My goodness Janine - that colour is just stunning on you!! My goal this year is to intentionally fill the holes in my wardrobe. In 2024 I think I finally articulated my style preferences which helps to eliminate the FOMO I feel when I see what other people are sewing and it helps me to identify what I should be sewing instead of jumping on the bandwagon of trendy patterns. I look forward to seeing what you learn and what you make this year. Happy sewing!
Janine, good to know that others are thinking the same way. I’m spending more money on nicer fabrics, but also buying fewer sale fabrics (quality - less cheaper fabrics). Sewing mindfully and spending more time on execution, fit and design. I’m wearing the nicer stuff at home and on errand runs. Why not? It feels great. Currently doing a purge of so so projects and donating them. Not sure why I made them or keeping them. I don’t wear them. UJAMAA GRANDMAS (Calgary) is usually looking for stash raids to raise money for charity. Planning to give them some of my so so fabric. Looking forward to sewing with you in 2025 ❤
Janine - I love when you said, 'Let's wear the good stuff'. I recently decided that even though I work from home, I'm going to start wearing my beautiful dresses I made (Cashmerette patterns) everyday. Why not?! Otherwise they sit in the closet until I have an "event" to go to. What a waste. Besides, I feel pretty when I'm wearing them. My whole attitude improves when I wear one of my pretty dresses. I'm in on that challenge!
I love the idea of replicating a look of someone else. I will have to think about that. I already know I will be doing alterations on wedding gowns for the daughters of three former coworkers and also altering a wedding gown for a younger former coworker. That is the one I'm most excited about. The young lady found her dream gown, but it cost $5000. Luckily she found the exact same gown, preworn, for $200. The bad news, other than a perfect fit, the gown is about 6 inches too short. The good news, using white satin from my stash and lace from her mother's wedding gown, I can make it longer. I am then making a flower girl dress for the bride's 4 year old daughter using what is left from the grandmother's dress. It's an exciting challenge. I'm also making matching flower girl dresses for a former coworker's 3 granddaughters. In between all of those, I plan to keep using fabric from my stash, some for myself, and for family members. I would like to finally make a trench coat, I've had the fabric and buttons for many years. My look is definitely casual, but I would like to make some floaty summer skirts. For non wearables, I have some curtains i could make, some pillow covers, and maybe covers for my sewing machines. I love to buy fabric from thrift stores and patterns, but I've decided enough is enough. This week I will be cutting out a coat from thrifted fabric and vintage fabric. I also need to print out the Toaster Sweater, tape it together, and cut a few out. I understand it's a quick sew.
Yes to wearing our nice clothes! I’m a retired homebody who rarely goes anywhere “dress up worthy.” But I have made some nicer-looking casual clothes that I’ve only worn once or twice. Thank you for saying that it doesn’t hurt to be a little overdressed! I’m also planning to make my jewelry more accessible and taking more care with my everyday attire. Happy new year all-looking forward to sharing our discoveries. -Adele in Spokane WA
I love your 2025 approach Janine! I am making a point to wear the things I make and to part with those I don’t. It’s hard to do when you’ve put money, time and effort in those garments. I have a beautiful blouse I made but it doesn’t fit quite right. I just don’t wear it because of that. I did learn from those mistakes but it’s time for it to go. 😢 I hadn’t considered spending more time on my sewing books but I like that idea!
Your approach to this year is inspiring, I am also at the point in my sewing that i want to be more mindful of what i am making. I think the past few years i have been tackling all sorts to figure out what i like to wear and have been tackling knits etc! I am confident in my sewing now and like you its time to slow down make what i really want! Thank-you!
I made more than 100 things in 2024…that’s crazy. How many tops vest toppers skorts do I need. This year I’m stepping away from the sewing room. There are things I want to sew and I will, but I’m also forcing myself to shop. I’ve kinda forgotten how to actually go into a shop and look around and try things on without feeling overwhelmed. Not a thrift store not winners not Costco. But supporting my local independent retailers. For every piece I make, I have to buy something other than under garments and socks. In December I finished all the project bags and in November I filled two of those huge yard & garden garbage bags full of fabric (a lot of “what was I thinking fabric” & just fabric that doesn’t bring me joy). And hauled it all to a thrift store. There’s still a pile of hmmmm fabric. My life has way too much STUFF in it that needs to go away. I’ve already downsized “twice”. Where does all this stuff come from anyway.
My goal is to make my husband the Love Notions Band Camp shirt in fun fabric! And to only make something from a pattern I already own! Happy New Year 🎊
Assessing what your needs, what works, what doesn’t work from time to time is always a good thing and we naturally tend to do this at the beginning of a new year. I’m determined to use the patterns I have and the material I have this year. I also want to work on my skills and techniques. I think probably the most efficient way for me to do that is to make samples from scraps. I took a costuming class and the first assignment we had was to sew a sampler. That was extremely useful through the class to refer back to. I wan to do better with plackets, welt pockets, different seam finishes etc. I think I’ll get the satisfaction of sewing without all the less than quality garments that will not get worn. I want to return to some hand work as well that I haven’t done in years. I like the idea of sewing the look.
