Oh my, where does the time go? In January, I made a promise to myself to be a bit more active here, and it’s already March… So much for that resolution! But it’s ok. If I look back at the past half year, I am not surprised I had little to no time for sewing. A lot of big changes took place, my life has turned upside down, but to be honest, it’s mostly good things!
Last September, I realized the house I was living in was no longer a home for me. It’s the house I lived in with my ex boyfriend, but after breaking up, almost two years of covid and meeting new love, I decided it was time to move on. Not just mentally, but also physically. My former house was huge, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge attic and a garden. Way too big for one person, too expensive, and poorly located. Yes, one of my best friends lives down the street, but my workplace was always a 50 minute drive away, the house very often damp and cold and so much work to keep in a reasonably clean and neat state (especially the garden). So I started looking for a new place…. and got ridiculously lucky! I registered with a housing company someone recommended to me and saw an interesting place, on a Monday. That following Friday, I could have a look at the house, and the Monday after that it was mine! Although I was very happy, it was very sudden and therefore, a lot had to be done in a very short time. Paperwork, packing boxes, throwing away a lot of stuff, and then fixing up the new place. In the Netherlands, rental houses come without floor (my international friends think it’s the stupidest thing ever) and the walls could use some paint and new wallpaper too. In the end, we managed to do almost everything before I moved in, and all that is left now are small DIY jobs that can be done in my weekends. I guess I won’t be sewing for the coming month or so (mainly because my hobby room is still a room for some painting projects etc), but at some point in time, I am sure I will bust out my sewing machines again! In the mean time, I might just write about my DIY projects in and around the house 🙂
Then a bit of a reflection on last year in sewing… I made a Make Nine 2021, but what happened to that? In the image below, I tried to visualize how well I have followed through:
Yep, I didn’t start and/or finished most of them! Only two projects are in progress… I finished some projects from the basket, and I bought fabric for the Lady Grey coat, but that’s about it. This is no surprise to me because of all the things that happened last year, and I am fine with it too. Making this list, and especially reviewing it, makes me realize that I will carry over some projects to next year, but I also want to make some changes.
When I look back, I see that my Make Nine 2021 contains two kind of fancy dresses and one beautiful knitting project that is definitely not for daily use. This means that 1/3 of the intended projects is not suitable to just pop on in the morning to go to work. I do need more basic wardrobe pieces though, so for 2022, the theme of my Make Nine will be: back to basics!
So, this is it! I carried over some of the projects I intended to make last year, because I am stil enthusiastic about having them in my wardrobe. Then I added some nice basics, or at least a representation of something I would like to try.
First of all…. there it is again: the basket (of DOOM). The sad place where all UFOs go, repair jobs end up etc etc… Sad. When I moved I removed all projects I do not feel like finishing ever, so that made it more manageable. Let’s see if this year is going to be the year that the basket is emptied!
Number two is making more basic shirts. I am a member of Gerties Patreon, and last year she published the Barbie top. With all kinds of variations and a lack of shirts in my wardrobe, I intend to make a few of those, and maybe try some other t-shirt patterns too. Suggestions welcome!
The Lady Grey coat by Seamwork is still in here. I like its looks, I have the fabric, now I only have to make it! Gentle reminder to myself: start in late summer, so I can wear it before the cold weather sets in.
A new resolution is making a few simple blouses. In the collage I used the Fibre Mood Ermine, because I think it has a very versatile look. In lace it might look romantic and almost Edwardian, whereas a viscose with a bold pattern gives it a very light and summery feel.
Next to it is a pair of pants or jeans. I just ruined another pair last week, so I am in dire need of some fresh supply. I never particularly enjoyed making pants because I have a ‘difficult’ figure (narrow waist, large hips and upper legs). I hope this year I can conquer this fear and dislike!
Another one carried over from last year is making a bra. I am still intrigued by the amount of engineering that is required to make a proper piece, and would like to try it myself. The one pictured is the Black Beauty by Emerald Erin, which I will probably use for this project.
Last year I wanted to knit a Lapwing Collar by Alice Starmore…. and I still do. Just maybe not now. Maybe I can make one after I knitted a more wearable piece such as the Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter. It looks like lots of fun, because it’s knitted in DK weight, in the round, and involves a lot of stranded colourwork. Either this top or another one will hopefully be finished before winter starts next year!
After removing two dresses from my Make Nine 2021, I couldn’t keep myself from adding a different one back… But I have good reasons! If all goes as planned, I have three weddings to attend to this year, and I think that justifies at least one piece of fancyness right? This is the gorgeous Orchidée dress by Deer and Doe, and I’m in love. It’s nice enough for a wedding, but also for a more simple night out after that. I hope I will find the time before the first event in May!
The final project on the wishlist is one or a couple of skirts. This is the Stanwyck Skirt by Charm patterns, which is a full circle skirt but also comes as a pencil skirt. I have to admit full circle skirts might not be the most convenient for the office or the lab (can you imagine stuffing one in a lab coat?), but it might as well be substituted with another skirt if I see a nice one. It’s the idea that counts!
I think for now, that’s all I have to share. There is so much to finish before I can start sewing again, but I am sure that I will find a way to get back into it soon. Until then, happy sewing to the rest of you!
Dutch Sewing Scientist 