Part 1 of 2015 Charity Goals!

Now I know I have mentioned that I have been in a blogging rut- the cold doesn't inspire me to click away but I will say that I have been sewing some. It has been wonderful. I know that my 2015 goals have been lofty (see here for my resolutions) and I had some time to just clear my head and think over the holidays. Last year I sewed a lot of clothing for myself, between the 99 refashions and sewing in general. It put a strain on my creativity sometimes b/c I was solely focused on numbers. And I didn't work on many other projects, some of which have just been sitting here. I thought, let me change this up. Last year it was all about me and increasing my wardrobe, how about I start this year out by sewing for others and other projects. I hypothesized that this would increase my probably of finishing projects that I need to finish. It would also give me a nudge to make a leap into something I may not be comfortable doing. Also, maybe this would help me move some of my lumps, I mean fabric stash.

Resolution #4 is to sew through some of my scraps and make things for charity. My goal is 300.
First project was bibs. I love bibs, they are easy to make and I can use a lot of fabric. I had planned (sigh yup last year was too ambitious) to make more for charity, as I have done in the past, and brought an entire bolt of fusible fleece on sale.  So I had everything on hand. I just started grabbing scraps of fabric and sorted to sizes that would work for my bib pattern. I also found pre-cut bibs that I never sewed so I had a good start. I cut and cut and cut and cut. OMG fabric was everywhere. I killed a rotary cutter blade. I usually cut multiple layers of fabric at once to maximize my time.

Then I attached to the fusible fleece. I worked out how I could maximize my usage of fusible fleece, I really didn't waste much! I did it in batches. I cut my heart out. Then fused and fused and fused. My poor iron looked rough afterward. Then I cut out the bib individually. Then I paired front and backs. Sew. Sew. Sew.

Fact, I timed myself and my average time to sew a bib is 1:30. Yeah I know this pattern so well that I could do it with my eyes closed, I promise you!! Then excess fabric was removed and corners and round seams were clipped. I then turned them all right side out (great and easy to do while watching a movie!). Iron again (after cleaning my iron!!) and seal with a piece of stitch witchery. Add snaps. The snaps my boyfriend and I did on Saturday. We just hammered away and banged on fingers. Our poor thumbs!

So drumroll please..... The final count is 120!!! Yes 120! I am super excited!

I have quite a variety of fabrics. Some are refashions, that if you follow my blog you may recognize. Same with fabrics-some you will probably recognize.

These made me laugh- they were clearance iron-ons. Also the refashions, which were a total of 19.

One of my favorite set of bibs were these Indian paisley fabric. You may recognize the fabric from this refashion (and yes I know I ironed on the middle fabric to the fleece on backwards so the colors are dull but the pattern is there).

I loved this skirt to dress refashion, I had leftover fabric and I really like those bibs!!

The bibs have a home they are traveling to and are given to a charity. The box I got was the perfect size. I love many of these were upcycled from other projects and the fabric isn't getting tossed into the dumpster. Also, a great way to start the year with my goals! 120 is awesome! I had no idea it was going to be this big! It is not quite half but almost!!!

Now since I knocked out this project relatively "fast", my next question is what next? I have actually sewn something for myself for MGAM and that will post soon (haven't had any darn light for pictures!). My options are my t-shirt quilt that I already started and didn't finish, my latch hook, or another charity sew. Currently I am leaning toward the quilt. Then do the latch hook as I might need a sewing and cutting fabric break. As for my next charity sewing project it won't be bibs again, it will be something else. My ideas are stuffed animals- teddy bears (because I got a free pattern) and maybe smaller animals; then I also realized I have everything for dolls- like rag dolls, this would be a great stash buster as I would use the flesh colored fabric and fabric scraps for dresses, and an added bonus would be the yarn I could use up for hair. My other ideas (the previous ones are a higher priority) based on the fabric I have would be knit hats with some of the knit fabric I have-I just need to use it first- it would work for both babies and adults; fun quilts with other scraps, walker caddies, really the sky is the limit. Let's see. Baby steps.

So expect to see a little less "me" stuff and more posts on things for others. Yes I will continue to MGAM (make a garment a month for myself) and refashion. I just don't want the pressure of hitting numbers. Actually, it is a bit refreshing not having that looming number above my head.

Cheers,
Lauren

2015 New Years Resolutions!

Alright! Here we go- another year! 2014 was a hard year, a lot of loss and change. Such is life and to dwell on it is truly not worth the energy.

