I've got a number of plans. There are knits I want to make, weaving I want to do and sewing as well.
On the knitting side I have some cardigans I want to make as I currently only have jerseys and I love me a good cardigan. I already have
Dew Point on the needles in black and
Fox Crossing, though the latter needs my brain to be working properly to work out their short rows which currently make no sense to me at all. I may have to change the technique used to something else once my brain has come back.
I am also planning a
Timely, a
Penrith and a
Wrap Cardigan (I have the kit for the latter, bought by my beloved some years back).
On weaving I'm currently working on a floor rug on the 4-shaft loom which will go on the studio floor and likely be the final piece on that loom before I sell her on. I also need to make something on the 8-shaft before I sell the other one to make sure she will do what I want. There's still some more work to do on the 8-shaft before she's completely ready for the next project but I have high hopes that she'll be exactly what I need after that is done. That project will likely be a table runner using a cotton/linen blend I picked up from Colourmart.
On the sewing front there will be another dress like my Christmas one, sans waist ties as well as a top from the same pattern since it fit me so well. More undies, more clothes for the kids and all going well some historical costuming too. My middle is feeling better so I think it's time to revisit that.
So, I now need to decide what projects I'll do to fit in with the
Historical Sew Monthly (this is a closed group on Facebook).
January: Mend, Reshape, Refashion:
Mend or re-shape one of your previously made historical clothing items,
or refashion a new one out of something not originally intended as
sewing fabric.
I'm thinking for this I might make a suitable 18th century cap from one of the old sheets in my stash; now that my hair is short I have to disguise it somehow.
Feb: Under: Make something that goes under the other layers.
Just had a thought on this one, a bum pad to go under the skirt so I have an earlier shape for my 18th century gear.
March: Comfort at Home: Make something to wear around the (historical) house.
For this I think I'll make a more casual 18th century skirt; think Outlander style for wear when working in the dispensary rather than going to a ball.
April: Buttons and Fastenings: Create an item where the closures are the star of the show.
I wonder if I have time to make a stomacher; these are highly embroidered and you pin your gown to them over the stays.
May: Specific to a Time [of Day or Year]:
Historically, some garments were worn year round, and for a range of
events. Others were exclusively for certain times of year, or specific
times of day. Make one of the latter.
Might be time to make the fur muff I bought 2 goat skins for a few years ago; I have the stuff and it's winter by then.
June: Rebellion and Counter-Culture:
Create an item that pays homage to fashion rebels and clothes that
flaunt their place on the fringes of standard sartorial society, or that
was signature to a rebelling cause.
This requires some research, I'm thinking something that might support the Jacobean cause before Culloden, maybe something with tartan cloth.
July: Sleeves:
There are some amazing examples of historical sleeves styles out there.
Put the focus on the arms and shoulders in your creation for this
challenge.
Time for a ballgown? I've got the American Duchess pattern coming.
August: Extant Originals: Copy an extant historical garment as closely as possible.
Not sure on this, might have to peruse Pinterest
September: Hands and Feet: Create a fabulous accessory for your hands or feet.
Linen mitts, embroidery a must.
October: Fabric Manipulation:
Take fabric to the next level with any kind of historical embellishment
or manipulation: smocking, shirring, embroidering, beading, pinking,
ruching, printing, painting, dyeing etc.
Pinking was all the rage for trims in the 18th century, just got to decide what to make
November: Purses and Bags: You’ve got your arms covered in July, your hands in September, now make something amazing to dangle from them.
A pocket? Normally in the 18th century women didn't carry bags or purses, but they used pockets inside their dresses instead; these could also be embroidered.
December: Neglected Challenge:
Was there a challenge this year (or, if you’ve been doing the HSM for a
while, in a previous year) you missed? Or didn’t create quite what
you’d wanted for? This is your chance to make it up!
I have a hankering for a Bergere (sp?), have to find a suitable straw hat to turn into one though.
Being realistic of course I won't get all of these done, but even if I make a start and get a dress/outfit that fits then I'll be happy.
