My 2020 plans

Here are my plans going into 2020... 2020 Make Nine Here are my make nine plans: Freya Sweater by Tilly and the Buttons Toucan t-shirt Shawl Mila Dungarees by Tilly and the Buttons Dressing Gown using Butterick 5189 A men's shirt (not decided on pattern yet) Slipper Boots (free pattern by Tilly and the Buttons) Trousers Art of Knitting throw Other plans Learn to draft a trouser block (going to a locally held class) Mend textile items at home which need fixing Successfully make any items for special birthdays coming up this year Keeping track of my progress and achievements I decided that this year my day job and hobbies would collide in the form of this spreadsheet - the my makes spreadsheet!  At the end of 2019, I realised that I couldn't remember a lot of the makes I had achieved, particularly gifts as I no longer had them, so this year I am keeping track. I am going to gather data on various aspects such as whether it's a gift or not, what type of project, how long it takes and the cost, if possible. Watch it on the vlog I discussed my plans in a bit more detail over on the vlog: https://youtu.be/Pxz1beeCKb4

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Review of the year: 2019

With the year drawing to a close, I thought I would reflect on my makes during 2019. Most challenging make - the black copley cardigan I've chosen the black copley cardigan as it is the make that took me the longest.  I have made this pattern before but in a yellow colour, which was a lot easier on the eye!  I can get quite impatient so the fact I persevered and finished it within a year is quite an achievement. I haven't worn it much yet - I think I have just got a bit exhausted from it.  I'm sure I will start wearing it more once I've recovered! Most fun make - the beach towel poncho It was easy to select the most fun make - it's the beach towel poncho!  My mum and I made this one weekend when she came to stay.  She wanted one for when she visits us as we live close to the beach. I enjoyed this make as it was a collaborative effort, we had to work out how to make it as we went along, and it came out better than I imagined. Most useful make - the Debbie Shore office bag The most useful make has been this Debbie Shore Office Bag.  I only made it in September but it is now my work bag.  I made a matching water bottle carrier and zip pouch as well which have proved to be invaluable as well. Favourite gift made - the bear pjs I am fond of practically all the gifts I made this year, but my last substantial make has to be my favourite.  I made Phill these bear PJs from pattern woven fabric from our trip to Hong Kong in 2018 and then made a top in a black knit fabric.  Once made, I couldn't resist making a little bear motif for the top.  I tried to replicate one of the bears on the patterned fabric and created the outline with chain stitch, using a french knot for the bear's eye. Favourite make - the Cleo upcycle The Cleo pinafore stands out in my mind as it is probably the make I wear the most.  As I made it from two pairs of jeans that were given to me, it feels so substantial and lovely to wear. My #2019makenine Molly Dress - completed Bibi Pinafore - completed Copley Cardigan - completed (see above) Kinder Cardigan - completed Toucan T-Shirt - did not start but will rollover to 2020 list Bag for swimming or yoga - no longer required (but I did make that office bag instead) Vinyl travel bag - did not make but may carry over to 2020 list Art of Knitting throw - Did not continue as the cardigan took so long Sew House 7 Dress - did not make Other key achievements and lessons learned I can survive on my fabric stash without buying more fabric - and I now appreciate my stash rather than feeling overwhelmed…

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5 Ideas for quick sewing gifts (all free patterns/tutorials)

I love to make a gift for my nearest and dearest, and while I start with huge ambitious plans, I'm normally grappling with time.  Here are a few ideas if you find yourself wanting to make gifts but needing some faster options. 1. Eye Mask (Tilly and the Buttons) A classic quick and fun make is the eye mask.  A great gift for frequent travelers or someone who likes to wear one in general!  This tutorial is a lovely simple yet effective gift which you could complement with some lavender spray for their pillow or include in a travel pack set. 2. Slippers (Tilly and the Buttons) I haven't made this one yet, but it is definitely on my list!  TATB also have this fabulous pattern for free on their website as well. This one might be a slightly longer make and you might need to make more 3. Hair towel turban This is a pattern I shared earlier in the year and it is free to download from this website here.  There is also a youtube video which guides you through how to make it.  You only need a small towel and a bit of elastic to make it and you only cut out two pattern pieces. 4. Tote bag The classic tote bag is a great gift.  There are so many free patterns out there, it's difficult to pin point one in particular.  You could also find a pattern in a library book.  It's a good universal gift that would suit a lot of people. The photo is from Mollie Makes which has a 20 minute bag tutorial.  I haven;t tried it but it looks like it could be a good one to try. 5. Zipper pouch This is another versatile option because you can make one for a variety of uses: Add money to complement the purse Add items to make it a vanity set Gift little haberdashery items to a sewing friend such as buttons or a mini sewing kit Make it longer to create a pencil case or crochet hook case You can read and watch my tutorial on how to make a simple lined zipper pouch. That's all my ideas for today.  If you do have any useful quick free sewing gift ideas to share, I'd love to hear them in the comments below, or feel free to contact me. Watch it on the Vlog I've linked my video on these ideas below: https://youtu.be/2lzs3iRW8iI

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Crafting with a chronic illness: my experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis

I thought it might be useful to share what I have found helpful for my circumstance in case it is also useful for someone else. Everyone is different though, so you must keep problem solving until you find your own strategies.

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Reading Passport 2016 update – February

I am becoming well known by the staff in my library from this challenge, as I think there are very few people undertaking this reading challenge!  Well, I have struggled to speed up with my reading and the deadline of 31 March is proving to be difficult.  However, here is my update for February. (more…)

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