2012: The Good The Bad and The Unfinished...

Its been a rocky year, mostly in a good way. I covered all the stuff that happened in my post Re-adressing the ReSewlutions

My sewing has been slow however I did manage 12 finished objects + 5 Christmas presents

Some of these are pretty well established in my wardrobe like the Striped Renfrew and Lisette skirt.

2. My Tinkerbell Meets Obama brushed tweed Meringue skirt. (Even with the wrinkles)

 3. My Liberty Jersey Wrap Dress. This is now too big! Which sucks but I will take it in in the new year.

4.The Cherry Picked Blouse... I don't wear this very much as its a smidge too short which is such a shame. I have an unfinished tank top in the same fabric that I should really get done the fabric was beautiful!

5. My Tnt Pattern top. This is the third or fourth version and I think. I could find a new TnT by now. I really do like this shape on me but there are so many jersey patterns it would be cruel to not explore them!

However some were less sucessful although they get some wear.

6. Cockatoo Blouse, This has weird blousy bits where the fullness on the bust doesn't skim enough. I do wear it but its so thin I feel a little self concious. I still love this though with some adjustments.

7. The Clothkits Skirt, I do however like this simple skirt, it just has bad memories attached so it doesn't get worn often.

8. Petticoat. I completely didn't need this. I'm sure it will be useful at some point but its more of a silly costume item.

Knitting Projects.

I was so pleased I learnt to knit this year and I did actually finish two small projects 

1. My Honey Cowl, This gets a lot of wear. Cowls are so versatile and it taught me to knit in the round with circular needles, its not perfect but hey! its so warm I don't care!

2. My Stefanie Japel Scaflette/headband. I also wear this an awful lot as a headband. During the last chilly snap it was essential when walking home from nightshifts at 7am, its just so warm and doesn't let any air through the garter stitch. This class also taught me lace knitting!

My unfinished knitting...

This Louisa Harding top is my first go at a flat top, its lovely and i'm enjoying it but I felt it was too summery to do through winter so its in hibernation. 

I also knitted five of these frilly scarves for Christmas gifts, 

So easy and quick!

Unfinished Sewing

 My Nostalgic Asterisks dress (super see through) Colette Parfait. I'm not done with this pattern. it was too small in the bust, Jacket of Doom! Super unflattering, enough said.

My Nostalgic Asterisks dress (super see through)

I've been so inspired this year by all the amazing people and beautifully made garments that have popped out of the Blogisphere this year. I feel so lucky to be among you clever people!
As I said yesterday Happy New Year, welcome to 2013. Heres to more wonderful sewing fun!
                                                              I hope its great for all of us! 

Happy New Year!!!! Welcome 2013!

                    Happy New Year Everyone, 
                      Have a Fabulous 2013!!!

I Was Very Good This Year...

Apologies for the terrible photo, But at least its mine for a change!

This is a selection of the sewing goodies I got for Christmas!

I was very blessed this year! Heres what you can see!

Deer and Doe, Sureau and Airelle

Colette, Jasmine, Peony and Clover

A Cute little owl pincushion from my Grandma Grace

and Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing!

I wasn't sure I was going to Love Gertie's book so I held off on buying it for myself but just as the Colette book did, it was a pleasant surprise! 

Its so detailed and is written for an intermediate audience without being over complicated for beginners to read.

I will try and get a proper review done but I can't wait to sew from it.

I'm working on a 2012 review post for tomorrow.

"Three posts in a matter of days?! Thats unheard of Stevie!"

Yes you lucky things! 

Hehe I am going to try my best to better my blog this year. More frequent posting and

Hopefully there will be some better features and content as well as maybe a new look!

Happy New Year To Everyone

Have a Safe and Prosperous New Year

See you in 2013!

x

To SWAP or not to SWAP?..

Merry middle celebratory week people! This week always feels funny to me, Christmas is done but New Year is still to come, I'm not sure if I should still be in a Christmassy mood or not?

Nevertheless, I have been contemplating going in for The Artisan Square SWAP 2013. I know my sewing room isn't set up yet, but I don't intend to do it for the deadline. I think a SWAP would teach me  to create in terms of wardrobes and outfits rather than single pieces. So far my calculations tell me that not including the Jacket I can make at least 12 outfits from this plan.

I would also like it to focus on useful items. For me its all about the cake! It also links in with another Idea I have for the blog later in the year! Exciting no?
The patterns are from left:

1. Colette Anise
2. Salme Blazer
3. Colette Juniper 
4. Lekala Cardigan 4163
5. Colette Jasmine
6. Victory Ava
7. Deer and Doe Airelle
8. Grainline Moss
9. Sewaholic Renfrew
10. Colette Clover

10 pieces, 12 outfits? That sounds like a pretty good deal if you ask me. Lots of wearability the ultimate cake wardrobe!
The question is, do I have the time to devote to it, or will I get bored with my choices?
What fabrics to use? Oh so many questions! I think plain colours would be the most sensible option, what do you think?

