Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We are already well into the new year.  For weeks I've been pondering what's next!  Should I write a end of the year review?  TOO LATE.  Is it too late to post the last few project reviews of 2018?  NO. What is a good number of potentially achievable resolutions? A REALISTIC NUMBER.  What will I strive for in the new year? IMPROVED SKILLS AND PRODUCTIVITY.  How can I make it great? WORKING HARD AT ACHIEVING MY GOALS.

Unfortunately, the holiday season is over.  I don't miss all the shopping, but I love the happy spirit of comes from people. Everyone seems to smile and laugh more.  The sounds of Christmas is every where.  There are lots of parties and gatherings. It's a joyous time to celebrate the birth of Christ, reflect on the past year, and make plans for a great new year.  There is so much happiness in the air.  I love it!  Christmas time is my favorite time of year.

Last year it was super busy for me.  I was blessed to do my usual travelling and socializing.  My home was water proofed in the summer.  After that, my basement needed to be put back in order, at least the laundry room.  The sewing studio is still not quite where I'd like it to be.  But, I've begun some serious purging and re-organizing.  After the water proofing the flooring and the baseboards were reinstalled.  Then I had both rooms repainted.  In November, I had a procedure to correct some of my sinus issues.  To be exact, the surgeon corrected my deviated spectrum and performed a sinuplasty.  So I was recuperated for about three weeks and was still on the mend during the holiday season.  Despite the periods of NO SEWING, I did sew quite a lot.

Overall, I was happy with about 85% of the things I made in 2018.  There were six projects that I did not review or blog about.  Only three UFO's, all are summer vacation projects.  And there were about eight projects that I only did the pattern adjustments for.

This year, so far, I've made six garments.  I plan to continue to focus on separates the first half of the year.  Also on my list of goals are:

• coats and jackets with welts pockets and buttonholes. I want to get better at finishing details of coats and jackets like to lining with piping,attaching the lining to the coat, and making beautiful pocket and buttonholes details.
• tops and shirts with plackets on the sleeve and front.  Here again, adding more details to tops and shirts.

and,

• maximizing the use of patterns that I already own.  I am going to do more with TNT's patterns instead of buying more new ones.  The goal is to mix, match, and hack TNT's to come up with an entirely new look.

So, this is my little sag way into the new year.  I'm happy to be able to make plans and to share my sewing adventures with all of my followers.  I sincerely appreciate your visits and comments.  It's been great.  

So off  to a great beginning  and God bless!

Cennetta

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We are already eight days into the new year.  It is so amazing how fast time is passing.  I'm still wondering what happened to the summer.  It came and went so quickly.

At Christmas, I thought about what I might say on my blog to close out the year 2016.  What could I say about my sewing year and what could I say/share that would start a new year of sewing experiences?  Then my thoughts turned to me preparing to move, moving, shopping, more shopping, working, and other life events.  I concluded; it's been a full and very productive year.  And the low garment production is okay.  I'm happy to be still here, healthy and able to do.

So, I decided not to do a review of last year; nor will I make a "sewing" resolution to sew more or to blog more.  I will take it one day at a time, making the best of it.

I wanted to also say to my followers thank you for continuing to follow and comment on my blog.  It is much appreciated.  I'm always happy when someone comments on my posts.  Also, I hope your year is off to a great start.  God bless and keep on creating beautiful things.  You are an inspiration to me.

Happy New Year!
Cennetta

Looking Forward - 2010

I'm so looking forward to a new year of sewing and creating beautiful things. 2009 was a trying year, and I'm thankful that I had an outlet. I'm grateful to God for blessing with a creative hand, and try to share the gift with my family and friends. My client projects is growing: I already have: two clergy robes, a prom dress, two coats, and a alterations to do.

This year I decided to do an over haul of my sewing goals targeting specific things to accomplish.

1. New machine - I absolutely have to buy another sewing machine. My singer Quantum DSX died on me shortly after Christmas. It is over fifteen years old. It has paid for itself over and over again. So I'm shopping for a new one. I have Commercial Grade Singer Sewing machine that I am not fund of at all. It's my back up. So I will definitely buy a new sewing machine within the next few weeks.

2. Purchase Reference Books - There at least one I'm going to buy: Roberta Carr's Couture Sewing Book recommended by NancyK.

3. Adding some tailoring techniques - Make at least one garment with bound buttonholes, another some decorative top stitching (I love the midnight blue dress Carolyn recently made.), and try at least one of the techniques in Roberta Carr's Couture book.

4. Sew something from all those BWOF magazines on the shelf. I have a couple hundred dollars invested in them. I need to use them.


and

5. Make that cute little black Beyonce number on the side bar.

That's it.

