Nothing to see here.

When I started this blog, I had a strict format of what I was and wasn’t going to post: it was only a sewing blog, I would only post finished outfits, always include a photo of the pattern, always include a photo of the garment hanging as well as on person… I like guidelines, structure, an overarching vision.

I think that as I get older I am getting better at knowing what hill I don’t want to die on, and while I wouldn’t say that I am becoming more adaptable, I think I am at least becoming better at redefining parameters.

So today’s post is just because I miss being part of the conversation. 2016 was a lovely year for me with blogging. I made some connections with some very special people whose blogs I read eagerly, and whose comments on my own I treasure. It’s such a special thing.

So as Steph (one of those aforementioned “special people”) would say: Warning, this post may be a bit rambly!

What I am currently working on:

SWAP

I have finally started on my SWAP items, but now that I’ve let go of any timeline and embraced the process itself as something useful and worthwhile for me, I am in no rush, and also will adapt the ‘rules’ as I see fit.

I’ve made one of the cami tops, out of a bottle green chiffon. This was sort of a wearable muslin to trial the pattern also. It’s worked OK but definitely one of those “I can tell it’s handmade” garments.

Working on the bias with chiffon was a challenge. When it’s finished I will do an entire post about it – the challenges, and what I will adapt for next time etc (I can’t completely throw my structure to the wind!). It’s currently hanging to let the hem settle and my Mamma is coming over this morning, so I may get her to help with at least free handing the hem into an even-ish state.

Other sewing

I made the shorts for Alex, and I have just cut out some overalls out of lilac coloured linen. The linen was part of the great fabric haul from Nurse Maude and the pattern is one my sister bought for $1. You can see her short pant version here.  While you’re there, marvel at how different we are. Same gene pool, very different result. And you can see one of my adorable nephews in one of her photos too.

 

My version of these will be the long pant version. I plan to wear these on the weekend with t-shirts and perhaps some chunky knits* as the days get colder.

I briefly debated whether or not to top-stitch and button in red, but then decided that perhaps a 41 year old woman wearing lilac overalls was already heading dangerously into kindergarten teacher territory, so I’m keeping it subtle.

Plans for this year:

I have some plans for thing I would like to make, and skills I would like to acquire this year.

1. Complete my ‘Life is a Cabaret’ swap – more or less to what I planned. I’m giving myself the year for this.
2. Do some more sewing for Alex. I would like to make him a shirt and I was given the Colette Negroni pattern years ago. I’d also like to make him some dress t-shirts, the sort of thing he can wear out that don’t look too casual.
3. I am taking a course in raranga – traditional Māori weaving – in the second half of the year. I’m really excited as I spent last year learning te reo Māori (the Māori language) and this is a way to keep my te reo skills up as well as learning a new craft. I have hopes that I may be able to incorporate fabric scraps into my weaving as time progresses.
4. *I am also going to learn to knit this year. I was taught when I was young, but somehow picked it up wrong, and have had a mental block ever since. Well, this year I’m crushing that block. A friend is keen to learn too, and I’ve already researched where we can take lessons.

What I am currently doing:

Most of this will have to wait until April however, as I am currently rehearsing for a large scale musical: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I am playing one of the Divas (the ladies flying in the video) and it is going to be so much fun. It’s a real spectacle! For a cast of 20 there are over 500 costumes and 200 wigs!

We are rehearsing 5-6 days a week, and so that means there is very little sewing or craft time in my schedule unless I quit my day job!

So alongside that, and spending as much time with Alex’s dad as we can, life is very full on.

Thanks for stopping by, blogging mete (friends in Māori). I value you all of your amazing work, inspiration, support and community.

❤