One Year One Outfit 2015

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Since I’m trying to work myself back into the sewing equation, I’ve entered a few long-term sewing challenges.

One Year One Outfit

One of the ones I decided to join was the One Year One Outfit 2015 challenge. What is that exactly? I’m glad you ask, check it out…

The Aim

In 2015, I am going to set myself a simple but challenging goal, and I hoping a few of you will join me.

Make one outfit out of fabric sourced and made locally, that uses no synthetic dyes, and is sustainably farmed. Other than sourcing this fabric I will buy no new fabrics in 2015.

Yes please! I’m all for supporting local businesses!

An Invitation

This is all an adventure, one that you are welcome to actively join in. Do you think you could find a local fibre that meets these aims? Is there a fibreshed program in your area that you could link into? Or a spinning and weaving group? Do you want to learn more about how fabric is made? Do you want to learn a new skill like natural dyeing, weaving or spinning? You can modify the goals to suit you (particularly the no new fabrics bit!) as needed as long as the intent is still there.

Challenge accepted! Fortunately, I do know a few local spinners that source their wool locally and so I’ll be all over this. It’s a shame that I don’t know how to spin (yet) however, I will be happy to support a local spinner to make my own hand woven fabric that I will make into a dress. Many thanks to Nicki for allowing me to participate. I plan on documenting the entire process, so this will be a series of post.

Joining the Maxi dress sew-along

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A few weeks ago I joined a maxi-dress sew along. I adore maxi dresses and skirts. I think they are so feminine.

At the time I made the commitment, I knew that I would not be able to start immediately; however, my path is now clear and so I’m starting to focus on the appropriate maxi dress to make.

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July 6, 2015 at 1:28 pm

I’m late to the party; however, I’d love to participate in your sew-along. I adore maxi dresses. I won’t get a chance to start my maxi-dress until next week.

I made sure I stopped by Ashley’s virtual home, Sewn By Ashley, and made a comment on the actual post titled My Very First Sew Along. Yes… I am indeed late to the party; however, I will be finished my maxi dress before this month ends. My goodness, it’s hard to believe that this month will be over soon. Where or where has the time gone?

Catwoman sewing

I have until July 31 to complete the outfit. No pressure, right?

Let’s see… the maxi dress I want to make  definitely has to be cool, it’s way too hot for me to be thinking of making something for the cooler months and I want to wear it immediately!

Serging: Getting back into the groove

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Well… I’m finally back on at least one of my machines!

Check out the bag I serged below.

Serging Art Supply Bag.TL.7.13.15
Serging: Art Supply Bag

Around 5:00 this morning, I realized that I had not made the Art Supply bag that I’d promised for my daughter. Art camp starts today. Ulp! Allrighty then! And so I grabbed my serger, snatched the fabric that she’d requested for the bag, measured and cut the fabric and started serging. If I wasn’t pressed for time, I would have taken pictures of the entire process. This bag is lined with the same farbric, and has side panels and a bottom. In total, it took me about 1.5 hours to complete.

Guess what? I still had time to shower, dress and prepare her lunch. Later this afternoon, I do believe I’ll add a pocket to the inside of her bag, but other than that, this bag is finished.

Cardmaking: A different type of fiber…

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Tombow refillOk, this is not a cloth related post. This post has to do with paper crafting.

Yesterday afternoon, I found myself working on paper crafts and top on my “to do” list was making cards/envelopes.

A few weeks ago, the BF and I recently decided to send each other hand written letters. We both think it’s romantic and it does take more effort than texting and talking to each other on the phone… because of this I’m making “boyfriend themed” cards also. Thus far, he seems to like the effort. Of course, his notes are written on simple lined paper, but I’m not complaining. I’m just touched that he thinks enough of me to honor my request.

I had intentions of making birthday cards and Christmas cards; however, I stopped after I had made two cards/envelopes? Why? I  ran out of my Tombow Mono Dot Pattern Adhesive Runner Refill.

3M Scotch Pink Advanced Tape Glider And Tape
3M Scotch Pink Advanced Tape Glider And Tape

I guess I COULD use my 3M Scotch Pink Advanced Tape Glider; however, I don’t like it that much. I’m guessing it’s user error based on the amount of people I see raving about this particular gun and so I guess I’ll watch a few videos and see what I’m doing wrong.

Simple card I made for my BF
Simple card I made for my BF

This is an extremely simple card that I made for my BF. I really need to invest in some good markers and so I’m finally going to break down and purchase a Copic Marker set.

Copic Markers 36-Piece Sketch Basic Set
Copic Markers 36-Piece Sketch Basic Set

I’m looking at the above set. They’re a bit pricey… $136 for 36 markers; however, they’re worth it and they are refillable! I will be sure to hide these markers from my daughter. She’s a talented artist, but I’ve already purchased several art sets for her.

 

Sewing Inspiration – McCalls 6559

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Ok… I really need to get back into the sewing groove once more. A few months ago, I’d saved McCalls 6559 to my iPhone.

To be fair, time has been a huge factor into why I have not been sewing. The teeny bit of time I do have has been spent knitting or working with paper crafts. And while both give me joy, I miss sewing…

Mccalls-6559

I promptly forgot about that as I went about my activities; however, this morning I discovered the bookmark and I pulled up the pattern. Can I just say, that I love that print on the right! Oh my goodness, if I found that material, I’d be all over that.

I don’t have this pattern, but it’s given me an idea of what I’d like to see in my own sleeveless knit maxi dress.  I adore maxi dresses and skirts! I’m also going to test out Megan Nielson’s, How To Sew A Knit Neckline Binding.

The only downside is that I won’t be able to sew until next weekend. My daughter and I will be away most of the weekend and there’s absolutely no way that I’m lugging one of my machines with me. However, I will be bringing along some of my knitting and perhaps some of my beadwork also. We’ll see!