2025 What next?

Thinking about design lines, I took some time this January to sketch my top 4 garments as silhouettes on my croquis*. Used colours which are favourites in my wardrobe. Tidy tee, jumper (sweater), collared shirt, trousers, and joggers cover 90% of my clothing needs, provided I vary the fabric. Think wool or linen trousers for the office, canvas for walking, cotton or silk for summer in town ... 

I have patterns in these basic shapes that already fit better than ready to wear. I'm only an improver, though. I'm still trying to get the right balance between style ease (how does it look) and movement ease (how does it cope with daily life) 

Here's the evidence of how far I have to change basics to fit my petite pear shaped frame, with forward-tilting hip crests. 

In 2025, I want to continue refining these basics. My tee pattern is tidy but could do with 1/8" tweaks before I experiment with necklines; my knit jumper pattern needs work at the armscye and neckline; the woven top hasn't yet evolved into a collared shirt; the woven trousers are the best fit in decades but I notice a leg twist; joggers are a little long and could be improved by a pseudo-curved elastic at the front. 

I've added a below knee skirt to my basics wishlist and sketches but will probably not get round to it this year. 

So, to turn aspirations into achievements, let's prioritise existing projects:

Alter woven top trial garment S6614 at shoulder point, then make another simplified version, maybe do trousers first for a better sense of curves around waist and hip. 

Reknit my teal Talvi jumper from the armscye up. 

Replace at least one of the older plain tees. 

And a new project, try TDCO trouser fitting method, starting with a tracing of the simplest pattern in my collection. 

And as a grab bag when out and about, a couple of foot square panels of granny squares. 

There'll be other small projects, of course. For example I only have one decent sunhat, summer joggers need replacing... The jacket project may have to wait for 2026.

* croquis, an outline of a body shape. Having no claims to artistic ability, I traced a photo to get my own proportions. Commercial offerings are available but I haven't tried them. 

2023 review, 2024 plan

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!

Things I chose not to do this June

Sometimes it's interesting to think about what projects and tasks you choose not to do, as well the ones you tackled. Some are turned down when your materials aren't quite right (no crochet cuffs in a lightly twisted yarn). Some you realise why they don't need fixing (unusually long sleeves on a woven pj top can stay, for warmth because I sleep with arms crossed ).

There were some chunky challenges I fancied doing this month, but settled for a fraction of each. 

Me Made May 2023. Considered doing this with the same theme as last year (let's assess). I was still in the cool weather clothing till the end of May, though. And when the sun arrived in June,  I realised that the verdicts would be much the same as last year. The smaller thing worth doing was a summer sort. I got rid of a handful of items, including (sadly) the two peach and white raindrop print tees which were Very Regularly worn. And I've put something in my detailed notes about the odd new item. 

Sew What You Need in June 2023. This challenge sounds like the perfect follow up to Me Made May. But bother, I have too many things in progress* to take it on. I am, though, working on basic necessaries: woven trousers that fit when standing, walking and sitting, fussily I want comfort all the time; a basic tee with the right amount of movement ease for me; and a semi-fitted woven long sleeved top. The trousers and tee are at the confirmation test stage, maybe needing 1/8" tweaks. The woven top will need at least one more toile (muslin) before I use good fabric.

* You'll have to wait for month roundup to find out how I got on. 

Great British Sewing Bee. I've often fancied taking on the construction challenges as a skill builder. Not in front of the cameras, and not under that time pressure. In my fantasy, these fit H who is petite but needs few other fitting changes. I did manage a boxy top for her, reading the instructions and taking no short cuts. The trial garment would have been good enough if it hadn't been made of worn-out sheeting. She was happy with the real thing (seabird print quilting cotton, K6217). Success! 

Is anyone else tempted by month long challenges? Do you ever try to do something even when you choose not to do the whole thing? Do you count it as a small success? 

2023 plans and thoughts

 

Having realised there is no plan yet for 2023, I've dug out the 2022 plan. And guess what? The themes are similar.

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.

Sewing machine. The engineer has been unavailable due to health problems, so it has been making do with regular cleans. Haven't yet got to play with the new feet I was given last autumn.

