General

This year I’ve decided to do the 100 Days Project. If you’re not familiar with it, the general premise is to do something for 10 mins. (or so) every day for 100 days. The point is to try to get better at something or see progress over time.

100 Day Project
I'm doing the 100 Day Project 2019!

I heard about this in past years, but I never thought it was something I would do because I couldn’t imagine myself being that disciplined about anything!  Then, this year, I’m focusing on discipline more (or at least trying to). This seemed like a perfect project to jump on to practice discipline even in my hobby. Since it’s only 10 – 20 mins. a day, I figure even I can keep up with that.

The next question is, of course, what am I going to do? The obvious answer was to try to pick one skill and get better at it, but I couldn’t think of any one thing that I wanted to get better at over others. In pondering this situation, I realized there was one thing that I DESPARATELY needed to get better at. It’s not one particular type of skill, instead it’s something that applies to all the skills I enjoy. It’s finishing what I started!!!

To back up a little, I moved my sewing room earlier this year from the main floor to the basement. Talk about eye opening! I knew I had a lot of stuff, but I hadn’t had to look all my stuff in the eye. More literally, carrying all my “too important to throw away” stuff down the stairs was rough on this not-in-shape office worker! The thing that surprised me was how many of the things I was carrying down the stairs were either part of a started project or “sacred” because it was going to be a part of a project I would start “someday”.

If I get derailed on a project, there’s usually a reason. It’s probably not a good reason, but a reason none the less. Sometimes it’s a technical hurdle that I’m not sure how to get over. Sometimes it’s a decision that I’m getting flustered by and don’t know how to make. Occasionally, I just got distracted by something shiny and never got around to finishing it.

No matter the cause of the project getting sidelined, I’m going to spend my days over the next 100 days working on finishing things that are lying around my craft room. I figure that 10-20 mins. a day isn’t much, but it’s more progress than some of these projects have seen in quite a while. By keeping this to a short window a day, it will also give me the freedom to keep moving on projects that I have going now that actually have a deadline attached.

Because it’s a general idea and there are many different types of projects that will need to be faced, I’m going to be pretty loose about definitions. As long as I spend 10-20 mins. working toward finishing a previously started project every day, I’m going to call it good. Sometimes, that means I’ll be organizing supplies (or figuring out which supplies I’m missing). Sometimes that will be prepping fabric or practicing stitches. Sometimes it will be doing the work part of the project, be it knitting or sewing or embroidering or whatever.

I’m also going to be kind to myself about social media. If I can post daily on IG, I’ll do it. If I can’t , I’ll do a weekly roundup post on IG and the blog to keep up the accountability. Life’s too short to be perfect about this, but I do want to do my best with it. On that note, I’ve created a simple (and very plain) bullet journal tracking page to keep track of what I’ve worked on and how long a day I spend on it.

My hashtag for this will be #100daysoffinishingthings (BTW, there quite and few hashtags out there that start with #100daysoffinish… something. I love that I’m not the only one who thought of this! It means I’m not alone in the world with my issues!!!)

You can also join in with The 100 Day Project. Sign up here, and see what everyone’s doing with the hashtag #the100dayproject

You can follow my progress (or lack of it!) on here on IG.

Wish me a little luck and lots of discipline!

 

For my first 3D capsule wardrobe (I've started thinking about it as a cube), I'm going with a cool winter color scheme that has touches of spring colors. I'm hoping to transition into spring nicely. The main colors are ones that I have quite a bit of in my stash, but the accent ones not as much. I hope to do very little buying for this and what I do will now be focused on this.

3D Wardrobe - Colors Winter/Spring 2018
3D Wardrobe - Colors Winter/Spring 2018

My main colors are: royal blue, gray, navy.

My neturals are black and white.

My accent colors are: green, cream, purple and berry pink.

The colors for a capsule wardrobe are selected by filling in three categores: neutrals, main color, accents. Anuschka Rees, author of The Curated Closet (which I haven't read yet, but have requested from the library), has an excellent description of this here, as well as list of example palettes here. For discussions that are more focused on fabrics, you can find more info from the Curvy Sewing Collective, here, or from Colette's Wardrobe Architect series, here.

