12, 12 and 12 in Twelve

12, 12 and 12 in Twelve

What the heck am I on about?

I'm hoping to have twelve quilty, twelve sewy and twelve knitty finishes in twelve months.

My aim is finish up some UFO's as well as start AND finish some new things each month.

I'm not going to be overly strict with myself, I'm just aiming to get things done. For example I have about four quilts that just need the binding sewn down - I'm only going to count them as one finish as they were nearly finished last year. Each new clothing sewing pattern will be one finish - eg if I make three pairs of pyjama pants like I did today, it's just one finish, not three.

Wish me luck and feel free to join me!

I really want to make a dent in my clothes fabric and pattern stash. I seem to be very good at buying the fabric and even better at buying the patterns but not so good at actually sewing some clothes.

I needed a break from the Swoon quilt - I made a few frustratingly stupid mistakes yesterday so I decided the universe was trying to tell me something so I put it aside and got out my kids PJ pants TNT pattern, the 'Snug as a Bug' pattern by Make it Perfect.

I made a pair of shark PJ shorts for Harvey - all sharks are called Bruce the Shark in our family so these will be his Bruce the Shark jarmies. 

Lachy got some long foxy pants. The majority of his clothes are hand-me-downs as the boys are born at the same time of year, all of Harvey's old clothes are the right size in the right season. Even though he has heaps of jarmies, I figured I should still make some just for him.

I also made some Bruce the Shark PJ pants for my nephew. He too will be enjoying many hand-me-downs pre worn by my boys so he definitely deserves some new duds too.

Due to being a somewhat selfish sewist, I have also been making for me.
I made my first 'Saltspring' dress, a pattern by Sewahaloic

Like most people who have made this dress before me, I didn't bother with the zip in the back.
It's really pretty and feels lovely and swishy to wear. It's a cotton voile from Spotlight and lined with some plain black voile. I accidentally ripped one of the back straps when wearing it yesterday but it won't stay on the mending pile for long because I love it and want to wear it again.
So much so....

That I made a short version.

Once again some Spotty voile. This time I just self-lined it as it can be a bit see through.

I went a size down from my first one and made the lining shorter so it's less blousey.

It almost seems like I know what I'm talking about with this clothes sewing malarkey.

I don't.

I do enjoy reading sewing blogs and sewing pattern reviews and I feel like I am learning heaps which hopefully help avoid some novice mistakes.

As for my knitting...

 I knitted the sleeves on this little number.
It's far from perfect as I decided to alter the pattern and when I started it I knew at lot less than I do now. Anyway, I'll stash it for a while...just in case...or gift it to a tall baby with a thin neck.

So my 12, 12 and 12 in Twelve is going bloody well so far.

I should have a few more finishes before the end of the month so I am definitely on track for my goal but then again, it's early days.

Emails were bouncing back but I think I've managed to fix it - if not, thanks for reading and commenting, it's good to be back!!
Abbe

Obsessed much?

So lovelies, you know how I have a little bit of an obsession passion for the whole world of patchwork and quilting? It's subtle, I know.

I've always wanted to be able to make clothes but to be honest it scares me.

Those flimsy patterns, darts, yokes (you've got to be yoking!), stretch fabric eeeeeek!

It all seems....hard.

I'm always astounded when successful seamstresses say that they are daunted buy patch working and quilting but I guess I know how they feel but in reverse.

But burning desires can't be quieted for long.

I started making this skirt quite some time ago but I was waylaid by a baby and a fear that the tum would never be the same (it won't be but it isn't too bad - anyone else got a floppy belly button post baby???) but I'm motivated to finish it for the summer.

Obviously there was the PJ pants the other week. 

Then I decided that it was time to make something for my muse.

I used AMH's 'Quick Change Trousers' for the shape and came up with these cords.

I think they'll be quite baggy because they are supposed to be double layer.

I added the 'flange' at the 'yoke' just for a bit of fun.

When you don't know the rules, it's easy to go out on a limb :o)

I just need to add some elastic and feed up the model.

Since Saturday when I made the blue cords I've been a little...lets say enthusiastic.

Dare I say when I woke during the night, bubs sound asleep, I was thinking of making clothes.

  First chance I got I headed to the oppy with the little guy.

$3.50 later I have some patterns to play with.

No, I won't be making him frocks, as tempting as it is, I'll be trying all sorts of patterns to expand my knowledge and skills. Plus who knows, one day there could be a girl muse.

My muse and 'studio' assistant.

Lucky me!

Any suggestions on patterns or things you think I should try making?

Tips and tricks and direction will be happily accepted.

Ab x