For this year, I want to continue to get rid and use the stuff I have. Also a LOT of sewing. I really want to get this fabric stash of mine down. Also this is a blog about sewing ;)

1. Continue the RTW Fast
I enjoyed it so much this year that I want to continue. And well frankly, I just don't spend that much time shopping anymore. It is not that hard of a stretch.

2. Make 1 thing from each sewing book. I am bringing this back from last year. And if I don't use them, it is time to part.

1. Burda Style Sewing Handbook
2. Thrifty Style
3. 49 Sensational Skirts
4. Generation T
5. Custom Couture
6. Pattern Magic 
7. Pattern Magic 2
8. Pattern Magic Stretch Fabric
9. Drape Drape 1
10. Drape Drape 2
11. Drape Drape 3
12. Little Green Dresses

3. Pattern Review.com, again bringing this back from last year. I really should get my reviews online.

4. Sew through my scraps, make for charity. Goal for charity is 300!!!!! Yes, setting those sights high. But in all honesty, a quick sew bib, counts as 1. I am aiming for bibs, dolls, dresses, shoes, and maybe stuffed animals. And really, that adds up fast. Bibs themselves add up fast. And I purchased a bolt of fusible fleece last year in hoping I would have more spare time but I did not.

5. Sew through my fabric.  Get it down to 1 suitcase. For reals! I have been saying this for a long time but then I got that Groupon to G Street Fabrics and discovered their discount wall. OMG it is heaven. But I got cool fabric. I was doing so well until that groupon and an insane fabric sale at Hancock Fabrics. Who can pass up wool that cost normall $27/yard for 2.97? Seriously!!!!! also decided to not put a number on it but I will still keep track. And I am still a member of MGAM (make a garment a month). So minimally I should make 12 things for myself. That is easy and less stressful.

6. Sew something for my boyfriend. I have always wanted to try out a men's pattern. It is worth a try. He is always whining complaining talking about how I never try sewing for him. 

7. That darn T-shirt quilt of mine!!!! It is no longer an option... it is a must! Bonus if I sew one of my quilt patterns I purchased with a gift card I was given...

8. Finish 1 craft kit, most likely the irises latch hook. 

7. Get rid of 1 the bling/sewing stuff boxes. I have boxes of hem tape, hem lace, bias tape, piping. Not to mention all those beads and sequins.

8. Get the coverstitcher to work and behave. So far I have not been successful.

9. Read another book for fun. But also read 3 science books.

10. Sewing goals: shorts, pants, coat, pintucking, shirring, circle attachment, try and use all of my sewing feet. I am still putting together this list.

11. Get my Refashions down to 1 bag. I decided last minute to stop putting numbers to my sewing and just roll with it- the biggest thing I need to do  again with everything I have in my current stash- doable.

12. Make it through 1 round of T25.That is 10 weeks of cardio madness.

13. Finish going through all of my bellydance DVDs. I am sort of embarrassed I didn't finish this last year. Where did the time go?

14. Try something new and different. Anything! I may be strong enough for trapeze soon. Thank you aerial yoga!

15. Complete my sewing videos I purchased on craftsy. Again, it is going with the theme of using what I have. (Just finished 1 of them- wow totally fabulous!!). There is a total of 18! Eek!!

This should keep be busy, besides work. This is all fun busy ;)

Happy New Years to you and yours!

Cheers,
Lauren

2014 New Years Resolutions... Recap

I am amazed at how fast time goes. I know better because every year at this time I always say the same thing- my how fast time has gone.

Time to recap all of my New Years Resolutions. I will say I had good ground with getting things done until the end of the summer when the lab opened up. Time has been crazy and I have not had a lot of time to pursue hobbies. Or really just do my laundry. I have been that busy. It is truly unreal.

So as always I love to go through my list and count up points and see what I accomplished. Blogging helps me stay on track. No idea why but doing this every year helps me accomplish my goals. And I am happy to share with all of you who read my blog. I am so very grateful!
Alright here we go! Here are my goals for the New Year! Come on 2014!! Happy New years!!

1. New Sewing techniques. I would like to try more and use some of these feet I have for my sewing machine. Like ruching with elastic in my bobbin. Pin tucking. Sewing with the circular foot attachment.
+1 I actually did several techniques. I did not do the circular foot yet. But that is ok! :) 

2. Make 1 thing from each sewing book.

1. Burda Style Sewing Handbook
2. Thrifty Style
3. 49 Sensational Skirts
4. Generation T
5. Custom Couture
6. Pattern Magic 
7. Pattern Magic 2
8. Pattern Magic Stretch Fabric
9. Drape Drape 1
10. Drape Drape 2
11. Drape Drape 3
12. Little Green Dresses

yeah this did NOT happen. Got to pick my battles. :( 

3. 99 Refashion Challenge. Oh yeah that is a lot of Refashions! But away I go! I have that many projects I can do!!! 

