Yeah same! It’s really deflating sometimes, especially after putting a lot of time and effort. I try to look at it as a learning experience but sometimes it’s just… 💞
Thanks for showing us Marianne's lamp. It’s beautiful. As for your question, I try to plan ahead, but not too far. Right now I’m thinking about sewing transitional pieces to take me through March and April. Around April I will start looking for fabric to sew summer dresses and that kind of thing.
Hi Izzy. The mosaic lamps are so nice. What a fun project to do with your daughter. That cozy fabric is perfect for an oversized jumper. I look forward to seeing it. I'm sorry the purse didn't turn out well for you. I look forward to seeing your full review.
Izzy, I love the fabric, strap and chain that you chose for the bag. You must be so disappointed that it didn't work out the way you wanted. Bags are complicated ... and fiddly. I admire people who sew them well. In terms of sewing for seasons - I normally have a plan for future seasons but sew for the current season until the weather feels like it's starting to turn. That means that I start to sew for spring and summer in March, and fall/winter in August. Weather in our country is so unpredictable! I've got three projects still planned for this winter/early spring, but I've started to buy summer fabric and am looking at patterns. 😁
You and I are definitely similar then. I’m still sewing for winter right now, but it’s 8 degrees today and sunny here so starting to itch for the flowy viscoses and cotton lawns. 😊
You are a steady and beautiful sewist, Izzy. Your projects always look well constructed and finished. I definitely aspire to sew like you! 😄 As for plans, I’ve still got one cosy knit top I’d like to sew before the end of February. But I’m working on a wrap top in a double gauze (as I needed something bright and cheerful to sew) and I have a pretty Summer dress cut out although I’m in no great rush to work on it as the weather here is still not great - cold and quite wet. A few sunny bits of days lately which is helping to remind me that we are in the last month of winter.
You're so sweet - thank you! It's funny because today is a gorgeous sunny and warm day in Montreal (8 degrees Celsius) and it actually feels like Spring is coming. But I know better... we're far from out of winter over here LOL
Hi Izzy. The knit for Marianne's pullover looks wonderfully soft but I agree -- it sure doesn't look like blush. I gravitate most to soft fabrics, both for clothing and for quilt backs. It's either minky, flannel, or fleece for the backs of my quilts. That fabric could be a great quilt back for one of your wonderful quilts so you and/or family could snuggle in under it, if you want to try to get alternative pink-ish fabric for the Marianne make. As to sewing a season ahead, here in California we have seasons but they are subtle. Whether a day is warm or cold depends more upon whether the fog is in or a storm is here, and of course we often have a big difference between night and day temperatures. So it's about layers. If we have a hot spell and I want to make a light cotton top, it has usually turned cold and foggy while I'm sewing it and it's a while before it's hot enough to wear it. It works the other way too. It seems like when I'm making something warm and snuggly to wear (starting during a cold snap usually), it might be too hot to wear the item by the time I get it done. I'm a slow sewist and also have to pace myself to deal with a chronic neck injury, so completing a project takes me a while. Anyway, I'm often sewing an item that is inappropriate for the weather. [If you're already a pro at using minky, skip this paragraph] Minky really crossed me up at first for quilts (especially the really thick versions with deep pile). But I now have a system where I do the pieced cotton top, quilt it to the batting without a backing, then stitch it together with the minky wrong sides out to make an envelope edge, and then do stitch in the ditch maybe every two feet to be invisible to the pattern of the quilt top but hold the layers together. Between each stitching line, I lay the quilt out flat and pin through all the layers along the seam to keep the minky from shifting. It helps if you stitch a line along a seam of from 4 to 12 inches in the no-stretch direction of the minky. I also stitch about 5/8 inch around the edge to make a secure border. I think your bag turned out to be beautiful. I know what you mean about little projects being so much harder to do... there's just less maneuvering room and I'm sure that material was totally unforgiving when trying to ease anything in. It must feel wonderful have it done, Antonia
I've never put Minky on the back of a quilt so thank you so much for the trick! I love using flannel on my quilts though and my favourite lap quilt that's on the couch in the winter has a flannel back. I absolutely love it!!
Hi Lizzy, I did the same mistake when I got a fabric that doesn’t have the right amount of stretch, I looked for the finished garment measurements and I chose the size that matches the way that the garment supposed to be. It came out wonderful. It took me a long time to get the courage to cut the fabric, but after I finished I was so impressed with the result.
I think your bag looks lovely! To answer your Friday question, I typically sew Sept through April and plan Fall/ Winter in September. I plan Spring/Summer late Feb to March. I might squeeze something in during a summer heat wave but typically too busy! I had 12 Fall/Winter garments planned but only accomplished 7. At this point I might do 1-2 of the remaining projects or hold off until next fall. I’m not a quick sewist at all! I have a trip planned for late summer/ early fall that I need to plan for too!
Nice! Today is actually really warm here for February - it’s 8 degrees Celcius. We are apparently breaking records! That’s definitely going to put me in the mood for some spring sewing!
Mmm i feel like you about the bag always a lesson learnt the gorgeous caramel colour fabric yum love your top great colour I don't plan I'm a mood sewer I sew when I need it have alot of winter fabric in storeage at the moment nice to see you😊😊😊
Hi Izzie, I love the blouse you are wearing - the colours look awesome on you. I only plan for winter and summer in Australia as during our Spring and Autumn we just seem to just layer up our summer clothes with light jackets and cardigans as and when required. Also of course our winters are nothing like Canadian winters so we don’t need to make thick coats etc. I probably start planning 1-2 months ahead and then seem to sew that seasons clothes right up to the end of that season. I am looking forward to seeing the sweatshirt you sew up for your daughter out of that lovely fleece fabric. Sizing up to suit the fabric should work well. Happy sewing. 🌸
Oh Izzy, if you can't make that bag then no one can! You have done so many so I would definitely class you as an Intermediate 😢. As for accuracy, you are certainly that as you are quilter!!! It does look fantastic on camera so I'm intrigued to see what you didn't like about it. Busy sewing the Collab item right now eeek😅. As for plans? You know me, I fly by the seat of my pants as they say 😂😂. Have a great weekend xx
Oh Carole thank you, but this bag was definitely beyond my skills (or maybe my patience level LOL). I'm almost done with our Collab garment and I'm so excited about it! You and I are complete opposites on so many levels - I think that's why we get along so great! LOL
Hi Izzy! Looking forward to your bag review. Your pattern reviews are always excellent and so helpful. I tend to sew for the season I am currently in. I have so many holes to fill in my wardrobe so that seems to be my rhythm at the moment. I do dream of eventually being able to do more planning ahead and sewing for the coming season. I'll get there one of these days! haha Have a wonderful weekend! ❤ Heather
Thank you so much Heather - you're very sweet! Yeah I'm still sewing for winter and I'm anxious to get my spring/summer wardrobe out of winter storage and see what gaps (if any) I have.
