Friday, January 28, 2011

Sew Excited

I  know, I know. It's such a cliche to use the word sew in place of so, but, first off, I love cliches and, secondly...well, there is no secondly. I just love cliches, sew there.
I didn't start the day particularly excited. It looked to be a pretty regular day, but then I opened my email and read today's Sew Daily published by the good folks at from Stitch magazine and Interweave Press and written by Stitch editor, Tricia Waddell. The focus of her article was sewing clothes for yourself and the joy she takes in making simple, beautiful garments to wear and, don't we all do this, have admired by our friends, family, and co-workers. Tricia wrote about what she called a fabulous weekend of garment sewing:

Friday night after work: cut out pattern and fabric
Saturday: sew all the major pieces together
Sunday: final fit tweaks, complete finishing, add embellishment details
Monday: wear it to work and impress my co-workers

I couldn't agree more. There's little better than sewing up something new and wearing it to the accolades of others. I'm not going to lie, the accolade part is pretty fabulous. Everyone loves receiving a compliment on what they're wearing, but it is so much better when it gives you the opportunity to bat your eyes, smile demurely, and say," Oh, thanks. I made it myself." 
Sew :), imagine my joy when I opened up the current issue of Stitch and found an article all about sewing with knits complete with some terrific and simple garments to make. Some of you may remember that I said that overcoming my nervousness about sewing with knits was one of my sewing goals for 2011. I think this dress:
and this skirt:
are just the motivation I need. That and the fact that my 16-year old recently made herself a costume out of knits and anything that a teenager can do, I can do too. 
Sadly, I'll probably have to defer some of that excitement, maybe even until next weekend, unless I'm so buoyed by Sunday's race-day experience that I feel I must sew a skirt rather than take a nap. Nevertheless, I'm psyched to do this and I want you to get psyched too. There are lots of great projects in the current issue of Stitch and, though I'm a huge proponent of sewing for yourself, you selfless types are welcome to make anyone of those projects for someone else.
 As a contributor, the folks at Interweave generously send me 3 copies of the magazine. Add to that, I never have the patience to wait for my contributor's copies so I always buy a copy at the newsstand and simple math tells you I currently have 4 copies of the Winter issue. I've promised one to my lovely neighbor who is an avid sewer in her own right and, of course, I need one for myself, but that leaves two copies that I could give away. And who better to give them away to than you? But, I'm going to want more than just a plain, old comment. I want you to tell me what you'd like to sew this year. It doesn't have to be something you've never tried before or something for yourself, but it does have to answer the question, " What are you planning to sew?" No need for a topic sentence and three body paragraphs, a simple short answer will suffice. 
Good luck!




124 comments:

Anna said...

It'll likely sound unbelievable, but I want to start sewing for myself. I got the email this morning and it totally inspired me that I can (and should!) do this. So, I will.

Christa said...

I am excited to sew a quilt for my first, very own baby, due July 31.

~Michelle~ said...

I'm planning to finish up sewing a quilt for my bedroom that I started 2 years ago! Yikes!

knottygnome said...

i need new pants, desperately. i'm hoping to sew up a few new pairs in the next week or so.

i also am trying to beat my record in quilts. and since my average is like 1.5 a year, i think i can do it.

Dan R said...

I'm going to sew lots of quilts this year. I'm planning to tackle a few shirts for myself, too.

cilvee said...

I love this magazine and you wouldn't believe how hard it is for me to find around here!

This year I plan on finishing up a lot of quilting projects started in 2010.

tracy_a said...

something with a buttonhole - and something else with a zipper. i.e., I need to conquer my fear of these things to get out of the super-easy but maybe not great-fitting patterns.

and some quilts.

tracy_a said...

something with a buttonhole - and something else with a zipper. i.e., I need to conquer my fear of these things to get out of the super-easy but maybe not great-fitting patterns.

and some quilts.

Angela said...

I'd like to tackle some more small projects. sewing with knits has been on my list for a while, but it's way down there. I think that I would really love to sew some fabulous bags.

tea and cake said...

I saw that on Sew Daily, too! I am determined to sew myself some skirts and dresses this year. And, if I happen to lose a couple of stones in weight, next year's winter coat. Oh crikey, I've 'put it out there' now, haven't I?!