Oh yeah I completed it! That was quite a challenge.
For all of my refashion for this year click here! Next year I won't opt for this much. It is just too challenging with a full work schedule.

4. Get my sewing patterns online at Pattern Review, which may take me all year!!!
Nope. :( boo

5. Get rid of 1 more suitcase of fabric (preferably the big one with the broken wheel).
um yeah this SO did NOT happen. I got more fabric! EEk! 

6. Get rid of 1 more box of bling (beads, sequins, etc)

Yes success!

7. Try at least 1 more knitting item. I did a scarf, I can totally do another scarf. But try and learn to purl. I'm cool with a scarf. 

Nope too busy sewing to knit. Actually we had an incident with yarn and a kitty that made me put it away for a bit.

8. Make at least 2 recipes for my cookbooks. Or else toss.
Yeah! This was a success! I got some great recipes this year! 

9. 30 more sewing patterns
Yeah just made it by the buzzer! 

10. Convert my old tapes to DVD and condense my stuff!

Yeah! This freed up a lot of space under my bed. I was a wonderful walk down memory lane for watching my old dance videos.

11. Try 1 new thing this year I have never done before! I'm thinking trapeze school.... But open to other ideas! 
Yeah I tried aerial yoga starting back at the end of October and I am addicted!  My strength and flexibility have increased dramatically. It is mind over matter as your brain doesn't think you can do it, but you can. I have learned to trust myself. My back no longer hurts, I have no more neck pain, and I have released the pressure in my hips as well. Such a win! Love it! And highly recommend.

12. Try to not buy anything else unless I need it. Seriously I have so much stuff!! Actually I have just signed up for the Ready to Wear Fast challenge at Goodbye Valentine. This entire year I intend to not purchase any store brought clothing (besides socks, underwear, and shoes), will either sew or refashion my clothing. Which I am totally fine with, actually I did this what 2 years ago? I highly enjoyed it and it spurred my creativity while I learned how to sew. It was great! I highly encourage.

Ding! Yup, I didn't buy anything I did not need (well fabric doesn't count!)! This has been great to fast.

13. Out of debt. I am so close. Pending a disaster we will do it! And hopefully before the summer.

OMG I finally paid off the last of my medical debt! It has been so refreshing. We are just starting to get into save mode. We sort of purchased things that we have been putting off (like carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning, hence not in full save mode). 

14. Read a book for FUN. Yes this is virtually impossible for me. No idea why, it is either sewing or science book. This year I will try and read a book for fun. There is just not enough time in the day.
Yes! I read a book for fun! It was by one of my close friends from high school, who took the leap to follow her dreams and become an author! So proud to say I read a book for fun that was not a science book.

15. See my extra points list

.....................................

So I would like to have an earn an extra points list. Just because if I do I should be rewarded. Here is my list

1. Rest of DVDs for bellydance (0.5 extra) and another 0.5 if I can sell the ones I don't want.

2. t-shirt quilt

3. 5k Actually ran 2 this year!

4. BD costume finish (actually sold some, never finished those darn endless wave pants).

5. New bedspread/comforter and headboard. (got one from TJ Max instead, it was $20).
6. Get that 2nd room organized and decluttered. (I would not say I was successful this year lol)
7. 25 more items sewn for charity. (only got 5)
8. Prom dress refashions for charity. Oh just wait I hope I can make this happen! (nope too busy with refashioning)
9. Any of the craft kits I have, if I get 1 done that will be amazing!! (nope but I did donate them)

So I got 10 out of 15 of my New Years Resolutions! I think this is a personal best!!!!! That is 2/3 of my goals!!! I also got a bonus point (so if we do 11 of 15 it is 73%). So more than half! And I set my goals high this year. I am happy and pleased! I only did 26 points for fabric and 16 bling points. Those are the only projects I truly finished. 

Now the biggest question is what will I aim for next year? That will be another post. 

I hope everyone had a great 2014 and here's to a fabulous New Year. 2015 Here we come! :)

Cheers,

Lauren

2014 New Years Resolutions

Alright here we go! Here are my goals for the New Year! Come on 2014!! Happy New years!!

1. New Sewing techniques. I would like to try more and use some of these feet I have for my sewing machine. Like ruching with elastic in my bobbin. Pin tucking. Sewing with the circular foot attachment.

