Sometimes I feel the only way for me to stay on task is to make a pledge. Today, it's about focusing on what I have. Goodness knows I have no shortage of fabric and my pattern collection is nothing to sneeze at; however, I am worried that if I don't bring my creative energies into line, I'll never sew half the patterns I own! Our recent trip to the bookstore yielded these treats for me (As a local library devotee, I only buy books using gift cards):
Simple Modern Sewing is a book I have been thinking about buying since before Christmas last year. I'm lacking pretty and comfortable lounge clothing in my handmade closet and this book definitely will fill that gap. The eight patterns enclosed can be combined to make up 25 different garments; great value for my money, I say! I do love the blouse pictured on the front cover and would love to sew up some deliciously soft cotton or linen lounge pants to match.
During our shopping trip, Mr. Friday unearthed several partially used gift cards and I was able to pick up
this book. Again, it has been on my list to buy for a while. I am especially happy with the diversity of projects and clear instructions.
When I returned home and added these to my collection, I realized another pledge was hatching. As I said above, pledges seem to keep my creative energy focused, which means I am more productive and, therefore, much happier with the results of said productivity.
So, what is the
Franken Pattern Pledge? It's a straightforward attempt to actually
use the patterns I love, rather than leaving them languishing in my collection. It involves using my favourite patterns, either alone or in combination with another, to make the projects I have earmarked for this year. For me, that includes:
- Advance 9833
- Butterick 2507, 4552
- Colette Patterns' Crepe, Jasmine, Macaron, Oolong, Peony, Sorbetto, and Violet
- The Colette Sewing Handbook
- Famous Frocks
- Lisette 2060, 2209, and 2245
- Mail Order 4687
- New Look 6808
- Sewaholic Renfrew
- Simple Modern Sewing
- Simplicity 2886, 4218
- Victory Patterns' Chloe
When I find a pattern that I love, I tend to make several versions of it and feel more confident playing around with it to get different looks. In all honesty, I feel very lucky to have access to extensive sewing supplies and I should definitely make use of them. As you can see from the list above,
Colette Patterns and
Simplicity feature heavily in my list. This is due to the fact that both brands tend to fit me out of the envelope with only occasional adjustments needed. To quote an old cliche: 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
Therefore,
I pledge to use the above patterns listed to create the items on my project list for 2012. I will not purchase any new patterns until I have used each pattern at least once on its own and at least once in combination with another. (Oh, boy, this will be hard! Colette Patterns and Simplicity are bound to release new designs that make me practically salivate. Guess I better get a move on!)JOIN ME! As always, I find I stay motivated if I'm not in the lifeboat all alone and would love it if you joined me on yet another mad adventure. Please feel free to copy the code below and add the badge to your blog or website. I'd would love to follow your creative endeavours!
