Oh my giddy aunt, where on earth has the year gone? This blog is over 1 year old now, and I am so glad that I have started it as I am most certainly doing a lot more creating than I was doing before. All I ever dreamed of when I was younger was being a fashion designer, and while I’m not actually designing or making dresses (yet), I am mastering some of the arts of sewing and crafting, and it’s making me very happy (and sometime frustrated) indeed. I’ve also met some lovely crafty people along the way, and it makes me supremely happy to go to craft night, to drink wine, to chat about making things, and to actually make some things. It also makes my Gran and other older relatives happy that I am crafting, as they can give me their old bits and bobs they no longer use, and also share their wisdom with me – I am so lucky!
Gran sent me a sewing magazine this week, ‘Sew’ magazine, and it was wonderful. I love Pinterest, but there’s something so joyous about having a limited amount of pictures to look at, and words of wisdom to concentrate on, instead of being distracted by all the other potential pretty things on the world wide web. It even came with a free pattern – and the shirt looks remarkably similar to one I owned at uni. I really miss that shirt and would love to have one similar back in my wardrobe. It’s my 30th Birthday soon, and I feel that perhaps a magazine subscription might be a very practical thing to ask for, along with some vouchers for fabrics/ sewing classes.
So, with August soon approaching, and my self imposed deadline for my 12 months projects, I am having a serious look at what I can achieve by then.
Honestly, I think I will be able to complete 50% of the list, for varying reasons.
1. Make my own Quillow
This is SO happening. I can’t even remember where my passion for quilts suddenly came from back in 2013, but it has only kept on growing in that time. I am quilt obsessed. And obviously, I started with potentially the hardest quilt to make, and, as the boyfriend keeps suggesting ‘why don’t you just make something simple for your first quilt?’. No, easy would be TOO easy for me.
I am 5 blocks in, and can reasonably make a block in 2 evenings (cutting one night, sewing the next), so once I’ve done that, I will need to baste. Which will take time. A day off project methinks.
Here’s my post about the Quillow of joy.
2. Knit a cushion cover
Currently on hold, as I have a lot of wool and little desire to buy more, so need to find a pattern I like.
May change to ‘crochet a cushion cover’.
3. Knit a hat based on a TV character
COMPLETE FEB 2015 – Tyrese’s hat. It kinda honours his memory now though, sob.
4. Crochet baby booties
Have the wool, have the pattern, need to do. A good project for being on trains too. Very doable – what’s putting me off is the fact that they’re for someone else, so I feel pressure to do them perfectly. However, the person who preggers doesn’t know I’m making them, and I’m sure she’d be touched by the sentiment rather than judging the quality. I hope.
5. Sew some PJ’s
Sooooo close to being done. I did NOT follow the rule of ‘Measure twice, cut once’. I measured too big, cut a few times, and now things are a little wonky.
6. Crochet a blanket out of Granny squares
Getting there. Wool delivery imminent. Good train travelling project. Will be done.
7. Knit a dinosaur
I finally have the wool I require to complete this. The dino now has a body and I am going to get him finished this week. Yes I am!
8. Sew a pencil skirt
Would be a good one to complete on a day off, OR if I go back to sewing school soon. I’m starting to think ahead to autumn and this would be great in a purle/ or green tartan. I do love an autumnal outfit.
9. Sew a Dress
Pattern in hand, need to choose fabric and make this at sewing school as I don’t trust myself to get it right by myself. BOOK ANNUAL LEAVE to go to classes!
10. Knit a jumper
I am stupid and have lost the pattern. Will re-find and re-start. Unlikely to be complete by August, but will remain on the list.
11. Make a mini quilt featuring ‘flying geese’
Mmmmm, not sure about this one. Will probably give it a go once I’ve finished my quillow as it should be relatively straightforward and will be a good stash-buster. OR can incorporate into the quillow if there are enough scraps.
12.Make something cosy with hexagons
All I need to do is print off some more hexies at work. Will put template in bag tonight and photocopy 100’s tomorrow. NO MORE EXCUSES!
Do normal people shout at themselves to get things done?
everynightiscraftnight 