2. Make 1 thing from each sewing book.

1. Burda Style Sewing Handbook
2. Thrifty Style
3. 49 Sensational Skirts
4. Generation T
5. Custom Couture
6. Pattern Magic 
7. Pattern Magic 2
8. Pattern Magic Stretch Fabric
9. Drape Drape 1
10. Drape Drape 2
11. Drape Drape 3
12. Little Green Dresses

3. 99 Refashion Challenge. Oh yeah that is a lot of Refashions! But away I go! I have that many projects I can do!!! 

4. Get my sewing patterns online at Pattern Review, which may take me all year!!! 

5. Get rid of 1 more suitcase of fabric (preferably the big one with the broken wheel).

6. Get rid of 1 more box of bling (beads, sequins, etc)

7. Try at least 1 more knitting item. I did a scarf, I can totally do another scarf. But try and learn to purl. I'm cool with a scarf. 

8. Make at least 2 recipes for my cookbooks. Or else toss.

9. 30 more sewing patterns

10. Convert my old tapes to DVD and condense my stuff!

11. Try 1 new thing this year I have never done before! I'm thinking trapeze school.... But open to other ideas! 

12. Try to not buy anything else unless I need it. Seriously I have so much stuff!! Actually I have just signed up for the Ready to Wear Fast challenge at Goodbye Valentine. This entire year I intend to not purchase any store brought clothing (besides socks, underwear, and shoes), will either sew or refashion my clothing. Which I am totally fine with, actually I did this what 2 years ago? I highly enjoyed it and it spurred my creativity while I learned how to sew. It was great! I highly encourage.

13. Out of debt. I am so close. Pending a disaster we will do it! And hopefully before the summer.

14. Read a book for FUN. Yes this is virtually impossible for me. No idea why, it is either sewing or science book. This year I will try and read a book for fun. There is just not enough time in the day.

15. See my extra points list

.....................................

So I would like to have an earn an extra points list. Just because if I do I should be rewarded. Here is my list

1. Rest of DVDs for bellydance (0.5 extra) and another 0.5 if I can sell the ones I don't want.

2. t-shirt quilt

3. 5k

4. BD costume finish

5. New bedspread/comforter and headboard.
6. Get that 2nd room organized and decluttered.
7. 25 more items sewn for charity.
8. Prom dress refashions for charity. Oh just wait I hope I can make this happen!
9. Any of the craft kits I have, if I get 1 done that will be amazing!!

So do you set New Years Resolutions? How good are you with keeping them?? I found that putting it out online for all to see is an incentive for me to keep them. I hate saying I accomplished nothing. Don't know why I do but that is how it works out.

From my blog to yours, Have a Happy and Productive New Years!! Here's to 2014 bringing love, happiness, joy, creativity, sewing, and refashioning!

Cheers,
Lauren

2013 Resolutions in Review

Every year as a tradition, I set resolutions or goals for myself. I usually blog about them and doing so some how compels me to complete them. This year is no different!

So here is a recap of 2013's resolutions. My responses are in RED that are a success!.

1. Do a 5k. 
Yup I signed up for one and then it got shut down for the big closing (you know what I am talking about). So I tried. But was unsuccessful.

2. Get rid of fabric- 1 suitcase.  
Now it was to 1 suitcase but that was impossible. So early on in the year I changed it to 1 suitcase. +1 point! I counted up my fabric points and got 285!!! Yeah!!

3. Sew 200 items for charity. 
Yes! +1. I actually I exceeded 200! 
22 capes, 167 bibs, 33 wash cloths, and 1 large terry cloth fabric donation for a grand total of 223!!!!

4. Get rid of 1 box of beads. 
Yup actually got rid of 1 big box and then also another tray of beads. +1 points: 80!

5. Do all of my instructional bellydance DVDs. 
I got halfway. so +0.5. still better than nothing!

6. Reduce craft kits to 3. There are 10 right now, so that means finish 7 of them. Here they are:
I got rid of 3, but didn't reduce. I decided to focus more on sewing and crafts as they take up a lot of space in my closet. These don't. So I sort of abandoned ship.

7. Get out of credit card debt. 

Nope but I am close!

8. Do 20 more refashions. 

Yup my goal was 20 and I actually did --- so +1! The grand total was 28! Tho next year we are going bigger!

9. Complete 24 sewing patterns.

Yup! I got it! I did --  patterns! so +1!  I completed 32!!!!! Holy Moly!

10. Restore my grandmother's linens. 

Yes finally I restored all of them. If you are interested in reading about this check out here, here, and here. so +1

11. Finish my t-shirt quilt from college. Really I have started the project, I need to sew it!!! 

Yeah, no that didn't happen. :( sigh! Why am I so intimidated??!!!!!! 

