2017 Year End Round-Up

Due to family issues,  2017 started off slow sewing.  But about mid-year things settled down and I was able to get back in the sewing room.  I worked on several quilts;  made a set of throw pillows, an apron, and a handbag;  9 pair of flannel pj pants for the grands; and 11 garments.  Of the 11 garments, I gave away 5 of them as they just didn't work for me.

Here's what I kept for myself:

Maxi skirt -  black textured rayon blend;  Simplicity 4137

Shirt-waist dress - black/red floral cotton blend; McCall's 6891

2 knit pencil skirts - black and gray; no pattern

Button front skirt - brown corduroy; New Look 6625

T-shirt dress - gray Ponte knit; Simplicity 1622

Now that I'm back to sewing, maybe I'll get back to regular blogging too.

First Project of the New Year

I made new covers for the throw cushions on my couch.  It's nothing special, but I enjoyed sewing them.  And that's a big deal, because I haven't had a desire to sew for several months. It feels good to enjoy sewing again.  The fabric came from my stash and there was just enough of each fabric to make a cover.  So, that's good too.  And most importantly, I love my new cushions.

Christmas Sewing

I didn't do as much Christmas gift sewing this year as usual.  But, I did make the gifts for my grand kids. I try to come up with something different each year.  This year I made reading pillows. It's basically a pillow that has a pocket to hold books and a strap on the top to carry it by.  I made mine the size of a bed pillow and added a zipper so it can be removed for laundering.  I add a couple books to each pillow according to each child's interest.  

DOUGLAS 

CADE

BRANDON

 ALEX

 ASHLEY

 EMMA

 EMMA (back)

 RILEY

RILEY (back) 

 TORI

 TORI (back)

CURTIS 

Paisley

I haven't posted anything for a few months and haven't done much sewing either.  My sweet Mom passed away in October and I miss her so much.  Then I got sick - probably due to stress.  So I just haven't had any energy for my sewing world.   I'm starting to feel better and hoping the start of a new year will be a new start for me too.

Since Paisley always makes me smile and feel better, I thought I'd post some pictures of her. She's a little over a year old now and it surprises me how much joy she brings to my life.  When I lost my other dog a couple years ago, I wasn't sure when I'd be ready for another one.   But the opportunity was there and (ready or not) Paisley came into my life.

Fall/Winter Sewing Plans

Some tentative sewing plans


                 Top                                                                                      McCall's 7093 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                            

White shirt                                                                                     Butterick 6325

 Long cardigan                                                                                 McCall's 7476
                                                                          























Patchwork jacket or vest                                                  Cowl-neck short sleeve sweater top






















Knit jacket                                                                             Butterick 6330

























Butterick 6388 as a shorter top

Knit Maxi Dress - Butterick 6330

I made this dress a couple months, but just now getting it posted.

I also want to make the jacket later in the fall.

I made a size large, which is bigger than I need.  But the fabric is thin and very stretchy, and I didn't want it to cling too much.  I'm happy with the fit.

Fit alterations I made: added 1 inch to the front bodice length and removed 1 inch from back bodice length, and removed 1 inch from shoulder width.  These are standard alterations for me.

 I bought the fabric from Fabric.com in 2007 and paid $5.00 yard.  It's one of those fabrics that I liked so much that I was hesitant to cut it.  I'm glad to finally use and love the dress.


I really like it with a black cardigan.

And the back

I also used the pattern to make a black knit dress.  I made it calf length, added short sleeves and lowered the neckline by 1-1/2 inches. 

Monthly recap & plans

Monthly Recap

This month I sewed 5 garments and used 10 yards of fabric.  Overall, I'm pleased since these are all things I'll wear and there were no wadders. 

Lace Jacket
Pattern: Butterick 3532
Fabric: Gray cotton broadcloth and cream colored lace (2-1/2 yds)



























Knit Tankattern: Simplicity 4192 Fabric: Yellow textured knit (1 yd) 

 






















Knit Top
Pattern: McCall's 7286
Fabric: Turquoise print, turquoise solid, tan solid (2 yds)

Black knit midi tee-shirt dress
Pattern: Butterick 6330
Fabric: Black knit (2 yds)

Kimono Jacket
Pattern: Simplicity 8172
Fabric: Rayon challis, 2 prints (2-1/2 yds)

August Plans
I'm finished with summer sewing, but not ready to sew for fall/winter, so I'm kind of in limbo.
I'll start on my skirt draft in preparation for making pants for cool weather.
And work on Riley's quilt and hopefully finish it this month.
Also, look though the UFO basket and see if there's anything I want to work on.
And maybe work on some quilts.