New Year's Predictions/Resolutions

As we approach the end of the year I can now reflect on all the projects I intended to do but never got around to.  Firstly, I would like to say that as a collector of vintage patterns I’m fairly satisfied with the amount of vintage patterns I actually used in 2014.  However, when I do sit down in my spare room to go through the piles of patterns I discover ones I completely forgot that I even bought. Some of them are really lovely patterns too and I can’t believe my enthusiasm for them waned after the initial purchase.  But I am the type of person who sometimes has trouble focusing on just one project. I tend to have several projects on the go at the same time.  I get all enthused by the latest thing I’ve purchased and then put aside a frock that is maybe ¾ of the way finished.  My hat is off to you fellow sewers who start one project at a time and just work on that one. Also if you don’t have a penchant for buying new patterns all the time then it must be easier to focus on the job at hand. 

So if I believed in making New Year’s resolutions then I guess here are my picks for things I intend to make this coming year – 2015. 

Japanese Sewing Books

At least 3 years ago now one of my good friends bought me my first Japanese sewing book.  What a great idea thought I.  A lovely little book with a reasonable number of patterns that would be easy to make up.  I hit a stumbling block initially because this book required you to buy pattern paper and draft your own pattern pieces using the instructions which provided the basic measurements for each piece.  It seemed a little daunting but I went ahead and found my pattern paper. Then I simply put it away somewhere.  In the next few years I was to find a website where one lady had actually made up a number of projects from various Japanese sewing books. So I went through all her recommendations printing out various projects. Also this meant finding some new books to work with.  So now in total I have 4 books.  Still haven’t made a one little ol thing from any of these books. Though I do so enjoy just perusing their contents every now and again.  One book is actually in Japanese which isn’t exactly helpful. Should have checked the details more carefully before purchasing, like perhaps that it was an English translation. 

So 2015 I vow to attempt at least 1 item from this collection. Heck I should aim for the stars and say 3 items.

Vintage patterns

I absolutely love both of these patterns. It is just the usual problem of finding the right fabric. Also as far as the Butterick pattern goes, The white contrast wouldn't work for me so it's finding contrasting material that will suit this one. 

I actually found pink material for the Simplicity 7193 at Skafs about a year and a half ago. I have no excuse for not making this up. Boo for me. 

Now for the Style pattern I bought the perfect vintage style fabric for the short sleeve version of this top.  I intend to make this up in the  next few months, seriously I do.  As for the Vogue pattern I attempted to make this up a few years ago. My mum even told me she had the exact same pattern in the 70's.  I almost finished it too, only to discover that it was just far too tight under the arms and across the back.  Such a shame, perfect summer dress. A goal for this summer, give this pattern another go with some slight tweaking to the sizing. 

Other goals for the year should be to finish off the projects in the half made, or almost finished category.  It’s not rocket science I know but I guess I just need to knuckle down and try to finish them. Pretty sure I’ll be satisfied if I finish some in the first half of the year.

And amongst all the resolutions will be my usual inclusion from the good intentions file. Try to sell some of my handmade jewellery on line.  I just need to finish off my half made projects. 

Happy New Year to everyone.

xx