2015 in review and looking ahead

2015 was a great year. In my non-sewing life I finished nursing school and passed the NCLEX to become an RN. In August I started my first job in the oncology/telemetry unit at the local hospital. I love it! What a relief to go through three years of torture and still feel like I am where I'm supposed to be. God is good.

Don't get me wrong. It's mentally, physically and emotionally tough, and there are days when I don't feel cut out for it. The burden of keeping sick people safe is overwhelming at times. So I take a breath, let it out slowly and reprioritize. Motherhood has been excellent preparation for that.

Speaking of motherhood, the girls are so fun. Most of the time. By a slim majority. Ha! They are two and four and I'm pretty sure I'm causing them permanent emotional damage. I do a lot of singing Daniel Tiger. To the girls: "When you need to go potty, stop and go right away...". To myself: "When you feel so mad that you want to roar, take a take breath and count to four." And chocolate. Daily chocolate is involved.

Here's my favorite pic from this year of them:



From back in June by my talented neighbor Audra Terry Photography

They are such good friends and playmates. It makes me so happy to watch how loving they are with each other.

On to sewing!

My goals for 2015 were:

- Make 50% of the girls' clothing
- Make more clothes for myself (specifically, workout leggings and a chambray shirtdress)
- Learn to use the serger

With these guidelines:
- Use patterns I already own or free patterns when possible
- Try to use fabric stash first (use two fabrics from stash for every new fabric purchased)
- Explore fabrics beyond quilting cotton

How'd I do?

I think I made 50% of the girls' clothing. In hindsight, that was hard to measure. I buy clothes on clearance at the end of the season, my mom buys clothes and I occasionally thrift store shop.

I made a few items of clothing for myself, but nothing very structured. And my shirtdress pattern was the wrong size range. Wah, wah, wah.    

I learned how to use my serger. In December. When I knew I the deadline for completing my goal was looming. Holy cow! Why did it take me so long? It wasn't as complicated as I anticipated and I love the results.

I expanded my pattern and fabric stash a bit more than I meant to. Ooops. But part of it was expanded by buying more garment fabrics and needed patterns for myself so I don't feel bad about part of it. And I don't feel that bad about the totally frivolous other purchases to be honest.

I did really well sewing with non-quilting cotton. Probably 90% of my projects were non-quilting cotton. And since I'm a bad blogger and don't keep track well, I'm not really sure how many projects I completed this year. Counting them up in my head I got past 50 which totally surprised me. I would have guessed 20-30. I guess I sew more than I realize.

2016 Re-sew-lutions

1) Make more of my own clothes. Something fitted from the black and white gingham voile. The jersey wrap dress I've already muslined and cut out. Winter running clothes from the microfleece I just bought.

2) Do more embroidery. Learn some actual stitches.

3) Make the girls' dresses, leggings, swimsuits, skirts, fancy jackets. Don't feel guilty about buying t-shirts, jeans and underwear.

4) Only buy patterns or fabric as needed if I have checked and don't have something that will work. I have a pretty extensive pattern collection, so I shouldn't need to buy any! Fabric? That's a different story. I still shouldn't need to buy too much, though. To help me meet this goal and bust my stash a little, I'm setting a limit on how much I spend on sewing supplies. I'm being pretty generous at $100 a quarter. $400 for the year. After all, goals should be realistic.

5) Start a sewing journal to keep track of ideas and completed (or paused) projects. I guess some people use Instagram for this, but I'm leaning towards good old-fashioned pen and paper.

6) Finish some of my unfinished sewing projects!

What are your goals for the near future (sewing or otherwise)?

Hearts for FrancesSuzanne

Here is a top for Stella to wear to preschool this Fall (that was long time in the making).

I got the pattern a couple years ago on sale, but didn't make it because I was afraid of knits and the fit issues I often have with McCall's patterns.