Frogdancer said...

Pyjama pants.

(I make quilts, but clothes are scary. They have to FIT. I bought a pattern, and I figure that they can't be too hard.... can they?)

Unknown said...

I would like to sew clothes, either for myself or for the children. I've been wanting to buy Stitch but haven't had the funds yet. I can't wait to see it either way!

Nikki said...

I'm going to finish my first quilt which I started last April, I've been avoiding it incase I actually have to try freemotion quilting! Oh and I'm planning on making a skirt for my daughter(was meant to be for Christmas last year)and lots of tops for me.

Jen said...

I would like to complete some of the projects that have been piling up these past few years...if I can find the time again to sew (I have 2 kids under 2).

bookwormbethie said...

Oh I'd loooove to have this issue. Right now I am in the process of sewing my 1st quilt! If my calculations are right my quilt should finish up at about 54" x 58" I'm really excited about it, it is a lot of work, but it's fun! And I'm a bit of a nerd and love using math and fractions for sewing ;)

dmarie said...

I would love to sew one of the spiral skirts but also one can never have enough throw pillows

Traci said...

Oooooh! I would love to win this!! I am badly wanting to sew more garments this year (just bought a used serger) and knits intimidate the poo out of me! Even buying them makes me nervous--I know a good quilting fabric when I see it...but knits? Scary!
I'm also planning on tackling a few projects from your books--starting with the adorable patchwork scarf!

misplacedpom said...

A green quilt.

Mel said...

I have a knit dress (my first) cut out and waiting for me to get up the courage to sew it up but this weekend I think I will probably end up making skirts for my girlies -- it's "red" day at school and they've got nothing red to wear!

thea said...

sooo, the last time I tried to sew something to wear I was in 9th grade and it didn't turn out so well. So this year I want to make something to wear -- probably a shirt.

KV said...

I have a loooong list of baby items to sew for my nephew due in May. That includes a baby quilt!

Sally said...

I want to sew that pillow on the cover of the magazine (and a tiny pin cushion to match)! Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win!

Michele said...

Quilts! Lots of fun and artistic quilts.

Gill said...

I really want to master collars this year! I tend to avoid them at all costs!

Tiffany @ Another Pie In The Sky said...

I want to finish my quilt i started during thanksgiving and I want to sew a few totes/bags/purses this year.

Anonymous said...

I plan on making myself a plain blue shirt with the inside of the collar band and cuffs in a pretty blue floral Liberty fabric.
Judith.

mary said...

I am definitely planning on sewing some knit clothes for myself this year. And I would LOVE to at make a proverbial quilt (pattern by Denyse Schmidt) for my husband for our anniversary. I have the perfect words for it! Not sure it's going to get done by July 8th though....

Kate said...

I'm usually a quilt maker, but I have cut out a skirt, based on a favourite I wear (kind of drafted my own pattern - scary!) and the other day bought a beautiful teal/green jersey to make a mock wrap top from a recent Burda. So today I'll make one of them....I'm looking forward to wearing them!

JaneRH said...

I would really like to try sewing an article of clothing...the skirt from the magazine looks perfect. I am always having to 'compromise' the fit when I try on something at a store: the hips too big or the waist is too tight. Not to mention, I just hate trying clothes on! Thanks for the giveaway.

Rocio said...

I have a long list for 2010. To mention something, I want to sew a quilt for my living room.

carrie said...

Well... a quilt for this baby that's currently kicking my kidneys and due in May... a "big sister" dress and gift for the soon-to-be big sister... a few nursing gowns because the old ones, frankly, stink... a slipcover for my headboard to perk up the room in preparation for our homebirth (yes, that's purely for my psychological well-being, I know the midwives and the baby won't care!)... And probably another dozen or so things before May and baby get here and slow down my production levels!

Geny said...

I would love to sew a duvet cover for our room, with applique. The cushion on the cover is giving me ideas!

Sally Deck said...

New curtains for the bathroom. Dresses for me. Jeans that fit. Pants for the fast-growning boys!

Celeste said...

I want to start sewing more knits too! I got a serger for my birthday last September, bought all sorts of knit fabric, and then never quite stopped quilting enough to get back into clothes. I would love to win that magazine and try both projects!

jenny said...

