2013 Project Ideas

Ah, so much sewing and knitting and so little time!

I've been keeping an eye on pattern websites like a hawk-- any time something is updated, I rush over to see what the Big 4 (+BurdaStyle) have released... and don't even get me started on Ravelry!

I think that for 2013, I'll be trying to make myself a new garment every couple weeks- I want to aim for 2 a month. After vowing to NEVER BUY A PAIR OF JEANS AGAIN, EVER-- I need to really revitalize my wardrobe- otherwise I'll wear out what I have left pretty quickly. My mother disagrees with my philosophy overall, though. She says jeans don't lie and are a surefire way to keep track of my weight.

Regardless of all that, I'm happy to say that I'm happy with most of my closet-- I've been thinning it out and have a huge pile of things that need to be donated or sold. Making my own clothes, though? That will keep it curated and me happy. Besides, I'm frankly starting to get bored of things and need new pieces.

Here are a few patterns that look really nice and I HOPE I can make, time allowing. You can follow my Pinterest board with all my sewing ideas, though!

BurdaStyle Princess Sheath 01-2013 #107

How beautiful is this?! This dress would most certainly require getting my FBA down using princess seams, but why not? It'd be a challenge and I'm sure the toile stage will be a long one. But it's so classy and beautiful! I would love a version in pink like the model--- but a dark, heathered grey wool? The color scheme might even blend in nicely here in SF.

BurdaStyle Side Panel Dress 01-2013 #102A

Definitely not my normal style dress, but I think I could make it work. Most RTW in this style don't fit me AT ALL--- but if I'm making it myself- it could be a complete difference. I would raise the waist line to fit my natural waist--- rather than my high hips (as is usually the case :/ )-- and maybe flare it out a bit more for the hips as well. Plus being able to make my own waist tie in proportion to my actual waist? Perfect idea. I think this dress would look great in Pantone's Grayed Jade-- very seasonal.

Butterick B5814

I love how this would be absolutely PERFECT for Valentine's Day! Yes, it might be the sample colors, but damn it, it's the truth! I've never worked with boning so it'd definitely be a learning experience-- but I can imagine making this in red or black and it looking absolutely sexy and stunning. Here in the city I would most certainly need a great cape to match it, too. But I can totally picture myself in something as sultry!

McCall's M5525

A lot of the designs on this particular pattern are great... but I actually only really want the traditional trenchcoat design-- how bratty is that?! The yellow one is also kind of nice-- the neckline is lovely. But frankly, I've wanted a traditional trench for YEARS. I've never owned one-- and as much as I want the tried and true Burberry--- right now I can only dream! There are some really great ones out there--- the one I would LOVE from Burberry is trimmed in leather. I'm sure I can arrange that in my own handmade version...! Somehow, making it myself, and possibly spending 80$+ on materials--- I'm happy with it. The possibilities are more rewarding, I feel. 

Anthropologie Ascot Bow Scarf

78$? Anthropologie, you must be trippin'!! I checked out this scarf in person, and the real-life version is most certainly not that rewarding. The scarf was very scratching and not particular warm and cuddly... Wool and acrylic? Really? I know it can help the bow keep its shape, but I wouldn't pay 80$ for something as uncomfortable. I can't imagine this scarf needing more than 300 yards. I'm thinking of an alpaca, cotton blend with a sturdy hand--- and in this color. The stitching is super simple, too, so I know I could finish it quickly. The bow itself needs some wrangling, though, and some good clasps to keep it together. Momentary engineering feat, of course, but otherwise, a great rewarding project that I know would work with SO MANY of my outfits. It fits right in and I'd look great in it!

Overall, I'm really looking forward to all the great ideas floating in my mind for 2013. My skills have developed so much over this past year-- I'm actually really proud of what I've learned in 2012. I honestly can't wait to be a better seamstress next year. Who knows all the new skills I'm going to learn?

Completed: That Speckled Skirt + New Blouse

The skirt turned out surprisingly well, I'm happy to report. My new-found craving for learning couture sewing techniques has really driven me to expect nothing but excellence in hand sewing (time permitting)-- holding myself to a higher standard, you know? Granted, my hand stitching is still not the absolute best, but I'm determined to get there (eventually).

