Oh. The pile. The problem of being a mixed-media human is I have the unfinished in leatherwork, sewing, mending, and project planning. Le sigh. I'm starting with the FR competition entry - which I've been putting off for the last several months. I'm doing a version of a 1950's westkit that will be embroidered a la the Tristan wedding quilt. I've been putting it off because I've let the pattern upsizing get the better of me. I was able to get a scholarship membership to the FR so it feels like an obligation I should do. Which is good, because I really want a vest that fits me for the very first time in my life. The main goal for this year is finally make my wardrobe out of the stash I've accumulated over Covid-time. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I was thinking, "Wow, it sounds like Ash's going through my sewing room (and my sleeping habits)," and then you said -- The Pile! I laughed out loud and scared a couple of cats. I, literally, just finished excavating The Pile, yesterday. I thought I was the only one who had a pile named The Pile. And, yes, the same kind of things! I have similar goals (even though I can't say it with a straight face.) AND, I think I have finally figured out how The Pile gets started, so my long term goal is not to give in to gathering the shiny squirrels that eventually become The Pile. I have a nasty habit of pulling interesting projects out of where ever they are kept, whenever I am hunting through The Stash, and then setting them out so I can work on them. (And thus The Pile is born.) And, in fact, I did that very thing last night. I pulled out two skirts that are cut and overlocked but not sewn. AAARGH! I really want to stop doing that. I am in the process of making a list, with pictures, of these shiny squirrels, and putting them (the projects) back in the containers I originally got them from. I can't tell you how many projects were in The Pile, but I can tell you that my Pile took up a space almost exactly 3 feet by three feet by three feet. It fit on the floor between my sewing table and my cutting table, and came up just a little higher than the top of both. Here's to Sewing From The Stash, and NOT making The Pile!
I had to give up temporarily on sewing - a long-term houseguest means that ALL my projects are in the smallest room in the house, and I have to move things from one point to another every time I want to use my computer, or the iron, or …. But I did rediscover my yarns and crochet hooks in the fall and have been doing that instead. It’s nice to have progress, and it has really got me itching to work on some items for myself. So my goals for the beginning of the year in addition to taking care of some medical things are a) reorganize all the items in the three rooms that were rearranged for the houseguest (once he leaves), b) finish the mock-up of my first-ever shift and make a good version in the linen I have had for a couple of years, c) look more-closely at The Typical Tudor and a couple of other resources for “regular people” in the late medieval/early renaissance and make a kirtle and simple accessories [multiple steps from design to mockup to final] that works okay whether I am using crutches or wheelchair. I really want to have it finished by the end of July, but end of the year would still work. I think that one project will be plenty. If I need smaller projects just to get some momentum going I might make a T-tunic for generic medieval-ish events and simple, smaller accessories that I can do when I can’t move much. I can do those even if the guest has to extend his stay again. That, and do my day job…. 😂 It all feels manageable until I remember I have to work around teaching, planning, and grading!
I still have a bag somewhere with a partially cut out pattern in it from about 30 years ag. I am sure I will finish it one day, when i can find it... :).
What a wonderful January project! Last year was mostly The Pile (About "90%" of my sewing was The Pile, all by hand.) Honestly, I found it more motivating not to count every single hour. That said, there were almost 300 estimated hours. Several were multiple mendings of frequently used items. 12 reclaimed beloved clothes, that now fit my new shape! I have several items piling up already, and a *huge* amount of others that I hope to do this year. What I can do is log hours & delineate projects as I go. I don't expect many will be less than one hour, and, I predict most will be several hours. I figure, if I set aside the project I am currently fussing with, it will become part of The Pile (tbh, I had put it in the pile for a few days, anyway & just took it out to move forward, literally with this video). So, probably, it will be my first to fiddle with, until I get it how I want it & can wear it.
I went through my box of things to alter and basically just decided to donate it most of it. most of it is in good shape, just with some detail that I want to change (like taking in the shoulders or replacing buttons) but it's been sitting there long enough that I'm just admitting to myself I'm never gonna do it lol
This is the best challenge I’ve seen for beginning a new year. Bravo and thank you for the encouragement, Ash! If I wasn’t doing tasks for costuming my child’s theater performance this month, I would be all in! Instead, I think I’ll put this challenge off to February. And then, I shall do it!
