Edited to add: I don't know what happened to the photos! Google is doing its random acts of weirdness again. I'll get it corrected.
Edit 2: I think it's fixed...maybe.
It's that time of my sewing year for reflection and updates on new year intentions. I'll save the 'sewing year in review' chatter for a future post. For now, I'm sharing the results of Make Nine 2023.
I had good intentions, as always, but did not get to everything on the list. I lost interest in most of the patterns early on and never went back to make any changes. Ah well. I managed to check four of nine items off the list.
McCall's 8286
Version 1 (blue & white stripes): I completed this version back in August. I cut size 16 and made a 1/2-inch FBA. I forgot to copy the FBA to the front overlay and oddly it still fit. Perhaps this piece is supposed to have more drape. I also shortened the dress 6 inches; as drafted it was far too long for my short frame. For this version, I used the curved hem with facings.
I think the fabric I used, although nice, is far too heavy for this design. The sleeves can stand out on their own. Hah! Using snaps for closures made the front even more heavy.
I wore it once in September and felt okay in it. It wasn't fiddly and the heaviness didn't seem to bother me - or I don't remember it bothering me.
Version 2 (gray chambray): For the second version, I used a lightweight tencel chambray; this fabric is much more appropriate in weight. I opted for the straight hem this time and added four inches to the ties.
I should have used a heavier interfacing for the front band because it's a wee bit flimsy. I finished this in October and by that time it was too cold (for me) to wear it. We'll see how it goes in Spring.
Deep Stash > 8 years
I liked having this category as part of the plan as it encouraged me to use some older fabric. I bought this piece a long time ago after seeing an argyle sweater-vest made by another sewer and wanting a similar look.
This fabric has been in and out of various donation boxes for YEARS. I pulled it back out earlier this year and there it sat, mocking me and wondering when it was going back in the box. Haha! This time I was determined to cut the fabric and I'm SO glad I did.
Enter my TNT knit top pattern: Simplicity 9385, sans collar. I used a scrap of wool knit for the sleeves, cuffs, neckband, and hem band. I didn't have enough to make the full hem band width, so I opted for half-width.
The neckband sits quite nicely.
This is certainly one of my favorite versions of S9385.
Closet Core Kelly Anorak
I shared my thoughts about making the jacket here. A clear favorite and I'm so glad I went through with it. It came out exactly as I had envisioned and I enjoy wearing it.
Oro Rosa Magdalena Circle Bag
Another winner from Oro Rosa. She makes great patterns and I enjoy sewing them. As soon as I get my sewing space back together, I have intentions to sew more of her collection. More details about this bag can be found here.
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Even though I didn't complete the plan, I am happy with the things I made. I carry the handbag often and really love the anorak.
I've not given any thought to Make Nine 2024, though I intend to participate.
Basement Update:
In my last post, I shared that I started the process of doing small updates in my basement. I've primed all of the wood panels with two coats of water-based Kilz 2 and settled on a top color.
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| started with priming the grooves |
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| one coat of primer |
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| two coats of primer |
This is the first wall I did. I learned later that feathering the paint in the grooves helped reduce the visibility of the paint lines.
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| much better |
At first I thought I wanted a nice tan color on the walls, but then I quickly changed my mind when I saw how it looked. Having gotten used to how bright it was in the basement, the tan color felt suffocating.
So I've decided to go with a color by Glidden called Silent Smoke in an eggshell finish; it's the third color on the right (closest to the door trim). I'm going to take the sample jar back to the hardware store to see if they can add a teeny bit more tint to darken it just a little. The next color on the swatch card is called Whiskers. I want something in between, so I'll see if they can make that happen.
(paint chip on the right)
Next is to remove the floor trim, then clean and prime the floor. I wanted to put in a floating floor, but I think peel-and-stick is the way to go. It's a basement and if there is ever another pipe incident, I need things to be easy to clean and not too hard to replace or mend.
I also thought of tearing out the old ceiling tiles and painting the joists, duct work, etc. and redoing the lighting situation. But that's a major job and probably left best to when I have a lot more time. I know it's probably better to do the ceiling before the floor, but I don't have any clear vision for that right now. Plus I really miss sewing and want my space back.
That's all for now. I need to research compound mitre saws so that I can install new baseboard and ceiling trim. I've never used a saw or installed trim before so if you have some tips, please chime in! In fact, any tips or DOs and DO NOT DOs will be helpful and appreciated!
L