I Want an Ugly Man Sweater.

It's September and what does that mean to me? I have better start knitting, otherwise I'll not be prepared for when the real cold hits! So far right now there is still time to start knitting up a storm-- but if I wait until the end of October I won't finish in time!

A few weeks ago I posted a Polyvore set with a 300$ MAJE sweater and I've been scouring Ravelry for similar sweaters that won't make me go insane. I want a cable knit sweater, but here are my main dilemmas: I've never made knit sweaters before. Also, I've never made cables in a knitted garment. Both I hear are relatively easy feats- but I know I intimidate myself without a doubt... especially since most of the patterns I've come across involve charted directions.

Cables and Lace Cardigan

This sweater is kind of fitting the mood that I wanted to go with-- chunky "whatever" sweater that is bulky and with little shape. I know that sounds super weird... but I want a sweater I can throw over cute dresses and that really balance out the look. Cute dress, tights, fedora, oxfords-- and a chunky, big sweater. The sleeves would probably be made longer, though, because 3/4? Only in moderate climates. 

Stonecutters Cardigan

Lots of cables- lots. But the collar is my favorite part of this particular piece. And-- generally this sort of look doesn't ever really lose its appeal. But so many cables! Eep.

Rosewood Cardigan

I really like this sweater because it's simple and to the point. Plus it looks like the majority of it is made in stockinette with just the single cable along the edge-- enough to get my feet wet when it comes to that design motif! Paid pattern, however.

Aidez

Of all the patterns I saw, Aidez is my favorite. It has enough variety to be exciting and it also looks like it'd be fun and challenging. The big cable pattern on the back also looks delicious!

Most of the patterns I've found require 1000+ yards of yarn... so as much as I would love this sweater to be something awesome like angora or alpaca- I may have to settle for something less luxurious. But,  I think if I can source something online, I may be able to figure out how to use something delicious. I'll probably be getting supplies in a little over a week... Anyone down for a fall sweater knit-along?

Completed Sewing Project: Cherry Print Wiggle Dress

I'm actually really proud at how busy and motivated I've been in the last few weeks- it feels amazing. I know a lot of people don't necessarily see being busy as being a good thing... but I'm happy because I'm getting so much done, all the time. Lots of projects under my belt, lots more on the table. I think also starting to have a dedicated sewing space has helped!

My most recent project is for my upcoming birthday party!

The above picture is an in-progress, but it's completed now and basically looks... like the above pictures! Sans the white basting lines. I still haven't worn it out yet, though, so cute pictures haven't been taken.

But a cherry dress? Oh yes. This is after scouring Joann's Fabrics for a lemon print like I posted about a few weeks ago. I see this as a practice run for that dress, however! After making this dress, I'm hoping round two is a little more precise with less random pulling and seams that match up a little bit better. It's probably a good thing that this print is so busy- most of my mistakes aren't visible unless you're looking for them! (...but I know they're there!)

Anyway, I used a combination of McCall's M5972 (from my SpringGreen dress, but I used the pencil skirt portion) and M6557 (for the bodice).

I lucked out with the bodice because it was originally designed for petites so that was one issue down. I still had to do a FBA which was interesting considering the pleating at the center front. I kind of winged it, though, and it turned out better than I had anticipated!

Next I attempt this dress (with a lemon print, damn it!), I'll probably be changing the size of the pleats because they didn't match up the other seams somewhere along the way... but either way, with a quick FBA, the bodice was perfect. 

Swigglies and Wigglies and All Sorts of Circles.

I had a moment of clarity yesterday that I really need to get on working on my personal collections + portfolio, like... ASAP. Between school things picking up and work taking a crazy turn for me, I just feel like I need to get on it and start producing things at home. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

My goal right now for my portfolio is to create a Spring/Summer 2012 textile collection, due by May 1 (holding myself accountable!) My inspiration is a mixture of Polish pottery as well as Pysany eggs.

I love how bright and geometric everything is! I think they're all very charming and I can't wait to explore these designs and their history!

I've all ready started practicing some of the motifs and drawing some designs.

I probably don't have to watermark... but I figure that maybe I should start getting into the habit. Don't know. Maybe!