I have three big ikea boxes of projects. I can't tell you all there's in there but I can promise you I will find out and get to it.... First up though: My sewing machine is going to the repair shop. Crossing fingers it will be done quickly. I had it scheduled already but it died last Thursday as I was working on a waistcoat for a larp for this past weekend 🙃
My sewing machine has to go in for servicing because it lightly clunks (3 years delay) and I've got to get it there on a dolly on public transport (bus and tram then a walk or two buses and a shorter walk - it's an hour of travelling either way). It's not happening soon. *sigh*
@@AshLG 😆 honestly, the only reason I have it scheduled is because I booked it 1,5 months ago. It's two years overdue. I am just utterly thankful it happened now and not last month when I was working on a major commission.
@@margaretkaraba8161 2 year delay here. I don't have such a long trip but I have the same issue. I am still constantly considering cancelling my spot. But can we make each other a promise? I keep my spot and you schedule one? :)
I have many yoga pants in my mend pile due hungry thighs that can only be satisfied with pants fabric. I also have an 18th century gown I made that I've started to alter to fit me better but then left to start four other projects 😂
My 'pile' are of alterations I cannot complete until I lose roughly 5 stone (70 pounds) of Lockdown and mourning (My Dad, 2020) depression weight. They're in a good bag, away in a corner so they're not immediately visible/in the way. They'll get done when they get done. Other mending gets put in my way so I have to finish it. The (to me) significant pile of "things to do" is my 20 unfinished knitting projects. That's going to take a while. . .
I have four projects that are currently in progress or UFOs, 1780s stays, a quilt, a shift and a zero waste shirt. Perhaps I should make a list of the things my wardrobe desperately needs as my goal.
Its now June, but! Guess what about those UFOs, theres one left, the quilt. It also turns out that having no UFOs is bad for me, but hey thats good to know I guess?
I really enjoyed the opening talk about holidays and actually using them to pause the everyday grind of this late capitalist hellscape. It definitely rang true and gave me plenty to think about.
for the twelve days of Christmas traditionally, here in Bavaria, you aren't supposed to even do too much housework. So, for example: no laundry. (I did do some laundry, but lots less than usual.) But this year I did take the whole "hang out and eat stuff" aspect very seriously. And I can report: enjoyable. Thankfully my pile consists of only one item: a duster/ coat that I started making and didn't have the patience to work on carefully last year.
glad I could help out even a teeny tiny amount! I don't really pay attention to the new year or allot any sort of big new project for the occasion, but currently am bearing in mind projects that would be good to complete before top surgery (in two months? oop) when I probably won't be able to do much 👀
Oh god, this is going to be a list. - Two dresses that I made before I understood how to put on the binding, and so it keeps coming loose, - A surcote that has lost one of its side ties and to which I decided needed a second front tie, that's all held together with pins I literally just need to sew it down, - A petticoat that I made out of quilted material and needs the waistband redoing because the fabric was heavier than I allowed for, - A blue pre-Raphaelite inspired gown which is cut out and has had one sleeve attached, I sewed one side seam up and then realised I had done it inside out, unpicked it and then gave up, - A yellow dress that I spent forever finishing the 8 gores and then had my interest die the second I started attaching them, - A chemise that needs the hem raised, - Another chemise that needs the inside seams finished better because it is unravelling, - A blue kirtle that needs some TLC after a year of LARPing, - A woollen cloak I bought that needs the hem shortened and a non-scratchy lining put in, - And finally, the thing I need to finish in two weeks before I go to a LARP - a Renaissance gown. The bodice is done on that, but I need to add the trim onto the skirts, hem the skirts, sew the skirts onto the bodice, and then do up the sides of the skirts so that it is actually A dress and not two halves of a dress. And that's not including the numerous leggings and t-shirts that have holes that I keep saying I am going to fix, because once something is in the washing pile, it no longer exists Ugh, thanks for the reminder I guess
This challenge pleases me immensely - I already had “finish at least 12 WIPs this year” on my list of Stuff to Work On. If we count The Pile as things that need mending, I’m at 22. Works in Progress add another 16, plus a stack of face washers that need hemming (old towels from the overflowing linen closet are heaps cheaper than buying new, it turns out). And another 6 things that either need pulling apart for materials, or alterations to fit me properly. Some of those suckers are massive, eg the cross stitch that’s 270x196 stitches big (I’ve done less than 10%). I’m definitely starting with the smaller mends for this challenge 😅
I decided to outsource my mending: my New Year's gift is a trip to the tailor! I actually am working on big bold fancy things right now, but I started those in November. I spent 3 weeks of December horribly sick, so I actually did get rest in the holidays and am itching to get back into the swing of things, and handsewing is one of the gentler things I can do for myself, right now, to feel back in the driver's seat.
i am EIGHT MINUTES into this video, and I've already finished mending a skirt I've been putting off since MAY. SINCE FRELLING. MAY. thank you. thank you so much. motivation is apparently stored in the youtube.