The next step is to plan projects by pulling fabric and patterns. My favorite part!

My plan for this year's sewing is revolving around idea I had called 3D Capsules. Many of us are familiar with capsule wardrobes. Essentially, you limit yourself to a handful of interchangeable options that you know will always go with each other. It's color coordinated and laid out to easily make outfits that match your style and coordinate with each other.

The limit of capsules wardrobes, however, is the number of items. Basically, it's too basic. There's not enough options. Even me, with my not-so-large wardrobe, I have more options to choose from than a basic capsule.

While it's a very cool concept, I don't want to spend time sewing something that's boring, or disappears into my other clothes and isn't worth the planning and sewing effort.

So, my solution? A 3D Capsule wardrobe. I was inspired by the Sudoku style capsule wardrobes where you have each box be an item and the items next to it build the wardrobe (for a more thorough explanation of this, read the CSC article, here).

A 3D Capsule is different than a standard one because the idea is that each box isn't a specific item, but instead a specific style of item. For example, instead of having a pair of jeans be in the box, the box represents the style of jeans, and I can have several different jeans that fit in the spot. Another box could be fitted woven tops. In that box, I could put several different shirts, all of them fitted woven tops that fit the color scheme.

I call it 3D because it's like it's file drawer and the drawer is labeled with what kind of item it is, but you can pull it out and find several different options behind it. Even with only a couple options in each style box, it would immensely increase the number of options that could be made by one capsule.

Capusle Wardrobe Basic Grid
Capusle Wardrobe Basic Grid

As I was thinking about what I reach for in the morning, I realized that I do have a "uniform" of sorts. Nothing formal, of course, I work in a pretty casual office, but  a uniform in the sense that I tend to most often wear items that are a similar style.

For example, my office allows jeans, so I wear jeans every day. Then, I grab a top that is either a nicely fitting knit shirt (nothing baggy here!), or a slightly more fitted, but still comfortable top. I don't wear boxy things, or loose things. I very rarely wear skirts, and never dresses.

Since intention in my sewing and wardrobe is a focus for me this year, I wanted to start planning my sewing to include only items that fit my style and went together. Combining these ideas, I created my 3D Capsule idea.

Below is my Every Day plan. It's what I am  already most comfortable in and what I wear the most, style-wise.

My Every Day 3D Capsule Plan
My Every Day 3D Capsule Plan

This grid gives me flexibility to include many different styles, but still gives a guideline for what I can and should be focusing on that will get worn and loved. When I'm thinking about buying a new pattern, I can decide if it fits in one of these categories. Doesn't fit? Don't buy it. It means I can start developing TNT patterns and then variations on those patterns, so I can explore new techniques without feeling afraid of wasting the effort. It means I can quickly find the way to know if I'm expanding my wardrobe or cluttering it.

In addition, I'll probably have a couple different 3D capsule wardrobe plans. In addition to this every day one, I'll make one that's slightly dressier, because on occasion I like to feel a little more put together. I'm considering adding a lounge one for night gowns/lounge clothes, etc., but that depends on how much sewing time I can find this year.

My next step is to do an inventory of what I wear everyday that already fits in to the grid and what I want to start sewing on. Next up, I'm going to start working this plan into the 12 week year framework to see if I can get moment up this.

2018What a year! If I had to describe 2017, I would say it was a year of hidden growth. Not pleasant, but not terrible either. It was a year of learning to move forward when many of my dreams and plans went down the toilet. As I was learning to operate through some heart-deep disappointments, I found myself not producing much. Not just in how much I sewed, but through any outlet. There wasn't many tangible things to show for 2017. That's not a bad thing; it's just how last year went.

I already feel that 2018 will be a different sort of year. I can't say exactly why, and maybe it's just wishful thinking. However, I am already thinking of this year as the year of expressing myself. I've grown so much this last year and I have so many opportunities ahead of me as a result. I'm looking forward to stepping into this year with everything I am and seeing the changes around me and in me that come from walking in a place of joy.

