorbetto

[Blue Paisley Sorbetto Post]

When it gets hot here I do find myself reaching for this top because it's comfortably light, airy and cotton. In summer it's on a fairly high rotation.
Tick for 'wearability'.

As I mentioned in the original post, armhole gaping is the only thing that really bugs me about this top. I'm going to have to revisit making a simple tank and perhaps draft my own pattern.
Small cross for 'construction'.

Kimo-No Sorbetto Cobalt Rayon Top

[Kimo-No Sorbetto Cobalt Rayon Top Post]

This top is the start of my love affair with rayon. I've yet to make anything else in rayon, but oh boy do I want to. I really like how this top breathes and drapes so this is also a high rotation top when the temperature rises.
Tick for 'wearability'

This top only just makes it onto the list. The neckline, which I wrote about in the original post, is too wide and makes wearing this top an exercise in stopping the neckline shifting too much. The sleeve hems don't bother me. But that neckline....
Little cross for 'construction'.



~Final Comment~
So, even though this is a list of misses I still wear 3 out of 5 garments fairly regularly. I've noticed that most of my misses are from the earlier part of the year. Strange observation, I know, but maybe this has something to do with learning what to look for when picking a project. Learning and, more importantly, using techniques to make a better garment.

Most of the misses are because of fit. I'm hoping to use what I learnt in the patternmaking course to make better fitting garments. Interestingly most of the misses are woven garments and only one being a knit, but I don't think that really counts because it's a refashion.

Looking at my hits and misses for 2014 I've noticed that there is a lot of blue tones in my wardrobe. I find it interesting that there are no misses based on fabric colour/print; nor because of a style that doesn't suit me. This makes me think that doing the colour analysis and body shape analysis a couple of years ago are paying off.

Thinking about it now I'm thinking that a focus in 2015 should be making my style a bit more cohesive.

Have you noticed any interesting trends in your sewing for 2014?
Are you taking part in the 'Top 5' series? If so please leave a link in the comments. 
I'd love to read your 2014 top 5 lists :)

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)

::Blogging:: Top 5 Hits of 2014

 

 
Let's get this Top 5 party started!

I decided that a project is a hit if it served the purpose for why I made it and is worn fairly often.
So with that in mind here my Top 5 Hits of 2014. These are in no particular order.

Click on the image or the link below each image to go to the original post. (If you follow me by RSS you may have already had a sneak peak into my Top 5 because I accidentally hit publish on a draft post. Oops! :D )

Self Drafted Polly Pocket Skirt

[Polly Pocket Skirt Post]

I wanted to use my pattern drafting skills to make a comfortable and functional skirt with pockets based on a skirt design that I really like. This skirt definitely fits the bill. The pockets are lovely and deep and hold my essentials when I don't want to carry a bag while out and about.
Tick for 'purpose'.

Since I made this skirt in mid September it has been in high rotation in my wardrobe. I wear it at least once a week, sometimes more! Making another one (or two or three) of these skirts is a high on my to sew list.
Tick for 'wearability'.

Grey Ponte Kitschy Coo The Lady Skater Dress

[Grey Ponte Lady Skater Post]

I made this dress because I wanted to participate in a The Monthly Sew challenge, but I had been wanting to sew it before then anyway. I wanted a dress that was comfortable (hello knit fabric), flattering (hi fit and flare shape, forgiving ponte knit) and versatile (hey solid neutral colour). This dress delivered.
Tick for 'purpose'.

During winter this was my go to dress and was worn about once a week. It is a simple and easy one piece outfit I can pair with many accessories in my wardrobe. It's starting to pill a bit so making another Lady Skater dress is also high on the to sew list. I'm not sure if I want to make a summer version in a lighter knit.
Tick for 'wearability'.

Spotty Simplicity 2444 Dress

[Spotty S2444 Post]

I made this dress to attend a wedding in April and wanted a dress that could be worn again to other social occasions. Which I have, many times.
Tick for 'purpose'.

This has become one of my favourite 'little bit fancy' going out dresses. Even though it's a bit loose around the upper bodice I really like the spots. Being a cotton dress it is so comfortable because it breathes, which is great when we have warmer weather. I can wear most of my accessories with this so it's a versatile piece.
Tick for 'wearability'.

Two-tone Grainline Studio Scout Woven Tee Top

[Two-tone Scout Woven Tee]

My second Woven Scout Tee has gotten a lot of wear as has my first (and my jersey version too). It gets worn in both warm and cool weather. I layer it over a long sleeved knit top and wear it with jeans when it's cool and in warm weather it gets worn over skirts and shorts. Sometimes I pair it with my Polly skirt and end up with an ombre-ish outfit. :) Though, when it is really hot the poly content in the fabric makes it a little less comfortable to wear.
Mostly a tick for 'wearability'.

I made this before I did the patternmaking course and was an experiment in adapting an existing pattern to match an inspiration top. I had been wearing the heck out of my first top and this was made to take the load off that top.
Tick for 'purpose'.

Self Drafted Bridesmaid Dress

[Special Dress for a Special Day Dress Post]

I'm ecstatic about the bridesmaid dress I made to be a part of my friends wedding in October. On the day it was very comfortable to wear and the pockets came in handy to carry speeches, phones and lip balm. Having the bra strap carriers meant I didn't have to fidget with my dress/bra straps and I could enjoy myself that little bit more.
Tick for 'purpose'.


I have only worn it twice, but I think in cooler weather this will be a go to dress for socialising. Being a 'blank canvas' of a dress means I can dress it up or down and this will go with a lot of accessories too. So I'm hoping that it will be an often worn dress.
I'm going to give it a tentative tick for 'wearability'.


~Final Comment~
Dresses seam to be a big winner, which is interesting seeing as in the past I've preferred to wear separates. The reason is probably because in the past finding a RTW dress I like has been difficult because their fit doesn't suit my shape.

I find it funny that I didn't realise what all the garments had in common until I was compiling the collage at the top of this post. They are all dark colours; either black or navy (well mainly, in the case of the Two Tone Scout Tee).

Four out of 5 of these makes are solids and 4 out of 5 of these makes are woven. Many of the RTW items I wear on high rotation are knits so I think I'll have to up the knits next year.

I'm really glad that self drafted and adapted makes have made it into my top 5. It's really encouraging to see that my drafting skills are paying off.

Are you taking part in the 'Top 5' series? 
If so please leave a link in the comments. 
I'd love to read about your 2014 Top 5 :)

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)

::Blogging:: Top 5 of 2014 - I'm in!

 

Gillian has announced her annual Top 5 post series. I can't believe that this is the third year she's been running it.

I've not participated before so I'm pretty excited about participating this year. I really like pausing for a moment to revisit the lessons learnt during the year.

So, I'm making it official.
I. Am. In!

#SewingTop5 posts for 2014 Top 5 Hits Top 5 Misses Top 5 Highlights Top 5 Reflections Top 5 Goals

Are you going to take part? Or do you have your own way of summing up the year? Do you reflect or do you prefer to keep your eyes forward?
Let me know in the comments :)

Until next time,

Let's connect online :)