I am planning on sewing curtains for 2 bedrooms in my house. I've had the fabric for a year, and it's time now. And hopefully a couple of skirts and 2 aprons that I have had the fabrics for a few years as well. The last few years have been filled with quilts as gifts, so no time for me. Wish me luck!

mjb said...

Lots of quilts and hopefully a few tops too.

sandra said...

lots and lots of PILLOWS! never sewn a invisible zipper... need to learn.

trouble said...

a wedding quilt for my oldest son and the amazing woman he's talked into marrying him

Lynn said...

I want to sew a skirt for my grand-daughter and a lap-top sleeve for my youngest daughter.

Char said...

I've been sewing for years but since I started quilting garment sewing has been off the radar. This Spring I will make myself a new skirt!

beth said...

I have some lovely nani iro coming that I'd like to make a summer shirt out of - have several patterns - just need to decide!

Rachael said...

Clothes for my baby girl!

Violetsrose said...

I plan to sew some clothes for my daughter, especially summer dresses.

and a dress for myself for my cousins wedding.

plus I really want to some quilting involving white fabric.

mek said...

I have a lot of sewing plans, but there's one that I am most excited about. Make a quilt, start to finish. Now, I've been quilting for over 18 years, but I stopped about five years ago when my daughter was born, and while I have sewn many other things since then, I have somehow neglected my quilting. Sure, I could finish off some ones that were started and set aside...but I also want to begin something new and see where my quilting aesthetic is now!

Unknown said...

My sewing goal for the year is just to try things. I've been sewing both clothes and quilts, knits and wovens, for years, but there are techniques and ideas out there that I've been too scared to try (like Cathedral Window quilts)... so I really want to just try stuff!0

Molly said...

I would like to sew myself the perfect purse for me. Every single time I shop for a purse I say I should be a purse designer because there are either teeny,tiny purses or giant, hulky purses but I want a small to middle side purse that fits my wallet. That all I ask .... just fit my wallet and cell phone. OK, I need a lipstick too.

Sharon said...

I have materials and ideas for 6+ quilts organized in bins to keep me busy in 2011. Thanks for the giveaway.

Diane Melms said...

I am an "art quilter" but three years ago I started a traditional quilt for my bedroom. It has been a long and boring process. This year I would like to finish it for my newly remodeled room.

Leila said...

I have the fabric for my 4 (!!!!) girl's Easter dresses. I hope to have them done for this Easter. :)

Serena said...

I've been asked to sew a quilt to raise money for our community garden that is trying to get off the ground. They need much needed funds for irrigation, soil, and other expenses. I'm thinking of something garden themed, with produce, flowers, and lots of color.

Tracy said...

I'm currently sewing a BOTM with my LQS. I've never sewn by machine before. So this is new and very exciting. I'm also hand sewing a lap quilt for my son for Christmas. And I have wool-felt handwarmers that I'm going to be sewing as well for Christmas presents. Actually, MOST of my Christmas is sewn. *L*

Emily said...

my doll quilt for DQS10 and more blocks for my month of my bee! :)

Anonymous said...

I would like to sew skirts for myself and my nieces. I'm kept busy sewing for my rats, but I want to sew more for myself, family and friends.

Beth said...

I want to make my first quilt this year!

HollyM said...

I haven't sewn clothing in years, but I bought gorgeous fabric for a blouse that I'm afraid to try.

Claire - Matching Pegs said...

I have fabric to make two skirts and two shirts.

Garments are not my usual sewing projects, and I need to make them before summer is over (I'm in Melbourne, Australia).

I am just waiting for school to start again (in a week's time) as I have not been able to fit in any sewing while the kids have been all home.

tutto a posto said...

I would like to start quilting again. I have a quilt top finished to give to my mom, who is 76 years old, and I fear I won't do it before she dies (G-d forbid).

Marg M said...

Like you I would like to try some knits, have the machine but forget which stitch to use and have misplaced my instruction manual. So it will wait a little longer...

Megan said...

I want to sew more clothes for my kiddos, finish a quilt I've already started for my son, and have a totally handmade Christmas this year.

Rachel at Stitched in Color said...

I want to get pass my "but I can't make clothes!" wall. I have made some clothes, but not enjoyed it much. I'd love, love, love to get up the gumption to make myself a dress. That knit one looks great!

