Reindeer Robe

Simplicity 3696. I have to say, I didn't have much hope for this robe when I decided to make it. Historically, I don't have much luck with robes. I'm a curvy woman and it seems to me that robes are built for men. They're boxy and cut very much like a series of rectangles. I was also afraid that I wouldn't like the horizontal pattern in my fabric. You know how they say we should never wear horizontal stripes...

Black Cherry Bra

So here it is! My black cherry bra. I've been working on this thing for DAYS. Isn't it pretty? There's a bit of a back story on this bra...

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Curtains

I've finally finished the first project of my 52 sewing projects challenge! I was so gung-ho to get started that it was hard to hold myself back at the end of 2015. And, still, it took me two weeks to complete my first project - Unlined, rod-pocket curtains for my daughter's bedroom window...A beginner's project, really.

Some New Fabrics

Okay, so 2016 hasn't started off the way I planned... I went to the fabric store and found out that I missed their boxing week sale! The flyer said it would be on until January 4th, but it wasn't. What's a girl to do when she misses the sale? Shop the dollar racks of course! 

Sewing Designer Jeans

Last year around this time, I bought a Craftsy class that taught me how to make my own bras. I LOVED IT! I learned so much, and the end result was a bra that fits as well as any store bought bra. There will, no doubt, be a couple of bras in my 52 projects challenge for 2016.

This year, I thought I'd try my hand at jeans. Last night I bought, and watched, Angela Wolfe's "Sewing Designer Jeans" on Craftsy. I bought her class because I've seen her on television a few times and I find her teaching style works for me. This class is no exception.

Merry Christmas!

Santa brought me a new little sewing gadget for Christmas... I found it in my stocking this morning. It's an adjustable bias binder foot! How did he know?

I have a rather amazing sewing machine, a Bernina 750QE, whom I've named Nina. The problem with Nina, though, is the cost of her presser feet. They can cost hundreds of dollars a piece, and I don't have hundreds of dollars. Worse than that, the Bernina bias binder attachment requires a special presser foot and also a separate bias binder attachment for each size of bias binding that you wish to sew. For three sizes of binding, you'd have to spend $1000! That's way to rich for my blood. Unfortunately, my bias binding skills are not what I'd like them to be. So imagine my surprise when I, er Santa, found a generic bias binder that's supposed to fit Nina, is adjustable, and cost less than $50 (taxes and shipping included)!

I haven't tried it out yet because today is, well, Christmas. I have children and a husband who have the idea that Christmas is for family. They expect a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. What was I thinking?! I should have been much more proactive and raised them to understand that Nina is family too... I mean, they've accepted the dog, right?

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you! I hope you're all enjoying your holidays with the people you love. 

My Challenge

With 2016 around the corner, I have decided to challenge myself. My goal is to sew 52 projects in 52 weeks. Notice I didn't say 52 garments. This way I can take a "break" and sew a set of placemats or something. Or maybe I'll finally get the nerve to quilt one of my grandmother's quilt tops.

My rules are:

1. It must be a new make. Hemming a pair of pants doesn't count.

2. If I make a set of something (like placemats) it only counts as one project, but if I make multiples of something (like the same dress in different fabrics) they each count as a separate project.

I'm hoping that besides being a great stash-buster, this challenge will increase my sewing confidence and teach me some new skills.

So what am I going to make? I don't know. Check back later and find out!