Well it has been an exciting year of "saying NO to ready-to-wear!" I hope, like Natalea and I, you've been encouraged by your "me-made" experiences over the past 11 months.
The year has been a busy one for me! In addition to my sewing adventures, my first book was published this past summer, I returned to full time work outside the home, and my travel increased a great deal.
As we begin a new season of "the challenge" beginning April 1, 2014, we now want to hear from you regarding your experiences:
- What did you learn about yourself and your sewing prowess?
- What projects or skills challenged you the most this past year?
- Will you continue to "sew your own?" Are there any specific sewing goals you have for the upcoming year?
- Are there any elements you would like to see added to the challenge?
Thank you again for joining us this year. It has been a great blessing to hear from you and to walk the journey with you! Blessings and love, Vita
Just checking in: I never got around to getting my blog up and running, but I did some sewing this past year. Most of the sewing was for my daughter who greatly appreciated it--three dresses, which she loved and told everyone her mom made them. :) I made three tops for myself--all muslins. I was experimenting with drafting a bodice sloper for basic tops. I've almost got that worked out. I just about worked out a pants sloper. Unfortunately, I used ponte for the muslin and forgot the pants sloper was for wovens. I'm still on the fence what to do with them--either take them in or pitch them. I've enrolled in a few Craftsy classes, working toward building my skills, set up my very first sewing cave (yay me!), and bought myself a Janome all metal mechanical sewing machine (which sews like a charm btw). I have not bought any RTW in the past year. Inspite of my lack of producing a wearable wardrobe, but I've learned a lot, studied other bloggers, watched a lot of videos, learned the difference between great skills than just slapping something together, continuing to learn quality versus quantity, and enjoying my creative journey. I am hoping that everyone who joined this challenge gained something this past year that was challenging, encouraging, informative and useful on their road to sew-wear.
ReplyDeleteRobin, thanks for sharing this. Your experience reminds me that I used to do the same thing when my Mom made something for me as a child! I hope you'll continue to sew for yourself and bypass RTW when you can! I hope you can get the blog up and running as well. Cheering you on...Vita!
DeleteI've been thinking about the end of the challenge & what will happen to us, where ever will we go what ever shall we do? how many will hit the malls like a wild woman lol! we mustn't let it end lol we must come up with something, we've been together too long just to say goodbye lol!
ReplyDeleteHelen
I've been thinking a lot about that too. I love the idea of doing this for another year and another after that.
DeleteI agree Helen, and we will continue the challenge!!! I will work on updating the banner soon....
DeleteWhen will the 2014 season begin? How can newbies sign up?
ReplyDeleteThe 2014 season "officially" begins on April 1, 2014. Send me your email and blog info and I will add you to the roster!
Deletefantastic...my email address is : ozzie_1905@live.com
DeleteI'm checking in too. This challenge was so good for me. I am so thrilled that I did it and I am sure that I am better for it! Thank you everyone. I can't wait to re-pledge.
ReplyDeleteANd to answer your questions:
What did you learn about yourself and your sewing prowess? I learned that I can depend on myself and the sewing world when I am making garments - there is nothing you can't get help and encouragement on from the sewing world.
What projects or skills challenged you the most this past year? Jeans. And actually sticking with this campaign. I did not allow myself to buy anything! (I have to make undies and socks soon!). As a result, I've paid off all my debts and I have a sense of accomplishment that is better than any gift.
Will you continue to "sew your own?" Are there any specific sewing goals you have for the upcoming year? I have been completing Colette's Wardrobe Architect and I've learned that my wardrobe is narrow. I need to expand it to include a few different styles. I'm thinking a work style and a not-work style.
Are there any elements you would like to see added to the challenge? I can't remember the log-in so I never post. Can someone please email them to me - nothylane100@gmail.com
Hi Nothy,
DeleteI'm so glad you shared! I agree with you about "depending on yourself...." That has been a very rewarding part for me as well. I just wish I managed my time better so that I can sew more! I look forward to seeing your posts in the future. I have sent you another email invite to post on the blog. Yay!!! Vita
I learned that the difference between hand sewing and machine sewing is 6 weeks or one day. Both of the dresses that I hand sewed took 6 weeks. The one dress I did on the machine took a day.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the hardest was drafting my first sleeve head / armscye thing. I was working from some archaeological fragments, but the archaeologists' drawings were definitely wrong--can't have two high-points on a sleeve head. It took two attempts, but I got the pattern draft working so I have full range of motion. I also learned you should not even bother trying to wax hand spun linen thread. The points where the fibers overlap try to lift up worse.
Yes, I'll keep making my own clothing. I haven't paid into the sweatshop industrial machine in 3 years. Why start now?
I would like to sign up for the 2014 Challenge. How can I email you?
ReplyDeleteHere is my email: stitcheriedo@gmail.com Do you have to be a blogger to join? If so, I can get started sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteI will like to join the 2014 challenge my email address is erricacf@yahoo.com. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun. Sign me up too: heirloom1234 at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Thank you Marvita and Natalia for leading this challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe past 12 months certainly turned out to be a challenge for me - especially the latter half which allowed little time for blogging any of my garments ... holiday, then father hospitalised for 3 weeks, then birth of first grandchild, then father hospitalised for another 3 weeks, phew!!
Bring on the 2014 Challenge! Could you please add me to the next list of challenges.
To answer your questions:
1. That even when stressed, sewing keeps me focussed
2. Linings are as scary as I thought
3. I will definitely continue to sew for myself, though no specific goals
4. I think you have everything covered with the challenge
Hi
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join the 2014 challenge. I'd already started doing it without even knowing it existed! :)
linda@sewingbeefabrics.co.uk