FunkyC said...

I'm planning to sew tote bags, using only stash fabrics. Time to pair down. And I want to fit my perfect t-shirt pattern. All that will keep me busy for a while!

Rose F said...

I'd like to sew myself a dress for every day of the week, and for my little girl too! And quilts for everyone...

charlotte h. said...

i have to finish a quilt this weekend that is for my niece. i also want to sew up a birdie sling purse for me... i have all the materials needed, i simply need to start :)

Leah said...

I want to sew lots this year. My fabric stockpile is enormous - quilts are calling my name.

Amy said...

I'm definitely going to make a dress for myself -- I just finished the third version of the muslin for it, so it's looking good! I also have a couple of simple vintage patterns for dresses that I'd love to try out. I'd love to do knits, but I find the hardest part is that I can't find any knit fabrics I like!

Anonymous said...

right now i am working on pillowcases as a favor for my daughters 8th birthday- a slumber party. i am making one for each of the girls and then a dozen to donate to the local childrens hospital in honor of her birthday.

Sharon,
szolondek@cox.net

anniem said...

I used to sew all my clothes from gr 6 on. Then...high school and jeans only and I didn't sew jeans. Fastforward a lifetime and I'm thinking of sewing again for myself. A tunic top out of some lawn or voile. I'm somewhat afraid of failure so I keep putting it off. Maybe this will be my kick in the nether regions (or ass, if you will). I can never find Stitch magazine up here in the Great White North--I would love an issue. Thanks for the chance Malka
Ann

sbmeeks said...

I've got several things I want to sew this year! I want new curtains for my bedroom, its a REALLY big window so that will be interesting. I also want to sew a queen size quilt for our bed, oh and pillows! I've sewn stuff for other people but have no made by me decor in my own house :)

Kellie said...

I read the Sew Daily email this morning too and felt inspired! I want to learn to sew for myself and I really, really want to sew some cute things for my kids...in fact, I spent most of the evening cutting out a pattern for my 3 yr old daughter. LOVE your blog!!

Stephanie said...

I've been trying to make these little hanging wall pockets for my daughter to store paper back books in for about a week. This is my weekend though!

Sewhappy said...

I have lost most of my sewing time this year so I am focusing on small projects, mainly making blocks for practice, cushions and that kind of thing.

Kate S. said...

It's kind of ridiculous how many things I am planning (hoping?) to sew this year but a big one is that I am planning to actually make myself clothes and hope to learn to sew knits too! So I am also super excited about the article you mentioned... would love to win a copy of the issue!

Sarah DeSalvo said...

I'd also like to sew a knit garment for myself, maybe a skirt ala Alabama Stitch style...

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

This year I want to sew doll clothes using the “Ladies Underwear from Dollar Store” tute. It takes advantage of the elastic that’s already in place-and the cute prints strike the doll’s “mommy” in very cool ways.

Poppyprint said...

I'm going to start working on a queen sized quilt for our bed using Denyse Schmidt's proverbial quilt alphabet for my own words (well, not MY words, but words that I love). I keep telling people I'm gonna do this to make myself actually DO IT this year!

Mello said...

When my little boy was baptised I had every Familymember and the godfathers make colourful handprints on plain creamcoloured Cotton. I planned to make a Qulit for my little boy from those, framing each handprint in joyful colours. This is two years ago now and between work and household and of course a very active 5 year old, I never found the time to put everything together. Since he will get a new bedroom this year I plan to finish this project this year. Definetly!

elena said...

Hi all!
I was planning to make a coat a yera ago, winter has come and I didnt make my coat. So one of my new year purpose is to start and finish a new coat before next winter. I have the fabric and the lining.Only need to draw the pattern!!
But this year only have time to sew beauty things as baby quilts, purses, bags, ...
Thanks for this giveaway I love Stitch!

Unknown said...

I'm planning to sew a couple baby quilts, but that baby doll dress might make make its way to the top of my list!

Missy said...

Ugh, so much I want to sew. first a table runner for my kitchen table! Second a quilt for my living room then SEW much more! I love Cliche's too.

Claire Sews said...

