Plans for January 2016

I find making monthly sewing plans helps keep me on track, so I'm going to post them here each month as a reminder to myself.  This is a long list and some of them will be continued on into the following months.

So for January: 
Some basic solid color knit tops for layering
Long plaid flannel shirt to wear with leggings
Gray cardigan
Gray knit pants
Start on a simple quilt with my 7 yr old DGD - just large flannel squares
Start on English paper piecing quilt
Clean-up and organize sewing room
Go through UFO's and trash ones that I won't finish
Bind a quilt made by my MIL - I'm giving it to my DGD
Work on hand-quilting a quilt I started several years ago

Pattern of the Year - Vogue 9057

While looking over the list of items I made this year, I was surprised at how many times I've made this pattern.

Vogue 9057

 

Christmas gift sewing

I always do some Christmas gift sewing for the grands and I normally make the same thing for everyone.  For example, last year it was fleece blankets; year before that flannel pj pants; before that it was pillowcases - you get the idea.  But this year, I decided to get creative and have a little variety.



For my 2 granddaughters (ages 12 and 13) I made cross over handbags.  I also made them infinity scarves, using a light-weight knit:

The 15 year old boy requested flannel pj pants, so that's what he got; plus a fleece hat.

For my 14 year old grandson, by request I made a water proof gun case using marine vinyl and a fleece hat.

A cape and mask and fleece hat for my 9 yr old grandson

A cinch sac and fleece hat for another 9 year old boy

Fleece hats for the boys

For 7 year old granddaughter, a flannel nightgown and a fleece hat.

Another 7 year old girl gets doll clothes for her 18 inch doll and a fleece hat.

Fleece hats for the girls:

And the baby (5 yr old grandson) gets a utility belt and bath time paints.

For my 2 daughter-in-laws, I made simple scarves using a black and blue checked flannel:

My sons & husband get reversible fleece hats:

 I made an apron for my sister in law.

For my niece, I made an infinity scarf.

Meet Paisley

I have a new sewing partner.  She's a Shih Tzu puppy named Paisley.

This is when I brought her home; she was 7 weeks old. She was so tiny - maybe 3 pounds.

She's almost 3 months old now and is twice as big as when I got her.  She's so sassy and cute and funny!

Fleece Hats

It's been a while since I posted due to being away from home, being sick and binge watching Craftsy classes.  For October, Craftsy had a deal for $10.00 you got an all-access pass to watch as many classes as you wanted. 

Here are the classes that I liked best:

Sewing on the Edge - Lynda Maynard
Great neckline info for knits & wovens

The week-end Duffel - Betz White
Step-by-step instructions. The info would also work for smaller bags & totes.

Design your own handbag - Brett Bara
Not for beginners, but a lot of good techniques for intermediate bag makers.

Foundation paper piecing - Carol Doak
Great for beginners & intermediate quilters.

Easy zippered bags - Joan Hawley
Great for beginners.

Since I like sewing bags, it's not surprising that  3 of favorites are for bag making.

Another class I watched is titled "Sewing With Fleece: Essential Techniques" with Pattie Otto.   I really like the printable patterns for an easy hat and mittens that come in 4 sizes.  I had been thinking about making some fleece hats as Christmas gifts so was happy to run across this class.

Here are the hats I've made so far:

And this is what the pattern looks like:

They're really quick and easy to make and turn out nice.

Sewing With My GD

This is my 7 year old granddaughter learning to sew

The Doll Apron we made.

On the doll

 The proud seamstress 

I don't have daughters to teach to sew, so it's nice sewing with my granddaughters.

Jogger Pants

I decided to make a pair of jogger pants - aka sweatpants.

When I searched my inventory for a pattern to use, I came across this one.  I actually
bought it with plans to make the top,  but I never did.

I'm always looking for that pants pattern   - one that's both flattering and comfortable.  And I think I've found it.

 

I used a sweatshirt type knit that I've had for several years.  For the waistband and cuffs, I used the wrong side of the fabric - which is solid gray. The fabric is very soft, so the pants are so comfortable. Since the pattern is designed for wovens, and I used a knit, they are a little looser fitting.

I'm so glad I gave this pattern a try.  The ONLY change I made was to remove some from the top of the pants as they came up too high. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

I decided to make a 2nd pair using a woven - some kind of a poly. For this pair, I narrowed the legs from the knee down. Of course, they aren't as comfortable as the knit pair, but they're good.  I hope with minor modifications this will become my TNT pants pattern.