Love the “blush” fabric! It will make a beautiful outerwear shirt/jacket. I wish I could be like you and plan my makes, but I don’t. I pretty much sew in the moment, and make things for the particular season we are in.
Nice video, Izzy, but no Bear!! To answer your question, I’m not there yet, but my goal is to sew for Summer in Winter and vice versa, sew for Spring in Fall and vice versa. I’m trying to avoid the trap of “OMG, I need to get a project done so I can wear it in the current season. Also my 2024 goal (continued from 2023) is to work on a collection of TNT patterns that I can adapt, hack, whatever for a variety of looks. As we sewists know, that can entail multiple muslins and lots of time. I just finished perfecting the fit on a button front shirt and currently have on my cutting table a version that can be worn Fall, Winter, Spring, and a white linen version for Summer.
Bear is sleeping next to me right now on Marianne's chair in the sewing room and he is ADORABLE!! I promise to have a Bear cameo in my next FridaySews! TNTs are amazing aren't they? I have a few of them now and I love them. I really have to teach myself pattern hacking - it scares me LOL
At the beginning of the month, I pick two things to finish that month; when I think about it, it tends to be something for the current month. I think it's because I don't pick my projects by the current new fabrics, which focus a little ahead of the season we're in. I'm happy to find that it's not hard to get more than those selected projects finished 😁 I'm 1 for 1 this year so far! 🎉 My off-season clothes are not in plain sight, so that may have a bearing on it as well.
I think you might have hit the nail on the head for me as well... My off season clothes aren't in my closet and are stored away, completely out of sight. So right now, I have no idea what I'm going to need or want to wear this spring/summer! And based on past experience, my warm weather clothes won't make an appearance in my closet until May!! Hence why I sew at the last minute and late into the season I guess.
@@dizzyquiltsandsews I could probably wear my warmer-weather clothes by May (Front Range in Colorado), but it usually takes me to mid June to switch out! 😆 Right now looking at several inches of soggy snow, more floating down and really heavy skies. No spring sewing going on here today! 😁
I so agree with you about Minerva colour descriptions and also things like stretch %. Very frustrating and I had a fair amount of disappointments when I used to use them. I do love the look of their newer exclusive fabrics though. I think the bag looks better than you think and I agree with Carole! I am sewing spring makes this month and looking at fabrics for summer makes. I am done with winter stuff as I have enough. I gather a few fabrics and patterns and sew what I fancy at the time- interspersing more complex makes with a palette cleanser. Currently doing my first quilt block which is going to take me FOREVER 🫨. Trimming my small blocks and losing the will to live……..😂😂😂😂Definitely going to finish though. 😊 Lynne
I agree, the Minerva exclusive prints and fabrics are gorgeous and I'm very tempted! Trimming is definitely not the most fun part, but you can totally do it!!
I'm bummed that you don't love your bag - I was really looking forward to it! 🌸 I was literally laughing out loud at your question. I think it's amazing that there are those of you that plan your makes out so far in advance. I don't plan at all. When I'm in the mood to sew, I sit down and go through my fabric or my patterns (in Trello) to figure out what tickles my fancy 😊
Yeah I was really bummed too... Oh well! I sometimes make a spur-of-the-moment project, for some reason, those tend to be quilts or bags, not garments. I love all of you who just make whatever you want to be making in the moment.
I like how you plan your makes. I'm glad you aren't one of those who makes a ton of stuff just to make it. I'm right now starting Spring/Summer things. I'm going on a cruise in late April and I need shorts and tops. All my clothes that I have are old and faded. I start making my next season just a couple months or less ahead of time.
I mostly plan a month at a time but have general plans for a season. For me summer season is a large portion of the year. I have already moved to summer sewing because as much as I love sewing and wearing cozy, we are running out of cool weather.
I live in the uk, and although we have 4 seasons, they are not always well defined. Because of this, when I plan to sew something, I do not even take the season into account. My challenge to myself is to sew up a new pattern each month. Then I look at my fabric stash and think about the possibilities. Mainly though, I sew what I am in the mood for.
I know what you mean about the seasons. For the last few years, it feels as though we've only had 2 seasons in Canada: Summer (hot, humid) and Winter (mostly rain and some snow). That is probably why I love layers and plan lots of them no matter the season.
Lovely video, Izzy. I like your bag, I have no idea why, but I thought it would be bigger :) I can't wait to see your review. Teddy fabric is soo cute. I normally sew the same type of clothes whole year round. In Ireland, we just take or add layers off with the exception of maybe 2 weeks when we have some kind of heat wave 😂
Thank you Agata! Yeah we wear the same clothes from about October to May here and then summer clothes from June to September. Funny enough though I much prefer making summer clothes and I have a ton of summer fabrics in my stash!
Hi Izzy. I am so sorry about the Leads Inspired bag. The blush fabric looks as though it could be a gorgeous throw or neutral sweater for someone with caramel in her color palette.
Thank you Sherrel! I’m definitely going to try the bag again, but I need to figure out a few things first. Oh my goodness - you are right! That fabric would make such a nice throw for the living room. I have a feeling the cats would love it too 🤣
That brown fabric is beautiful, beautiful beautiful. I look forward to seeing what you're going to make with it. I'm sorry you don't like your bag, but it's definitely a learning experience. You will do another one and will love it or another kind, and will love it. Have a blessed weekend!❤❤❤
Lovely vlog. I don't plan too far ahead usually but have a holiday in Portugal coming up in April so am planning some summer skirts for that (despite it being very wet and windy in the UK at the moment) Can't wait for some warmth!
Yes - warmth please! LOL It's grey and wet and windy in Montreal today. I love sewing for a trip or vacation. I had so much fun planning and sewing for my UK trip last Fall.