I would like to sew a hoodie that combines hand dyed fabrics with the faces of t shirts and pieced together with bright serger thread.

colorquilter said...

I am going to make myself a soft fleece hoodie robe. My sweet husband gave me one two years ago and I wear it every night. You can imagine how worn it is getting. I have tried to order a new one, but believe it or not, no one sells a robe quite like this one. So i am going to have to take it apart (boo-hoo) to make a pattern. but once i do, then I can make many! Anyone know where to buy great, soft polar fleece in soft colors?

Diana said...

I sew a lot of clothes, mostly for my son, but this year I'm planning to sew a lime green polka dot trench coat -- lined, just to make it a little more challenging. :-)

Sandy K. said...

Happy sewing this weekend! I found your blog through the Tara Frey book, Blogging for Bliss and am glad I stopped by. Your question made me laugh, as my list of sewing projects is quite long. I'm addicted to pillowcases, so will churn out a number of those, but I want to finish all my projects this year! Currently working on a baby quilt using fabrics I brought back from Ghana, recently.

Anonymous said...

I'm going to sew 3 quilts for Quilts of Valor this year (and that awesome pillow on the front of Stitch magazine).
nkadenver@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

ooo, so nice. I am planning to use some nice wool suiting I've had for awhile to make Jenny Gordy's tulip skirt. This weekend? maybe.

Lisa said...

I have a fear of sewing with knits but a strong desire to try~!

two hippos said...

I know I'll make a lot of quilts this year because that's what I do. But I generally give away what I make, and there are two things I want to do this year for me: make a quilt for my bedroom and learn how to make a skirt. I know skirts are supposed to be the easy garment to make but even they intimidate me. So I guess a I have a general garment-sewing goal.

lindaroo said...

A silky, floaty top to wear over sleeveless dresses and dress them up a bit. Silky fabric is scary to work with, too!

Sarah ACP said...

I want to make a wall hanging for the Thanksgiving season using felted wool. Thanks for the giveaway. -slp

Unknown said...

I aspire to sew alot this year, but on my immediate agenda is a monochromatic quilt, a quilt along at CHQ and some sassy hair bands for myself (and maybe a backpack for myself, too). Thanks for asking!

Anonymous said...

I've been eyeing that issue for a while. i think I need to go and get it if I don't win!

susan in seattle said...

A baby quilt for a new baby in Mexico and dolly quilt for the big sister. I'd better get sewing, our trip is coming right up. When we return, I want to start a regular sewing habit. Some clothes and more quilts are on the docket. I think I need this mag for inspiration.

CJ said...

I plan to sew some charity quilts this year, finally. Some purses and skirts (usually for my daughter), some quilts -friends, friends with babies, for my own kids. Pillows and aprons too.
I'd best get busy!

Mariel said...

A queen size quilt!

Chelsea Strong said...

Something for myself. Not for the baby, not for a friend, not for the boy, not for the house...me me me! Business card holder. That's next up. Tiny, but I have to start somewhere.

Anonymous said...

unclisI plan to sew myself a dress. I actually bought the fabric already. I'm tired of wesring slacks all the time. This summer will be different!

G said...

The two things that WILL get done this year: a denim shirt dress. I've been eyeing them for the past two springs and haven't been able to find one that fits. Well, I have a pattern, a very cute one too, that will fit my curviness! Yay! Project two, a dark teal knee length velveteen coat for fall. Very fitted thru the waist, with a gentle flare down to the knees for easy walking. So excited!!!

Kristal Dawn Evens said...

Lots of fun decorations for my oldest sister's wedding! And a quilt for each of my two best friends.

redgirl said...

Despite being addicted to quilting blogs I am yet to make a quilt!! So that is my goal for 2011!

Sherrie said...

I am planning on sewing a few baby quilts for some very special mother's to be!

Deb said...

I bought an Oliver + S pattern and I am embarking on sewing a knit spring wardrobe for my almost 2 year old. Of course, I have 8,000 other things on my mental to-sew list too.

Unknown said...

I am aiming to sew an entire new wardrobe this year and get rid of pretty much ALL shop brought clothes

GloJoeSews said...

Well, my sweetie and I want to buy an old motorhome and redecorate it vintage style. So, I want to challenge myself to sew slipcovers! I'm scared to try but I think I can do it.