Around 19th January... London Meetup anyone?

Ok, I haven't had chance to be at a meetup for ages and was sooo jealous of all those that got to go to Birmingham! It looked amazing!
I'm proposing a London meetup, either Goldhawk, Portabello or Walthamstow as i've never been there.
Anyone interested?
If so leave a comment or email me at Beebeesvintagedress@hotmail.co.uk
The date is Flexible but I think a Saturday would be sensible, would be nice to spend a little Christmas moneys! (more on the little side!)

Would be fantastic to see you!!!

Addressing the Re-sewlutions...

The year is fast approaching this end and I can't help but think about 2013 and the year ahead. First I want to thank everyone for sticking with me and reading through this year! I am so thankful that people read and comment on my little space and how I create. Especially through the last few months where I haven't had much to say!
I looked back at last years Resewlutions  and I can't help feeling I failed miserably in terms of sewing!
I'm not too forlorn though as my predictions about my life being very different and on doing my masters degree were correct. So we can't really grumble can we?

So things I did achieve this year:
I graduated! - This was a big deal for me, getting my degree in Fashion and Dress History just demonstrated to me how much I want to be in the world of museums, academia and historical dress.

I Started my Masters Degree - An extension of above, I found that getting employed into that world straight from an undergrad was rare, So I have taken on another two years study to get my Masters.
This is coupled with working for Worthing Museum and The Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
(now can you see why my sewing time has nosedived?)

I got a Job! - Not one I truly wanted, but one that will keep me going whilst I study. Caring for people with disability is hard, but it is my background and the place I work everyone is great so for now it buys me a few luxuries.

We bought a House! - This one I was not expecting! But this has been the hardest part of the whole year. We intended to move in within 6 weeks. We are still not moved in 3 months later, but hopefully after the Holidays we are going to be moving into our first house!
The kitchen is arriving as we speak!

I learnt to Knit! - This has been on my list a long time! I'm really pleased I did it, not having the space to sew has been really tough on me and picking up my needles and knitting almost anywhere has been a godsend! I intend to finish a large project soon and start honing my skills!

My Sewing has taken a hit this year because of all these big life changes, but hopefully this will be a thing of the past.
It turns out I didn't need a graduate wardrobe after all, which was fine with me but I would like to develop the idea of capsule sewing, as well as making a jacket and getting trousers right.
These are the three things I'd like to do this year. I gave myself a quota of more than 25 garments this year! I'm pretty sure I made something like 12 garments, HALF of what I made the year before. But I think its important not to get mad at myself. I do this for FUN not for a job. Its ok that i've had other things on, I still got 12 garments made by my own fair hands.

So this 2013 Recap:
No garment quota
Learn to make a nice fitting pair of trousers
Make a Jacket/Coat
Slow down and make everything to the best of my ability
Knit one sweater
Reduce my stash (yeah right :P)
Make a capsule of key pieces, considered and budgeted

What are you planning for the year ahead?

Winter Pattern Wishlists...

Of all of you getting to be all sewy and awesome creative right now!
I'm checking up on my blogs  daily and have a serious case of sewist jealousy,
There are so many patterns i'm loving right now, so although i'm not sewing I'm going to show you my cheeky little sewing pattern wishlist for winter.

 Deer and Doe First, Airelle, Pavot and Sureau. All so useful! I love the little gathers on Airelle. All of these would be super useful pieces.

Although Sureau and Darling Ranges are similar, I think there is room for both in my wardrobe, I really love Megan Nielson's aesthetic, its unfussy yet brilliantly stylish! I'm also coveting her Kelly skirt and Banksia top which I used as inspiration before it was even developed as a pattern, Fancy that!

Next up my love for Sewholic continues with the Thurlow's. I have reserved judgement on the Alma top simply because i'm not sure its for me. But I could see myself wearing these classic trousers a lot.

 Ah. Amy Butler, This has been on my list for a long time but I think it has a particularly wintery feel to it. Great to use with prints or plain fabrics.

 Kind of like the Washi dress. I have been waiting to get my mitts on this one! Especially in that fabric,

 The salme blazer is so elegant and stylish. I think it would match any of these patterns i've chosen, make it in a plain colour fabric and your good to go!

I also think Grainline is really coming into its own too. I wish they had more patterns! The Moss skirt is just what I need in winter with thick tights and boots. Maybe paired with Scout tee, Mini pocket Tank Layering combo?

I could go on! There is so much inspiration out there right now and i'm itching to get sewing! However,  life is getting very busy right now and i've just come down with a grotty, heavy cold. Nich so gut as my dad would say.
I will return with more house photos soon, we have two rooms almost completed!
Keep Sewing, I'm loving everything I see right now, I'm enjoying living vicariously through all my bloggy friends! x