November was a whirlwind month. Between my birthday at the beginning of the month and Thanksgiving at the end, it always is a busy month but with this year's election, it was especially challenging. I don't like to get too serious or political here but I can't bring myself to write about this month without acknowledging that it was a HEAVY month. Thinking about things as frivolous as clothing and sewing seemed unconceivable. I'm really worried for what the future will hold. There are so many things under threat by the new administration.
After a few weeks of self-care and some news avoidance (I'm listening to a lot more music and a lot less NPR these days), I started feeling more balanced again. I did some research and settled on fifteen charities that I have donated to this year. They are organizations who will fight for our civil rights and our environment. My sewing won't do much for the greater good but I can help empower other people who are more skilled than I to continue fighting.
I'm so, so grateful for the sewing community and the support that is shared here. Your comments on Instagram bouyed my spirits during the darkest days of November. It's heartening to know that there are so many people around the world who care about spreading love and peace. xoxo This month, I participated in the #bpsewvember daily challenge on Instagram. It was really fun to see everyone's posts and nice to have some inspiration for something to post everyday. (If you need a good chuckle, check out my Wackiest Pattern.)
November finished projects
1. Toaster Sweater in Red Stripe
I finished this sweater a few weeks ago but haven't found the willpower to actually complete the blog post. It should be up next week. Fingers crossed. ;)
2. Sequin Nita Wrap Skirt
I'm excited to share this one with you. It's all done but I still need to take photos. I'm making an Ogden Cami out of navy textured fabric to go with it.
3. Black Ogden Cami wearable muslin
This is a great basic pattern. It's super quick to sew and really beautiful.
4. Knitted socks Patons Sock it To Me
I think I started these sometime around July. I took them with me to Oregon for Thanksgiving and finished them up last weekend.
Current WIPs
1. Velvet Catarina Dress
I cut out and sewed a lining for the bodice to test the fit. I'm pretty satisfied with it and will be cutting out the rest of the dress soon.
2. Emerson Shorts wearable muslin
I cut these out on a whim to test the pattern. Of course it is way too cold to wear shorts now (yay!). I'll get around to stitching them one of these days.
3. Blue Abstract Print Peplum Top
I lost one of the shoulder pieces and need to cut it out again. Ooops!
4. Geneva Panties using scrap fabric
I think I cut out about 12 pairs. I’ve started the 10 light colored ones and I'm saving the black ones for when I have the serger threaded with black thread. I'm in no rush to finish these. They're just a nice way to use up scraps and I honestly love wearing the Geneva Panties (see my review here). I always find myself reaching for them.
5. Cosmic sweater (still working on the final sleeve, so close!)
6. Sampler quilt (still needs quilting and binding)
Besides those projects already in progress, I've also been thinking about some Christmas sewing, specifically a tree skirt like this one and a stocking for my cat (because every family member needs their own). I also have a bunch of pattern ideas that are in varying stages of development (mostly early development). Seriously guys, there are so many ideas and so little time.
Other happenings this month
I shared just one finished make this month, the Black Linen Acton Dress. I really, really, really love this dress. It's a fantastic pattern by In the Folds that would be perfect for a New Years Eve party dress.
This month I launched the #sewingtall hashtag on Instagram as a way for tall/long sewists to share tips. Read more about it here.
What are you sewing this month? Any big holiday sewing plans?
