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Kat's New Year's Resolutions

I have craft-related resolutions every year but inspired by Katharine I’m going to put them out in public this year!

A new project

Three big ones here! 

Inspired by Stef I want to make a body-double/mannequin, which should help with fitting and various other issues that occur when you sew on your own. I'm planning on using the Bootstrap pattern though I’m postponing this project until spring because I foresee a few changes in my body shape (imminent move from overworked freelancer to more chill person with a permanent job should free up a few hours in the week for working out).

A friend and I are going to tackle trousers, specifically the Closet Core Jenny pattern. I’m not sure I need overalls but I really like the high-waisted wide-legged trousers. Ideally I would perfect the fit, then make three pairs in different fabrics and never think about trousers again.

To complete Levelling Up Workwear I also want to see if I can make a buttoned shirt to fit me…

And there is a Secret Outfit project too but shhh.

2. Finishing something from your abandoned-works-in-progress-pile-of-doom

Excuse me, my abandoned/in progress works are in a neatly organised box, not a pile. 

I made a decent dent in it during first lockdown but it’s still more than I would like. I also cleared out most of the easy wins so now there are mostly things like “colourwork cardigan on 2.75mm needles where the stitch count is off” and “Estonian lace shawl in slippery yarn” left. Another friend said she found my weekly updates during lockdown really inspiring so I have made a private instagram account to photograph the state of the box (and some other things, including my mending basket) every week which will hopefully encourage me to move some of those things along! (Feel free to message me if you want to see this.)

I also have a few ongoing projects which might not get finished but should at least progress – a sampler quilt, an EPP quilt made with Wilson’s shirts and an epic sock yarn blanket.

3. Learning or practicing new skills & techniques or trying something new

I always want to learn all the things. Currently definitely on the list for 2021 are: the virtual sprang workshop run by the Braid Society (this is a technique that is brand new to me), trying tatting again – Katharine so kindly sent me her inherited supplies last year but I got discouraged and then busy, finally using the nålbinding needle I bought in a fit of insomnia and enthusiasm a couple of months ago. I have also agreed to teach someone how to use sewing patterns which is new to me (and also to them I suppose).

4. #StashDown

This is on my list every year. I have been doing all right with yarn (I think I bought two skeins in 2020 and was given about three more) but fabric has been a bit of a different story. Going to attempt the “use three, buy one” strategy (where “buy one” is not compulsory). Yarn should stay at zero. (Both of these will be put on hold as soon as travelling anywhere is allowed again.)


PS apologies for no photos, I am busy with my first two projects of the year already – will hopefully add later!

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