12. Draft 2 patterns from scratch. Yeah again this goal transferred over to this year. 

Yes I did 2! so +1

13. Finish the Bellydance costumes I started:

This did not happen. But I am also not dancing so there is no incentive. Actually I am trying to sell some of my costumes.

14. knit something. 

Well I got a scarf done! so +1! I wish I could have done something else but I am slow and still learning. 

So out of 14 possible points I have 8.5 points!! OMG yay!!! But really that is a 61% so slightly more than half. Which as always I will take. I think my biggest accomplishments was getting this fabric reduced and also giving to charity. I am so happy with that. Honestly everything else is just small details. I am truly happy my sewing skills have improved and that I got many things sewn and we are reducing what we have in the apartment. 

Happy 2013! May 2014 bring you even greater success! I know I am hoping on that! 

Cheers,

Lauren 

Announcing the 99 Challenge

Merry Christmas everyone! I know it is not the beginning of the year yet but I wanted to announce my 2014 Refashioning challenge. The 99 Refashion challenge!! Yes really!

(without the letters, it is just too funny!)

So I sat down one day and was cleaning out my closet and going through everything. I wrote everything down and went wow, I have that many things to fix?? Always looking for a challenge for each year, I said let's go for 99!

Singing the Jay-Z song 99 problems   or
the 99 Bottles on the wall...

Let's adapt them to refashioning
- I got 99 refashions but the ___ ain't one (still trying to fit a word in there-I'm clueless)
- 99 refashions in my closet. 99 refashions to fix. Take one down, sew it around.. 98 refashions in my closet.

So I better get to sewing. All of my refashions will be found on this page via a linky tool. Come back and view! :)

Cheers,
Lauren

2013 New Years Resolutions

Yup it is the beginning of the year again, Happy 2013! Wow it honestly amazes me that another year has past. I know not everyone is a fan of setting New Years Resolutions but I always like to do so. I really like to set goals for myself and push myself to do something different. And I learned that if I blog about it, announcing it to the world what I wanted to accomplish, I am more apt to finish it. I don't like writing about failing at things, call me an over achiever. Let's see in 2011, I gave up conventional shopping only to either purchase from a thrift store, refashion, or make it myself. I went an entire year with out shopping at a store. It was an amazing experience, and now I am a huge fan of thrifting. OMG I love it! Around here in DC I have learned you can get some nice clothing that looks like it hasn't ever been worn! In 2012, my biggest goal was to use fabric and sew for charity. I superceded my expectations donating over 100 items to charity. It was a great feeling. Now what do I have in store for 2013?

Really my goals are the same: to use less, to want less, and use what I have. It has been a reoccurring overall theme for the past few years. This year is no different.

1. Do a 5k. Why? B/c I didn't do one last year and I have always wanted to run one (well maybe more like hobble?) I have friends who have done 5ks and they have inspired me! What is holding me back?

2. Get fabric to 1 suitcase. Of course I am going to keep track of points. This is a lofty goal. I have 4 suitcases of fabric, which down from 5 and almost a small loveseat size of fabric was a big accomplishment this past year. I want to take it another step and bring it down to 1. This is going to be tricky but it is about time that I use some of my patterns!

3. Sew 200 items for charity. The two charities I will be focusing on is Enchanted Makeovers and of course my favorite, Bundles of Love. Enchanted makeovers is a new organization I found actually through Pinterest. If you have not read their story, please go to their website. They makeover shelters and give pillowcases, capes, dolls, and other projects to women and children in shelters. My focus will mostly be on capes, maybe a few pillowcases, and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to make a few dolls. If anyone has any links to great doll sewing patterns please send them my way. I have never sewn a doll before. But I really love to contribute something like this to a child. So 200 items! I think it is totally doable.

4. Get rid of 1 box of beads. I have 3 I would like to get it down to 2. Last year I got rid of 1 box (so from 4 to 3). This year let's do 1 moer!