Have a wonderful creative weekend!
Cennetta

Looking Back - 2009

Happy New Year!

I would like to thank everyone who visited my blog and special thanks to those of you who graciously left a word of encouragement. Last year was good; I've made some improvements but want to continue to explore some couture techniques. The list of goals for 2009 was the same as the previous year. Looking back on them, I still did not quite meet them. The reason maybe due to the breadth of them. For 2010 goals will be more targeted than last year's. I'll post them tomorrow.


A year in review 2009


More Challenging Projects - Yes. My nieces prom and dinner dance outfits.

Quality over Quantity - The list of finished garments is huge considering I have a full time job. I need to work on the quality part a little more.

Making something from leather - Didn't do yet.

New Specialized Machine - Haven't bought yet.

Refine Terms and Conditions for Clients - Almost done, needs a little more tweaking but usable.

Purchased more Reference Books - Just sewing magazines and crochet books.

Organize - Needs more work

UFO's - Only completed four, but haven't added to them. All 2009 unfinished (cut) projects are being worked on.

Networking - Not so much in person, a little in cyberspace. In November, I became a member of the Haute Couture Club of Chicago. My first meeting will be in February.


The Tally of Things Sewn


For Me

Dresses 11
Jackets/Vests 7
Coats 3
Skirts 3
Top 1
Pants 5

For Clients and Miss. DD

Dresses 6
Jackets/Vests 5
Skirts 4
Accessories 4
Robes 2
Pants 14

My Favorite Things














Least Favorites - Two UFO's - Maybe that's why it took me so long to sew them up.

Year End Review - Sewing Projects 2008

Happy New Year!

I'm full of hope for a prosperous new year and am grateful for the blessings of God. In November and December I thought about last year's resolution and wondered about how how of it was accomplished in 2008. Well, Lindsay's Year End Review was the first one of several reviews that I read on sewing goals and accomplishments. I was impressed by the testaments of my fellow bloggers and started to put together my own review. I borrowed bits and pieces on formatting from several posts to help me write my review.

My grade on achieving the goals set for 2008 is about C+ as I'm carrying several over into 2009.

*More Challenging Projects - The two most challenging projects were for clients - Vogue 1015 and Vogue 8355. I was pleased with the outcome of both, but at the same time recognized the flaws and areas where I need to refine and/or perfect my skills. Practice makes perfect. The rose belt was inspired by a dress/belt featured in Cadena magazine.



*Quantity over Quality - Hmmm ..., I sewed a lot considering, work and family. I think quality has improved. Last year I tried a few couture techniques and was pleased with the the look and affect of the new skills. I only accepted three commissions and a few alterations in 2008. For that I am pleased and proud of myself for learning how to say, "No, thank you."

I took a look at my Flickr photostream to count the number of garments made in 2008. To my surprised, I sewed 48 articles of clothing and accessories. Here's the breakdown:

Skirts = 1 + (1)
Pants = 8 + (5)
Tops and Blouses = 7
Jackets/Coats = 5
Gown = (1)
Accessories 3
Suits 1 + (1)
Dresses = 14 + (2)

() denotes articles sewn for someone other than myself

Make something from Leather - Researched the techniques and processes, but didn't try it yet.

New Specialized Sewing Machine - Researched - no purchase.

Refine Terms and Conditions for Clients - Written but still not finalized.

*Purchased More Reference Books - I purchased several craft book. Check.

*Organized - Working on it.

*UFO's - I only sewed three. The UFO's have increased by 20 percent. Grrrr!

* denotes On going goal.

Networking/Join Craft Organization
- I was fortunate to participate in two "Meet Up", one in Chicago and the other in Philly. But did not attend any conference or seminar. Still on the list. I did, however, become a member of ASG.

My Favorites 2008

Vogue Divine Details - 8355 Made for Ms. Paulette Bell. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this suit. And so was Ms. PB.

New Look 6824 - My Birthday Dress. This dress was inspired by the 2008 Lace trend. Love it.

McCall's 5269 - This is a favorite too. The fit and style is just right for me.

McCall's 5466 - Can you tell I like satin. lol. After finishing Ms. PB suit, I didn't have much time to make a dress for myself. We attend the same church and were going to our Pastor's 31st Anniversary dinner. I missed it, stomach flu. But I wore my dress and matching jacket to two other occasions.

Most Worn in 2008

Dresses are my favorite; but because of my "occupation" I tend to wear pants more. All of the VC's Tech groups are in the basement of the administration building (Chicago campus). My group, in particular, gets to travel between the campuses for meeting and presentations. So I made several pairs of pants from V2812, M5710, and M5597 for comfort and ease of wear.

Least Liked 2008

New Look 6561 - This top just didn't work for me. The fit of the underarm, the position of the waist and elastic. I passed this on to my sister.