My plan of attack is as follows: 

• Look at more pots and more eggs. Haha- yes.
• Draw some more thumbnails
• Finalize said thumbnails
• Make 10x10in paintings of each pattern (watercolor, gauche, marker? Hmph...)
• Get my printing on 

I think I just need to approach this a little more professionally than I have been lately, but I'm confident I can get it together. For a spring/summer collection I'll be looking into linen and light polyesters and ahhhh- I can't wait to get started! Considering how I'm practicing croquis drawings right now, I might be able to do some rendering for how I would like each print used-- and who knows, maybe I can do something with the prints? Don't know. We'll see. 

When it comes down to it, I'm just happy to get started. 

If only I wasn't so busy and didn't have the carpal tunnel!

Here it is the middle of February and I really feel like I've missed out on the tradition of knitting in the winter. It's been about a year since I've taught myself using YouTube videos that I would repeat over and over again until I got the technique down. As for any new techniques? The last thing I learned was lace. Cables? Don't even get me started! I have yet to dive into those things!

Still, not knitting due to being busy again hasn't stopped me from looking through every once in a while at Ravelry and seeing the amazing patterns that get posted. I think I'll try and squeeze in a scarf and maybe some socks in for when it starts raining cats and dogs here in The City... Due to trial and error, I know I need long socks for my new rain boots!

Twisted by Jodie Gordon Lucas @ Ravelry

Cadence Socks by verybusymonkey @ Ravelry

Podster Gloves by Glenna C. @ Ravelry

GAP-tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley @ Ravelry

Strangling Vine Lace Scarf by Nicole Hindes @ Ravelry

Spring Beret by Natalie Larson @ Ravelry

'Sparkling mango and orange', I declare.

I've tried over and over to write a post about my social surroundings, always with the same intent each and every time: Jane Austen has shaped my world view dramatically. The familiar mental imagery of sitting in a drawing room, surrounded by wonderfully crisp people, talking about life, the universe, and everything seems to prevail.

Frederic Soulacroix - The Tea Party

All this happens in tones that reflect contempt, happiness, and admiration (and tones that do not). All this springs to mind when I meet someone new or I have a dramatic revelation in my social life. Nearly all of this is shaped by Austen's observation of life-- of why people think and say the things they do, their mannerisms and mentalities and intentions.

Mary Cassat - Tea

Do I see myself as an observer of life? ... maybe not so much as others. But it does bring up the point of how I deeply enjoy patterns in all forms: patterns in fabric, patterns in behavior, patterns in emotions. Even my love of tarot is based on my love of patterns.

Pattern by Julia Rothman


A big, living example of all this is sitting in a circle of friends and somehow removing myself from their conversation to simply watch. You focus on one person and see how their facial expressions betray their actual words and conclude the deceit. Or maybe with another person, observe how they lean in in genuine happiness then recoil in surprise. Yes, it's a rather bizarre form of "people watching"-- especially when its focused on people I know personally, but I like it nonetheless. I love seeing how people tick and the things they lie about, are happy about, and sometimes (unsuccessfully) hide.

I guess my point when it comes to all this, I'm constantly stunned and even shocked at how bluntly and without even a veil of decency some people can communicate. It's more than just uttering curse words (fuck! shit! cock sucker!)--- but more about lack of thought that goes into the words they chose and what they want to get from the conversation.

I'm coming to the conclusion that some people plainly don't think about what weight their words and attitude will have in the long term; how acutely their subtle decisions change people's perception of them.

The prevailing attitude of today is "FUCK IT!"-- almost an abuse of freedom and intellect simultaneously. Yes, just say "fuck it" and say what you want: it's the easy thing to do and frankly very selfish. But how does that make interactions with others easier or harder in the long term? Easier at face value. But that attitude ultimately rots the social core from the inside out and that attitude catches up in the long term.

I'm not condoning manipulation through the medium of conversation... which is the other extreme. Choosing words wisely and with thought out precision should be the goal and a huge weight on conversations. So many people fail to see that point and end up running their mouth for no reason other than to hear themselves speak. Its unfortunate. I'm sure the characters in Jane Austen's books would consider them rude.