Wednesday, January 1, 2014

top 5 of 2013 - part 3: goals for the new year

Top 5 of 2013 - An Annual Blog Series 


Today's Top 5 of 2013 is Goals for the New Year, and what would be a more appropriate day to post it than today?  I've come so far in my sewing skills in 2013, but still have more I can learn!

#1 - Pants

This means real, wearable-outside-of-the-house pants. Not pajama pants. Leggings would be great to make, but the goal is actual pants. I attempted McCalls 6707 last February.... which ended in a ball of fabric and pins in my sewing drawer.  Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow suggested I try pants from the Austrailian pattern company styleARC. Gillian has made a lot of great versions of the Elle pant (check her makes out!), so I'm leaning towards that pattern for my 2014 pants goal, and may even splurge for the shipping on the suggested Stretch Bengaline fabric.

Stylish slim line stretch woven pant elastic waist pant
http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=404&category_id=2&keyword=elle&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=42
stretch bengaline fabric in black
http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=31&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=587&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=47
#2 - Swimsuit

I've made a bikini a number of years ago using Kwik Sew 3330. I love the flirty mid-rise bottoms... but alas, I'm not quite comfortable in a bikini at the moment. 
K3330
I loved seeing everyone's Bombshell Swimsuit by Closet Case Files, but prefer a more traditional bottom so I'm making a Bombshell-inspired tankini! I'd planned on making this last summer, and already have the fabric and made a mock-up of the top using Kwik Sew 3761. This year, it's so happening!
K3761

#3 - Underwear

I've attempted the free pattern from So Zo.. What do you know?, with not yet great success. But what I really want to make are The Ginger Body Suit and Separates by Ohhh Lulu. I need some fabulous foundations for my 2014 makes!

Ohhh Lulu The Ginger Body Suit and Separates PDF Sewing Pattern

#4 - Coat/Jacket

I have yet to decided what pattern to make, but I WILL be making a coat or jack for Winter 2014/2015. (Want some inspiration? Check out this awesome tailored coat by Male Pattern Boldness.)

#5 - While I'd love to use my last goal for making an amazing Sewaholic Cambie Dress (which I WILL make, and I have a feeling will become my new go-to dress pattern), I instead want to use this spot to make a goal to teach. I have had a few folks that have expressed interest in learning, and I know I am a great teacher, so in 2014 I'm going to be offering some informal 1-on-1 sewing lessons. I'm really excited about this possibility (and at the very least it will encourage me to keep my sewing room fairly neat)!

So.. what are some of your 2014 goals? 

6 comments:

  1. Funny after reading your post I realized I have the same goals (except for the pants!). Would love to make a swimsuit, coat, and lingerie. Especially a bra. Just to try it.....:)
    Happy New Year

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    1. Happy new year to you! And let's sew the pants off our coats and swimsuits and underthings in 2013!

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  2. Great goals! I've got my eye on some Ohhh Lulu patterns too, aren't they lovely? And I can heartily recommend Style Arc - go for it!

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    1. I did see some similarities between your goals and mine. :) I'm getting the feeling this is going to be a year of great indie patterns... I've already cut out a Victory Lola!

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  3. My sewing goals for 2014 are almost the same yours so I can't wait to see what you come up with. I intend to make some undies, a coat (Burda B7041) and some trousers in 2014 and several dresses, but we'll see. I'm hoping these three will make it to my end of year round-up.

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