My Home and all the UFO’s are making me feel like I’m living in the X-Files of Project-land. Over the last year, it’s been a bit hard to keep my focus and I seem to get distracted with new ideas and projects at every turn. I’ve not finished much of anything lately, so I thought I would give you all a taste of the UnFinished Objects (aka projects) that are currently in the queue at HOME. These do not include the projects at my SHOP, some of which are mine and also some left behind by students. I’ll leave those for another post. Oh, and there are also those imagined (but un-started) projects lingering in the tubs of fabric - Ha! another post perhaps. In the meantime, this is what I have currently underway.
This 1930’s pullover sweater from Kitty Lou Vintage, is coming along. I’ve knitted the back and am almost finished with the front. I’ve actually made even more progress on the front, since taking the photo. I still need to find buckles and I’ll start that search soon. This sweater is intended to coordinate with my Fall / Tweedy wardrobe. I’ve got a few skirts plus a pair of jodhpurs that will go with the tweedy wool blend I’ve chosen for this style. I like the way it’s coming together and the angular stripes are very subtle.
Next up is the Black and White Sailor Sweater - another 1930’s knitting pattern, this time from My Vintage Wish on Etsy. I’ve knitted all the pieces but have yet to assemble the sweater. Im slightly disappointed as it’s turned out a bit small. The yarns, however, are super stretchy (Cotton) and it will probably be fine, in the end. Also, I’ve made quite a few mistakes within the pattern and really don’t want to re-knit anything. My plan is to finish the front panel of the sweater above and then stitch this style together. Then, maybe, I’ll start a new sweater to coordinate with my peach, lavender and white capsule wardrobe. Ha! It will all get done, EVENTUALLY.
Next on the agenda is a 1930’s blouse from Wearing History. It has poof sleeves, a button front with a fitted waist and peplum. I have a gorgeous embroidered lawn that is perfect for the style. I started this over a month ago, almost finishing it in one sitting. I was just missing the bias strips to make the loops for the buttons. With those cut out now, I should be able to finish this lickety-split. We’ll see how that goes. Maybe this weekend
Then, there is the moon phases quilt. I’m making this for my daughter. I started it last year and even made a video about how to sew opposing curves (aka - the moons). The plan is to embroider which moon phase is which, along the outside of each moon phase. Because wth fabric is thin, I wanted to use a stabilizer to make it easier to embroider the letters. I was gifted this wash-away stabilizer so I transferred one of the designs to the stabilizer and then tried to embroider. It’s not good. I don’t like the way it feels and it makes the embroidery difficult. It’s probably meant for machine embroidery and not hand embroidery.
The packaging says that I can dissolve it in water and then paint it on the fabric. It should “starch”
the fabric to make it more stiff. I’ll try that next and if it doesn’t work, then the fabric will get interfaced and I’ll wish for the best. If you have ANY suggestions, let me know in the comments. Embroidery (hand & machine) are not my strong suits and I would love any feedback and/or suggestions you might have,
The photo above is SO NOT a sewing project. It’s a garden design for our minuscule front yard. It’s a bit of a “Dream” project, but I spent some time drawing it out and I’m hoping to make it a reality (especially the pressed concrete walkway) in 2021. Yes!
Finally, this is a doll that my mom made in 1981. She’s been given a new wig (Thank you Ebay) and she could use a new set of clothing and socks. The dress is actually, pretty cute and not bothering me as much since she has new hair . But her stockings are in desperate need of replacement.
All of these upgrades - be it new socks for my doll, a new front yard or finishing overdue projects, will bring me a sense of peace when they are completed. In the meantime, I’m practicing patience. Patience is a PRACTICE after all and it does take WORK.
Please tell me about your UFO’s in the comments. I sincerely hope I’m not the only one with project ADD this year.
Until next time, happy projecting!
xo Jennifer
