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?

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?

Fall Outfit Planning

So since I'm planning on having all my outfits handmade/vintage/second hand, I figure it'd be fun to list out what sorts of things I'd like to do for the fall, including the patterns I would like to use and buy and blahblah. Though to be honest, the most annoying part of the entire thing is finding the correct patterned fabric... Hmph. I really just have to find cool places to source from.

Fall 2012 - Lemon Tree by aquavert featuring slip on shoes

How fun is that lemon print? I found a place in Berkeley earlier this year that has amazing fruit prints and I'm 99% sure they have something similar to this fun lemon-y print! With some cute flats, cross-body little bag, cardigan and scarf? Perfect for a day off. The pattern I found (McCall's M6557) is probably the closest that I could find that's still in print... with a modified pencil skirt piece, I think it'd be pretty simple. The trick might be after I my FBA, being able to add the keyhole zipper top... Not necessary, but I think it'd be adorable. Also, it fits in with one of my favorite colors from Fall 2012 Pantone color: Honey Gold.

Fall 2012: Blues and Greens by aquavert featuring high heels

I've never made anything with a collar so this one would be interesting, I think. Still though, for something a little more dressy, this one would be fun. Semi-dressy. And definitely not in khaki: I want Olympian Blue or Aquamarine Green. I think contrasting tights, shoulder bag, trench coat, little boots? It reminds me of rain, but in a happy way.

Fall 2012: Cool Weather and Cute by aquavert featuring oxford shoes

Not exactly the same, but I think a simple sash belt and matching peter pan collar is a piece of cake. I'm not sure I would add the contrast color to the button area, but more than likely would. The breast pocket flaps- no. I don't need more attention called to that area! As for the colors, Rose Smoke and French Roast! I think a beautiful fabric with a delicate design in those colors would be simple for me to match in my closet. Matching accessories like a (handmade!!) chunky cable sweater, fedora or felt hat, black tights and flats.

As of right now I have the sewing pattern from the last set-- so I'm really excited about that. Considering I have a lot of sewing projects going on, I won't be making that soon... but probably starting in September I'll start picking away at these ideas.

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

Green work means beautiful origami to me.

Lack of posts definitely doesn't equal lack of creative action, I'm glad to report. I've actually been busy every single day working on projects. I've been inspired by browsing Craftgawker during my breaks at work and combining some of those projects with things I can all ready do. I can't wait to take on more mini projects.

The items that took the longest have been my book paper wreaths. I was inspired by seeing a tutorial at Living with Lindsay and figured I could make one for my room which while cluttered, doesn't have much decoration. 

I received a company book a couple weeks back and really had no intention of reading it. I thought I should re-purpose it into something cool.

This step was actually the most annoying. I all ready dislike styrofoam-- cutting it is even worse! Not only is it messy, but pushing anything through it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. Glad I put up with it, though-- a regular styrofoam wreath form costs nearly 6USD; I purchased this flat circle for 1USD.

This step was the most time consuming. I was able to watch the entirety of Gone with the Wind during the rolling and gluing process. And by the entirety, I mean the entire four hours and then some.

I'm actually extremely happy and proud with how these came out! They look amazing on my wall and definitely make the room look lighter. I used the center circle I cut out to make a matching little star wreath; I didn't feel like making waste was a good idea. Plus sixty pages left in the book needed a home.


Also inspired by Living with Lindsay, I made a holder for yarn balls as I knit. I have tons of little tins from the tea I drink and have been struggling to come up with ideas to re-purpose them-- a yarn holder, especially with my current knitting project, was perfect. I used Lindsay's rosette tutorial to create a rosette out of ribbon to decorate my tin.

 

The top of the tin looks a little wacked out but there's really nothing I can do about that... I'm just happy it has a hole in the top that my yarn doesn't get caught to! I have to thank Kyle for being able to drive a nail through it because my weak wrists wouldn't be able to handle it!

Lastly, I went out to the local Goodwill the other day to donate things and also pick up a couple frames. In a continuing effort to decorate my room I figured an inspiration board should probably go up at my desk. I brought the frames home, sanded them down to make them look a bit more vintage, and then proceeded to print out images I love.

Love it! Waiting for Kyle to get home so he can put a nail into the wall for me to hang it. I'd also like to buy some dry erase markers so I can write on the glass. I'm actually very surprised I didn't think of frames before for inspiration boards-- I can take the images out and put new ones in without having to throw out poster board over and over again.

He's so funny they nicknamed him 'Charlie Day'.

I'm about to undertake my second real knitting project in honor of the spring/summer season: I need a shawl so I'm making one. When looking for the pattern, I searched for something drape-y that I could wear with a dress out at the beach or taking an evening walk at the park.

Summerflies Shawl by Holly and Ella Knits

Lately, though, my carpal tunnel has been acting up so that's a concern. I think I'll need to be very very careful about limiting myself to only an hour or so of knitting at max a day just so I don't over-strain my hands. My right hand has been especially painful; frappuccino season has begun. I don't even like to think on the fact that a beverage is ruining my hands rather than my hobbies and career path.

On the subject of knitting, my Knitwear: design and construction class is going so-so. I never seem to have enough time to make ample swatches per each technique learned... I blame that on work and there not being very many knitwear workshops level one students can attend. But, I am happy that I'm comfortable doing the different techniques. Knowing the different way the machinery works always impresses me. I can't wait for the final project when we get to create our own unique swatches with accompanying story boards and designs.

He hates honey in greek yogurt-- and it outrages me.

For the past couple weeks I've been trying to make it a point to be more positive or to see others (including situations) more positively than I'm normally used to. I've found myself stressed to an outrageous amount as the end of 2010 approached so I really think my little efforts will go a long way to helping. I just want to feel happier, healthier, and more positive on a whole bunch of different levels and frankly, every little bit counts.

In a quest for that, I've written out a huge list of all the things I want to accomplish ASAP which has led some to tell me flat out "You have a lot of goals": I don't see as a bad thing at all. I don't see it bad at all that there are a lot of benchmarks I want to attain in my "young life"-- which has surprisingly dawned on me, isn't that young at all. I'm turning 25 this year. When I have my 25th birthday party, I want to be able to toast to all the things I've made a reality in my first quarter century. Yes, so many things have been done all ready, but I want to get as much done off my list by September 6th just so I can smile at the future and ask "what's next?"

This ultimately brings up the point that I have a ton of things going on, all the time, in varying degrees of accomplishment and skill. Jack of all trades, master of none comes to mind-- the problem I've wrestled with for quite some time. Professors have actually told me its my strength and I should continue to pursue this sort of mentality... but large stock piles of various supplies and half finished projects seems like a hindrance rather than an asset. I think my Goal List is an attempt to funnel everything into a more harmoniously productive channel. And for now that channel is turned to Knitting and learning how to properly make a deliciously beautiful cowl and to strike that sort of domesticated, old-fashioned skill off my mental list of accomplishments.

Yes, I can knit! Just like I can crochet, embroider, sew, paint, draw, airbrush, read cards, cook...

Though on an off topic note, I don't know how to do domesticated things in order to become domesticated. No sort of male-pleasing mentality goes on here. I honestly just LIKE to learn these things and I don't see a problem with it at all!