But, I've gotten over my fear of knits and it landed on my Fall sewing wish list. Next came fabric choice, and after much waffling, I remembered this polka dot ponte de roma from Girl Charlee I bought a year ago. Unlike the other pontes I've sewn with from them, this is nice stuff and feels like it will hold up well.

The top sewed up quickly and fit well (and I'll admit I didn't read the instructions so I can't comment on them), but it needed more. I had wanted so badly to participate in August's Project Run and Play, but didn't get the chance. And then I read Ashley and Emily's (of Frances Suzanne) tragic news and my heart has been aching for them. So I appliqued hearts onto the top.

The embroidery isn't up to FrancesSuzanne standards, but it's my first attempt at anything like this. I've no idea if I did it right, but while I worked, I thought and prayed for those three little girls, their momma and their aunts. These hearts are for them.

She wanted me to take a picture of the hearts so she's sticking out her chest :)

It's strange how we get to know each other in the blogging community by reading each others' posts. I appreciate the honesty with which bloggers share their lives, but sometimes I feel like I'm watching through a living room window. Like I'm invading their privacy. But as I sat and cried through Ashley and Emily's post, it felt nothing like that. It felt like someone in my community suffered a massive loss. Three little girls lost their dad, a wife lost her husband. I'm glad that the blogging community could offer support and send up prayers on their behalf. I'm so glad I have the chance to offer my support and prayer, even though I've never met them, and am all the way out in Oregon.




Details on shirt:
- Pattern: McCall's 6785 view A (only modification was unintended - I made the hood double-layered because that's how the Bimaa is and I didn't read the instructions on this one. Whoops.) I made a size 3 and don't remember if I added any length for my tall 4 year old with chest/waist/hips measurements of 22"/21"/23".
- Fabric: Ponte de roma from Girl Charlee (out of stock) and Kaufman Laguna Cotton Jersey knit in Cherry (accent)
- Pellon (Ek130 Easy-Knit) knit fusible interfacing on applique
- Black DMC embroidery thread (I used 3 strands)
 

 

They both wanted to show their ponytails.

 

Minky, minky everywhere...

A couple months ago, on the day Stella had an appointment to see the orthopedic surgeon, her favorite twirly skirt was dirty. What's a sewing mom to do? Whip out a new one of course! We went to the stash and I let her pick out any knit fabric she wanted (I didn't want to hem or finish edges). She ignored my urgings of one of my more normal knits and chose this light blue minky. Now, I can't blame her, it's incredibly soft and cuddly and the aqua color is gorgeous.

So anyways, I churned this sucker out in 10 minutes. (Don't look at the sewing too closely, speed was important, not quality.) It's a normal circle skirt with an elastic waistband. Here is a good circle skirt tutorial for woven fabrics. For knit I've used the Figgy's circle skirt tutorial in the past (but can't find it now). Both the minky and elastic are from Joann's.

After her surgery I found out that normal sleeves just wouldn't fit, I saw the opportunity to finally sew the red riding hood cape from the oliver + s Little Things to Sew book. I used the minky again and some thinner pink fleece from 'da stash (bought a couple years ago from the Rain Shed) that Stella also got to pick out. I put buttons on both sides so it's reversible. It's lovely! I'm glad I had a reason to sew this pattern.

Stella didn't want to model it, but Charlotte did!

Hey, that's a cupcake. I need to eat that.

Yep. Tastes good.

Often people look at me in amazement when Stella tells them I made something she's wearing and say, "When do you have time for that?" I usually just give a non-committal stutter and say something like, "Oh, well, you know..". The truth is that I make time for it. It's important to me and makes me happy, so I make time for it. I don't really understand why sewing in the evenings when my hubby's at work, or squeezing in a seam here and there throughout the day helps me feel better. You'd think getting adequate sleep would be a better option. Ha. Before we had kids, gardening filled that creative/constructive role for me, but gardening is much harder to do after the kids go to bed (or with the kids awake). I feel like I'm spinning my wheels when all I get done is cleaning a house that will get dirty again, fixing meals that will need fixing again and washing endless laundry. Truly endless laundry. I don't really enjoy that stuff anyway, and, consequently, I'm not very good at it. But sewing? I have great love for the struggle and triumph of sewing.

