2020 in Review

January

From these items, there are currently three items found in my wardrobe.  The hankerchiefs, butterfly print and black silk scarfs were gifted. The floral dress was worn and loved for about eight months until it was lent and not returned.  Win some and lose some.  There were plans to replace this dress since the fit is lovely.  The denim shirtdress is another favourite make.  

February

February was all about a journey to find my ideal white shirt.  This was before the pandemic changed my idea of what I want to wear and my body shape.  The white pin-tucked shirt is currently packed away waiting for my pre-pandemic shape to return.  

March

March was about sewing for others and a basic black skirt sneaked in there for moi.  

April

As reality of pandemic life settled and changed our everyday life, face mask sewing over took the sewing space.  These were all gifted to others.  

Before personal shopping bags were banned from grocery retailers early on in the pandemic, I made a set.  And of course, getting dressed meant having a day time pajama set or two.  More gifted masks and one for moi.  

April was the start of a lot of charity sewing,  face masks for others and scrub caps for a nurses at an Ontario care home.  And there were re-useable Swiffer pads and one more piece of sleepwear.  

May

May continued with face masks and scrub caps to be gifted along with a cotton and silk blend slip.  I crossed off sewing a woven brassier from my sewing bucket list.  And as the novelty of wearing pajamas day and night wore off, a few dresses were added to the wardrobe to address the pandemic pounds that crept on this year.  

June

June was a mix of gift, charity and selfish sewing.  I tried out a Burda Petite pattern for what I hoped could be a car coat but it wasn't petite sized enough.  The white and black shirt was to replace a similar shirt that was damaged.  And the cork eye glass case is a much used item this year.  

Slips and scrub caps for others.  Linen pants for my changing body shape and soccer face mask to ease the sadness that the Euro Cup was postponed until next year.  

July

July wasn't a fun month for sewing.  I injured myself when trying to modify the pattern while taping and redrawing pattern lines on the floor before trying to find a table large enough to safely cut out the fabric.  Where the project didn't succeed in breaking my back it did break my heart as time ran out before the project could be completed.  By the time I had the fabrics needed to complete the project (it would be a couple of months before it would arrive), I couldn't get access to the location where I could use a tabled area to cut out the fabric.  It will be the project that messed with my heart and all the joy I felt for sewing.  

The projects that I did manage to make in July are my least favoured, I made the dress because I wasn't able to fit into my summer wardrobe from last year and the top felt more comfortable as a jacket.  Pandemic pounds are starting to bum me out.    

August

While waiting for fabric for the cloak pattern to be decided on, I spent most of my time sewing for others and watching the pandemic news hoping and praying that the local government would mandate face masks in schools.  I crossed off jeans from my sewing bucket list and tried to make my own medical device.  

What I thought would be the last of the scrub caps sent to the care home in Ontario. 

September

The beginning of September was void of cloak fabric and cooling temperatures dictated a need for something warm to wear.  There was a baby outfit cut out as I waited for fabric to be decided on and purchased, it's still hanging out on the unfinished pile.  Fabric for the cloak finally arrived around mid-September but not with appropriate lining fabric added to this, difficulty in the arrangement for a spot with tables large enough to cut out the fabric.  I returned to work at this time as well, making time to cut and sew an added challenge. Tragically, time ran out and I was asked to return the fashion fabric so that someone else to take on this task.  This project crushed me, it broke my heart.  I lost my desire to sew and my desire to to look at my sewing equipment.  I gave away one of my sewing machines.  I couldn't imagine ever wanting to sew again.  

October

Around mid-October, a heart-breaking comment by Rocky Delahunty appeared that spoke of incredible strength and the power of sewing.  I must have read and re-read that comment what felt like a million times before I made my way to unpack and set up the sewing machine by the end of the month.  

November

November's sewing ended up being all about work related needs.  The need for work appropriate clothing that fit while I try to loose weight.  And after success with a new face mask pattern, I made more and gifted a majority of these to school staff who have to wear glasses.  

December

 

December my sewing mojo had not yet returned full swing although it did start to emerge along with another request for more scrub caps. It felt like just a final push to get some requested items done and off the sewing table but this time I learned how to pace myself and take a break when needed. With the exception of the cardigan and one of the black tuques, all of the December makes (plus one more face mask not shown here) have been gifted with some on route to other parts of the country. And there you have it, this year's sewing story.  

This year I have managed to de-stash: 

• 164 metres fabric 
• 1 refashioned sweater
• 1 refashioned sock
• 1 sewing machine
• 2 sewing books
• 1 tomato pin cushion
• 1 package of tailor's chalk
• 4 packages of sewing needles
• 2.7 metres basting tape
• 13.94 metres elastic
• 4 invisible zippers
• 2 jean zippers
• 11.45 metres fusible interfacing
• 34 metres Knit 'N Stable tape
• 28 cord stoppers
• 72.9 metres twill tape / ribbon
• 34.75 metres bias tape (seam binding)
• 1 shoe laces
• 2 metal hook and eye
• 76 buttons
• 4 snaps
• 4.1 metres cord
• 4 labels

So, the question remains... How did I do on my 2020 goals that I set out at the end of 2019?  

