Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

... and this and that. A lot of sewers do end-of-year recaps; I didn't last year but might now since I'm a bit dissatisfied with my own output. Although I know it's for all the right reasons. Sigh.


(Christmas present no. 1)



So this was 2010:


Garments for me: 12
Garments for children: 9
Other: 4 tote bags, 3 pillowcovers (not blogged), 2 hats, 1 costume

Altogether: 31 items


UFOs: 3 (Christmas dress, navy skirt suit I haven't blogged about)



To compare, my output as put on this blog in 2009 was:


Garments for me: 7
Garments for children: 19
Other: 2 capes, 2 costumes, 1 table runner, 2 bags, 1 hat


Altogether: 34 items

UFOs: 2 (blouse, chanel jacket)




- Okay, 2010 didn't compare as badly as I'd expected. I think my dissatisfaction has to do with two things: First, I didn't make much during the last quarter of 2010 (except for my Christmas crafting extravaganza). Second, I made quite a few involved projects (three coats/jackets) that took some time and energy but didn't translate into "I made a lot"! -



As you've probably read between the lines, I didn't finish my Christmas dress in time. In the end, all that was left for sewing was the middle of the night, and I feel a bit too old, eh, tired for that. I'm not sure when I'll finish it; that probably depends on when I get another occasion to wear it (and enough pressure to sew it!).



I got 2 little sewing gifts for Christmas. Don't feel sorry for me; the fabric cupboards are full, and I have more sewing books than I can use at the moment (not to mention no space for new machines). So the thimble pictured above was the perfect, space-efficient gift! I also got a sorely needed pair of embroidery scissors. (Until now I cut my bottonholes open with nail scissors. I'm not sure you wanted to know that!)




I also received some money for personal (read: sewing) use which would be just enough for a Burda subscription that is now offered with a complimentary (at greatly reduced price) dress-form. (I hope to finish my sewing room early next year so I'll have space for it.)





It's the Prym "Prymadonna". Does anyone have experience with this dress form? My personal fitting challenges on top are mostly a long torso (do dress forms adjust for that?), skinny neck, square shoulder. I'd love to hear your input!




I wish you all a happy, healthy New Year. May the spirit of the holidays and the excitement for a new beginning carry you through the next twelve months!



(Next up: sewing resolution recap)

12 comments:

  1. Happy new year!!!

    www.mrsbeautyjunkie.blogspot.com

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  2. You received a couple of great gifts. I look forward to seeing you put them to use in 2011. Happy New Year!

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  3. I think your output this year is pretty good (well, 1 garment a month for yourself is very good in my book-- I mean, how many clothes do we REALLY need, right?)

    That Burda giveaway is great, huh? I don't have a purchased dress form, but my suggestion is to research how people have altered them to fit their shapes better. I know many people buy a form that's smaller than their own size (they usually come in two or three sizes I think) and then make a custom padded cover to fit their own specific shape. This makes a lot of sense to me, unless you happen to have a very regular figure that is a close fit to a standard size and shape (like Shannon at MushyWear, who seems to be pretty close to a standard Big4 size from what I can tell by her alterations-- or lack thereof).

    Sorry, didn't mean to write a novel in your comments! :-) I think that's a great present to bring you into the new year (and that thimble is lovely)! So, Happy New Year!

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  4. I think you've done so well - not that my opinion is the one that counts :-) Happy New Year to you!

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  5. Happy and Healthy New Year to you too Uta. The Burda magazine and dress form seem like a great gift with your Christmas money. Unfortunately, I don't know much about dress forms, but it seems one would be useful to have.

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  6. I never sew as much as I think I ought. I've given up worrying about it and just enjoy the time I do have. Happy New Year!

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  7. That's a very lovely thimble. I'm sure your fingers will be happy!

    The thing about sewing output is that time spent sewing means time not spent doing something else. I think it's hard to prioritize when everything is top priority!

    Happy New Year!

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  8. Happy new year to you! 31 items still beats my total, but sewing isn't a race or competition, but something to be enjoyed. So as long as you enjoyed yourself, that's something to celebrate!
    Gorgeous thimble, what a lovely present! All the best for a fabulous and productive 2011!

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  9. Happy new year! I always look forward to your posts. Don't worry about output. It's the quality that matters. :)

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  10. Happy new year! Your sewing output sounds about right to me, for a busy mom! Looking forward to seeing your projects in 2011.

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  11. Happy New Year!
    I think if you've enjoyed the sewing process it doesn't matter how many items you've made. Especially if they are all items you love!

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