7 Quick Takes: Lots of Projects, Not Much Progress

Man, this summer (lack of) schedule is kicking my butt! I had forgotten just how much work it is to have 4 kids at home all day, every day. Not to mention, managing a potty training son and a little girl who is now walking. (WALKING! Where did time go?) By the time everyone is tuck in bed, I’ve been too pooped to sew.

Not to say I haven’t been making loads of sewing plans, way too many. Enough so, that I am joining in today’s 7 Quick Takes to tell you about seven of them. I will limit myself to seven, because it is convenient, and because writing down more than seven might would make me hyperventilate… more than I am already. For your convenience, I’ve prioritized them from least urgent to most. 

— 1 —

I am not usually one who buys fabric without a plan, but this Flea Market Fancy is just too pretty, and I had a gift certificate to spend. What should I make with it? Priority: someday, maybe, meh

— 2 —

Because the blazer project is hard and intimidating, I am procrastinating by getting started on some…. re-upholstery. No, I don’t have any experience doing this. Yeah. I know. That makes no sense. It was exciting right up until I made the (10+ yards of) bias for the accent piping and I started wondering if the fabrics don’t match right? Priority: less than urgent, but don’t let all this fabric go to waste

— 3 —

I took the plunge and had The Consulting Dressmaker, Stephanie, draft me my very own custom pants block. A pants block is a super basic ‘template’ that fits you perfectly. It is used to alter other patterns or to draft your own. Mine, based on the measurements I gave her on Tuesday, arrived in my email this morning! The next step is to sew it up and then work out any remaining fit issues with her. Seeing some of Stephanie’s other customers’ pants successes is very encouraging. Pants have always been a big part of my clothing woes and it is wonderful to have such talent and experience available to help me figure it all out. Yay, internet! Priority: no deadline, but I’m excited to get going!

— 4 —

I finished with my part of the Freakin’ Amazing Husband-Wife Artistic Collaboration and handed it over to my husband for the finished touches. And oh. my. goodness. I am so happy with how it is turning it out. I can’t wait to share it with you. Andy said he should be done sometime in the next couple weeks. Maybe it will get done faster if I get some help nagging him about it? 😉 Priority: I can barely contain myself! Hurry up, honey!!

— 5 —

I have a lovely group of twitter sewing friends that have been meeting for a weekly Google+ Hangout; we refer to ourselves as the Sewing Addicts Support Group. Love it! This week, we decided to start a pajama sew-along. We have a couple of sewing pattern newbies. So, we are going to be working through it slowly, helping each other if we get stuck. I picked up my pattern last night ($1.99! Score!) and some pretty cottons to work with. Cute no? It will be a nice change to my usual old t-shirt ensemble, without going too Va-Va-Voom. (I think I will do views G and F, if anyone is wondering.) Priority: slow-paced, but need to keep up

— 6 —

I was given a review copy of The Train To Crazy’s Go To Signature Dress, a super versatile dress pattern for knits. I’m crazy excited to make some sweet little matchy play dresses for my girls. Gianna had fun picking out these fabrics, but I still need some matching ribbing before I start. Andrea is giving away five copies next week! Plus, she is donating the proceeds from the first 100 sold to World Vision! Priority: by the end of the month

— 7 —

Thank you, everyone, for your input on which blazer pattern to use! I decided to go with the Palmer & Pletsch McCall’s Pattern, what with their bazillion “Pro Tips” and all. I am in process of making a “muslin” to figure out what changes I need to make, like making the hips TWO SIZES larger than the bust. Oh yeah. As grateful as I am to have such wonderful Child Bearing Hips, they make clothing tricky. Priority: Most Important Project; stop messing around, Jodi, and get on with it!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Have a great weekend!