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New Year Resolutions - Update

Back in January I blogged about my crafting intentions for this year - and seeing as it's April already I thought an update would be good! 


1. A new project: making myself clothes

I have succeeded in making myself the York Pinafore by Helen's Closet 🎊🎊

I want to write up the experience in a separate blog post so I'll just post a quick pic here:


The dress is made from sales fabric that I got cheaply and was intended to be a 'wearable toile' - a test piece that you won't be heartbroken if it goes wrong, but can wear if it goes right! I still intend to make another York Pinafore in nicer fabric.

I've also managed to make a top for my daughter, which was my first foray into sewing with knit fabric:


It's definitely tricky not to let the stretch fabric, well, stretch during sewing, but I managed to avoid it too badly everywhere except the neckline, which as you can see if quite wobbly. Still I was pleased with it for a first try!


2. Finishing something: cross-stitch

I resolved to finish a birth sampler for a friend's son which I wanted to finish by his birthday in May. I made good progress on this which has now stalled a little, so I need to get a move on to get it done by the deadline!



3. Learning new skills: dressmaking

I have definitely been learning new skills while working on the clothes described above, and some others still in progress. I've also found the sewing community to be so generous with tips, help and advice.

New techniques practiced recently: gathering, sewing darts, sewing bias binding, adding patch pockets, adding in-seam pockets, making a lined bodice, under-stitching, sewing a placket...

Soon to be learned skills: buttonholes! Bit nervous of this one but a few YouTube tutorials should see me right.

Image from Makezine

4. #StashDown

Ummmmm, no. Not really. Stash up, more like! I have been enjoying buying fabric and learning how to match fabric to a pattern. I've also had people give me scrap fabric like curtains and duvet covers, so I will be able to make more practice toiles out of them!


Updated resolutions:

  • Finish the cross stitch for May birthday
  • Finish current dressmaking projects (PJ shorts set, dress for daughter, Tessuti Apron)
  • Work on my Jacobin Day quilt blocks (blog post about this coming soon!)
  • Make York Pinafore in better fabric using alterations/lessons learned from making toile
  • Experiment with Cashmerette Upton pattern using curtains to make toiles

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