When it comes to my sewing, I want to intentionally focus not just on more, but on more intentional wardrobe building. I have been sewing things that are pretty, but then finding myself not wearing them because they aren't what I need for everyday wear. This year, I want to define what I'd like to wear and then sew that. For example, I often sew dresses, but don't wear them daily, so I need to quit sewing them so much. I wear pants and shirts, not even skirts generally. I want to focus on wardrobe staples that I can wear and find joy in every day.

Besides the type of item I'm sewing, I want to begin sewing connected items. Capsule-ish, but with more options. I'm calling it 3-D Capsules. It's about finding looks and colors that I enjoy and then building many options that will fit into it. I'm going to do a entire post on 3-D Capsules to explain them in more detail.

When it comes to fabric, I'm going to try to start finding more intentional joy in my choices, both to buy and use. I love fabric and I have a probably too large stash. I want to begin pulling out the quality fabric that brings me joy and giving myself permission to get rid of things that no longer are "me" or that were not what I expected when I bought them (I do a lot of online fabric shopping and sometimes it's different that what I'm anticipating.)

Here's to 2018, whatever it may bring, I hope to traverse it with grace and joy! And hopefully lots of sewing!

 

I have a new favorite comfy sweater! This is the Seamwork Sadie made in a lightweight sweater knit from Fabric.com. It's oversized without feeling too overwhelming, and just the right amount of cuddly. :-)

Seamwork Sadie
Seamwork Sadie

I cut a large. My only alteration was to add a 3/8" FBA along the seamline and adjust the sleeves to match. I think it's loose enough that I could have gotten away without that, but I'm glad I did it. The extra space really helped it hang nicely.

Seamwork Sadie Front
Seamwork Sadie

My biggest learning curve with this one was about how to sew on this soft, lightweight fabric. I've usually been able to get away with just adjusting stitch widths or lengths, etc. to make the fabric behave. This time, however, no matter what I tried, it was always terribly wavy.

I had to re-cut the front piece because I ignored my own good advice and stitched the pockets down without doing a sample first. The fabric was so soft and the thread matched to perfectly that I wasn't able to pick out stitches without putting holes in the fabric. Fortunately, I had just enough fabric to eek out a new front piece and try again.

I'm so grateful to the sewing community online, as I was able to put out a call on Instagram for help and get some tips on how to make the fabric behave. I ended up sewing it with tissue paper (tip: it goes between the fabric and the feed dogs, not the fabric and the presser foot!) and it smoothed the whole situation out. (I used this tutorial, from Me Sew Crazy.)

The difference in the wavy-ness was hard to photograph, but you can kind of see it between these Instagram posts.

All this topstitching was for attaching these deep pockets. They are wonderful size. Since I used such a lightweight knit, however, I can't put much in them. They end up just sagging!

Seamwork Sadie Pocket
Seamwork Sadie Pocket

I love this top and it's perfect for cold winter days. This cowl is awesome for keeping my neck happy and toasty as well as looking styling!

Seamwork Sadie Cowl Neck
Seamwork Sadie Cowl Neck

It's one of my favorite months: Me-Made-May! I haven't made a pledge because I'm absolutely sure I'll not be able to keep it.  Either way, I love it! I spend way too much time on Instagram this month.

I wore one of my oldest makes as it was made for the first Me-Made-May I participated in and I was feeling sentimental. Also, I had to be at church early, so I wanted to wear a super comfy secret pajama sweater and it matched nicely.

So I'm off to a Me-Made-May start and I'm looking forward to the rest of the month no matter how many me-makes I wear!

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Sewing Interrupted - Seeing toddler through the sewing machine

I feel like this picture sums up not only my sewing right now, but most of my life. Toddler's are so small yet they take so much time and energy, amiright? I love it, though! I wouldnt' change a thing. Ok, well, I might like a little more time to sew, but nothing other than that. :)

I have been busy in the sewing room, although I feel like I have little to show for it. Right now it's all Christmas presents, so everything's very hush hush.