Using up, adapting or finishing off:

Bonus legwarmers for the friend who had to wait till mid-January for her first pair. These are just k2p2, 40 sts on 4.5mm needles. I'm getting bored with them, however they are a good project to take to knit and natter, or for a regional train journey.

The Finchdale jumper. Sleeves are too tight, and I may consider a higher neckline. Good job I crocheted the sleeves in to test the the fit. 

Still too many odd balls of yarn, though these are now big enough for toddler-size rather than newborn projects

Revisit the fitting project, which got put down in order to knit for the winter.. I haven't even made another woven shirt from nicer fabric, despite having a much much better pattern now. I have used what I learned on the Tilly and the Buttons Freya tee, but haven't blogged it yet. Both of these patterns will replace worn out garments.

Finish summer handbag from 2021 course. If I think I'll be going anywhere to use it...

I'm pretty up to date with repairs. Refashioning? I've inherited a handful of event badged polo-shirts. They fit well on the donor. He doesn't often wear short sleeves, so just putting a pocket over the logo won't work for him., Can I refashion them to fit someone smaller? Or make two from three by extending the sleeves?

Wardrobe holes (still):

More long sleeved t-shirts. I'm still tweaking Freyas (Tilly and the Buttons) and the Mica (Laela Jeyne OOP) which has a v-neck rather than a high neck. I might also have another try at Tulip Tees (Patterns for Pirates), which is a good drop shoulder option with little waste.

Formal-ish dress to replace double jersey Freya (now too small)

Another pair less informal trousers. There are some nice inherited suiting lengths waiting. And a shirt length that goes with the 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. I have three pairs, but only one will survive the spring clothing sort.

Pattern test and make up the mouse quilting fabric waistcoat. 

Masks again - rarely worn nowadays, unless there's a prolonged visit to a confined place. However the original batch are looking really scruffy.

Replace at least one pair of tired joggers.

2022 plan. Well, some thoughts.

 Lots of ideas for 2022. Some of these will happen, and depending what life throws at us, new opportunities could queue jump. 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.

In no particular order.

Service sewing machine - the engineer suggests March.

Using up, adapting or finishing off:

Small amounts of yarn/handbag size projects. I don't think there are many leftovers that go together, either in weight or colour, so it'll have to be small items. Maybe see what the Community Centre can donate to the the Foodbank recipients - small hats and gloves, squares for blankets, small scarves, toddler cardis?

Refit green boxy jacket - will a cowl improve it?

Finish summer handbag from last year's course.

Grey workwear zipped top sleeves - cut off frayed bit above thumbholes, elasticate at my arm length, and use scraps to increase hip circumference.

Revisit the fitting shell project. There are still some sheeting scraps, and some inherited floral polyester lengths unlikely to find a home.

Wardrobe holes:

More long sleeved t-shirts. Probably bigger Freyas (Tilly and the Buttons book) or Tulip Tees (Patterns for Pirates)

Formal-ish dress to replace double jersey Freya (now too small)

Another pair less informal trousers. There are some nice inherited suiting lengths waiting. And a nice shirt length that goes with the 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.

Pattern test and make up the mouse quilting fabric waistcoat. 

More masks. There might also be ear savers, knitted to convert our few purchased masks to a ties. That way they'll sit round my neck between shops.

Knit a second jumper from the much altered Talvi knits Moss Green Sweater pattern. Enter all my notes onto the pattern first, maybe chart it out.

Replace at least one pair of tired joggers.

Possible gifts:

Waistcoat for DD, for next winter.

And quirky fun things:

Even better fitted legwarmers/footless socks , especially if they'll bring the denim skirt into use in colder weather.

2022 - a fresh start

 Hi everyone.

For 2022 I'm making a fresh start on the blog and have unpublished any old posts.  I will have no scruples about Reducing, Repairing, and Recycling content, so you may find some familiar ideas in slightly different words.

As before, it'll be almost all about sewing, knitting and other creative plans. 

Hope you find some of these ideas interesting.

Happy New Year

Mouselet.