2019 Plans, Projects, Goals and Dreams

As January begins to wind down, I wanted to pop in and share with you some of my plans for this year as they are beginning to take shape.

Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtleneck, Dress

First up.... Sarah Liz Sew Style's 'Make a Garment a Month Challenge'.  I've linked to her blog here, but really her challenge is robust on Instagram under the hashtag #magamsewalong and by tagging @sarahlizsewstyle.  You can check out her Guidelines and Themes on my sidebar to the right.  It's a great no pressure challenge with lots of encouragement and support from Sarah Liz and the other participants.  I've been a part of this since 2013 and have chosen Capsule Wardrobe for my 2019 annual theme and for the January's theme of 'Joy' will be making a piece of this suit set, from a lovely vintage pattern kindly gifted to me from @pdxsquared on IG because her friendship brings me lots of Joy.  A few months ago she posted this pattern on IG and after I mentioned I'd love to make this jacket, and that it just so happened to be in my size, this lovely package arrived by the end of the week. #sewingfriendsarethebest !!

The skirt will be out of this taupe linen (left), the jacket will be out of the embroidered linen (bottom) and blouse out of a polyester silky cream satin (right).  Thinking since I'm running short on time for this month, the skirt will be January's project, with the jacket and blouse to follow for the 2 following months with all to be complete to be my Easter outfit for this year.  The skirt is a narrow pencil skirt, which does not suit my body type well, so will be modifying the pattern a bit there.  Very excited to be making this and am so grateful to Mary for the opportunity.

Absolutely looking forward to another Me-Made-May hosted by SoZo.....  This will be my 5th year?!

Designin' December hosted by Linda who blogs over at Nice dress, thanks I made it is another challenge I enjoy.  Designin' December, as I understand, is a challenge where you use a 'designer', or some other rtw item you admire, to recreate.  I was able to participate in 2017, but because of everything going on end of 2018... I'll talk more about that in a bit.... it was missed.  The 2017 dress won a free Sense & Sensibility Pattern.... I chose the 1940s Swing Dress , below, that's never been made.   I'd like to make it this year, maybe closer to Spring/Summer.  Also, what I did not understand until Linda so kindly reminded me recently, is that we can work on this challenge all year long and present the garment in December.  This will surely take the pressure off!!

There's loads of challenges over on IG if you are interested, check out SewOver50's fabulous compilation post.  Judith who hosts SewOver50 took the time to pull this list together and there's something in there for everyone, no matter your age.  There's a couple more challenges I'll probably be involved in as am finding these Challenges do help in inspiring creative works and getting projects done.  What began as a half-hearted interest in most of the 2018 Challenges, became some of my fondest works.  Like the Frida Kahlo challenge that produced this cute skirt, below that is in strong rotation now that our weather has cooled.

Jacket, Itch to Stitch new Hepburn Turtleneck, Skirt

Not sure what's going on with the Burda Challenge this year.  It was such great fun to be a part of the 2018 Burda Challenge with Burda's support, and certainly my production of Burda garments showed the enthusiasm.  (I made 12 Burda garments last year.)  It is wonderful when a pattern company shows its support in such a nice way.  Meg wrote a post here for how she's organizing 2019 and not sure I understand.  I will definitely be making Burda garments in 2019 but may let my subscription expire to catch up on the back issues.  Haven't decided about all that yet.  The 2018 Challenge motivated me to make something from each new issue which was a new concept for me and really pushed me in my work.  Thank you Burda for a very sweet 2018.

A couple of quilts are planned for 2019.  Fancy Fox Quilt Pattern was purchased years ago, maybe 2015?, to make for my daughter's graduation with a bachelor's degree from Clemson University.  She graduated in 2016.  Now she's on track to graduate with her Master's Degree this May.  The deadline has been set..... this WILL be made!  She wants all the fox faces to be red.  Meanwhile, a baby quilt is already in the works for a sweet couple at church that I'll be showing soon.  Using the free Lattice Baby Quilt Tutorial from Amy Smart who blogs at Diary of a Quilter.  And pink, lots of pink.  :)

I haven't spoken much of it here, but for the past few years I've been a type of caregiver for my mother-in-law.  Even when a loved one lives on a Memory Care side of an Assisted Living Facility there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that loved one is taken care of properly...... not to mention regular visits, taking supplies, doctor's appointments.... the list goes on.  In mid-December my mother-in-law passed away.  It was as expected as any 85 year old's passing could be, yet at the same time so unexpected as she seemed in such great health, we all thought she'd outlive us!  She is the last of our parents to go to their heavenly home.  No more caregiver role to fill.  This creates an opportunity now to be able to concentrate on my own personal needs..... particularly health and fitness.  Always athletic and generally 'in shape', at 58 am realizing I can't fool around anymore.  There needs to be a consistent cardio, strength training and flexibility routine in place as each day I am more and more aware of the creakiness and pains of aging.  2019 will be the year to put my own health at the forefront.  I'd like to cover this topic more on the blog with maybe monthly updates and thoughts of what is working, or not working, for me.

T-shirt, Hoodie, Leggings

I'll still keep working on my Photo Journal site with (almost!) a photo a day.  This is a fun exercise for me to work on photography skills in any context that suits my fancy, though mostly it's a journal of my life through my handmade outfits.  I might add, it is also a fabulous way to really 'see' myself..... my posture, the way I'm holding myself..... a very effective way to get sort of a reality check on things that need improvement.  I may do a weekly/monthly compilation post here at times this year.  For instance, this post is pulling from a lot of recent photos I've posted there.

McCall's Sherpa Coat, Hepburn Turtleneck, Ottobre pants

Other opportunities have opened for me this year and a real big one is music.   Another part of my life that is not discussed much here is that I love to play the piano.  From 2003-2009 I had the great good fortune to play piano for my church but have hardly played since as music is like writing..... one wants their writings to be read..... one wants their music to be heard.  I am SO blessed to have been invited to spend time with a master pianist in our area each week and am hoping to play good enough again to be able to contribute to the music in some small way at the church we presently attend.  May I share that I cried tears of joy when she and I set all this up.  She is a precious lady in so many ways and I look forward to our time together.

Thrift store sweater, Ottobre pants

As I begin to draw this post to a close, I want to include the link below to one of the best motivational videos I've seen in a long time.  Dominique Sachse is a news anchor in Houston, Texas and uses her YouTube channel to share fashion, makeup and lifestyle goals.  She is fabulous! I am so very glad I stumbled upon her site.  Anyway...... her "2019 New Year's Resolutions to Look and Feel Your Best" is the best.  Hope you might find encouragement from her too.

 Meanwhile, am so very excited about the prospects and opportunities 2019 holds.  It will be a wonderfully creative year.  Will be back soon as there's 3 Ottobre cardis and 2 Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtlenecks that need proper posts.
EDITED TO ADD:
Itch to Stitch Hepburn Turtlenecks can now be found here
3 Ottobre swing cardis can now be found here 

Baby Quilt (created free-form) can be found here

Happy Sewing All!  :)