5. Do all of my instructional bellydance DVDs. Yeah I am crazy. How many are there? Um er 70.... Yes that makes me have to do a DVD about every 5 days. Ha ha ha ha. But the thing is this... I have purchased many DVDs in the past. I have never really used them. I feel like it is just money sitting on my shelf. I would feel better if I have done something with them. Maybe I'll learn something? This would be good for me. So expect to see more DVD reviews on the blog. I hope to hit a rhythm with them soon. :)

6. Reduce craft kits to 3. There are 10 right now, so that means finish 7 of them. Here they are:

1. Indian Palace Cross Stitch
2. Cuban cigar box cross stitch
3. cuban cigar box cross stitch
4. cuban cigar box cross stitch
5. asian butterflies
6. sitting budha
7. Van Gough Irises latch hook
8. grape coasters
9. cat mitten ornament cross stitch
10. Eiffel tower paint by number (its actually a set but I only want to do that one)

7. Get out of credit card debt. I could have done this had I not moved. Moving ate up a lot of money and I did not get a relocation money due to certain things. So now this year I shall do it. Heck if I am busy doing DVDs, sewing, crafting, etc I will have no time to go shopping.

8. Do 20 more refashions. I love refashioning. If you don't know I am one of the editors on a group blog at Refashion Co-Op. We have been almost been in business for 2 years! It has been a wonderful experience being an editor and contributing. I would still like to focus on refashioing and not buying brand new clothing. This is what will help me get out of debt. :)

9. Complete 24 sewing patterns. Yeah this is lofty too. 2 a month!

10. Restore my grandmother's linens. I have decided this will be a great project for more of the middle of the year. But finally I will complete this!

11. Finish my t-shirt quilt from college. Really I have started the project, I need to sew it!!! 

12. Draft 2 patterns from scratch. Yeah again this goal transferred over to this year. 

13. Finish the Bellydance costumes I started:

1. endless wave pants pattern
2. black ebay costume fix
3. pink leopard costume finish
4. olive rhinestones costume.

14. knit something other than a scarf! My first class starts in a week!

Alternatively I would like to sequin 20 butterflies for the holocaust museum. Let's see how the winter goes. 

Again some crazy, lofty goals for the new year. I would really like to accomplish them. Normally if I make 50% of them I am happy but this year I would love to do all of them. That would be awesome. But they wouldn't be goals I didn't have to work at them! :)

Peace, Love, and Happiness to you all.

Have a Happy New Years!

xoxoxo,

Lauren 

Review of 2012 New Years Resolutions

Last year I set some lofty goals. Really ambitious. I always like to go and review my goals and tally up points. :) My achieved goals will be in red. :)


Ok I know a lot of people make New Years Resolutions and usually they are silly, but I am one of those people who really try to stick to them. I am always looking to improve myself and achieve something.

Here are my goals....

1. Fabric points Goal = 200!
Actually I made 400 at the end of the year! That is so great! wahoo!

2. Run a 5k. Knock on wood no more injuries. Just one. ;)

  Yeah this didn't happen. I was sick on the one I registered. :( Better luck next year!

3. Bellydance costume goals (it is on my list)

- blue crystal costume- accented. use all those crystals I bought! only bra and a skirt with accents b/c i can't afford to make a belt!

- pink and peach indian sherbert costume- using up the chiffon I have had for years!- I decided to not do this costume. I dont need to do this

- pink patchwork officially finish

- finish black ebay costume
- olive rhinestone costume

- pink leopard costume finish
- periwinkle ab costume
- black fishtail skirt
- rose fishtail skirt

4. Reduce craft stock by 50%.I would like to knock out 10-11 of these projects.

I have 21 crafts. here they are listed. Yay! I did 12 projects! Some were also donated/ given away

1. indian cross stitch palace

2/3/4- cuba cross stitch

5- grape coasters

6- iris van gough latch hook

7. asian kimono cross stitch

8. asian butterflies cross stitch

9/10 christmas cross stitch stockings

11. santa wild life stocking

12. santa stocking

13. no peeking banner

14. cardina banner

15. sitting budha

16. snowman sled banner

17. snow place like home banner

18. santa banner

19. cat stocking

20. Snowman star ornament

21. Bear star ornament
22. Paint by numbers- Eiffel tower only. Its small and cute!

5. Sew 50 things for charity (if not more!)

- I made 132 items for charity!

6. Reduce fabric- Goal to have all the fabric in the closet or under the bed. So that is the rest of the small pile and the big suitcase. Yes this will be a challenge.
- I got rid of the outside the closet fabric and 1 suitcase. It is awesome but I still have way too much!

7. Reduce bead stash. Goal: have boxes gone but have beads and sequins in the containers in the file box and rubermade box too. I'd also like to keep track of bead points!
- I made 53 pieces of jewelry and I did over 150 bling points (I stopped counting!)

8. Officially be out of credit card debt. I am moving forward. I can do it if I continue on the right track and no major bills pop up. I have calculated it and I can do it!
Nope with the DC move I was unable to pay off the credit cars. I am hopeful that I will be out of debt by the end of next year. This winter makes me want to stay inside so that will curb a lot of shopping!

