Where did the year go?
I can’t believe it’s almost the end of 2021! This year has just flown by. Of course now that I think about it – I have achieved quite a lot this year. I started my new Facebook group – Pedlar Creative Sewing Circle. I’ve also tried to be more sustainable in my sewing room by reducing my fabric waste. As well as the many projects that I’ve made throughout the year. So I thought I’d run you through some of the highlights as well as my new year’s ReSEWlutions for 2022!
I’ll start with one of the goals I set myself at the start of this year – which was to make more clothes. Some of you may remember that I’m a beginner when it comes to clothes making. It certainly feels that way when I’m sewing clothes or trying to interpret patterns. So this year I’ve been focussing on making clothes for myself. I particularly love my repurposed quilt cover ‘Kimono Style Bathrobe’. And because I had enough quilt cover left over, I’ve made some Pyjama Trousers and a Camisole top to match. But I still have more quilt cover fabric to reuse. So I’m currently working on a Sleep Set pattern and some shoe bags with the remaining fabric.
Advancing my clothes making skills is back on the list of ReSEWlutions for 2022. I’ve made a few bits and pieces this year, but most of it has been sleepwear. I haven’t made a lot of fitted clothes. So this year I’d really like to focus on taking correct measurements and modifying patterns to fit my body shape. I figure once I master these skills, I might have more success with clothes making. Plus I’ve set myself a challenge: to make my dress for a wedding I’m invited to. It’s not until mid 2023 but that might sneak up on me fast. So clothes are definitely back on the list!
It’s been a while since I started working my way towards a zero waste sewing room. I have been collecting all of my scraps, both big and small. Including the smallest slithers of fabric & interfacing. Now the challenge (as well as the fun part!) is to find projects to use them in. My favourite from this year would have to be the QAYG Zipper pouch, by Svetlana Sotak. It’s such a stylish way to use up small scraps of fabric. I’ll definitely be making more of these in the future! This goal of a zero waste sewing room is going to be an ongoing one. Once you start on the path of sustainable sewing you don’t want to turn back. So one of my ReSEWlution’s for 2022 (and beyond) will be to continue to find ways to be more sustainable.
Actually, in the last few months I’ve spent a bit of time brainstorming ways to use up my scrap fabric. Which leads me to another one of my ReSEWlutions for 2022 – to create more tutorials for my website. I’ve got a few ideas in the works – a combination of sewing tutorials and technical information. One of the tutorials at the top of the list will be for making and using bias binding. It’s a request from a reader and I’m very happy to oblige. If there is something you would like me to cover in a tutorial just let me know. I’ve also been working on a few bag patterns in the background. I’m hoping to get them finished and published soon. Designing my own bag patterns is something that I really want to do. I’m determined to make this a reality!
Of course I’ve still got a mountain of projects to finish – scattered around my sewing room. The project to-do list for the start of the year is already huge! I definitely have to work on getting them completed. Like the Trailblazer Convertible backpack from Bagstock Designs, the Lola Domed Handbag by Swoon, the Sandhill Sling by Noodlehead. I’ve also started a bunch of clothing patterns that need completing; the Wynne Dress and Rio pants by ithinksew, the Factory Dress by Merchant & Mills. Oh, and lets not forget my Irish Chain Quilt – which I’m still working on as well. I’m never bored – that’s for sure!
My last (but not least) ReSEWlutions for 2022 will be to spend more time on my various social media platforms. I’ll be keeping up my regular posts on Instagram and facebook. It’s such a great way to connect with you all and the sewing community as a whole. And of course I’ll be holding more Sewing Circle projects in the new year – starting with Swoon’s Dallas Duffel – I can’t wait! Hopefully you’ll be able to join us!
It’s been a busy year and I want to thank you for reading my blog! I hope you’ll join me for all my sewing adventures in 2022.