Sewing does help with feeling accomplished and some feeling of control. I think your work 'team' sounds large and geographically diverse. Meetings are inevitable in that scenario but they are a bit of a drag and if you are leading them take alot of energy and concentration. I used to be a last minute sewer. I would identify a need (or want 😂) and immediately go get fabric and pick a pattern and sew it up. Now I am better at being strategic in my sewing. I am sewing a pair of Jalie jeans and the Yvonne cardigan in a sweater knit but must say with this unseasonably mild weather my mind is turning to summer dreams and schemes. Who are we kidding, we'll probably have snow for the eclipse on April 8th 😂
Most of my meetings this week were with team members who are located in the UK so that means early starts and my energy levels go down dramatically after lunch so a challenging week LOL We will definitely get snow in April - we always do!! xx
Thanks for the vlog Izzy :) I tend to make my plans as I go along mostly. I have a list on the front of my sewing journal and, as I cross things off, I add other things. Some things get transferred to the 'new' list over and over - the Bob pants have been on there for a while now :) I am currently sewing up some long pyjamas each for myself and my niece, and this might be the end of this winter's garments - although my husband has asked for a Tony hoodie, so that possibly counts as winter wear. I made the Donny shirt out of season to do a sew-along with my sister-in-law, and she has made another since then. But, usually, I am sewing for the season I'm in. I have already got some lovely fabric for a Christmas top for myself and my niece for next year, and will try to get those sewn up in Oct/Nov so that they can be worn through December. I'm slowly losing weight at the moment, so this year might be all about alterations and making things because my wearable wardrobe is shrinking. I was sewing my first quilt block from your quiltalong whilst watching all the Friday Sews this week, and I love it - so thanks for that too :)
You’re welcome Sue! I love your first block. You’ll have to let me know how you get on with the Bob Pants. I have the pattern but haven’t attempted it yet, but I love the look of them, especially for summer in a nice flowy viscose twill or something like that. 💞
Hi Izzy. I’m so sorry your bag wasn’t what you hoped it would be. It’s so disappointing when a project doesn’t quite work out. Don’t go the safe route for your Beyond the Pink Door fabric - be adventurous!! I sew for the current season (I’m just finishing a pair of corduroy pants). I find it hard to plan ahead but wish I did. Please pass along birthday wishes to your grandson!
Thank you so much Sue! It really is disappointing, but I'm not defeated LOL I'll let you in on a little secret... I decided NOT to go the safe route and I'm washing fabric right now to make a practice version of what I'm making. It really is hard to plan ahead sometimes isn't it? Especially when you know you won't be able to wear your new make!
Hi Izzy! I’m so sorry the bag didn’t work out as you had hoped. We’ll call it a happy accident on the non stretchy fabric. Now you know what kind of fabric to buy for a cuddly throw or bear. Hopefully the sweater works out for Marianne. I’m looking for are to your think pink make. I finally signed up so I should get the next box. As far as sewing for the seasons, I’m a slower sewer than you are. I am lucky to get one final garment a month. I always buy fabric with plans for the upcoming or current season and then the season is gone before I get it all done. I did get 3 pairs of linen shorts cut out last summer (after making two muslins and two pair for my daughter). I got one finished in Sept for me, which was really too cold to wear here by then. I did get to wear them for a Texas trip in Oct before I put them up for the season. I have the other two in various forms of completion that I am determined to get done this spring. I’m still getting the fit right on a lot of my patterns so it is taking me more time. I am hopefully get get a good enough collection of TNTs that I can just get right to the final garment soon! Have a great weekend!
How exciting you signed up for the Think Pink box. I think you’ll love it!! I ordered some snuggly fabric back in November to make myself a bunch of winter sweaters and they are all still sitting in my stash because I never got around to making them. And now that winter is almost over, I don’t really feel like sewing them up! Next fall I guess.
Too bad about your bag, I have not mustered the courage to make a bag. I live in Texas where it’s deceiving as far as seasons. You think Spring is around the corner, then you get hit with a freeze 🥶. So I am currently working on my Spring capsule ! Whenever it’s warm I have it ready 😊
the vertical stretch looked fairly decent from here. i would cut the pattern out with the stretch going across the body since there is no obvious direction on the fabric. i've done it and it worked fine.
Thank you for the tip! Yeah there’s definitely some stretch in one direction so I’ll have to make sure I place my pattern pieces appropriately. Should be all good - the fit is pretty loose on that pattern.
I need clothes in my wardrobe and so I am focused on the current season. That said summer tends to come suddenly here in Alabama and so I have been thinking about warm weather clothes.
@@dizzyquiltsandsews we can wear our warm weather clothes from May through October and sometimes longer. It is very different from when we lived in Washington State.
Izzy, why are you so hard on yourself. Your bag came out nicely. As for sewing hah, i have bags of unfinished garments that i never got around to finish for the current season. I cant believe im putting this out, two years ago i finshed a Karl Lagerfield blouse which i had started in 1992, yiup no typo error in the year. And the best part is that i haven't worn it yet. I will this year i promised myself. Thankfully it was a loose design so it still fits. Cant wait to watch your pattern review on that bag to understand what you dont like about it. Lâches pas mon amie.
Looking forward to the bag review Izzy, I find some bags patterns are about 75% of the instructions actually needed and sometimes there’s a lot of assumption in the pattern. That is 100% toffee nut latte not blush that lovely fleecy fabric lol that ain’t blush! Blush is 100% pink lol 😂
I absolutely love that blouse on you. The colours go so well with your hair and skin tone. I think it's my favourite thing that I've seen on you so far. This isn't anything to do with this video, but I was looking through my quilting cottons, and decided I wanted to do each block from different colours, with a colour from the previous block in the next block to tie them in together. I have lots of smaller pieces of scraps and fat quarters to choose from. What I was wondering, was if every block has two colours along with the background colour,or do some have more, or maybe only one colour?
Hi - most of the blocks have a background and 2 colours, but a couple have just 1 colour and I think one will have 3 colours. But you can decided to use just 2 colours on that one I’m pretty sure. I’m away from home right now and can’t check, but I’m pretty sure 90% of them have 1 background and 2 colours. Hope that helps!