1.  Patterns.  I had a goal use the patterns I have and not add anymore to the stash.  There were sixteen patterns added to the stash in 2020.  My bad.  

2.  Charity Sewing.  I can proudly check this one off as complete.  

3.  Explore Cost Saving Tips.  Okay, that fell to the sidelines.  Maybe in 2021?  

4.  Sewing from the stash.  I did happen to add to the stash mostly notions for making face masks otherwise I did sew from the stash.  

5.  Avoid the trappings of trend watching.  Well, the only fashion trend I fell for this year was face masks and I don't regret that at all.  

Stay Safe, Happy Sewing and Wishing you all Health and Joyful times in the New Year!

Cardigan: Vogue 9215

This pattern was found in the reduce pattern pile.  For six dollars, I was willing to give Vogue 9215 a whirl. It is currently an out-of-print (OOP) pattern and still available on the Vogue website.  

It was the "jacket" that captured my interest. Vogue 0215 lists this as an unlined jacket but I would define this garment as a cardigan. There are no front fasteners and it's made out of a cotton knit. 

There was a point early in the sewing process that I thought this would not work out. I'm glad that I continued on because this item is a keeper. 

The pattern envelope shows it as a hip length garment but I'm no where the height of a Vogue model so this one is just about above knee length. And would you believe that I shortened the lower hem by an inch?  The sleeve length was shortened by two and a half inches. I really like the flare of the lower portion and it is comfortable as a topper with a black t-shirt dress. I did omit the side pockets only because I didn't like the construction of the single layer pocket stitched to the front pieces. And I eliminated the centre back seam, placing it on the fold.  

The fabric was a discount section find at Fabricland and was labelled as a cotton knit.  I pre-treated the fabric with a tumble through the washing machine followed by the dryer cycle.  It shrank quite a bit.  The pattern calls for 2.2 metres, I used 2.5 metres prewashed and barely had enough yardage. Which makes me happy that I took the time to preshrink this fabric before hand.   

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt / Knit stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2.5 metres

Fusible Interfacing:  5.9 metres Knit 'N Stable tape

Pattern:  OOP Vogue 9215

Label:  Kylie and the Machine's "Me Made"

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, measuring tape, scissors, pins, pin cushions, tailor's chalk, Jean-a-ma-jig, sewing machine, walking foot, serger, thread, thread clippers, iron, ironing board and tea.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

Top 5: Goals

 

Top 5 Goals: Who knows what 2021 will hold, but we can still set some small or large goals for ourselves. A little bit of sewing every week, taking an online class or attending an online event, learning a new skill, or using that precious fabric! The possibilities are endless.

Sew one more pair of jeans. These were made with Butterick 5682 and TNT pattern that I plan to revisit. I would love to sew a pair of black denim ones but I was using that piece of cloth for face masks, hopefully there is enough yardage for a pair of jeans.   

I have been on a journey to sew a car coat.  This New Look pattern is the second go at this wish item.  

I've out-grown my denim jacket.  It would be nice to have one that I can actually button up.  

This vest minus the godgets has been on my wish list for quite some time.  Maybe in 2021?  

The quest for a white shirt was abandoned this year but the desire for a comfortable crisp white shirt is still alive and well. I really want to give these two patterns a try.  

My sewing goals for the upcoming year is to get to projects that I have been putting off for far too long and sewing comfortable practical items.

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

Headgear Sewing

There has been another request for more scrub caps so I was able to cut nine more from left over pieces of cotton fabric just before Christmas.  You would think that since we're in a lockdown that I might have completed all nine.  Five more from this batch to sew before I search the stash for more cottons.  

I was distracted by the cold weather, the beautiful blanket of snow outside and the need for a new tuque.  So I dug out this 100% wool and got to work on another Toque Pattern by the Littlest Studio, circa 2015.  This one is mine.  Shortly after it came off the sewing machine another request came in so this happened.  

Project Details

Seams:  Lightning bolt / Knit stitch

Seam Finish:  None, all seam allowances are hidden. 

Fabric:  Scrub caps:  3.7 metres; Tuques:  0.8 metres

Patterns:  Free PDF downloadable patterns

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Computer, printer, cutting table, pins, paper scissors, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk, pin cushion, sewing machine, walking foot, thread and tea.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

Merry Christmas

 

To all the readers of this blog, the merriest of Christmas wishes and may the season renew us with new hope, joy and peace.  Stay safe, be kind and above all do good.

And Happy Sewing!

