Sewing Hiatus

Surprise, surprise!  I did not reach the goal I set for myself for sewing In January.  However, I did come close.  Both the brown and the black pants were finished in January as well as a tee top for each.  So, I completed four garments this month.  I did not fit a jacket pattern as I planned.  In fact, I did not even choose a jacket pattern.  I will leave that to a later date. 

The pants were made using Eureka! Pants that Fit pattern by Fit for Art Patterns.  The tee tops were made using the Anything But Basic Tee by DIBY Club.  My pattern was a combination of several sizes and I may need to tweak the pattern a little more the next time I use it.  I think I need a little more room in the sleeve and the armscye needs to be a little lower.  Pictures of the four garments are shown below.

 

I am now considering what I could do in February.  I want to be realistic, so I have decided to do absolutely no sewing at all.  I know that sounds a little drastic, but I am not giving up on sewing.  I am simply taking a sewing hiatus.  I am going to be busy with other things, so I doubt I would have time to sew much of anything.  So, I think this is the perfect time for me to take a break from sewing. 

During this pause from sewing, I can use the time to do some research on sewing topics to hone my skills.  Indeed, this will be an ideal time to watch some of those many sewing videos I own but have never watched.  It would also be an ideal time to study some of those on-line classes I have that haven’t been started yet.  And it would be the perfect time to plan what I want to sew for the next several months. 

I realize I will not be able to do all this in the month of February, but that doesn’t really matter.  I will do as much or as little as I want while at the same time I will be relaxing with my husband and just enjoying life!

I hope you will do the same.  Sew when you want, but don’t forget to enjoy life with those you love!

Judy

 

 

Getting Started in the New Year

I decided to make myself get moving again on a sewing project.  I didn’t do much sewing the last two months of 2021.  I had no interest and no will power to sew.  I did make a few potholders and dish towels, but nothing that required much thinking.  I finally finished the brown pants that I started a while ago.  They were finished except for adding the waistband and hemming them.  When I put them on, I discovered they did not fit.  I had to take apart the side seams and rip out the pockets.   I took off some of the side seams before reattaching the pockets and resewing the seams.  I added the waistband and then hemmed the pants.  On New Year’s Day, I made the buttonhole and sewed the button.   I feel like I made those pants twice; however, the pants are finally finished and ready to wear!

I also cut out pants from a black wool-blend fabric.  I looked through my stash and chose some fabrics for tops to coordinate with my new brown pants and some that will work well with the black pants I just cut out.  I am not fond of cutting out garments, so I am thinking if I can get several garments cut, maybe it will be easier to get started sewing them. 

What are your sewing plans for the new year?  People spend time at the beginning of the year planning things like budgets, house redecorating, and vacations.  Maybe those of us who enjoy sewing should spend some time planning our sewing.  If we actually created a plan, we could probably have a better coordinated wardrobe and add pieces before we needed them.  I know if I need a garment and don’t have time to make it at the last minute, I get desperate and buy something that doesn’t fit properly and something I don’t really like!

I have a short-range plan that covers my sewing for the month of January.   My goal is to sew the black pants and cut and sew one top that coordinates with them.  I also plan to cut and sew a top that coordinates with the brown pants I just finished.  I would like to find a jacket pattern and alter it to fit me.  That should be enough for January.

If I am successful and finish those projects early, maybe I will have some time to make a sewing plan that covers two or three months.  You will notice I am not calling these plans a new year’s resolution.  That is because most resolutions are broken before January even ends.  If I am just making plans to sew things, I can probably rearrange my schedule to see those plans to fruition.  I may not feel the pressure that is brought to bear when new year’s resolutions are made.  And this plan is measurable.  If I resolve to sew more in 2022, I have no easy way to measure that.  On the other hand, if I say I am going to make certain items during the month, I can easily see if that goal is reached.

I hope you will make a plan to sew whatever you like in the coming year.  Put your plan in writing!  It will be easier to follow, and you can track your progress.  If planning a whole year overwhelms you, plan a month at a time.  Good luck with your plan!