Where was I going with that? Ah yes, sewing these items helped me cope with my baby breaking her arm and having surgery for placing pins. Man, that would have been a faster way to write that.

(She's doing great now and all healed up.) Here's a couple extra cute kid photos just for fun.

Blurry, but sister love is so cute!

I made something for myself!

This is the first item of clothing I've made for myself that fits and I actually like and wear!

I bought the Sew Simple Leggings by So Sew Easy last Fall when Indiesew had a promotion going on. I think they were $2.40 or something like that. Regularly $2.95. Hallelujah! And the instructions are fantastic with all the necessary measurements so you can adapt the pattern to fit your body. There's even a video to make sure you measure the right spots.

(See, good for yoga)

It might be a little strange, but I don't have a full length mirror. If I want to see what my shoes look like with an outfit, I stand on the toilet. So getting pictures of leggings meant pulling out this half mirror that we inherited with the house. Unfortunately, there aren't any good rooms in the house for taking pictures, so you'll have to take my word on it that the leggings look and fit like leggings should.

Flirting with herself and proof the mirror was clean when we started. She's holding the evidence.

Baby yoga is cuter.

I really like the whole leggings look and the comfort of them, but the ones I've bought from big box stores hit me right across my muffin top. I've got a long torso, and my baby leftovers have staked their claim on my belly and love handles. (Dieting would probably help with that, but I really hate dieting.) The extra inches on my belly combined with my skinny butt make pants have to fight for their lives to stay up, and I spend quite a bit of time while jogging janking my pants up. It's frustrating, and I don't need any more hurdles to getting motivated to exercise.

A little rabbit trail about body image -- I'm trying really hard to like my body the way it is. I'd like to lose some weight for the sake of fitting into more of my own clothes, but I'm not spending time doing P90x workout videos like I did after Stella was born. I am trying to fit in exercise when I can, because it's important to be healthy and strong, but I'm not stressing about it. My motivation to improve the way I feel about my body is my children. I want my girls (and any future boys) to have an example of a momma who is comfortable and strong in the body God gave her. Who is fine being an XL. A momma who is not denying herself delicious, nourishing food, or making exercising a priority over family time. I get it if it's someone's chosen self-care, but I already have sewing :)

To try to make pants capable of staying up, I lengthened the rise so they would sit at my waist. It feels funny to wear such high-waisted bottoms not pregnant, but they're so comfy.



Highwaisted, underwear lines and fingerprints.

Sewing workout leggings was one of my sewing goals for 2015 and I actually sewed them on New Year's Eve of 2014. (And they are getting blogged about now. Oh well.) But, the first time out jogging they failed! I didn't make the elastic tight enough. So, I cut a couple holes in the waistband and threaded a spare shoelace through. Now, when I go for a jog I just cinch those suckers up and they don't have a chance of falling down. Then I can loosen them up during non-workout wear so I don't lose feeling in my legs if I sit down.  

I love jogging in these. (Okay, that's a lie. I don't hate jogging as much when I'm wearing these.) It's amazing how much nicer jogging is when I'm not afraid that at any moment I will be mooning people.

Pattern: Sew Simple Leggings by So Sew Easy

Sizing: Really extensive sizing chart and they fit well.

Material used: Performance knit from Joann's. A really nice weight for winter. Warm with a comfy brushed interior, but not hot. These also make an excellent base layer.

Notions needed: Elastic and I added a drawstring

Appropriately rated: Yes. Rated beginner and a great beginner project.

Time spent: Took an hour or so measuring and grading the pattern and then another hour cutting, sewing and adjusting. The next pair will be much quicker.

Modifications: I lengthened the rise and added a drawstring.