I'm looking forward to hearing how that top feels to wear without stretch. I thrifted an entire bolt of sweatshirt fabric with no stretch and am not sure what to make, so I've decided to try making a Hug Hoodie, up a size. It seems like a looser boxy fit too, so I hope that will work. I always sew cool weather clothing right up until the last possible day and the same for the warm weather clothing, vowing to start a couple of months ahead, sewing for the next season, but I never do. I guess I just really enjoy sewing for the season I'm in. Now with knitting, I knit for both summer, and winter, year-round. Why is that?!?
I'm trying to look ahead more, but historically I just see what comes to me. I'm sewing jackets this month so that I can have a new rain jacket for a trip to Alaska in July. That's far ahead for me! But I tore the jacket it's replacing several months ago, so this has been in the offing for a long time!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews I'm using the Kelly Anorak by Closet Core. I made a cotton version - to match some cargo pants - so I'm confident about the fit. I got a two layer nylon - basically a nylon outside with an impermeable layer bonded to it. It wasn't very expensive - I think it will do. And for the matching bag (because I know you love that too!) the Gunther Hobo bag from Sincerely Jen. I'm pretty confident I'll have plenty of fabric left for that...
@@deannemarino1382 I love the look of the Kelly Anorak! I was thinking of using the Itch-to-Stitch pattern that came out recently especially designed for Soft Shell fabric. I've never heard of Sincerely Jen. I'm going to have to check her out. You're going to have an amazing set at the end of it!!
Hi Izzy...enjoying your videos. It's cold here. Granted not your kind of cold. My current coat is out of a similar fabric only in what's a very dirty white now. Maybe someday I'll try that new Cashmerette club coat pattern we got. I am making some lighter blouses. Here's the reason. I got frustrated when some of my makes didn't fit me. I found a you tube by Jenny where she listed her easiest patterns. So, I'm working on the Cedar Dolman and want to cut out the Springfield top next. I've been listening to a lot of videos in our Style Circle. Still I love getting our Think Pink box and would have a hard time giving it up but maybe I should put my money towards more planned makes. Your thoughts? xx Karen
I just realized I answered two of your comments in one! LOL But I did want to say I made the Cedar and it’s not my favourite out of all their patterns. I don’t love the facing and I end up with a lot of extra fabric because of the dolman sleeves. It has been a while since I made it though so maybe I should try again with a drapier fabric. 🤔
@@dizzyquiltsandsews Love seeing your comments back, so no worries about combining two. Also, I wanted to say that if you do choose a V-neck, please go over it on your video. I think I did the technique. OK it’s just that my bra straps still showed so I’m not sure how to fit that although when I do it again, maybe I should just basted it in and then try it on. Interesting to have your feedback on the cedar. Evidently it works for both wovens and knits. I have so many patterns that at first I would try to do a different one each time but now I’m going to try to use each pattern a couple of times. I actually need some clothes so I’m thinking about going back to some of my old patterns that I’ve done before and try those again before I go on to new ones have a great week Izzy
I'm supposed to have a plan????😮😂😂 sewing should be fun. I sew whatever I want whenever I want to. I doubt any of us are hurting for clothing. my basics from Walmart T-shirts, etc. eBay is the great place to find new with tag clothing for absolutely less than what the pattern cost. So if I sew something it's going to be different and unusual. it's not going to have a season especially since I live in Georgia where we seem to have 4 1/2 seasons in January.😅
@@dizzyquiltsandsews i've been sewing since I was 16 and I think I have made everything under the sun at least once. My mother was such a perfectionist when I made my first dress with a zipper and ruffles let's just say I avoid zippers. Ha ha. I made clothing and sold it on Etsy for many years and let me tell you that turned it into a job real quick. I see everybody on RUclips making cute T-shirts and sweaters but then I look at Walmart with a T-shirt for four dollars and I'm like no.😂 no one knows the difference between a white T-shirt you made, and a white T-shirt from a store. Especially since it's usually underneath something. I'm sorry you didn't think your purse was great, but look at all you learned! Make three in a row. Throw down with that baby and make it happen.🥰
Izzy, I love that snuggly fabric. Do you have a link to it? Do you think it would make a good winter robe? I am a slow sewist and wish I could plan ahead. But, like you, I can't think about summer clothes in February. 😅
I completely forgot to link to the fabric!! Here it is: www.minerva.com/mp/1424723/minerva-core-range-baby-soft-sherpa-fleece-fur-fabric I'm not sure I would use it for a robe because the back side of it is that "meshy" polyester stuff that's not super comfy. If you go to the Minerva site, I think they have a video of the fabric and you should be able to see what I mean.
Hi Izzy, this question has nothing to do with this video (sorry, I seem to do this quite often, don't I?😂) , but have you gotten your Think Pink box yet? I tried to go on my tracking number, and it says I'm denied access. I thought if you haven't gotten yours yet, maybe you wouldn't mind checking and seeing if you get the same message. I got that message before Andrea shut down to move already.
Hi! I have received my box already. I think I received it over a week ago now. I know that Andrea is live on YT right now so maybe you can try sending her a message?
@@dizzyquiltsandsews thanks. I was babysitting grandbabies, so I couldn't get on. I'll try emailing her, but she probably won't go on her email. She's likely too busy.
I get really discouraged when my vision doesn't turn out. I can't wait to see your video on Sunday! Happy weekend!!
Yeah same! It’s really deflating sometimes, especially after putting a lot of time and effort. I try to look at it as a learning experience but sometimes it’s just… 💞
Thanks for showing us Marianne's lamp. It’s beautiful. As for your question, I try to plan ahead, but not too far. Right now I’m thinking about sewing transitional pieces to take me through March and April. Around April I will start looking for fabric to sew summer dresses and that kind of thing.
Thank you! Sounds like you and I are very much aligned.
Hi Izzy. The mosaic lamps are so nice. What a fun project to do with your daughter. That cozy fabric is perfect for an oversized jumper. I look forward to seeing it. I'm sorry the purse didn't turn out well for you. I look forward to seeing your full review.
Thanks so much Cynthia! 😊
Izzy, I love the fabric, strap and chain that you chose for the bag. You must be so disappointed that it didn't work out the way you wanted. Bags are complicated ... and fiddly. I admire people who sew them well.