Oh I love this! You always have the best ideas and challenges!! I will check out my piles and be back with a count. Though I do know that there’s one that’s been in the pile for untold years that will be there for untold years more. Or at least until I dedicate some time to finding 1970’s polyester of a similar weight to fix the quilt my aunt made
Ok my aunts quilt is as I said is there. There’s 4 pairs of pants that need patches, 1 pair of pjs that needs sleeve hems (he’s also out grown them), darning one sock. Oh and snow pants daughter brought me a pair that needs mending. There’s also a few that need reinforcement on the cuffs. Children drag snow pant hems fabric always losses against sidewalks!
Oh I forgot my winter coat it needs buttons put back on lol. For a few years I’ve just held it closed it’s not like it’s my really cold winter coat. My it’s -20 or colder coat has all it’s closures!!!
"union backed holidays" oh, the way I laughed until I cried. Happy new year, Ash, may it be whatever you need it to be, and bring you joy and health and security.
This is such a fantastic idea! I also have a pile of easily fixed items that I was too emotionally exhausted at the time to finish (or mend in the case of wardrobe clothes). And it is true that I never seem to find the time to do them…❤
My January will be spent tidying my flat in order to get it in a functional condition: move bed away from radiator, install desk in tiny closet (which will eventually be a TARDIS, though it's smaller on the inside), restructure the storage in my multipurpose room (currently known as The Holodeck), and set up a sewing station. All stitching projects are indefinitely on hold.
Love this! I got pretty burnt out early in December and decided no new projects for the rest of December or January. *BUT* I would use this time to clear out my mending pile and attack some of my UFOs that are almost finished. Some things that were on my mending pile were as simple as a button needing to be reattached or needing elastic in a waistband. Some stuff isn't as easy to cross of my list, like needing to overdye a white shirt that got washed with something red and now the armpits are pink. Can't wait to see how many projects we're able to cross off our lists!
This is absolutely wonderful. If I hadn't already started the new project back in December, I would be right there with you. The Pile is currently tucked away on a shelf and documented on my white board, so at least the inventory is done.
tackling the pile in January is a wonderful idea. mine was tackled in november because we needed the room to do a 10 player magic the gathering game... yeah sometimes priorities :P so my pile now is at 3 things only. love your videos !
Finish off stuff, repair stuff! I cheated as I decided to get all of my repairs and alterations done in December in anticipation of getting some projects started. So my tally is 0, this includes the mountain of ironing that needed to be done. Now I'm not one for making BIG plans for the new year so the projects I had in mind in 2022 are the same for 2023 which involves a few tops, a wrap dress and a skirt. Love to see the new overlocker in action, I dream of having one, oh one last thing. I still want to turn your lovely curtains into either a bag or a skirt.
I looked at the title of this video, again. According to just that, I am still on task. (No "big projects" started.) My first week, I sewed almost three times my weekly average (compared to last year). Since I don't have any tiny projects, I don't believe I am exactly in the same box as you. Even my *huge* projects, not quite The Pile, more giant mending, mostly alterations... well, they are as big as many of my full sized projects would be.
For your delicate lace dress look up needle lace for the pattern and techniques that might help you. I have an unfinished bodice in a bag that’s just the cut out fabric pieces for a paper pattern that I have lost and want to make more of. The same with an unfinished polyester taffeta coat, and the same pattern almost finished of a cotton velveteen. I’m going to check the other bits shortly.
You could also take white netting, bridge/patch the holes and sew on top of that - it might show a bit, but it'll make some of those holes a little less daunting - and support the fabric edges.
My “pile” is video editing: I have at least 4 big project videos and 2-3 small videos that have been stuck in the editing “pile” for at least 6 months. I haven’t been feeling as creative as I dread the editing backlog. I think it is hopefully a reasonable goal to get 3 videos through the rough cut stage which is the stage I avoid the most by the end of January. Thanks for being so real!
I'm at uni right now, so my Pile is rather limited (back home there's an Aesthetic Dress from that free pattern that went around in 2021ish that's cut out but not at all sewn up because I don't know how to neckline). I have a tiny decorative pillow that needs fabric stuffing, a pair of trousers with a halfway done alteration, and an in-progress knitted shawl. If I finish even one project amidst coursework & extracurriculars I'll count it a win!