Paula said...

I want to make quilts for all those of my family with out a quilt from me! Since I was laid off at the end of August, I've completed 2 queens and a twin (tops, quilting and binding by ME). Hope I can keep sewing until work shows up.

Elisabeth in Fuchs said...

I want to sew a skirt (haven(t done so for over 20 years!!!) and a couple of pillows;

Nancy said...

I want to do more sewing...skirts for my 22 year old granddaughter and little dresses for my one years old granddaughter. Then a top or two for me.

Meghan said...

I'm looking to conquer two new skills this year. Hand-quilting (I'm piecing a wall-hanging for my bedroom that I'm going to hand quilt) and making a dress. I'm hoping to overcome my garment sewing fear before summer so I can make cute sun dresses :)

Pondering said...

Hmmmmm, I want to sew something unique and beautiful. Maybe an apron that makes my waist seem smaller! hee hee

Pondering said...

Hmmmmm, I want to sew something unique and beautiful. Maybe an apron that makes my waist seem smaller! hee hee

Ammieloris said...

Lovely knit dress. I'd like to sew THAT! (LOL. It would have to be a maternity dress to fit me this year, though!)

Honestly, you're the best person to tell my sewing hopes to! I'd like to sew maternity clothes from fabrics I've batiked myself. Batiking is tricky when pregnant, though. I have soy wax that is non-toxic and works okay. (Do you like soy wax?) If I can get my husband to mix up the dyes for me, this could be a fun family project!

Wen said...

I would like to make another scrappy quilt. I love scrappy quilts!

Sarah said...

I want to sew something wearable this year. Last year, I sewed my first article of clothing, a dress. I'm not getting any compliments on it and I also look about 8 months pregnant in it. So this year... wearable.

trudys_person said...

I want to make some clothes for myself this year, and I saw this dress and skirt in Stitch too - they are perfect! If I don't win this issue I'll buy it - Thank you for the giveaway!

Sarabean said...

I would like to sew a queen size quilt, moving up from my usual baby quilts (one of those is on the list for the new niece or nephew due in April). I also plan to try longarm quilting. An Alabama Chanin style skirt, top or dress too (reminded of that from junglewife's comment). Thank you Malka for your inspiring blog.

Melissa said...

Minature quilts... a single girl can only have so many full-sized ones! :)

Penny Gold said...

Last year I bought extra yardage of some gorgeous turquoise silk that I used in a quilt, with the intention to make a shirt with it. I hope to follow through on the intention this year!

Jennifer Ireton said...

Unfinished projects bug me:) so, I would like to put together a quilt I cut out several years ago for daughter in shades of pink and mauve. However, now she no longer likes pink!

momma said...

I just learnt to sew last year, and I've just completed my first quilt class session, so this year will be lap quilts for my family, handbags and if I'm really brave something to wear

thebigmango said...

This year, I'm planning to sew another handbag - this time for me, and also my first quilt. I'm going to start small just so I can learn the techniques.

gina said...

I am planning on finishing a signature quilt I started for my sister. I had all of her roller derby team mates sign pink squares and decided to embroidery them with black floss. Well, this embroidery part is taking me forever! I am anxious to move onto the patchwork and quilting portion.

Denny1600 said...

I have several quilts in progress. Sew . . . I plan to finish at least some of those. I also plan to make a new pillowcase for my husband. The old one that I made for him is starting to wear out. Oh . . . I need to go to the fabric store!

Dawna said...

I just want to sew! I have a beautiful sewing machine my husband gave me for Christmas about 3 years ago, but due to circumstances beyond my control I have spent my time looking for work and working instead of sewing. I want to make at least 3 "plain and simple" quilts for our beds. I want to make coats for all 3 of my little dogs and cute accessories for my grown-up stepdaughter. I want to try my hand at a small art quilt or 2 and some nice things to decorate my home. I also want to use up my stash and some of the wool I have repurposed from Goodwill finds.

I just want to sew!

Dawna

deerhollow said...

This year I will be sewing love. Love for two daughters of a dear friend who want wedding quilts...love for a new grand daughter who needs a quilt from nana...love for my personal sanity, something to wear for me!

Nancy said...

I have sewn garments in years, but I think a skirt is in the offing!