In terms of sewing for seasons - I normally have a plan for future seasons but sew for the current season until the weather feels like it's starting to turn. That means that I start to sew for spring and summer in March, and fall/winter in August. Weather in our country is so unpredictable! I've got three projects still planned for this winter/early spring, but I've started to buy summer fabric and am looking at patterns. 😁
You and I are definitely similar then. I’m still sewing for winter right now, but it’s 8 degrees today and sunny here so starting to itch for the flowy viscoses and cotton lawns. 😊
You are a steady and beautiful sewist, Izzy. Your projects always look well constructed and finished. I definitely aspire to sew like you! 😄 As for plans, I’ve still got one cosy knit top I’d like to sew before the end of February. But I’m working on a wrap top in a double gauze (as I needed something bright and cheerful to sew) and I have a pretty Summer dress cut out although I’m in no great rush to work on it as the weather here is still not great - cold and quite wet. A few sunny bits of days lately which is helping to remind me that we are in the last month of winter.
You're so sweet - thank you! It's funny because today is a gorgeous sunny and warm day in Montreal (8 degrees Celsius) and it actually feels like Spring is coming. But I know better... we're far from out of winter over here LOL
Hi Izzy. The knit for Marianne's pullover looks wonderfully soft but I agree -- it sure doesn't look like blush. I gravitate most to soft fabrics, both for clothing and for quilt backs. It's either minky, flannel, or fleece for the backs of my quilts. That fabric could be a great quilt back for one of your wonderful quilts so you and/or family could snuggle in under it, if you want to try to get alternative pink-ish fabric for the Marianne make.
As to sewing a season ahead, here in California we have seasons but they are subtle. Whether a day is warm or cold depends more upon whether the fog is in or a storm is here, and of course we often have a big difference between night and day temperatures. So it's about layers. If we have a hot spell and I want to make a light cotton top, it has usually turned cold and foggy while I'm sewing it and it's a while before it's hot enough to wear it. It works the other way too. It seems like when I'm making something warm and snuggly to wear (starting during a cold snap usually), it might be too hot to wear the item by the time I get it done. I'm a slow sewist and also have to pace myself to deal with a chronic neck injury, so completing a project takes me a while. Anyway, I'm often sewing an item that is inappropriate for the weather.
[If you're already a pro at using minky, skip this paragraph] Minky really crossed me up at first for quilts (especially the really thick versions with deep pile). But I now have a system where I do the pieced cotton top, quilt it to the batting without a backing, then stitch it together with the minky wrong sides out to make an envelope edge, and then do stitch in the ditch maybe every two feet to be invisible to the pattern of the quilt top but hold the layers together. Between each stitching line, I lay the quilt out flat and pin through all the layers along the seam to keep the minky from shifting. It helps if you stitch a line along a seam of from 4 to 12 inches in the no-stretch direction of the minky. I also stitch about 5/8 inch around the edge to make a secure border.
I think your bag turned out to be beautiful. I know what you mean about little projects being so much harder to do... there's just less maneuvering room and I'm sure that material was totally unforgiving when trying to ease anything in. It must feel wonderful have it done, Antonia
I've never put Minky on the back of a quilt so thank you so much for the trick! I love using flannel on my quilts though and my favourite lap quilt that's on the couch in the winter has a flannel back. I absolutely love it!!
Hi Lizzy, I did the same mistake when I got a fabric that doesn’t have the right amount of stretch, I looked for the finished garment measurements and I chose the size that matches the way that the garment supposed to be. It came out wonderful. It took me a long time to get the courage to cut the fabric, but after I finished I was so impressed with the result.
Good idea! I’m definitely going to look at the finished garment measurements. Thank you!
I think your bag looks lovely! To answer your Friday question, I typically sew Sept through April and plan Fall/ Winter in September. I plan Spring/Summer late Feb to March. I might squeeze something in during a summer heat wave but typically too busy! I had 12 Fall/Winter garments planned but only accomplished 7. At this point I might do 1-2 of the remaining projects or hold off until next fall. I’m not a quick sewist at all! I have a trip planned for late summer/ early fall that I need to plan for too!
Thank you Donna! I loved planning and sewing for my trip last Fall. Have fun with that!
Already sewing for spring/summer. Our climate is wonky and it was balmy today. Could still freeze some but spring is definitely upon us.
Nice! Today is actually really warm here for February - it’s 8 degrees Celcius. We are apparently breaking records! That’s definitely going to put me in the mood for some spring sewing!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews yes it's 11C today. Crazy!
Mmm i feel like you about the bag always a lesson learnt the gorgeous caramel colour fabric yum love your top great colour I don't plan I'm a mood sewer I sew when I need it have alot of winter fabric in storeage at the moment nice to see you😊😊😊
Yes, definitely a lesson learned!
Hi Izzie, I love the blouse you are wearing - the colours look awesome on you. I only plan for winter and summer in Australia as during our Spring and Autumn we just seem to just layer up our summer clothes with light jackets and cardigans as and when required. Also of course our winters are nothing like Canadian winters so we don’t need to make thick coats etc. I probably start planning 1-2 months ahead and then seem to sew that seasons clothes right up to the end of that season. I am looking forward to seeing the sweatshirt you sew up for your daughter out of that lovely fleece fabric. Sizing up to suit the fabric should work well. Happy sewing. 🌸
Thank you Julie! The top I’m wearing is definitely one of my favourites. I made it for Christmas day and have been wearing it ever since.
Oh Izzy, if you can't make that bag then no one can! You have done so many so I would definitely class you as an Intermediate 😢. As for accuracy, you are certainly that as you are quilter!!! It does look fantastic on camera so I'm intrigued to see what you didn't like about it. Busy sewing the Collab item right now eeek😅. As for plans? You know me, I fly by the seat of my pants as they say 😂😂. Have a great weekend xx
Oh Carole thank you, but this bag was definitely beyond my skills (or maybe my patience level LOL). I'm almost done with our Collab garment and I'm so excited about it! You and I are complete opposites on so many levels - I think that's why we get along so great! LOL
Hi Izzy! Looking forward to your bag review. Your pattern reviews are always excellent and so helpful. I tend to sew for the season I am currently in. I have so many holes to fill in my wardrobe so that seems to be my rhythm at the moment. I do dream of eventually being able to do more planning ahead and sewing for the coming season. I'll get there one of these days! haha Have a wonderful weekend!
