At the beginning of the year, I wrote a post about my sewing and project goals, one of which was to Organize and Prioritize Sewing Projects. I have done pretty well sticking with my goal, but I do have to admit that I have added several new projects to my list instead of finishing the ones I have already started. I don’t feel too badly about that, though, because I have actually finished a lot more so far this year than I ever expected.
A month or so ago, I ran across the webpage Clover & Violet, and I discovered the Finish-A-Long that Jennie is hosting this year. Even though I am doing *okay* at sticking with my goals, I decided to join the Finish-A-Long this quarter as extra motivation to complete projects that are just hanging out there waiting for me.
The FAL is a low pressure community event that allows you to make a list of projects that have already been started but not finished and thus are hanging about in your sewing room as UFOs. The list is linked up at the beginning of a quarter and then at the end of the quarter you link up a link for each item on your list that you finished. Each link is an entry into the random draw for great prizes sponsored by our generous sponsors. There is no penalty for not finishing something on your list.
I have several projects that I would really like to get done this quarter specifically because they are for our upcoming LARP event. In addition, I will have three items to complete for my Try Something New Every Month project. I also have several small projects I have started that I would like to have finished before summer, as well.
List of Finish-A-Long Projects to Complete:
- 04/12 Wedding Dress Refashion (Harley’s Prom)
We had an old wedding dress hanging around, and Harley and I are dying it and re-fashioning it for her to wear to her Junior Prom. This project is partially done, we just need to finish removing the train, hemming, and making the other adjustments.
- 04/15 TSNEM: Apr. – Beading Embellishment
I follow a blogger named Angela Clayton, and she does the most beautiful hand beading on the costumes she creates. I have been inspired by her to try some, even if it is very simple. I am hoping to incorporate the beading on my LARP Formalwear Dress. I have the beading partially done, but I would really like to get it done in the next week or so.
- 05/02 Quilting Class Quilt
A couple weeks ago, I began a Quilting for Beginners at our local Public Library. It is a 6 week class, and we should have a nice lap-sized quilt top finished when we are done. I have made quilts before, but I’m hoping that with this class, I will learn short cuts and tips that will make my quilt-making process easier. Ultimately, I would like to finish the quilt right away, but as the class ends right before Emma’s wedding, I am not sure that is a realistic goal, so I’m shooting for some time this quarter.
- 05/15 TSNEM: May – French Seams
I have never tried sewing a French Seam, and I plan on making a dress I already have cut out for Reagan with them.
- 05/20 LARP: Bracers & Greaves
I don’t actually have to make myself bracers anymore because a friend of mine is making them out of real leather for me. I will be making myself greaves, though, to protect my lower legs.
- 05/20 LARP: Breeches
One of the problems I have had with previous costumes is that my leggings either slip or aren’t comfortable. This year I really wanted to make a pair of breeches that have a waistband and stay up much better. They will be more functional as I’m running around the woods.
- 05/20 LARP: Formalwear Dress
As far as my LARP costumes go, this is my priority. We are having a “formal” encounter at our first event this year, and I really want to be able to fully participate. Besides, who doesn’t love wearing fancy dresses? All I have left to do for this dress is attach the sleeves and hem it. Should be easy peasy.
- 05/20 LARP: Hand-Beaded Kokoshnik
I will be using the same beads and fabric from my formalwear dress to make a Kokoshnik headpiece similar to this one.
- 05/20 LARP: Long Sleeve Underdress
This is not a huge priority since I do have a long-sleeve underdress, but it doesn’t fit well. I really just want to replace the existing one.
- 05/20 LARP: Peasant Blouse
Adding options to my costume wardrobe for different weather and levels of laziness (sometimes getting fully into costume takes FOREVER).
- 05/20 LARP: Short Sleeve Underdress
I love the look of my long sleeve underdress, just not the fit or how hot it gets in August during our second event. I could really use a short sleeve option.
- 05/20 LARP: Waist Quiver & Belt
I have a quiver that hangs on my back right now, but it is not very functional. I cannot wear it and my cloak at the same time, so I am making myself a waist quiver instead. I don’t have pictures of the supplies I use for this project, but I will be using EVA foam and a heat gun to form it to the shape I want, I will add details with craft foam, and then I will paint it, similar to last year’s back quiver.
- 06/01 Turtle Pincushion Duo
As a lover of turtles, this Turtle Pincushion Duo has been on my “to do” list forever. It’s time to just stop procrastinating and get them made!
- 06/01 Emmaline Bags The Retreat Bag (3)
I recently made my first version of this bag, and I made quite a few mistakes. I am looking forward to making more, and making them correctly!
- 06/15 TSNEM: Jun. – Making & Using Piping
I will need piping to add to the Sassy Librarian Blouse, so I will be attempting to make it myself.
- 06/30 Florence Kimono
Perfect for cool summer nights! This is another stash-buster for me as I have some beautiful double gauze in my stash that will be perfect for it!
- 06/30 Sassy Librarian Blouse
I have had the fabric and pattern for this blouse for nearly 8 months, and I would love to have a cute new shirt to wear this summer.
- 06/30 Moda Block Shuffle
I started this project last Fall, and I only have a few blocks to sew to finish the quilt top. I really want to get this done and out of my hair.
- Custom Burp Cloths
I know several ladies who are pregnant and close to having their babies, and I am making them burp cloths following this tutorial from Simple Simon and Company.
- Red Damask LARP Tunic
I have this tunic cut out and ready to sew, it’s just a matter of putting it together. It is identical to the one I made for the March TSNEM Project – Grommets.
- Lined Drawstring Bags
I have several lined drawstring bags cut and set aside I need to finish.
- By Hand London Flora Dress
Harley rarely asks me to make her clothing, so when she does, I jump at the chance. She fell in love with the Flora Dress from By Hand London, and I will be finishing it for her before summer (hopefully before school is out).
- Gray Circle Skirt
I have this lovely gray fabric that feels like a cross between a shantung and taffeta – it has lovely drape, but is still very flowy. I have been meaning to make myself a circle skirt out of it, and I have decided to just get it done.
- Bahama Mama Boy Shorts
When I pattern tested the Bahama Mama Peplum Tankini, I intended to also make last year’s bottoms – the Bahama Mama Boy Shorts, but I didn’t get them finished prior to the testing call closing. I have the fabric and pattern, I just need to get the suckers sewn up!
- Tank Maxi Dress for Reagan
Reagan has been asking for a maxi dress forever, and I have had the fabric and pattern for quite a while. I am going to try to get this finished for her before school is out for summer. At the rate she’s growing, if I don’t, it will be knee length by next Fall!
- Special Wedding Surprise
I cannot specifically say what I am making with this beautiful ivory and silver fabric because it is a surprise for my oldest daughter’s wedding next month. I really hope it is a hit!
There are also quite a few things I want to try that don’t really have a deadline, more of a “when I get to it” type of project. I would love to try indigo dyeing, watercolor tinted embroidery, and paper piecing.
I am very realistic with this list, and I know in all likelihood I will not get nearly everything on it finished; however, I am sure going to give it my best shot!
Nature Girl. Mom. Wife. Friend. Photographer. Sewer. Crafter. Artist.
To borrow a phrase – “Yeet Ye Riche”
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