Judy

 

 

 Tribute to Stoney Bretz

Warning!  This is not a post about how to sew anything or any new sewing technique.   No, this article is about the loss of a dear friend and a sewing enthusiast.  This morning (December 21, 2021) Stoney Bretz passed away peacefully at her new residence with her husband, Donald, by her side.  She got her third diagnosis of cancer about five months ago.  Our Wednesday morning sewing group was at her house when she received the call.  She took the news calmly as if it were just a call about a routine visit with a doctor.  I got a sinking feeling in my stomach.  I knew that this time there might not be a miracle.  I went home with a deep sadness in my heart.  I was afraid this time might be the last.  She was already having a lot of pain even before the diagnosis.

Stoney took the chemo and radiation treatments in stride even though they were painful, especially the radiation.  The pain never left her.  Each time I talked with her on the phone, her voice sounded weaker, and she sounded so tired.  I visited her at home a few times and each time I could see the weariness and the toll of the pain.

Then she fell during the night and was taken to the hospital via ambulance.  I knew things were getting bleaker.  Then Stoney and Donald were moved to a senior living apartment with care available for both of them.  I was relieved that they would receive the care they needed, but I also knew things would never be the same for my friend or for me either.  Life changes!

This morning I went to visit Stoney.  As my husband, her husband and I sat and talked, Stoney quietly and peacefully slipped away.  She escaped that horrible pain and went to eternal peace!

Stoney had many friends in the local sewing community.  She hosted three different sewing groups at her home; providing sewing machines for everyone in the groups so they wouldn’t have to transport their own machine for the meetings.   She shared a wealth of knowledge about quilting, sewing, and embroidery with all of us in those groups.  If someone needed something they forgot to bring, Stoney could usually come up with it.  I think I sewed with Stoney in these groups for about twenty-five years.  I enjoyed all those years and thought they would continue forever.  All good things really do come to an end eventually!

Stoney was a member of the Lansing Clippers American Sewing Guild and hosted meetings for the Embroidery Neighborhood Group at her home once a month.  She was also a member of a local quilt guild and a painting guild.  She was always generous with her time and her talents.  She taught many of us how to quilt and taught others how to improve their sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques.

Stoney Bretz has left this earth but will not be forgotten!  May she rest in peace.

Judy

 

 

 

Are You Inspired or Driven to Sew?

Usually, I sew garments or bags and then post an article on my blog about the item.  Lately, I have not sewn much of anything and, therefore, I haven’t posted on my blog.  It isn’t that I haven’t sewn at all.  I have, but it has been a hodgepodge of items.  The mixture includes children’s tee shirts, potholders, dish towels, and hot pads.  I have also altered tee shirts and pants that no longer fit me.    All of this caused me to wonder if I am inspired or driven to sew.

One definition of inspire is “to stimulate or impel to some creative or effective effort”.  That said, I am often inspired by many sources.  I get ideas and inspiration from seeing what others sew.  That is why I love to belong to different sewing groups.  I also like to see what styles are current in ready-made fashion.  Inspiration is there for the taking.  And remember, what you sew may inspire others to sew. 

Perhaps you are inspired by the creative process.  I think most people I know who love to sew fall into this category.  Create can mean “to make or design something requiring art, skill, invention, etc.”.  I think we can agree that every time we sew something, we make something that requires skill.  Sewing can also require imagination and invention.  Sometimes we have to create a different way to get the end result we desire.    

 One definition for drive is “to work or try hard to reach a goal”.   It can also mean “the power or vigor to get things done”.   We need drive to finish those projects we start.  Sometimes the projects are difficult and time consuming.  Then we need the drive to push through and complete the job.  We also need drive for the mundane ones as well.  Those could include mending, altering, and making small gifts, i.e. potholders, dish towels, etc. 

We may be inspired to make clothes for ourselves, but maybe the standard patterns don’t fit our bodies.  In that case, we definitely need the drive to develop fitting skills in order to reach our inspired goal of sewing clothes. 

In answer to my question, I think we are both inspired and driven to sew.  The really good thing about sewing is the more you sew, the more skilled you become.  And the more skilled you become, the more inspired and driven you are!  I don’t know about you, but I intend to keep sewing and I know the inspiration and drive will be there for me.

Below is a picture of some of the simple, easy items in my hodgepodge of sewing.