I do have quite a bit to share to catch up with things and then I'll do Christmas makings revealed after the gifts are given. (I'm pretty sure none of the recipients would read this, but better safe than sorry!).

First up, I completed another set of socks for myself, the second pair I've made to date. The pattern is the Seaweed Pattern from the Craftsy class, Knit Toe Up Socks. I did a wedge toe and short row heel. I was planning on doing the gusset heel, but I forgot to stop in time, so I did the short row.

Seaweed Toe Up Socks - Finished Product
Finished pair!

I did very badly at these overall, but fortunately, It was nothing a little stitching couldn't deal with. Now they look as good as if someone who knows what their doing knitted them. Ha! Anyway, I do like how they turned out finally, but I didn't like a lot about the process.

Seaweed Toe Up Socks - Heel and Toe
Heel and Toe

First, I am terrible at short row heels. I tore the heel out on the first sock twice and then gave up and made it with holes. The second heel I didn't bother to rip out and fail again, I just left the holes the first time. There's something about the increasing part where I'm supposed to be k3tog or sssp that I'm missing. I should probably keep practicing it, but at this point, I like the gusset heel better, so I'll just use that. Lazy, I know, but c'mon, this is my hobby.

I also was a bit frustrated with the yarn. It's super fancy stuff (I had a gift card to my LYS!) bamboo and something. Unfortunately, all that fancy made it slippery and it split easily. Next time, I'll stick with less fancy until my skills catch up. Beginners should keep it simple for a reason. (Well, I'm counting myself a beginner at sock knitting, anyway.)

Seaweed Pattern Close Up
Seaweed Pattern detail

Everything seems less painful after it's all done and sitting pretty on my table. In spite of the learning curve on these, I will definitely be making more socks. I feel confident enough to inflict a pair on my mom or sister/in-law, too. :)

This weekend we got to spend with my husband's parents who about 2 hours south of us. That's not much of a drive, but between N's master classes and Baby Girl's just being a toddler, we haven't gotten down as much recently.

It was good to be able to see them and not have to worry about anything and get fed fantastic food. (Diet this week, anyone?) My primary activity was knitting. Roughin' it, right? 😉

In addition, I got to watch my two favorite people run and play together in their huge yard. I could never get enough of watching this little girl and her daddy.

Daddy and Baby Girl
I love these too with all my heart and soul!

So cute!

Baby and basketball
Baby and basketball

While we were away, there was a store back home with 80 MPH straight line winds. We were so blessed because we returned to a fairly large limb down in our yard, but not one bit of damage to the house. Yes, very, very blessed. I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the downed branch, but here's what my dad's truck looked like after loading it (and a few little trees out of the fence. Hey, free brush dump by the city shouldn't go to waste!).

Brush clean up
Brush clean up - The branch that fell (and a few little trees that needed to be cleaned out of the fence)

On the sewing front, I'm working on the muslin for my next pattern attemp for OAL 2015: the Colette Pattern's Dahlia. First effort is: no FBA (will I regret that choice?), widening at the waist. Hopefully an update with pictures soon.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying life with this little family.

Family Selfie
Family Selfie! (Almost missed the baby completely!)

Hello all! Welcome to the inaugural post of Fabric and Yarn Follies!

I'm so glad to be writing here and sharing my creations with you. I want to tell you a little bit about what to expect from me here. Primarily, I'll be sharing completed work with you and showing interesting bits of the construction process. In addition, I'm going to be building a skill list and trying to make things that help increase my knowledge and abilities in those areas.

If you'd like to help me build the skill list, please go here and leave me a comment with the skills you think I should practice! I'm open to anything, from foundational sewing skills to intricate or challenging skills.

If you'd like to know more about me and my crafting passion and history, please feel free to read my About Me page.

I would very much appreciate it if you would consider following me on social media. What's your favorite one?

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