MY 2009 SEWING GOALS

But first...a mini fashion show...bedroom slippers and all (lol). Lisa took these photos for me after our "sew-a-long" on Sunday afternoon. Can you tell that I'm proud? I found water repellent spray to treat it with and it's supposed to rain tomorrow so I'll be ready to go.


So here's another look at the goals I've set for 2008, and what I did or didn't do with each one.

2008 SEWING GOALS

1. WORK ON COLLAR WITH BAND APPLICATION
Never did take the time to practice application.

2. LEARN WELT POCKET APPLICATION
Same here did not take the time to practice the application.

3. LEARN INVISIBLE ZIPPER APPLICATION
I did do two invisible zipper applications last year. However, I did not have the correct invisible zipper foot attachment. I tried to do it with a
piping foot which was ok, but still not accurate enough for me. I finally did purchase the right foot for one of my machines, but have yet to get around to using it.

4. EMBELLISH MORE
I didn't do much embellishment, just can't make up my mind on exactly what to do.

5. BITE THE BWOF BULLET
I made one BWOF skirt pattern. I did get around to tracing out another pattern but have yet to use it.

6. WORK ON NEW SEAM FINISHES (HONGKONG AND FRENCH SEAMS)
I've got that french seam down pat so it isn't scary to me any more. I've used the HongKong seam finish just a little bit on the facings of jackets; but I still need to experiment with this finish more.

7. WORK ON TNT PANTS PATTERN
I worked with a McCall's shorts pattern that I lengthened to make several pairs of capri's and a pair of pants. I will continue my search for THE pants pattern in the new year.

8. BEEF UP SEWING SPACE
I purchased:
. a gravity fed steam iron (this thing I really love)
. a coverstitch machine (now I get really a professional look on knits and hems)
. a cutting table - which is just the right height although not long enough, but it really is a big help for my back when cutting.
. I installed wall shelving (money gifted from my sister Brenda). They've really helped with organization.
. Bought a 3-light pole lamp for $5.00 at a yard sale. I love this thing too. I'm always on the lookout for something nifty for the sewing room.

9. 6 PIECE MINI SWAP
I actually sewed a mini swap from my stash during the summer for my vacation. And almost finished another one during my fall sewing.

10. NO UFO'S
Ok, the verdict is still out on this one. I have one pattern cut out (pattern still attached to fabric). I think other sewists call this a UFO. But is it an UFO if you never actually started to sew it.

So what are the plans for 2009:

1. Add more COLOR to my wardrobe.
Lori posted a great site to help with this one, it's www.insideoutstyle.blogspot.com.
www.etceteraclothing.com is another one.

2. Schedule time monthly for ACTUAL practice sessions on these techniques:
.collar with band applicaton
.welt pocket application
.invisible zipper application
.hong kong finishes
.bias tape making and application

3. Experiment more with BWOF patterns.
This means that I will have to purchase a magazine every now and them.

4. Make my Channel Suit from the fabric my Mother gave me.
Ann has already sent me information for my Channel jacket.

5. Back to the quest of finding the perfect pants pattern.
Simplicity has two new ones that Lisa says are the bomb so I've got to give them a try. And I finally bought Vogue 1051 that Adrienne swears by.

That's all for now; I may add a few more as I go along or even delete one of them... we will see.