SWAP and KWAP?

Did I get your attention?

I've been away from my sewing as well as this blog. I've been busy focusing on my knitting skills. I have finished knitting all 4 sections of my first sweater. I'm in the process of hand sewing the seams.

I thought about integrating my knitting projects with my SWAP. So, I came up with KWAP (knitting with a plan). I can see combining these two plans and completing the projects would take up to 12 months to complete. Whew! Not sure yet what I will end up with. My mind is filled with so many projects that I want to try out.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming 3-day weekend. I need to get back into my sewing room. One of my SWAP projects is to do a jean jacket/shirt. I have a few dressy casual fabrics that I would like to try. Hopefully, my plan will come together this weekend.

Back to my yarns...

It Starts with a Sketch

I've been spending way too much time on the computer. I've had to wean myself off, so I can spend some quality time in my sewing room.

For my SWAP (non-computer related), I thought would do some rough sketches of some garments that I would like to include in my wardrobe/plan. I had recalled some patterns that were in my stash and started to draw them out. I went back and noted the pattern.

My first rough sketch, the start of my plan

Back in December, I started to go through my fabric stash and cutting swatches to keep a log of what I have. I know I'm not the only one that can't remember every single piece of fabric I've purchased over the last 4 years. I guess that's when you know you have a fabric stash! My swatching is still an on-going task, because as you know, fabric can scatter to the wind inside one's house. Besides my sewing room (closet & armoire), there's a bedroom closet, and the basement.

Well, my fabric swatching is coming in handy right now as I'm matching my fabrics to my sketches. My rough sketches have been transformed into final drawings (not too pretty, but do-able) with final fabric selections attached. I just need to make sure I have enough fabric.

First group of swatches

My final sketch and some fabric swatches

Working on My SWAP and Things

I'm still here.

I've been busy gathering patterns and matching them with fabrics to come up with my first SWAP. Since this SWAP will take some time, I need to be cognizant of the current season/weather and what the season/weather will be like in 6 months. I'm giving myself a lot of time as I still haven't figured out how many garments I want/need to make. Remember this year, I'm after quality versus quantity. Changing the way that I think and sew.

My closet is still full with RTW garments and some handmade garments. I can't seem to let go of my RTW that has a Talbot's signature tag on it. These garments are meant to last and they are...in my closet.

I'm also teaching myself Photoshop, now working with layers, etc. I plan on using PS to layout my line drawings and fabrics.

Yes, it's been time consuming, but I'm sure it will be well worth it.

On the knitting front: I'm currently working a knitting a simple sweater for myself. Then knit one for DH. Once I build my confidence, I would love to tackle a knitted cardigan (which is one garment I wanted to have in my SWAP). It's still a part of sewing as I would have to hand sew the knitted pieces together. LOL!

As I'm typing this, I just realized that now would be a good time to take my sewing machine in for annual maintenance.

I am so looking forward to getting back into sewing.

Another Year of Sewing...My SWAP: Quality vs Quantity

First off, I wanted to wish everyone a fantastic new year. I, for one, will start the new year with some sewing time. Yeah!!!!

In my cleaning adventure, I've been collecting garments that I've sewn over the years. Some no longer fit or the style no longer suits me. I am finding it's hard to part with them. You know, a piece of clothing that I learned a new technique on or the fabric was a special find (e.g. great quality). Have you been there?

My SWAP
My goal for this month is to develop my own SWAP (sewing with a plan). Right now, I'm sewing at the spur of the moment. If one notices (my pattern review sidebar), I tend to sew clothes with dark colors. Meaning a lot of black. Funny thing, my fabric stash doesn't reflect that. So, I need to start turning over my fabric stash and produce garments that make sense for my new wardrobe. The next few weeks (including my 2nd vacation time), I will spend time sketching the garments I would love to make.

My SWAP will be based on my own sewing schedule and time. I know I will have some BWOF styles and well, they just take a bit more time and thought.

Unlike 2008 and trying to sew two garments a month, 2009 will be based on sewing clothes that make sense, are based on my needs, and expanding my sewing skills. It will be a fun journey.

I think overall, the SWAP will help me keep my blinders on whenever Joann's or Hancock's has a pattern sale. I don't need to be buying patterns that I may not use. I know my BWOF subscription will be enough and keep me challenged. I just wish I would have started this subscription when I started out sewing 4 years ago. Can you imagine the pattern collection I would have?

As for my handmade garments, I need to keep a few. I plan on teaching again this year and I think it would be a motivator to show the students my sewing progression and techniques used. I will have to close my eyes on the other garments and send them to my thrift store. At least someone else could wear my handmade work of art.