Comments: This pattern is great and for the price you can't help but add it to your pattern library!

2015 sewing goals and a 2014 recap

Sooo... it's that time of year to make New Year's resolutions and I'm just not feeling the whole lose weight/get in shape goals I often make. Sewing resolutions? Totally feeling it. During 2014 I accomplished some informal goals I had of sewing with knits, a swimsuit, outerwear, using more of the patterns I already own and sewing more in general. I also tried to sew for myself three times and failed. Three times. Bahh.
 

Goals for 2015:

(In general, goals should be realistic, specific and measurable, so here goes)

- Make 50% of the girls' clothing
- Make more clothes for myself (specifically, workout leggings and a chambray shirtdress)
- Learn to use the serger

These are more like guidelines:
- Use patterns I already own or free patterns when possible
- Try to use fabric stash first (use two fabrics from stash for every new fabric purchased)
- Explore fabrics beyond quilting cotton


2014 Recap:
 
So what was my favorite item I sewed this past year?
 
Maybe this (blogged about here):



Nituna Jacket

 Or this Bimaa (never blogged but well loved):

Or this Nantucket one-piece by peek-a-boo patterns (a swimsuit! Also never blogged about and then it died a gritty death thanks to a dirty lake):

 Or maybe this backpack from the Oliver + s Little things to sew book:

What was Stella's favorite? I didn't ask her because she's asleep, but I'm guessing she'd say this incredibly ridiculous dress (Seriously? What was I thinking. Just because you might think every little girl needs a rainbow dress, doesn't mean every little girl needs a rainbow dress.):



Party dress free pattern by the Cottage Mama

 Or maybe this dress, which was also the most challenging thing I made this year:



Modified fairy tale dress by Oliver + s

 

Most worn item?

 

While it's shaping up to be the nituna jacket at the top of the post, this skirt was worn a TON. I think it's because a skirt usually gets pulled on over pants whenever Stella gets the opportunity and this one was marketed to her as pirate-esque. Thanks to Jake and the Neverland Pirates, we went through a big pirate phase this year. I was totally okay with it, because I love this skirt. It was such a happy sew. I made it for Stella to wear for Mother's Day and the colors remind me of Guatemala.



 

 
 This is also worn a lot by the little one. It's the perfect weight for chilly winter days.

Lullaby layette jacket and happy Charlotte
 

So what are your sewing (or non-sewing) goals for 2015?

Christmas treats...

I love baking.  It is so rewarding to take the individual ingredients and blend them together in just the right ratios so that the end product is worthy of savoring.  And I really love the savoring.  A welcome break from school and my favorite holiday (Christmas!) is the perfect excuse to get the kitchen nice and messy.

First, we celebrated my husband's birthday with pizza and cake.  Pizza dough recipe was from the smitten kitchen, and Lt. Dan's Truffle Cake was from my first cookbook. My aunt gave it to me when I was maybe twelve, and every recipe I've tried from it has been a success. 

Don't worry, my husband isn't 14.  I didn't want to burn the house down :)

Tragedy in Colorado

If you didn't see any news today, there was a shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado and 12 people died last night at midnight.  58 more were injured.  How can a person do that?  I have so many questions about how and why this happened, but I want to focus on just one.

What can I do to keep this from happening again?

Am I showing the love of God in all my interactions?  None of the people I have relationships with are capable of anything like this, but who knows how many people I walk by in the grocery store have thought about shooting into a crowd.  I have a brief chance to make a tiny difference in their day.  The next time I'm in a bad mood or want to scowl at a stranger or simply ignore them, I will try not to.  Not in fear that they will shoot me, but to try to show them a little love.  As my little girl grows up, I'll try to teach her to do the same.  We pray with her every day at bedtime, and I always pray that she will be happy and healthy, but most of all love God.  If you love God, you'll love others.  Even when it's hard. 

That's all I have to say about it tonight.