Happy New Year Janine. I like you commitment to sew and encouraging us to wear our nice clothes more often. I'll be wearing what I made and not get stuck in a rut this year. If the garment doesn't fit well or is no longer my style...it goes elsewhere.
I’ve started wearing my good stuff at home since I have finally reconciled myself to not going back to work. It feels good to get up and put on a little makeup, fit my hair snd wear the good stuff.
I love the idea of wearing our good stuff. My husband and I moved into a retirement suites and go for dinner every evening. I already knew my everyday cloths from home wouldn’t cut it and so am wearing my saved t shirts. I know now I’ll sew some dresses for the summer and be able to wear them and not put in closet for the 2-3 x I MAYBE will wear. Thanks for the idea that put my thoughts in line with possibly producing something -not just an idea
I hope your healing from your surgery is coming to its end. You probably know this feeling but I’m like how long will it be after my surgery that I feel like sewing. I have thought though I’m going to use the time to read and watch videos to learn more techniques and review things. I do go to church and I’ve been making some long skirts and hope to have them done in next few days. I’ll be doing some shopping to get some accessories to go with them. I also want to make things that I can wear to be a little dressy but then I can tone it down with sneakers or sandals. I want to also sew few things for going on vacation to see my family in North Carolina. I’ve really been under a lot of stress the month of November so my resolution has been to heal emotionally and give myself some just me time. Happy New Year
That purple top looks great on you. Color is needed I think in January! I'm not sure if I can replicate high fashion. All I know is Ive got to plough through some great fabric and not buy anymore, unless its lining fabric.😊
Happy New Year Janine I'm hearing this alot from sewist including me going through my patterns ones that I haven't sewn yet I like that idea to replicate great video thanks for some great ideas 😊😊😊
“Wear the good stuff!” I second that for sure. That tops looks absolutely fabulous on you. Xx
My goal is to shop from my stash to produce for my cleaned out closet 😂 FIESTA 🪡🧵
My goodness Janine - that colour is just stunning on you!! My goal this year is to intentionally fill the holes in my wardrobe. In 2024 I think I finally articulated my style preferences which helps to eliminate the FOMO I feel when I see what other people are sewing and it helps me to identify what I should be sewing instead of jumping on the bandwagon of trendy patterns. I look forward to seeing what you learn and what you make this year. Happy sewing!
I think the replicate someone over50 is fantastic 😊. I look forward to watching who to replicate 😊
Janine, good to know that others are thinking the same way. I’m spending more money on nicer fabrics, but also buying fewer sale fabrics (quality - less cheaper fabrics). Sewing mindfully and spending more time on execution, fit and design. I’m wearing the nicer stuff at home and on errand runs. Why not? It feels great. Currently doing a purge of so so projects and donating them. Not sure why I made them or keeping them. I don’t wear them. UJAMAA GRANDMAS (Calgary) is usually looking for stash raids to raise money for charity. Planning to give them some of my so so fabric. Looking forward to sewing with you in 2025 ❤
Happy 2025! I love the idea of sharing “sew the look” ideas. Also agree with you - we need to wear the good stuff!!
Janine - I love when you said, 'Let's wear the good stuff'. I recently decided that even though I work from home, I'm going to start wearing my beautiful dresses I made (Cashmerette patterns) everyday. Why not?! Otherwise they sit in the closet until I have an "event" to go to. What a waste. Besides, I feel pretty when I'm wearing them. My whole attitude improves when I wear one of my pretty dresses. I'm in on that challenge!
I love the idea of replicating a look of someone else. I will have to think about that. I already know I will be doing alterations on wedding gowns for the daughters of three former coworkers and also altering a wedding gown for a younger former coworker. That is the one I'm most excited about. The young lady found her dream gown, but it cost $5000. Luckily she found the exact same gown, preworn, for $200. The bad news, other than a perfect fit, the gown is about 6 inches too short. The good news, using white satin from my stash and lace from her mother's wedding gown, I can make it longer. I am then making a flower girl dress for the bride's 4 year old daughter using what is left from the grandmother's dress. It's an exciting challenge. I'm also making matching flower girl dresses for a former coworker's 3 granddaughters. In between all of those, I plan to keep using fabric from my stash, some for myself, and for family members. I would like to finally make a trench coat, I've had the fabric and buttons for many years. My look is definitely casual, but I would like to make some floaty summer skirts. For non wearables, I have some curtains i could make, some pillow covers, and maybe covers for my sewing machines. I love to buy fabric from thrift stores and patterns, but I've decided enough is enough. This week I will be cutting out a coat from thrifted fabric and vintage fabric. I also need to print out the Toaster Sweater, tape it together, and cut a few out. I understand it's a quick sew.
