Wednesday 3 January 2018

2018 Resolutions

Happy New Year!
OK folks, I have had a little think about my crafting resolutions for 2018 and they are:

1. To learn to use all the sewing machine feet in my little pot. What are they all for? Do you have some of these? Are they a help or hindrance? Are they even all for my machine, I am wondering!

2. To knit a pair of socks with a pattern on. I am hoping to knit a pair of these from Christina's pattern on A colourful life. I have got the hang of plain socks now so I want to 'dip my toe' into some other patterns.
A photo from her blog - these are Christina's feet!

3. To make a Dresden star quilt for Andy and I - a whopping big double bed one!


I have made a little start over the holidays in the moments when I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I have been making the templates and collecting some starter fabrics from my cupboard. I need 252 of them... I have 37!


At present, they are all stored in my new HUGE cake tin.


I treated myself to some primary colours which had varying dark/light values for the contrasting star shape. They have lifted my scraps to a new level and I'd say there is no harm in polishing a turd.


Finally, as a side dish, I have made most of my Vintage pattern collection now so I want to try out a few more indie pattern houses. I am not sure I am going to like all of them but I would like to do a few reviews - are they worth the extra money, what is the sizing like, what are the instructions like, that kind of thing. Any recommendations?



Wish me Luck. 
What are you endeavouring to do this year? Do tell.

13 comments:

  1. Pretty feet :-) I better make sure there are no mistakes in the pattern. Thanks for the mention. I think your goals are achievable. Not sure about the sewing machine feet, some are very specialised. My machine came with many feet, too. I use the walking foot, two zipper feet, the 1/4' seam foot and the normal foot. Very occasionally, I use the darning foot (for free motion quilting practice) and the rolled hem foot. I have used a teflon foot for sewing leather. I haven't sewn any patterns of the designers you show. I like Blank Slate patterns (simple, versatile), Seamwork (fast projects) and Cashmerette (for my fat rolls). Your Dresden star quilt is going to be amazing! I hope all your wishes come true this year Jo. I also hope that your dad is doing ok just now, I have been thinking of you both. x

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    1. Thanks Christina. Blank slate patterns are very cool indeed. Might check one of those out. Jo x

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    2. Ha ha! I thought I recognised those feet, how weird is that! Sorry Christina, still it proves I was looking with interest at the 'make a pair of socks every month' posts, Cathy x

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  2. I wouldn't know where to start with all those feet/attachments. I am so looking forward to watching your progress on your quilt, some of the fabrics are gorgeous. I am still working on my list but they are all centred around the conversion of the outbuilding. Wishing you every success with your list.

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    1. oh yes of course, Good Luck with the Outbuilding project. Jo x

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  3. You are brave. I only make simple clothes, so I tend to use tried and tested patterns. Ones I know will fit. Also I use my Betty Foster book from the 80's. I used to watch her on t.v. She was an expert and so calm when explaining something.Love reading your blog. Always interesting.

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    1. Thank Caz! I have never heard of Betty Foster but sewing on TV sounds brilliant.

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  4. Happy new year to you! I also have some sewing machine feet, not as many as you, that I need to learn to use. Love the stack of colorful fabrics:)

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  5. Lovely crafting goals! What a good idea to learn to use all of your sewing machine feet. I use my walking foot mostly. I love your quilt plans, lovely fabrics too. I really like Tillie's Cleo pinafore dress pattern. Good luck!

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    1. Me too! It is my most worn item of handmade clothing in 2017. I have a denim one in the plans for 2018.

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  6. Great plans Jo! And that's an impressive number of sewing machine feet that you have to try out! As for pattern recommendations, I quite like Jennifer Lauren's patterns (as long as you don't mind PDFs) and Sew Over It patterns seem to fit me nicely too. Good luck with your plans!

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    1. I really want to try the Sew over it Ultimate shift dress pattern. It looks forgiving and can be made in so many fabrics. Thanks Ruth.

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  7. You have great plans Jo. Love that tunic, I'd like about five of them for my wardrobe. I want to play with yarn of course and just knit one sweater. I lost my knitting love somewhere last year and I need to find it again. Best of luck.

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