Every year I aspire to complete items from the queue, polish my techniques, improve my fitting, and learn lots of new things. These are not SMART goals, but saying them out loud helps me choose projects that will take me in the right direction.
So how did I get on?
Using up, adapting or finishing off:
The Finchdale set-in sleeve jumper was finally finished. Much better fit than Rtw, but will do less scoop at neck and a wider lower edge another time.
The Hermia v-neck raglan cardigan used not quite enough charity shop merino yarn. Fits well, but with v-neck and cropped length, it'll work from late spring.
Legwarmers for J, for September birthday girl, and for me, all from leftover/reused materials. Pattern is good for the future.
Tech knitter's scrappy tam, mostly wool, from the hip section of a long-abandoned jumper. A bit loose in the band, but so cosy. Worn very often, will be repeated.
Wristwarmers from leftover sock yarn, and reknitted uncomfy too-wide mittens. A few more rows added to my old legwarmers and wristwarmers.
There were more knit baby hats for donation, either my leftovers or grab bags of part balls from charity shops.
Trying crochet after a long gap, a top down hat in sock yarn with knitted rib worked. (I pulled out the round-the-post crochet as too busy-looking in this colourway and perhaps too bulky) Not sure the crochet booties in DK are suitable for tinies, whether the hook holes are going to be trouble for delicate toes. I want to try booties again with finer yarn and a smaller hook. Or make 6-9 month size for not-quite walking kids.
The fitting project
Tee from ancestor pattern Tilly and the Buttons Freya. Lots more trial and tweaks - think the balance between movement ease and appearance is now about right. In any case, I have plenty of good enough tees and pj tops for 2024.
Woven trousers from ancestor News of the World NS258. One good pair made in Sage linen. The many trial pairs became summer pj pants.
Joggers from ancestor pattern Successful Sewing 8. My version of SS8 is good now with grain lines, and fits at thigh, high and low hip. Still needs more adaptation at elastic waist for my abrupt curves.
Not done
Fitting a skirt using what I've learned from trousers. Attempts from recycled materials failed, one because the fabric was more damaged than I'd realised, the second hadn't enough fabric as I prefer A-line to columns on my figure. I did confirm my preferred length below knee but not below calf. Might try again once it's warm enough for bare legs.
Finish summer handbag from 2021 course.
Refashioning? Tried to make something of the event badged polo-shirts, but they weren't the right shape for me. One has been kept as sleepwear,with a patch over the logo, the rest donated.
Woven shirt fitting. I was almost ready to cut into good fabric after more trials in reclaimed gingham. Using Burda 8957, fitting help from Mrs Mole, and mashed up with the Betty Foster master for long sleeves. Then my non-crafty project arrived, and the colder weather. Try again in the summer.
Planning.
Did some thinking about needs using themes of Function, Fitting, Finishing and Fun. My wardrobe holes, in no particular order are (some still)
Formal-ish dress to replace 2019 double jersey Freya (now tight)
Another pair warm office trousers. There are some nice inherited suiting lengths waiting.
Woven shirt, from cheerful prints or the gingham that goes with the sage linen.
A denim skirt or pinafore - the fabric piece is not quite long enough for jeans.
More cycling shorts as undertrousers, maybe wear them under the denim skirt.
Another camisole or two or three.
Pattern test and make up the mouse quilting fabric waistcoat.
I'm using more busy trains, and my old masks are scruffy.
Replace summer pair of tired joggers.
Gifts - top and dress for H in 2023. She has chosen fabric for next summer.
This lot, plus any repairs, should keep me occupied in 2024!
