Monday 22 June 2015

Lists - love them or loathe them?

Lists. Are you a list lover or a list loather? I've been a list devotee for a long time but since baby was born my list habit has fallen by the wayside a bit. Aiming to make 3 items during Me Made May re-motivated  me and I've realised that I like having goals to tick off so I'm going to start with the list writing again. In order to write a sewing to-do list it was time to sort out the stash first so that's what I did last weekend. It was so satisfying!! I put 2 big plastic bags of scraps in the textile recycling bin and now have 4 boxes of fabric that you can see in the photo (the other box is all my PDF patterns). These are sorted into printed fabric, plain fabric, jersey fabric, and fabric for children's clothes. In addition to this I have 2 large storage bags under the bed filled with beautiful winter wools and cotton sateen's that I was lucky enough to get from a friend who works for a big fashion company where they have fabric sample sales. So definitely enough fabric to be getting on with!

my sewing space under the stairs.
To be honest the amount of fabric intimidated me a bit so I picked out a selection of my perfect summer fabrics and decided these would be the basis for my summer sewing plans. Now, I'm under no illusions that I'll get all of these things sewn but if I get even a couple of them sewn I'll be happy.

summer sewing!
So this is my 'to sew' pile - isn't it lovely?! Starting from the top:
1. This stripey fabric was an old-fashioned nightgown I bought at a kilo sale. I had tried to make a pair of shorts early on in my sewing life but they were a disaster, I cut too small a size & sewed them together the wrong way! I've unpicked all the stitching and think I have enough for a waistband and bias biding for a pair of city gym shorts.
2. Bright pink knit and pink/white striped knit. A Marilla Walker sailor top - already finished! I love this top and just need to get it photographed.
3. Some VERY bright pink fabric from my friends work sample sale. I'm planning a pair of Burda shorts from a pattern another friend has given me.
4. Black/white geometric print from The Man Outside Salisbury's. I think I'm going to make a Tiny Pocket Tank, and maybe also a Kimono jacket, or maybe some trousers? I can't decide. Any ideas? I've got 3 metres.
5. Navy/white geometric print from M is for Make. A scout tee.
6. Sheer turquoise fabric with raised square design, and turquoise lining. I think this will be Dress D from Stylish Dress Book
7. Pink pique fabric won in a fabric destash by Gail. If there's enough I might try a Moss Mini, otherwise this will be a Colette Meringue (without scallops) or a Vogue 1247.
8. Silk type fabric from Mandors remnants bin. I'm hoping this will be enough for a Kimono jacket, either from this tutorial or using Tessuti patterns Tokyo jacket.
9. Merchant & Mills dark chambray - this is for Dress D from Japanese Dress Book.
10. Pre-washed denim from Merchant & Mills. I can't decide, I have 2 metres. Maybe a shirt dress but I'm not sure if it's too thick, or a denim jacket, or my favourite option at the moment, a Marilla Walker Evan skirt but possibly changed to a false button placket front.

So many things to sew! I won't get much done this week as it's Kids Clothes Week so I'm concentrating on sewing pyjamas, summer shorts, and a shirt for H but next week I'll get back on this list!

12 comments:

  1. Lists are great when you're in the right mind for them, and can be really helpful to make you focus. Other times, it's lovely to have more freedom. I haven't got a proper list at the minute but could probably do with one. You've got a lovely selection of fabrics there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I agree it can depend on your frame of mind at the time. Right now I need focus! Thanks, I'm pretty pleased with all these fabrics too.

      Delete
  2. I am a list girl. Having my thoughts and tasks itemized in list fashion helps me stay focused. I also LOVE the feeling of drawing a line through those items as I work. It's a really tangible way for me to see progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha yes, being able to draw a line through items is VERY satisfying!

      Delete
  3. Lists are good. They help me organise my thoughts and I can't live without them, but for some reason I can never make them for sewing. I think it might be because I prefer visuals, but I cannot draw to save my life!!!

    Love the sound of your plans, and I particularly love that pink scallop print fabric near the top. So pretty!

    Now, which will you make first?! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean, I'd love to draw out my sewing plans, or use photoshop or something similar to make a nice collage of fabric and patterns but I'm not very good at drawing and have no idea how to use photoshop, so lists it is!

      I'm hoping to get that scallop print fabric made into shorts for a holiday at the end of August - plenty of time !?!

      The Sailor top is already done! I loved your version! I think City Gym Shorts are up next

      Delete
  4. Beautiful pile of fabric. I just don't feel inspired to sew at the moment, but I feel a rummage through the stash pile and a list of wants coming on. Thanks for the idea and good luck with KCW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Louise! Did you have a rummage through your stash?!

      Delete
  5. I'm definitely a list maker and I like an old fashioned paper list with tick boxes. I finished a sailor top recently too and think it's fab. Must blog about it soon. I see lots of trousers in similar fabrics to the black and white one you have three metres of. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh yes, let's both blog about our Sailor Tops soon so we can compare notes. I love mine too! Yes I've seen some lovely trousers in similar fabric, some Tessuti Suzy pants and similar, just not sure they're quite 'me'.

      Delete
  6. I love a good list, I need one just to get through the housework!! I normally have a rolling sewing list going on that carries over from month to month. Sometimes my plans change and things get taken off the list but I find it helps me keep my focus! That pile of fabrics looks lovely, I can't wait to see what you make with them. Good luck with KCW, I think I've peaked now but want to trace a couple of patterns before the end of the week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes I'm the same, I'm finding a list for sewing helps me focus. Though I think I'd find a list for housework just too depressing! You've been on fire this KCW!

      Delete