❤ Heather
Thank you so much Heather - you're very sweet! Yeah I'm still sewing for winter and I'm anxious to get my spring/summer wardrobe out of winter storage and see what gaps (if any) I have.
Love the “blush” fabric! It will make a beautiful outerwear shirt/jacket. I wish I could be like you and plan my makes, but I don’t. I pretty much sew in the moment, and make things for the particular season we are in.
Sewing in the moment is good too!!
Nice video, Izzy, but no Bear!! To answer your question, I’m not there yet, but my goal is to sew for Summer in Winter and vice versa, sew for Spring in Fall and vice versa. I’m trying to avoid the trap of “OMG, I need to get a project done so I can wear it in the current season. Also my 2024 goal (continued from 2023) is to work on a collection of TNT patterns that I can adapt, hack, whatever for a variety of looks. As we sewists know, that can entail multiple muslins and lots of time. I just finished perfecting the fit on a button front shirt and currently have on my cutting table a version that can be worn Fall, Winter, Spring, and a white linen version for Summer.
Bear is sleeping next to me right now on Marianne's chair in the sewing room and he is ADORABLE!! I promise to have a Bear cameo in my next FridaySews! TNTs are amazing aren't they? I have a few of them now and I love them. I really have to teach myself pattern hacking - it scares me LOL
At the beginning of the month, I pick two things to finish that month; when I think about it, it tends to be something for the current month. I think it's because I don't pick my projects by the current new fabrics, which focus a little ahead of the season we're in. I'm happy to find that it's not hard to get more than those selected projects finished 😁 I'm 1 for 1 this year so far! 🎉
My off-season clothes are not in plain sight, so that may have a bearing on it as well.
I think you might have hit the nail on the head for me as well... My off season clothes aren't in my closet and are stored away, completely out of sight. So right now, I have no idea what I'm going to need or want to wear this spring/summer! And based on past experience, my warm weather clothes won't make an appearance in my closet until May!! Hence why I sew at the last minute and late into the season I guess.
@@dizzyquiltsandsews I could probably wear my warmer-weather clothes by May (Front Range in Colorado), but it usually takes me to mid June to switch out! 😆 Right now looking at several inches of soggy snow, more floating down and really heavy skies. No spring sewing going on here today! 😁
I so agree with you about Minerva colour descriptions and also things like stretch %. Very frustrating and I had a fair amount of disappointments when I used to use them. I do love the look of their newer exclusive fabrics though. I think the bag looks better than you think and I agree with Carole! I am sewing spring makes this month and looking at fabrics for summer makes. I am done with winter stuff as I have enough. I gather a few fabrics and patterns and sew what I fancy at the time- interspersing more complex makes with a palette cleanser. Currently doing my first quilt block which is going to take me FOREVER 🫨. Trimming my small blocks and losing the will to live……..😂😂😂😂Definitely going to finish though. 😊 Lynne
I agree, the Minerva exclusive prints and fabrics are gorgeous and I'm very tempted! Trimming is definitely not the most fun part, but you can totally do it!!
I'm bummed that you don't love your bag - I was really looking forward to it! 🌸 I was literally laughing out loud at your question. I think it's amazing that there are those of you that plan your makes out so far in advance. I don't plan at all. When I'm in the mood to sew, I sit down and go through my fabric or my patterns (in Trello) to figure out what tickles my fancy 😊
Yeah I was really bummed too... Oh well! I sometimes make a spur-of-the-moment project, for some reason, those tend to be quilts or bags, not garments. I love all of you who just make whatever you want to be making in the moment.
I like how you plan your makes. I'm glad you aren't one of those who makes a ton of stuff just to make it. I'm right now starting Spring/Summer things. I'm going on a cruise in late April and I need shorts and tops. All my clothes that I have are old and faded. I start making my next season just a couple months or less ahead of time.
It's so fun to plan and make for a trip!
I mostly plan a month at a time but have general plans for a season. For me summer season is a large portion of the year. I have already moved to summer sewing because as much as I love sewing and wearing cozy, we are running out of cool weather.
I'm so jealous about your summer season being so long! I love sewing for summer but I get to wear those garments only for a few months.
I live in the uk, and although we have 4 seasons, they are not always well defined. Because of this, when I plan to sew something, I do not even take the season into account. My challenge to myself is to sew up a new pattern each month. Then I look at my fabric stash and think about the possibilities. Mainly though, I sew what I am in the mood for.
I know what you mean about the seasons. For the last few years, it feels as though we've only had 2 seasons in Canada: Summer (hot, humid) and Winter (mostly rain and some snow). That is probably why I love layers and plan lots of them no matter the season.
Lovely video, Izzy. I like your bag, I have no idea why, but I thought it would be bigger :) I can't wait to see your review.
Teddy fabric is soo cute.
I normally sew the same type of clothes whole year round. In Ireland, we just take or add layers off with the exception of maybe 2 weeks when we have some kind of heat wave 😂
Thank you Agata! Yeah we wear the same clothes from about October to May here and then summer clothes from June to September. Funny enough though I much prefer making summer clothes and I have a ton of summer fabrics in my stash!
Hi Izzy. I am so sorry about the Leads Inspired bag. The blush fabric looks as though it could be a gorgeous throw or neutral sweater for someone with caramel in her color palette.
Thank you Sherrel! I’m definitely going to try the bag again, but I need to figure out a few things first. Oh my goodness - you are right! That fabric would make such a nice throw for the living room. I have a feeling the cats would love it too 🤣
That brown fabric is beautiful, beautiful beautiful.
I look forward to seeing what you're going to make with it. I'm sorry you don't like your bag, but it's definitely a learning experience. You will do another one and will love it or another kind, and will love it.
Have a blessed weekend!❤❤❤
Thank you so much Zelda! Yes, I will definitely tackle that bag (or a similar one) in the near future.
Lovely vlog. I don't plan too far ahead usually but have a holiday in Portugal coming up in April so am planning some summer skirts for that (despite it being very wet and windy in the UK at the moment) Can't wait for some warmth!
Yes - warmth please! LOL It's grey and wet and windy in Montreal today. I love sewing for a trip or vacation. I had so much fun planning and sewing for my UK trip last Fall.