9. Finish that gosh darn t-shirt quilt from college.

That was also a no but at least I got the interface on the t-shirt blocks. 

10. Restore my grandmother's linens. Make aprons with one of the table cloths with holes in it.
:( But I did learn how I needed to go about cleaning them. Now that I have 2 bathrooms I can soak them overnight properly with out worrying about the boyfriend taking a shower. LOL. 

11. Use at least 1 pattern per month! (so that would be 12!) Keep track of points.
Yeah I did  12 patterns :)

12. I would like to at least draft 2 on my own patterns this year.

13. Dance Goals. Now that I am healthy again and getting myself stronger. I'd like to return to my goals mostly from last year. So learn 5 dances: law D, New Delhi Dank, Helwa, and 2 more of my choice!
I learned the following dances: Helwa, Tribal fusion, Makaan, new pirate sword, and istanbul nights.

14. Continuing refashioning. I love it! Goal = 52 refashions! I have over 40 potential projects just in my stash now! I am still going to continue to not buy clothing at retail stores. This is how I will continue to get out of debt. So it is 1 refashion a week!
- Yay I did it but it was pushing it! Next year I won't do as much. 

15. Try to crochet or knit something. Just try!
With me attacking my fabric stash and charity sewing I did not pursue either. I did sign up for a knitting class in January here so that is good!

16. Get another publication (or 2!) Try for funding!
well this is like 0.5 a point. I got accepted but I was unable to finish before moving the lab. So its not officially done! Argh!

17. Try to make my own swimsuit. B/c I am tired of swimsuit shopping! It is so depressing and I am determined to make my own! Yeah I decided no. Maybe next year! 

So pulling it all together I want to keep track of points again

Fabric Points Goal = 200

Beads/Sequins Goal= 52

Charity sewing points= 50

Refashions= 52

Patterns= 12

So 11 out of 17 goals accomplished! That is awesome! I love achieving my goals. tho its like 65%. But for new years goals that is still great! Maybe next year I will accomplish all of them. :)

Happy New Years everyone!!! :)

Sewing for Charity

Now if you read my 2012 New Years Resolutions one of the biggest things I want to do is get rid of my huge fabric stash. I talk of this fabric stash all the time b/c it is huge. I acquired some of this stash when I first moved into my 2 bedroom apt with my boyfriend, there was a lady selling material on craigslist that was more like clothing material (so knits, etc- things I really needed help sewing with) and she was selling it cheap. It was almost 60 boxes of fabric and it barely fit in my Honda Civic. I made the promise to my boyfriend I would sew with it and it would save us money. And it would keep me busy. Plus it was incredibly cheap ($60 for 60 boxes!!)!

So here is the picture when I was taking it home in my car. My trunk was filled to the brim. The interior of my car had boxes of fabric everywhere!

They had to be washed, I forgot how many loads of fabric I did. But I had to sort it all by colors, etc. My dinning room was an absolute diaster. Then I began to fold all the material and sort it out and get it in a closet or something. Here is a pile of fabric that did not make it to the closet.... yes it is that bad!

I could make a big couch of fabric and lay on it! This was how I began to put it away.

I have 1 suitcase under my bed, this is mostly knits-cotton....

Then in my second room's closet I have a extra large suitcase full next to my table. Plus the leftover fabric I can't put anywhere! And 2 bolts. The sad thing is this is cleaner than it has been! Yes that is Natasha posing. And some of that right there is refashions I am working on so it is not totally fabric. The box is my tshirt quilt I am not done yet too. And my boyfriend's trumpet. Poor guy!

In the closet I have several suitcases

leopard- is full of scraps, some of which I had acquired from the lady I bought it from

small bright pink is all my dance costumes in one space.... DOESNT COUNT!
blue one- is the dance sort of fabric I purchased before I even had a stash.
Large raspberry- more material some of my polyesters are in there

small raspberry- material and a mix of liner material, and silks/satins

And that is how I started 2011. With a lot of fabric!!! To my defense I sewed a bunch of fabric and gave it away to different people. It was a lot!

Now it is 2012 and I would really like to have the fabric out of sight. In 2011, yes I did learn how to sew more, I made a ton of things and I had a hairline fracture in my spine and a torn MCL in my knee. I was incredibly grateful b/c with either injury I did not have to have surgery. Physical therapy sucked. But no surgery. I stressed and worried about it for a while b/c I did not know what was going to happen. With all this that happened, I really felt like I was blessed and felt I should give back. But I'm broke still. I can't give money. I could give time but that sometimes is hard to come by. But I could give fabric. I started thinking and realized the best way for me right here and right now to give back would be to sew for charity. But what could I sew?

