VIDEO January 2020 sewing vlog

Hello sew-friends! Today, on YouTube, I’m sharing my very first, official vlog! I’ll be giving you all the updates on what I’ve been sewing, new fabrics, new patterns and more. My plan is to do one vlog a month, posting on the last Thursday of every month. I hope you enjoy it!

What I made in January

This month, I finished piecing the top and back for a gray scrap quilt. Woohoo! It feels like a big accomplishment to get those scraps pieced. I’ve been playing around with them for almost a year now. Btw, next week on YouTube, I’ll be sharing a peek inside my scrap boxes, including how I organize those scraps for future quilt projects.

My first project from my Make 9 list is done! The Ginger jeans by Closet Case Patterns. I made a size 10 with about 2.5” added to the length of the rise and 1” added to the length of the legs. I then took .5 inch out of the center back seam at the waist. I also took out a significant amount around the back thighs because it was so loose. Next time I make stretch jeans, I want to use the Ash Jeans pattern by Megan Nielsen. I made the Dawn Jeans a while back and was really pleased with both the fit and instructions. I think the Ash Jeans would fit me better and be a more enjoyable sewing process. Megan’s instructions are just really good and that makes sewing more fun and less stressful. The Ash Jeans also come in a curve size range, so it’s a more inclusive choice.

My next project is the Falda Jacket by Pattern Fantastique. I have it all cut out - denim with a flannel lining. Next, I need to figure out interfacing and find an appropriate zipper.

By the way, if you haven’t watched it yet, make sure to check out my 2020 sewing plans.

January blog posts

How to sew thumb hole cuffs 

Sewing tools for beginners 

Unboxing

It’s what all the YouTubers do, right? Stay tuned in March, because I’ll be doing a giveaway from I See Fabric. The fabrics I received are this silky rayon and this 11oz french terry. 

I’m thinking that the silky rayon could make a really nice Darling Ranges dress by Megan Nielsen. I’ve made it once before and have been wanting to make it again. For the knit, I’m thinking the patterns from this months Seamwork would work really well, the Mel joggers in particular. And if I have enough leftover, maybe I could make a sweatshirt. 

Personal

As I mentioned in the video, I’ve been trying to do more yoga and walking this month. I’m a big fan of Yoga with Adriene on YouTube and have been slowly doing her 30 days of yoga challenge. It will probably take me more like 60 days at this rate. 😃 

The tracker I’m using is by Elise Joy and you can find out more about it here. It’s a daily goal tracker. I’m using the undated version because there’s not a 2020 version. I wrote in the numbers for all the days of the year (1 to 366 this year), alternating colors for each month. Then for each day, I color in when I’ve exercised. I like that it’s a visual record.

I hope that you enjoyed this vlog. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel right here. Happy sewing!

2018 Blog Survey

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UPDATE: The survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback!

Note: If you are subscribed to my newsletter, you should have already received this message. If you’re not subscribed, you can do so by going here.

Hi friends! Here in Los Angeles, the season is slowly starting to turn towards fall. It’s a subtle shift here in southern California but after over a decade here I’ve come to recognize the signs. The nights and early mornings become cooler than in the summer and there’s a very slightly crispness to the air. We even had our first rain and thunderstorm this weekend. The change of seasons also signals that it’s almost time for my birthday. It’s a big one this year. Thirty-nine! And while I’m not freaking out per se, I am thinking about life, what makes me happy and where I want to be going in the next year. 

One of the things I know for sure is that I love sewing and making and being a part of the online sewing community. So as I start to plan for next year and make goals, I’d first like to get some feedback from you. I’d like to hear a little bit about your interests and needs and what you’d like to see from Sew DIY in the future. I put together a survey right here and I’d be so grateful if you take the time to fill it out. The survey is completely anonymous and you can skip any question. Also if you ever want to get in touch with me, just email me at sewdiyblog (@) gmail.com. I love to hear from people. 

Fall 2018 Sewing Plans

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For the first 7 months of the year, my sewing queue was pretty focused on making things for my trips to Denmark and Hawaii. Now that the trips are done I’m ready to refocus on my everyday wardrobe. I participated in the Seamwork Design Your Wardrobe program earlier this year. It really helped me determine what styles I gravitate towards and need to add to my wardrobe. I’ve had a list of patterns and a huge pile of fabric just waiting for me to job back in and start sewing. 

But with such a big list and limited time (I’m planning to release a new pattern very soon!) it’s hard to decide where to start. I recently heard about the #SeasonalSew3 idea that was started by the gals at Sew Altered Style. It’s like the Make 9 but it’s for a shorter period of time. I really like the idea because I find myself often changing my mind a few months into the year and not making half of what’s on my list. So I’ve selected 3 pieces as my top goal (numbers 1-3 in the list below) and have a few more to round out the inspiration queue.  

1. Lander Pants by True Bias
I actually did a muslin of these months ago and then set them aside to focus on sewing for Hawaii. The pattern still needs an adjustment or two but I’m not starting at zero. I’d also love to try the Persephone Pants by Anna Allen Clothing but will force myself to focus for the moment. :) When the Fabric Store closed earlier this year, I picked up a lot of pants fabric so I think I already have some good options in my stash. 

2. Esme Cardigan by Named Patterns
I love wearing cardigans and I’m excited to try out this pattern. I’m going to be making this as a collaboration with StyleMaker Fabrics so it is guaranteed to be made soon and to be fabulous. 

3. Hadley Top by Grainline Studio
This pattern looks like such a classic, just the kind of thing that I’d wear everyday. 

4. McCall’s M7788 Jumpsuit
This is another one I’ve started and want to finish. I think the design is really unique and cool and I’m curious how it would turn out. I’ve cut out the pattern and attempted a tissue fitting. The pattern pieces are currently a jumble in the closet but I’d still love to give it a go. I’m definitely on the fence about the faux skirt wrap. It takes a lot of fabric and may look weird.  

5. Calyer Pants by French Navy Now
I love the design of these pants and bought the pattern a few months ago. On work days, pants are my go-to and I’d love to add another style to my rotation.

6. Kalle Crop Top by Closet Case Patterns
I made a Kalle dress earlier this year and I’d love to have to crop to wear with high waisted jeans. I think it would make a great wardrobe staple. 

And just in case you’re interested, here’s my extra extended list if I’m somehow able to add a few hours to the day. :)

7. Willamette Shirt or Cheyenne Tunic by Hey June
I have both of these patterns and I’d really like to try the Willamette again in a more drapey fabric. 

8. Kobe Dress + Mito Cami by Papercut Patterns
These are on my Make 9 list. I love the cross over back design of the dress. And the Mito is perfect to layer underneath. I have copy shop versions printed of these patterns and fabric in the stash so it’s just a matter of queue and time. 

9. Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns
JEANS. I wear jeans all the time and my RTW pairs are really starting to show some wear in the tush. I’ve only made one pair before and would love to give the Gingers a go. I enjoy wearing both flare and skinny styles so I love the options with this pattern. Again, I have the copy shop version printed and fabric on hand.

10. Ulysses Trench by Victory Patterns
This pattern is kind of my dream pattern. It’s so beautiful and elegant (maybe a little too much for work wear) but I think this is a piece that I’d be really proud of making. It’s outside of my usual repertoire and I think could be challenging in a good way. Also I've never made a Victory pattern before and it would be really fun to try out a new-to-me designer.

Have you started planning your fall sewing yet? Anyone else have a hard time narrowing down their sewing lists?