Sewing does help with feeling accomplished and some feeling of control. I think your work 'team' sounds large and geographically diverse. Meetings are inevitable in that scenario but they are a bit of a drag and if you are leading them take alot of energy and concentration. I used to be a last minute sewer. I would identify a need (or want 😂) and immediately go get fabric and pick a pattern and sew it up. Now I am better at being strategic in my sewing. I am sewing a pair of Jalie jeans and the Yvonne cardigan in a sweater knit but must say with this unseasonably mild weather my mind is turning to summer dreams and schemes. Who are we kidding, we'll probably have snow for the eclipse on April 8th 😂
Most of my meetings this week were with team members who are located in the UK so that means early starts and my energy levels go down dramatically after lunch so a challenging week LOL We will definitely get snow in April - we always do!! xx
Thanks for the vlog Izzy :) I tend to make my plans as I go along mostly. I have a list on the front of my sewing journal and, as I cross things off, I add other things. Some things get transferred to the 'new' list over and over - the Bob pants have been on there for a while now :) I am currently sewing up some long pyjamas each for myself and my niece, and this might be the end of this winter's garments - although my husband has asked for a Tony hoodie, so that possibly counts as winter wear. I made the Donny shirt out of season to do a sew-along with my sister-in-law, and she has made another since then. But, usually, I am sewing for the season I'm in. I have already got some lovely fabric for a Christmas top for myself and my niece for next year, and will try to get those sewn up in Oct/Nov so that they can be worn through December. I'm slowly losing weight at the moment, so this year might be all about alterations and making things because my wearable wardrobe is shrinking. I was sewing my first quilt block from your quiltalong whilst watching all the Friday Sews this week, and I love it - so thanks for that too :)
You’re welcome Sue! I love your first block. You’ll have to let me know how you get on with the Bob Pants. I have the pattern but haven’t attempted it yet, but I love the look of them, especially for summer in a nice flowy viscose twill or something like that. 💞
I used to be able to plan ahead but at the moment I sew on a whim. Always love spending time with you.
Thank you Katinka! Right back at ya! xx
Hi Izzy. I’m so sorry your bag wasn’t what you hoped it would be. It’s so disappointing when a project doesn’t quite work out. Don’t go the safe route for your Beyond the Pink Door fabric - be adventurous!!
I sew for the current season (I’m just finishing a pair of corduroy pants). I find it hard to plan ahead but wish I did. Please pass along birthday wishes to your grandson!
Thank you so much Sue! It really is disappointing, but I'm not defeated LOL I'll let you in on a little secret... I decided NOT to go the safe route and I'm washing fabric right now to make a practice version of what I'm making. It really is hard to plan ahead sometimes isn't it? Especially when you know you won't be able to wear your new make!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews Excellent!! It’s great to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Can’t wait to see what you make.
Hi Izzy! I’m so sorry the bag didn’t work out as you had hoped. We’ll call it a happy accident on the non stretchy fabric. Now you know what kind of fabric to buy for a cuddly throw or bear. Hopefully the sweater works out for Marianne. I’m looking for are to your think pink make. I finally signed up so I should get the next box. As far as sewing for the seasons, I’m a slower sewer than you are. I am lucky to get one final garment a month. I always buy fabric with plans for the upcoming or current season and then the season is gone before I get it all done. I did get 3 pairs of linen shorts cut out last summer (after making two muslins and two pair for my daughter). I got one finished in Sept for me, which was really too cold to wear here by then. I did get to wear them for a Texas trip in Oct before I put them up for the season. I have the other two in various forms of completion that I am determined to get done this spring. I’m still getting the fit right on a lot of my patterns so it is taking me more time. I am hopefully get get a good enough collection of TNTs that I can just get right to the final garment soon! Have a great weekend!
How exciting you signed up for the Think Pink box. I think you’ll love it!! I ordered some snuggly fabric back in November to make myself a bunch of winter sweaters and they are all still sitting in my stash because I never got around to making them. And now that winter is almost over, I don’t really feel like sewing them up! Next fall I guess.
Looking forward to the pattern review, Izzy! That plush fabric is SO FAB!!! Can’t wait to see the top! 💗
Thank you Andra! Marianne is so excited about getting her new plush top 🤣 💞
Too bad about your bag, I have not mustered the courage to make a bag. I live in Texas where it’s deceiving as far as seasons. You think Spring is around the corner, then you get hit with a freeze 🥶. So I am currently working on my Spring capsule ! Whenever it’s warm I have it ready 😊
I know what you mean... we've had snow in May before so you just never know!!
It seems I'm always planning but I never get around to doing anything! Lol
LOL You are so funny! For some people, planning is part of the fun though.
the vertical stretch looked fairly decent from here. i would cut the pattern out with the stretch going across the body since there is no obvious direction on the fabric. i've done it and it worked fine.
Thank you for the tip! Yeah there’s definitely some stretch in one direction so I’ll have to make sure I place my pattern pieces appropriately. Should be all good - the fit is pretty loose on that pattern.
I need clothes in my wardrobe and so I am focused on the current season. That said summer tends to come suddenly here in Alabama and so I have been thinking about warm weather clothes.
And I guess your summer wardrobe gets worn longer too right? I would love to wear my summer makes longer. I love to sew summer clothes!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews we can wear our warm weather clothes from May through October and sometimes longer. It is very different from when we lived in Washington State.
Izzy, why are you so hard on yourself. Your bag came out nicely. As for sewing hah, i have bags of unfinished garments that i never got around to finish for the current season. I cant believe im putting this out, two years ago i finshed a Karl Lagerfield blouse which i had started in 1992, yiup no typo error in the year. And the best part is that i haven't worn it yet. I will this year i promised myself. Thankfully it was a loose design so it still fits. Cant wait to watch your pattern review on that bag to understand what you dont like about it. Lâches pas mon amie.
Thank you Soula! 1992? LOL
Looking forward to the bag review Izzy, I find some bags patterns are about 75% of the instructions actually needed and sometimes there’s a lot of assumption in the pattern. That is 100% toffee nut latte not blush that lovely fleecy fabric lol that ain’t blush! Blush is 100% pink lol 😂
Definitely, 100% not blush! 🤣 And that bag pattern really made me feel completely incompetent! Glad to know it wasn’t just that pattern though. Xx 💞
I absolutely love that blouse on you. The colours go so well with your hair and skin tone. I think it's my favourite thing that I've seen on you so far.
