February Updates & Plans

 

It's already February, and time to look at how the year's sewing plans are going. January felt very long for many reasons, but there were also some good things in there! 

Taking a look at my Make Nine plans, well, I have started to trace out some of the patterns on that list. The Burda magazine patterns are prepped for tracing, and those are the first ones that I want to make. I also have a couple of patterns not on my Make Nine list that I want to trace out at the same time, so I see a tracing marathon ahead in February. 

I sewed 5.5 m. toward my goal of 50 m. out of the stash this year. I made small things, no garments in January, but lots planned for the months ahead! 

And I did quite a lot of art related things! I listened to a number of online classes/summits on different art quilting topics, and finished a little textile piece that I started a long time ago ;) I have even started a stitching project based on one of the free online courses I followed along with, the Stitched Portrait class hosted by TextileArtist.org. Let's see if I finish that one... 

And what's ahead for February? I want to get my stash organized. I didn't get a chance to begin that in January so it's high on the list. I am planning on tracing a bunch of stuff, like I noted above, and hopefully finish one of those Burda projects. I have a bunch of art things to test out, and am having a lot of fun with those. My Word of the Year, "Design" is getting a workout in the arts area this month.

And as always there are sewing challenges out there in the world of IG and beyond that are fun to join in on. February heralds the return of the Black History Month Pattern Designers Challenge, one of my fave ongoing challenges. This is open to everyone, and focuses on making a project designed by a Black designer. If you check out the challenge website, there are lists of potential designers to look out for, plus a bunch of discount codes from sponsors. It's always fun! 

I'm thinking about sewing a pattern that I already own, like any of my Khaliah Ali Simplicity patterns that I have considered in previous years. Or the Nikki Blazer which I had traced out last year but never got it made. Or a Tracy Reese Vogue design. 

Of course there are also a couple of patterns I think are lovely and would like to own - like the Ada Peplum Blouse by Duana DIY or the Lysiane Blouse by Les Lubies De Cadia. But I am trying to resist purchasing new patterns and fabric lately so will probably stick with something I already own. 

But that's what I am up to in February, along with a few art projects I hope I have time to explore. Hope that your sewing year is going well too!