I began to research online different organizations that you could donate sewn items. And items that were in my realm of sewing. I am not a quilter by any means. I can't make like baby blankets. And I am not a knitter or crocheter. But after spending sometime online I found several websites that are in my area of sewing!

First I stumbled on Little dresses for Africa an organization that makes dresses for little girls in Africa. Melted my heart. All you have to do is make a pillowcase dress. Nancy of Sewing with Nancy actually provides a template and instructions on how to make one, even including a youtube video!

Then I also found a similar organization Dress a girl around the world also takes pillowcase dresses but additionally accepts other items like shorts for boys. And they go all over the world.. Another worthy organization!

But some of the fabric I have would be perfect for babies and children. And since I don't have any.... ;)
Bundles of love is an organization that gives baby clothing, blankets, diaper bags, etc to parents in need based out of Minnesota.

So there we have it. I have made my decisions. This year I plan on making 50 sewing donations. About 1 a week. Stay tuned for more information on my blog on tutorials and things I have made for these wonderful organizations. And maybe I can inspire some other people to give b/c honestly I feel like I don't need anything else. I have so much and just want to give to others who may not.

Happy New Years!

XOXOXO,

Lauren

2012 New Years Resolutions

Ok I know a lot of people make New Years Resolutions and usually they are silly, but I am one of those people who really try to stick to them. I am always looking to improve myself and achieve something.

Here are my goals....

1. Fabric points Goal = 200! I almost made it there last year let's try to do it again!

2. Run a 5k. Knock on wood no more injuries. Just one. ;)

3. Bellydance costume goals (it is on my list)

- blue crystal costume- accented. use all those crystals I bought! only bra and a skirt with accents b/c i can't afford to make a belt!

- pink and peach indian sherbert costume- using up the chiffon I have had for years!

- pink patchwork officially finish

- finish black ebay costume

- pink leopard costume finish

4. Reduce craft stock by 50%.I would like to knock out 10-11 of these projects.

I have 21 crafts. here they are listed.

1. indian cross stitch palace

2/3/4- cuba cross stitch

5- grape coasters

6- iris van gough latch hook

7. asian kimono cross stitch

8. asian butterflies cross stitch

9/10 christmas cross stitch stockings

11. santa wild life stocking

12. santa stocking

13. no peeking banner

14. cardina banner

15. sitting budha

16. snowman sled banner

17. snow place like home banner

18. santa banner

19. cat stocking

20. Snowman star ornament

21. Bear star ornament

5. Sew 50 things for charity (if not more!)

- I could make pillowcase dresses and use up me trim too!

- I have a few other charity organizations I am going to sew for.

6. Reduce fabric- Goal to have all the fabric in the closet or under the bed. So that is the rest of the small pile and the big suitcase. Yes this will be a challenge.

7. Reduce bead stash. Goal: have boxes gone but have beads and sequins in the containers in the file box and rubermade box too. I'd also like to keep track of bead points!

8. Officially be out of credit card debt. I am moving forward. I can do it if I continue on the right track and no major bills pop up. I have calculated it and I can do it!

9. Finish that gosh darn t-shirt quilt from college.

10. Restore my grandmother's linens. Make aprons with one of the table cloths with holes in it.

11. Use at least 1 pattern per month! (so that would be 12!) Keep track of points.

12. I would like to at least draft 2 on my own patterns this year.

13. Dance Goals. Now that I am healthy again and getting myself stronger. I'd like to return to my goals mostly from last year. So learn 5 dances: law D, New Delhi Dank, Helwa, and 2 more of my choice!

14. Continuing refashioning. I love it! Goal = 52 refashions! I have over 40 potential projects just in my stash now! I am still going to continue to not buy clothing at retail stores. This is how I will continue to get out of debt. So it is 1 refashion a week!

15. Try to crochet or knit something. Just try!

16. Get another publication (or 2!) Try for funding!

17. Try to make my own swimsuit. B/c I am tired of swimsuit shopping! It is so depressing and I am determined to make my own!

So pulling it all together I want to keep track of points again

Fabric Points Goal = 200

Beads/Sequins Goal= 52

Charity sewing points= 50

Refashions= 52

Patterns= 12

Hmm maybe I'll keep track of it on excel and express it as a %?? And plot it an on excel. I think that is what I am going to do. Less craziness on the side bar.

Here's to keeping my 2012 new years resolutions! :)

xoxoxo,

Lauren