Simplicity 3673 - I didn't pass this dress on to anyone, and I do wear it to work. Its just not a favorite.

Well, that's it!

Happy Sewing! Enjoy life and learning!
Peace,
C

Playing Catch Up

It is days like today when I really appreciate the benefit of working for a technical/functional support unit. Occasionally, I have the opportunity to work from home. All I need is a computer, a phone, and access to all systems that help support our users. I don't have to "dress" for work, no rush hour traffic, and lunch from my very own kitchen. sweet.

Work/Travel

My team has started traveling again. Travel days can be at most a 16 hour work day depending on the circumstance and the distance. For me it takes awhile to recover, but it's all part of getting the job done. Most of my travel is to the Urbana campus with an occasional trip to Springfield. No travel to Rockford and Peoria for at least 2 1/2 years. We also usually meet at two of three extensions sites to discuss best practices for the use of our application. Recently, I have had the benefit of traveling to more than our typical milk run. Last month I traveled to New York City. Upcoming trips to Philadelphia, PA and Naples, FL. I won't get my hopes up for a chance to shop in Philly. It's a one night, one day, trip. I will have a chance to shop and visit some local attractions while in Naples. It's the annual user group meeting (4 days) hosted by our product vendor.

Bringing my New Year's Resolution to Life

Sewing

No sewing, but plenty of reading and gathering of materials/information. I subscribe to a few sewing and fashion mags. So I been playing catch on the latest trends and styles. I've also purchased several books, one is the most recent publication of Vogue Sewing. I already own the 1982 version and thought the new book would offer new information. Not really.., The most noticeable changes/updates were the layout of the book and the order of the chapters. My copy is a hard cover the new one is paperback. My preference is the older version which comes with several photos to illustrate a style or technique discussed in the book. I decided to give the latest publication to my niece who is learning to sew. I think it is a must have for anyone who sews.





Several people have ask if I would sew for them this spring/summer season; to most I said not at this time. Three I answered yes to. With their permission, I will post my activities.


This month I've been actively pursuing the goals that I set at the beginning of the year. My book list is at least 20 publications long. Not all are sewing related, but include crocheting, knitting, and cooking. So far I've snagged:






My Crocheted Projects:












I haven't started to practice what I'll learned about sewing leather. Most of the recommended equipment and supplies (Sewing with Leather and Suede) I already have, but there still a few items I want to purchase before testing my ability. Karen suggested that I practice using leather goods purchased from a resale shop before buying a new piece of leather. I have two old leather jackets that I can use. BTW- Karen just finished a beautiful black leather jacket.

Workshops, Expos, Groups

Marji recommended the Stitches Midwest Convention (Rosemont, IL) held in the summer. I did not find any 2008 event postings on the net. It may be too early. Previous conventions were held at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Attending an Expo was also highly recommended by Carolyn.

So Sew Lost recommended Meetup. There are a variety of groups that use this site to solicit new members and organize club activities. I found one knitting/crochet group of interest: South Suburban Knitting and Crochet Group , Matteson, IL. The meeting place is about 10 miles from where I live.

Finally, I'm still considering the ASG . I haven't made up my mind, but I plan to participate in at least one of them.



Blog Reading

There are so many interesting blogs. I simply can't keep up with all the latest news. Of course, the sewing blogs are my favorites, but I also read, crocheting/knitting, cooking, thinking, political, and beauty blogs.


Shopping

Fishman's Fabrics has a lot of their fine wools, cotton, and silks on sale. I pick up two nice pieces on Monday afternoon. I had been skying them for about three weeks hoping they would reduce them some more. Each pieces is about 2 yds long and sold for $10.00/yd regularly $29.95/yd. Fishman's has some of the most beautiful fabrics; they also have some "beautiful" prices.




I picked a few notions at the President's sale (JoAnn's and Hancock's). Brought yearns at Walmart. That's it on shopping.

Sewing Leather -

One of my goals for 2008 is to sew something made of leather. While at the library, I borrowed a copy of "Sewing with Leather and Suede" written by Sandy Scrivano. This is a great book for anyone who wants to try their hand at sewing leather or suede. On the cover it states: tips, techniques, and inspiration. It delivers. The contents include: How Leather is Made, Learning about Leather, Tools and Equipment, Special Techniques for Leather and Suede, Projects to Get You Started,..., It follows through to the care and cleaning of leather goods. This book is beautifully illustrated and provides a glossary of terms and descriptions.

Rosanne suggested that I borrow a Mary Roehr book of alterations. They didn't have a copy so I started looking through the stacks of crafting books available. There were loads of books on crocheting, knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. I was impressed. Thanks again Rosanne. I think this is a great way to preview books before buying.