Top 5: Reflections

 

Top 5 Reflections: What did you learn this year? It could be about sewing, but also life lessons that go you through these difficult times.

I learned that non-sewing people have no clue what sewing supplies cost.  

I learned how emotionally devastating and messed up it is to be asked to sew a project during a pandemic when it's hard to find supplies, you're not in the right mind set, there is a lack of funds and when time runs out.    

I learned that jeans are not that hard to sew.  

I learned that charity sewing gave me the greatest joy.  

I learned that wearing pajamas all day, is not all that it's cracked up to be during a lockdown.  I miss dressing up without feeling like I have to launder every piece of clothing when I walk through the door.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

This first part of this post is for Barbara, who requested the recipe for the Amaretti cookies I've been busy making recently. 

I can not take credit for the recipe but I can say after trying countless recipes and making an uncountable amount of flat amaretti cookies this recipe is the best. Listen to the advice on working with a chilled dough unless you're looking for a flat amaretti. And enjoy!  

In sewing news, I have big list of sewing related items to get done. And instead there has been a whole lot of procraftination happening around the work table.  

There is a pair of pants cut out and ready to sew.  

And a request for more scrub caps.

Oh, and a baby onesie waiting for months now to be sewn.  

Not to mention the pile of mending I should tackle.  

Thank goodness there were no Christmas gifts to be sewn this year.  

At least I can say the buttons are sorted.  

Well, that's all in sewing news today. I hope you enjoy the season despite it being quite different this year.  And maybe enjoy some sewing.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

Top 5 Highlights

 

Top 5 Non-Sewing Highlights: Usually we suggest you might talk about vacations or adventures, but this year more than most, your highlights might be small pleasures – learning to bake, nature walks, or just that fact that you were out of bed and clothes some days. Victories look different to everyone!

You know, recently a very wise grade 6 student said, "this year has been really sucky." That very wise student is right, but there are some positive things that we can highlight.  

The news of the election win for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris was welcome news on this corner of my world.

So was news on the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, the approval by Health Canada and the fact that it's starting to be administered to health care workers and the elderly around the world as we still struggle to control the spread of the virus. Small victory but an important one.  

After nearly twenty years of trying out countless recipes for Amaretti cookies I discovered the little secret of making ones that are not flat as crepes.  

This year I continued to read books and the life stories told by Immaculee Ilibagiza. These books continued to touch me in a profound way. It brought me joy to share these with others in my life who were willing to read these stories.  

Even though, 2020 has been kind of "sucky" for many reasons, Immaculee Ilibagiza books and others in my life have been a reminder that even though there has been great suffering this year for many people, if we look in the right places we can find great joy.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

Top Five Misses

 

Top 5 Misses: We all have fails – now is the time to share the items that never got finished, were unwearable, or just didn’t work out how you wanted!

Early in the year I started on a quest for "the perfect white shirt."  This one is not it. As a matter of fact, this one is a little snug and hasn't yet been worn in public.  Although, the quest has been side-tracked, the hope to make "the perfect white shirt" continues.   

I thought this would turn out to be a wearable muslin. The Burda pattern envelope states it's a petite sized pattern but somehow that was not how it fit.

Shortly after I finished sewing these silk pajama bottoms, pandemic pounds mysteriously appeared and made them unwearable.  I hope to fit into them one day.  

This project never came to be and broke my heart.  

In theory, I thought a pair of corduroy pants would be a cool thing. The fabric for this style of pants was all wrong. 

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

Now I Feel Like Sewing 100 More Face Masks!

Oh goodness.  

So, I almost spit up my coffee this morning when I read a comment awaiting approval that started off with "Please don't post face masks..."

The comment will not be posted because it contains an unsolicited link. I don't approve comments that contain external links. Added to that, this is a sewing blog. I post what I sew. 

If what I sew is offensive to you, please, move along. This blog is a record of what I make and what I've stash-busted.  Okay, jumping off the soap box.  Continue on sewing.   

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!    

Top 5 Hits

 

Top 5 Highlights: What are the best/most worn items you sewed this year?  

These boot-legged jeans are not a most-worn item but made the hit-list because they fit and I procrastinated on cutting into a precious piece of 100% cotton fabric with fear that I might not get the fit right.  The pattern, Butterick 5682, is a keeper.  

This shirt made the hit-list because it's too much fun to wear, made in time to celebrate National Flag of Canada Day.  It is made with Butterick 6325.  And just like the jeans it was an item that I was waiting a long time to get around and make.  

The global pandemic played havoc with our everyday life and early on with news that the Euro Cup was cancelled this face mask got me through the unknown.  This most-worn item is made with the Dhurata face mask pattern.  

Seriously, kicking myself for ever buying a disposable filter.  This reusable filter is the best.  

This eye-glass case is not only the best, it's also an often used item.  And best part is that it was made with cork fabric scraps I had kicking around.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!