This isn't anything to do with this video, but I was looking through my quilting cottons, and decided I wanted to do each block from different colours, with a colour from the previous block in the next block to tie them in together. I have lots of smaller pieces of scraps and fat quarters to choose from. What I was wondering, was if every block has two colours along with the background colour,or do some have more, or maybe only one colour?
Hi - most of the blocks have a background and 2 colours, but a couple have just 1 colour and I think one will have 3 colours. But you can decided to use just 2 colours on that one I’m pretty sure. I’m away from home right now and can’t check, but I’m pretty sure 90% of them have 1 background and 2 colours. Hope that helps!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews OK. Thank you. That's very helpful.
I'm looking forward to hearing how that top feels to wear without stretch. I thrifted an entire bolt of sweatshirt fabric with no stretch and am not sure what to make, so I've decided to try making a Hug Hoodie, up a size. It seems like a looser boxy fit too, so I hope that will work.
I always sew cool weather clothing right up until the last possible day and the same for the warm weather clothing, vowing to start a couple of months ahead, sewing for the next season, but I never do. I guess I just really enjoy sewing for the season I'm in. Now with knitting, I knit for both summer, and winter, year-round. Why is that?!?
The sleeves on the Hug Hoodie are a little slimmer so be careful with those if you are using non-stretch fabric.
@@dizzyquiltsandsews oh thank you. I'll give them a little extra room then.
I'm trying to look ahead more, but historically I just see what comes to me. I'm sewing jackets this month so that I can have a new rain jacket for a trip to Alaska in July. That's far ahead for me! But I tore the jacket it's replacing several months ago, so this has been in the offing for a long time!
Oh I’ve been thinking about sewing a rain jacket for myself for months now! There are such beautiful soft shell fabrics out there now.
@@dizzyquiltsandsews I'm using the Kelly Anorak by Closet Core. I made a cotton version - to match some cargo pants - so I'm confident about the fit. I got a two layer nylon - basically a nylon outside with an impermeable layer bonded to it. It wasn't very expensive - I think it will do. And for the matching bag (because I know you love that too!) the Gunther Hobo bag from Sincerely Jen. I'm pretty confident I'll have plenty of fabric left for that...
@@deannemarino1382 I love the look of the Kelly Anorak! I was thinking of using the Itch-to-Stitch pattern that came out recently especially designed for Soft Shell fabric. I've never heard of Sincerely Jen. I'm going to have to check her out. You're going to have an amazing set at the end of it!!
Hi Izzy...enjoying your videos. It's cold here. Granted not your kind of cold. My current coat is out of a similar fabric only in what's a very dirty white now. Maybe someday I'll try that new Cashmerette club coat pattern we got. I am making some lighter blouses. Here's the reason. I got frustrated when some of my makes didn't fit me. I found a you tube by Jenny where she listed her easiest patterns. So, I'm working on the Cedar Dolman and want to cut out the Springfield top next. I've been listening to a lot of videos in our Style Circle. Still I love getting our Think Pink box and would have a hard time giving it up but maybe I should put my money towards more planned makes. Your thoughts? xx Karen
I just realized I answered two of your comments in one! LOL But I did want to say I made the Cedar and it’s not my favourite out of all their patterns. I don’t love the facing and I end up with a lot of extra fabric because of the dolman sleeves. It has been a while since I made it though so maybe I should try again with a drapier fabric. 🤔
@@dizzyquiltsandsews Love seeing your comments back, so no worries about combining two. Also, I wanted to say that if you do choose a V-neck, please go over it on your video. I think I did the technique. OK it’s just that my bra straps still showed so I’m not sure how to fit that although when I do it again, maybe I should just basted it in and then try it on. Interesting to have your feedback on the cedar. Evidently it works for both wovens and knits. I have so many patterns that at first I would try to do a different one each time but now I’m going to try to use each pattern a couple of times. I actually need some clothes so I’m thinking about going back to some of my old patterns that I’ve done before and try those again before I go on to new ones have a great week Izzy
I'm supposed to have a plan????😮😂😂 sewing should be fun. I sew whatever I want whenever I want to. I doubt any of us are hurting for clothing. my basics from Walmart T-shirts, etc. eBay is the great place to find new with tag clothing for absolutely less than what the pattern cost. So if I sew something it's going to be different and unusual. it's not going to have a season especially since I live in Georgia where we seem to have 4 1/2 seasons in January.😅
LOL I love that you sew different and unusual things! That sounds like so much fun!
@@dizzyquiltsandsews i've been sewing since I was 16 and I think I have made everything under the sun at least once. My mother was such a perfectionist when I made my first dress with a zipper and ruffles let's just say I avoid zippers. Ha ha. I made clothing and sold it on Etsy for many years and let me tell you that turned it into a job real quick. I see everybody on RUclips making cute T-shirts and sweaters but then I look at Walmart with a T-shirt for four dollars and I'm like no.😂 no one knows the difference between a white T-shirt you made, and a white T-shirt from a store. Especially since it's usually underneath something. I'm sorry you didn't think your purse was great, but look at all you learned! Make three in a row. Throw down with that baby and make it happen.🥰
Izzy, I love that snuggly fabric. Do you have a link to it? Do you think it would make a good winter robe? I am a slow sewist and wish I could plan ahead. But, like you, I can't think about summer clothes in February. 😅
I completely forgot to link to the fabric!! Here it is: www.minerva.com/mp/1424723/minerva-core-range-baby-soft-sherpa-fleece-fur-fabric I'm not sure I would use it for a robe because the back side of it is that "meshy" polyester stuff that's not super comfy. If you go to the Minerva site, I think they have a video of the fabric and you should be able to see what I mean.
Thanks, Izzy!
Hi Izzy, this question has nothing to do with this video (sorry, I seem to do this quite often, don't I?😂) , but have you gotten your Think Pink box yet? I tried to go on my tracking number, and it says I'm denied access. I thought if you haven't gotten yours yet, maybe you wouldn't mind checking and seeing if you get the same message. I got that message before Andrea shut down to move already.
Hi! I have received my box already. I think I received it over a week ago now. I know that Andrea is live on YT right now so maybe you can try sending her a message?
@@dizzyquiltsandsews thanks. I was babysitting grandbabies, so I couldn't get on. I'll try emailing her, but she probably won't go on her email. She's likely too busy.