Judy

 

The Oriole Bag

I just took a look at my posts from the last 18 months.  It was an eye-opener for me!  My review showed I have sewn more items than I thought.  Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in this area (March 2020), I have sewn 1 cape, 22 tops, 3 pairs of capris pants, 1 pair of jeans, 1 skirt, 4 purses, 1 duffle bag, 1 small lined bag with a zipper, 1 wrist wallet, 1 table runner, 2 pot holders, 1 baby quilt, 2 receiving blankets, 5 outfits for toddlers, 6 baby bibs, 3 burp cloths, and lots of masks. 

Beyond showing me the quantity of my sewing, it also showed me that I have come full circle in those 18 months.  I still experience periods of “sewing slumps” and my community as well as the rest of the world is still dealing with the pandemic.  When, if ever, will it end?

I am not going to worry about when it will end because that is out of my control.  However, I can control what I do each day.  I am going to focus on doing the things I enjoy.  That includes spending time with my husband, family and friends when possible; planning and completing sewing projects; learning new things and sharing information with others; and taking road trips.  That should keep me busy!

After several weeks of no sewing, I downloaded a free purse pattern from Sew Sweetness Pattern Company at https://sewsweetness.com/.  They sell bag patterns and bag-making supplies.  I decided this simple purse pattern might be just what I needed to activate my desire to sew again. 

I looked for something in my stash to use to try out this pattern.  I found some scraps of a wool tweed that were just large enough to cut out the purse, but no fabric was left to use for the strap.  I looked for some black strapping, but I did not have any on hand.  I found a leather strap  from a purse I threw away long ago.  I decided to use that on this purse.

I was surprised to find I had almost everything I needed to make the purse.  The only thing I had to purchase was a set of D-rings.  I was able to get those from an Amish harness shop at a very reasonable price, so I didn’t have to drive to a fabric shop for any of my supplies.  My husband enjoyed the trip to the harness shop much more than he would have enjoyed a trip to a fabric store!

The free purse pattern from Sew Sweetness also came with access to a free video that showed how to make the purse.  Both the written directions and the video gave clear, easy to follow instructions.  The pattern is called the Oriole Bag.  I also purchased some patterns from the site and each of them came with an instructional video. 

A picture of the finished bag is shown below.

 

It looks like the Oriole Bag has gotten me out of my sewing slump.  Now I am looking forward to planning some new sewing projects.

Are you experiencing a sewing slump?  If you are, try searching the internet for some new ideas for sewing projects and maybe even a free pattern to get you excited about sewing again.  Christmas is coming and you might want to sew a few gifts instead of waiting for all those idle ships off the coast to dock and unload their cargo.  Even after that, it will be a while before the goods reach their destinations to become available for you to purchase.  Just something to think about!

Have fun sewing!

Judy

 

 

Contest Failure

In my last post, I told you about a contest at PatternReview.com that ran from September 1 - September 30.  It was the Mini Wardrobe Contest and required all entrants to make two bottom garments and three tops within the month of September.   As I wrote my Sept. 26^th post, I had completed one garment and partially finished three others.  That left me with one garment to cut out and complete in addition to finishing the other three.  I knew that completing all that within four days would be difficult, but I set about doing it.

My husband provided support for me by making the meals and doing the dishes.  He also encouraged me by assuring me I could do it.  This was definitely a race to the finish line.

With that kind of pressure, you know what always happens.  Everything that can go wrong goes wrong!  That is exactly what happened.  When I put the fly front zipper in the jeans, it looked great until I did the two rows of top stitching around it.  Then I could see how really ugly it was!  The orange jeans thread I used for the top stitching really called attention to the too long fly.  It had to go.  I had to rip out all the top stitching, the fly guard, and the zipper.  I shortened the zipper and started over. 

When I went to cut out the sweater knit fabric for the third top, I could not convince myself it was navy striped; instead, it looked like black to me and I knew that would not look good with navy pants or navy jeans.  I used another grape sweater knit instead.  It was thin and difficult to cut.  It was even more difficult to sew.    The edges curled under as I tried to put seams together.  Ripping out stitches was almost impossible.  I finally completed the fifth and final item on September 28th.

