What if I told you that it has been nearly a year since I decided to pick this blog back up?

Would you be surprised? I was. I wasn’t. I was hopeful that I could have fun with a silly little blog to talk about the things that I enjoy.

I thought about it. I thought about the things I could write. Especially as I did so much sewing this past year, working on fun projects, learning new skills, abandoning projects. – constantly thinking this might be interesting to someone.

So, here I am starting again. Having fun musing, maybe if I remember.

Completed projects:

I made a green velvet circle skirt to my work’s Christmas party. Honestly it was a little big and ideally I should go back and adjust the waist band on it but realistically it is cute and still wearable and I won’t go do that unless it really bothers me.

I made a 13th century style tunic out of some rugged looking fabric that I picked up from a local second hand craft store. It was the first time that I drafted a pattern from the book (Medieval Tailors Assistant) and made a wearable garment. I made it to go with the doublet set I am currently working on but the fabrics don’t look great together – the tunic is more peasanty and the doublet needs something nicer but at least I have some experience and maybe the neckline won’t look so wonky.

For my husband, I took a crustle and made it into a bag with a zipper. It isn’t that convenient but he likes it and it makes the kids happy when he brings it with him.

In progress projects:

For having fun dressing up to ren faires and learning new skills, I have a few in flight projects.

I have a side laced kirtle that is based on a pattern from the Medieval Tailors book but I used an existing paper pattern and modified it. I fully lined the bodice and I still need to hem the skirt and add grommets so it can be laced up on the sides. I am thinking about sewing over the grommets because I haven’t had super great experience with those holding up over time but I’m not great at hand-sewing so we will see. The dress was made with some fabric I bought several years ago for a Halloween costume that I never made because I went a completely different direction.

For the aforementioned doublet, I took an ugly green curtain and used it to make a double and a matching pair of paints. Unfortunately for me, the pants were too small so I grabbed some leftover floral patterned fabric from another project I did last year and used it to make side panels in the pants so I could wear them. It looks a little silly but as I am making these inspired by my DnD character I think it is okay. I am also using a bunch of pink lace trim to fancy it up.

I have a jacket or possibly overdress project that has been in progress for over a year. I used an existing pattern and tried to change it from a dress to a fully lined garment that will close at the front. It was made from an old set of granny curtains and I am not 100% in love with it so I haven’t finished it. It has been 75% completed for forever. I might eventually finish it once I get some of these other projects completed that might complement it.

I made a knitted top this past week as I tried to shift my scrolling habits on my phone to doing something else with my hands while I hang out on the couch. Watching tv with my kids doesn’t feel so bad when I’m not doom scrolling. I haven’t decided if I am going to add sleeves or not, it looks really cut as a tank. Either way, it needs to be blocked and then it will be ready to wear.

A couple weeks ago, I decided to take some yarn and make a skirt with it. I do not love what I’ve done so far, so I may abandon this project and use the yarn for a different project. It is cranberry colored.

Last year I made a vest and have almost completed the matching skirt. I wanted to do buttons for the closure but my sewing machine kept messing up and I am still considering my options. I did wear the vest to work with some jeans. It is a very whimsical fabric choice and very comfy so here’s hoping I finally finish the skirt before it gets too hot to wear such a fall outfit.

Projects in my mind:

• New underdress/shift/kirtle in a yellow cotton that will be fun and complementary of some existing pieces
• Some peasant head wear out of my pattern book
• Update my pink wizard hat because my dogs chewed it up
• An apron or housecoat or something to wear while I work around the house with pockets
• More knitted tanks (bought more yarn and smaller needles)
• A baby blanket for my coworker
• A wrap dress made with a sheer floral fabric made to layer with other pieces. I think I am going to make this to wear to my friends vow renewal.
• Some basics – have three pretty fabrics that I’m thinking of making into slip dresses. (Green, Gold and Brown)
• A dress out of this beautiful Italian patterned silk that I bought on vacation and haven’t done anything with in nearly 3 years

I have also been helping my sister with some dress projects she is working on and having fun sending her back notes on her sketches. I am learning how to use the pile of pattern books I was given last year. I got a book on card weaving and I thought it would be fun to make trims and belts for some of my ren faire outfits; maybe something for my wizard hat; I’ve even thought about making suspenders for my husband. So many things that I want to do – and for the most part with upcycled fabric or fabric that I already have in my stash.

Anyways, here’s to hoping that I post more often than once a year and next time I will add some pictures to my project updates.

Are you working on anything?