Yes to wearing our nice clothes! I’m a retired homebody who rarely goes anywhere “dress up worthy.” But I have made some nicer-looking casual clothes that I’ve only worn once or twice. Thank you for saying that it doesn’t hurt to be a little overdressed! I’m also planning to make my jewelry more accessible and taking more care with my everyday attire. Happy new year all-looking forward to sharing our discoveries. -Adele in Spokane WA
I love your 2025 approach Janine! I am making a point to wear the things I make and to part with those I don’t. It’s hard to do when you’ve put money, time and effort in those garments. I have a beautiful blouse I made but it doesn’t fit quite right. I just don’t wear it because of that. I did learn from those mistakes but it’s time for it to go. 😢 I hadn’t considered spending more time on my sewing books but I like that idea!
Your approach to this year is inspiring, I am also at the point in my sewing that i want to be more mindful of what i am making. I think the past few years i have been tackling all sorts to figure out what i like to wear and have been tackling knits etc! I am confident in my sewing now and like you its time to slow down make what i really want! Thank-you!
Janine, that color looks so nice on you!
I made more than 100 things in 2024…that’s crazy. How many tops vest toppers skorts do I need. This year I’m stepping away from the sewing room. There are things I want to sew and I will, but I’m also forcing myself to shop. I’ve kinda forgotten how to actually go into a shop and look around and try things on without feeling overwhelmed. Not a thrift store not winners not Costco. But supporting my local independent retailers. For every piece I make, I have to buy something other than under garments and socks. In December I finished all the project bags and in November I filled two of those huge yard & garden garbage bags full of fabric (a lot of “what was I thinking fabric” & just fabric that doesn’t bring me joy). And hauled it all to a thrift store. There’s still a pile of hmmmm fabric. My life has way too much STUFF in it that needs to go away. I’ve already downsized “twice”. Where does all this stuff come from anyway.
My goal is to make my husband the Love Notions Band Camp shirt in fun fabric! And to only make something from a pattern I already own! Happy New Year 🎊
Happy and Prosperous NY Janine. Love your vlog today - keeping things real❤
Assessing what your needs, what works, what doesn’t work from time to time is always a good thing and we naturally tend to do this at the beginning of a new year. I’m determined to use the patterns I have and the material I have this year. I also want to work on my skills and techniques. I think probably the most efficient way for me to do that is to make samples from scraps. I took a costuming class and the first assignment we had was to sew a sampler. That was extremely useful through the class to refer back to. I wan to do better with plackets, welt pockets, different seam finishes etc. I think I’ll get the satisfaction of sewing without all the less than quality garments that will not get worn. I want to return to some hand work as well that I haven’t done in years. I like the idea of sewing the look.
Happy New Year Janine. I like you commitment to sew and encouraging us to wear our nice clothes more often. I'll be wearing what I made and not get stuck in a rut this year. If the garment doesn't fit well or is no longer my style...it goes elsewhere.
I’ve started wearing my good stuff at home since I have finally reconciled myself to not going back to work. It feels good to get up and put on a little makeup, fit my hair snd wear the good stuff.
I love to sew the look and to see how others interpret an outfit. Sounds like fun!
I love your plans. I'm giving myself 10 yrs to close out my sewing practice and use up my stash. By then I'll be 83. Hah!😂
I have a few things I really want to sew. At least 4 garments for myself and something for each of my 4 great grandchildren.
Hi Janine, Happy New Year. So glad you met your goals last year and have great goal for this year! 🫠
Love the recreating look ideaTomKat Stichery does that a lot, but it never occurred to me to try t do that myself. ❤
I love the idea of wearing our good stuff. My husband and I moved into a retirement suites and go for dinner every evening. I already knew my everyday cloths from home wouldn’t cut it and so am wearing my saved t shirts. I know now I’ll sew some dresses for the summer and be able to wear them and not put in closet for the 2-3 x I MAYBE will wear. Thanks for the idea that put my thoughts in line with possibly producing something -not just an idea
I hope your healing from your surgery is coming to its end. You probably know this feeling but I’m like how long will it be after my surgery that I feel like sewing. I have thought though I’m going to use the time to read and watch videos to learn more techniques and review things. I do go to church and I’ve been making some long skirts and hope to have them done in next few days. I’ll be doing some shopping to get some accessories to go with them. I also want to make things that I can wear to be a little dressy but then I can tone it down with sneakers or sandals. I want to also sew few things for going on vacation to see my family in North Carolina. I’ve really been under a lot of stress the month of November so my resolution has been to heal emotionally and give myself some just me time. Happy New Year
That purple top looks great on you. Color is needed I think in January! I'm not sure if I can replicate high fashion. All I know is Ive got to plough through some great fabric and not buy anymore, unless its lining fabric.😊
Happy New Year Janine I'm hearing this alot from sewist including me going through my patterns ones that I haven't sewn yet I like that idea to replicate great video thanks for some great ideas 😊😊😊
All really good goals!
I agree, I also want to see what I feel like sewing🇿🇦❤️🧵