I was exhausted, but my work was not done yet.  On September 29 my husband took the pictures of each outfit as required by the contest and I spent most of the day writing the required pattern reviews and posting the pictures. 

I had just one more item to complete.  I had to write an overall review of my process and post a composite picture of each top with each bottom garment. 

Today, September 30th, I threw in the towel!  I just could not do it.  I spent hours teaching myself how to use Windows Paint to stack six photos into one. I am done with it.  I deleted all the reviews and pictures I posted. 

I do not like to admit defeat, but I did complete all five garments within the timeframe before I gave up.  Now I need to move on.  I do not want to burn out on sewing.  I want sewing to be something I really enjoy.  I may enter another contest in the future, but it will not be anytime soon. 

Pictures of the three tops are shown below with the jeans.

A picture of the navy pants is shown below.

I hope you are having fun sewing!

Judy

My Experience as a Sewing Contestant

September is National Sewing Month.  Sewing is what I have been doing all month and a lot of it!  On September 4^th, I entered a contest at PatternReview.com.    It required the sewing of two bottom garments and three tops.  All the tops must be able to be worn with both bottom items.  The contest sounded easy enough.  After all, I just sewed four tops in three days at a sewing retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana.

I soon discovered it wasn’t as easy as it sounded.  When I made the four tops, I was away from home where I had no reason to do anything but sew.  That was not the case when I was at home.  There I had other responsibilities such as cooking, doing laundry, cleaning, going to appointments, attending church, preparing home-grown produce and fruits for the freezer and many other real-life activities.    All these things drew me away from sewing, but I gave the contest my best shot anyway!

I decided to make pants, jeans, a long-sleeved button down the front blouse, and two tee shirts.  My stash yielded fabric for each item.  The only things that required a trip to the fabric store were buttons and top-stitch thread.  I used patterns I had used in the past, so I foolishly expected things to go quickly with no problems.

For the pants I used a navy twill fabric and the “Fit for Art Eureka! Pants that Fit” pattern.  I have used this pattern many times so I was not surprised the pants went together without any problems.  However, the pants are not quite finished.  I still need to hem them and put the button and buttonhole in the waistband. 

The second item also went together well.  It was a long-sleeved tee shirt made with a blue printed cotton knit.  I used another pattern I have used many times, McCall’s M6964.  I felt I was on a roll!

The third item was a long-sleeved blouse with cuffs and buttons down the front.  The pattern was McCall’s M6750.  This is when my roll became a crawl!  Although I fit the pattern to me several years ago, I never actually made a garment using the pattern. 

I checked to see if the top still fit.  It did not!  I had gotten a little rounder, so the first adjustment I made was to eliminate the vertical darts in both the front and back pieces.  That gave me the additional room I needed for the blouse to go around me.  The next adjustment was to lower the bust darts.  Time made that adjustment necessary on this old body.   

Then I noticed a drag line on the back under the right shoulder.  It was caused because my right shoulder slopes more than my left one.  I was able to adjust the right shoulder seam and move on to next problem.

After making that adjustment, I really thought the sewing process would begin to speed along, but it did not.  I ran into a serious issue.  The sleeves would not fit into the armscyes no matter what I did!  I tried everything.  I put each sleeve in three times before I had to admit something was wrong with the pattern pieces.  I suspected that when I originally fit the pattern several years ago, I made an alteration on either the sleeve or bodice that I did not carry over to the other piece.  I did not have enough fabric left to re-cut the sleeves, so I had to improvise.  I was not going to throw the blouse away and start over with a different fabric.  There simply was not enough time to sew another blouse.  I ripped each sleeve out for the final time and sewed a dart in the sleeves that lined up with the shoulder line.  The sleeve caps still fit my arms and the darts are hardly noticeable. 

Here it is about 9 p.m. Sept. 26^th and I have one finished garment, three partially finished garments, and one garment that isn’t even cut out yet.   Will I be able to finish the garments within the timeframe of the contest?  I really do not know, but I am not giving up yet.  I will keep at it and let you know September 30^th.  In that post I will also tell you about my experience making jeans.  

In the meantime, I hope you are having fun sewing!

Judy