Sunday, January 9, 2011

Jan / Feb 2011: 10,000 Sewing Hours Challenge---New Year, New Challenge

First I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! The last time I posted it was last year and I have to admit it's great to be at the start of a New Year! I'm hoping this will be a GREAT year. I'm hoping for better and more challenging sewing projects and for a greater sewing output!

I posted a quote on my blog that I hope will epitomize my year as well every year thereafter. It's says...

Nobody exceeds beyond his or her wildest expectations unless he or she begins with some wild expectations. ~ Ralph Charell

I love this quote! It's so profound and it's one for the rest of my life that I will strive to live by! 

 With all that said I have to admit that I'm off to to somewhat of a slow start.......... but I'm not worried my sewing mojo will soon kick into full gear soon. I'm in the process of finishing up this dress. It's a super easy pattern
  I don't exactly know how to feel about it but I think once I get it styled it will be a cute dress. It's actually cute but I guess I'm just on the fence with it!

I'm still deciding on where to go from there. My goals for the next 2 months are to finish up my basic wardrobe essentials and do some more winter sewing. Of course I'll follow the rules of my 10,000 Hr. Challenge which are to sew a garment weekly (spending 2 weeks for the more complicated one's) and log 1000 sewing hour (+sewing related activities) for the year. I'm trying to make it an effort to squeeze additional pieces and even duplicate garments within the week. I really want to push myself this year.

Here are some of the patterns I'm planning to choose from.....

You might recall these same patterns from my Nov/Dec 2010 Challenge.

I also want to squeeze one coat in. This one if I have enough fabric for it.....


I am also pleased to say in advance that I'll be attending a Gala in April (provided I don't have to be out of the country in AK again). I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sewing for formal occassions!!! I wish I had a formal affair to attend every other month but of course that would probably get expensive. And by that I mean renting my Hubby's tux because with sewing skills you save tons on formal dresses! This new Butterick pattern is already a strong contender. Early last year I purchased this beautiful blue fabric from a Hancock Fabrics in Tallahassee, FL.  I bought this beautiful fabric originally $6/yd for $1/yd and it's the first fabric that I thought would be perfect for this gown. It's a gorgeous midnight blue color. Although it's understated yet pretty, I think it would be oh so elegant for this style of gown. We'll see...



And lastly I bought fabric. Now I mentioned my goal is to limit this this year and for that I'm SERIOUS. I plan to go shopping in my own closet because I have Tons of fabric. This is my main sewing closet....


It is so packed with fabric and you can't even see completely inside the closet....And here's the sewing cabinet outside of my sewing room.....
 And I have several bins of fabric too. Like you guys who are fabric collectors, you can see why it's important to work on keeping this stash in check.


But I decided to treat myself since I landed a Part Time job with a WONDERFUL, local, & Prestigious non-profit organization that encourages mentorship and education for local youths. I found that a reason to celebrate!!! So at Wal-Mart I spotted this purple fabric and passed it up a few weeks ago---you know being disciplined an all. Since getting my position I went back for it and spotted 2 more pieces. I have to admit, Wal-Mart had some nice fabrics--that's not a regular occurence.
The fabric on the left and middle are charmeuse and the one on the right is a red patterned knit with gold specks.

Anyway, that's what's up with me for the next 2 months. What's going on with you. I hope your year's off to a great start! Got any lofty goals? No matter what you choose to do----Happy Sewing to you!

16 comments:

  1. Happy new year and all the very best!

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  2. I'm curious to see how you style the Butterick pattern. I bought it recently and when I got it home I found myself wondering why I bought it, but I think it's a good wardrobe builder. You certainly have some wonderful things planned and I will follow your progress with interest.

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  3. Happy New Year! All the fabrics you have highlighted are so pretty. I love the dark blue for your planned formal. I think that will be amazing!

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  4. I wish I coulf find great fabrics like that at Walmart! I never find knits, never mind charmeuse at any of the stores near me. Boo!

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  5. Congratulations on the new job! My stash has started to grow (it used to be tiny). I have a lot of cheap fabric in my stash, so my goal is to just by a little nice stuff now and then and not stuff it full of junk! Hard for me, I just cannot resist a bargain. I am really looking forward to seeing your gala dress. Happy 2011!

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  6. I posted my goals last week (or the week before last). I'm going nuts right now. My machine is in the repair shop. Needed some adjustments.

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  7. Vanessa---trust me, it's usually a fabric drought at the ONE Walmart (out of 3 that still has a fabric section). This was a pleasant surprise for me.

    Karin---I know the feeling. I bought a lot of bargains when I first started sewing too. I'm more open to the idea of paying $9 (and maybe a bit more) a yard for fabric. Like you I've come to realize quality matters. However, I love to get quality fabrics at discount prices. That's what I strive for.

    Lois---good for you. I'll stop by and check out your goals. I need to catch up on so many posts. Hope your baby gets released from the "infirmary" soon (smile)!

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  8. Congrats on the new position. I also have the B5247 and every time I pull it out I end up putting it back... look forward to your version. The fabric looks similar to an argyle print I used for a wrap dress.

    The gown pattern you have selected for the event is pretty.

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  9. I too look forward to getting my fabric collecting in order! :)

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  10. What a great post. First off, congrats on the new part time role. Secondly, I love your goals. Third - the quote is terrific.

    I actually went shopping in my closet this weekend, probably for the first time (at least first time for all the items). I managed to have enough stuff to make a computer bag for my new Mac Air. It was amazingly liberating. I think you will love shopping your closet because it's got so many great things to choose from.

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  11. I have an unfinished version of B5247 that has been sitting around for about 2 years. I may finish it as I am trying get my work wardrobe together as I return from maternity leave but as you say, stying is an issue. I can't wait to see your version.

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  12. Congratulation on your new position!
    I look forward to seeing all these wondeful projects come true!

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  13. I LOL when I read about you buying fabric to celebrate your new position! That is an addict's response...I know because I'm one too! BTW, congrats on the new part time job!

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  14. My Walmart does not carry anything that terrific. What fun fabric to play around with. I too am thinking that this year I will exercise restraint and use up my stash. Hmmm...we'll see. As long as no dollar/yard sales occur. But how likely is that. :)

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  15. Congrats on the new job! Isn't it wild how you can have a stash of fabric like that, and *still* not have the right piece for every project? Lots of fun projects on your plate - happy sewing!

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  16. Love the middle charmeuse-very pretty. Would love to have a fabric closet - but need to get rid of a couple of children before taking over their rooms!! Most of my fabric is bagged up and stored (and not very handily), but what an excuse to buy some decent cuts!
    Congrats on the new job/role and am looking forward to seeing you realise your formal dress. What a project!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for following me on my 10,000 Hour Sewing Challenge:)

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