Believe it or not, I actually don’t have a Pile. I just don’t have room for that kind of thing. My project storage is a wall thing for kids’ toys from IKEA that has six pockets. Which means at any one time I can have six projects (fewer if they’re larger and occupy multiple pockets), and if I ever try to exceed that limit, the only place to put the overflow would be in my bed, which I need for sleeping, so not an option. The problem I encounter is that I’ll come up with an idea of what I want to do next when I have an empty pocket, but by the time the empty pocket occurs, I will inevitably have forgotten my idea. In fact, I just emptied a pocket last week and have no clue what I had planned to start next. But that’s okay, at the moment I don’t feel any huge urge to start something new, I really would rather finish what I’ve got right now. Well… most of it, there’s one I just don’t wanna.
I've already committed to starting my big organizing project in January, but am finishing off a few smaller ones that have been languishing for years first. One more small one to finish up, then to sort out the game room/office. Also bookmarking this video for next January, when I'll definitely look into tackling my piles of fabric projects. Thank you so much for this idea! I think it's just the approach that fits the month here in the northern hemisphere, and I wish I'd thought of it last year when January was so bleak. Best of luck on your piles!
I can tell you now I won't beat you. I have a top that I need to resew the side of a blouse, an old top to undo to make a pattern of it, I have to mend 2 pullovers, 2 Leggings and one pair of jeans, and I'm one of the slowest sewers that exist. So will see how much I did.
Thank you, Ash, I love this. My TBD/TBF (to be fixed) pile is far smaller but I’ve been sewing far shorter. In my TBD “pile” is buy a *^#%! sewing machine. Hello decision fatigue! But I’m up to the challenge! I think.
I hadn't actually realized that I started on my pile last month. My gambeson had sleeves attached like a shirt so I made them removable and my faux fur mantle needed a hook fastener. I am somehow down to only four projects either started or still in planning.
Well, I didn't get much work done on The Pile in January, but I picked away at a couple of things, and finished a nightgown and a shirt. I currently have.. uhhh... I'll go count. Ok, not including the nearly complete jacket I'm actively working on and hope to finish this weekend, I have 20 unfinished things on The Pile, and 3 pairs of trousers that need patching, and some waistcoats that need to be let out, and that's not even counting the things I've done pattern drafting or samples for but haven't started cutting out yet :( Then there's another box of things that are pre-transition and will never fit me again. (I've already given some away to a theatre company, but for some I need to find a way to re-use the bits I have. What does one do with a partially hand quilted petticoat made of bad quality silk dupioni? None of the areas of quilting are big enough to re-use for anything, and the pattern is so elabourate that it would be hard to fill in the gaps quickly.) Some of them are pretty time consuming projects, but some could be done pretty quickly. Maybe if I write them all down in a list and pin it to the wall next to my table it'll motivate me to do them so I can cross them off. Update: I have tacked a list to my wall, and it's very very long, but some of them are pretty small and quick and might get done sooner now. Congrats on finishing some things!!
Last year I just moved - with my Pile. It's horrible! I did throw some unfinished projects or alterations into donations or textile recycling, but I think I still have too much left. Just when does one even have energy to look at the Pile?
Me with my fake log gas fire: I can't work, the Yule log is burning
Oh. The pile. The problem of being a mixed-media human is I have the unfinished in leatherwork, sewing, mending, and project planning. Le sigh. I'm starting with the FR competition entry - which I've been putting off for the last several months. I'm doing a version of a 1950's westkit that will be embroidered a la the Tristan wedding quilt. I've been putting it off because I've let the pattern upsizing get the better of me. I was able to get a scholarship membership to the FR so it feels like an obligation I should do. Which is good, because I really want a vest that fits me for the very first time in my life.
The main goal for this year is finally make my wardrobe out of the stash I've accumulated over Covid-time.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I was thinking, "Wow, it sounds like Ash's going through my sewing room (and my sleeping habits)," and then you said -- The Pile! I laughed out loud and scared a couple of cats. I, literally, just finished excavating The Pile, yesterday. I thought I was the only one who had a pile named The Pile. And, yes, the same kind of things!
I have similar goals (even though I can't say it with a straight face.) AND, I think I have finally figured out how The Pile gets started, so my long term goal is not to give in to gathering the shiny squirrels that eventually become The Pile. I have a nasty habit of pulling interesting projects out of where ever they are kept, whenever I am hunting through The Stash, and then setting them out so I can work on them. (And thus The Pile is born.) And, in fact, I did that very thing last night. I pulled out two skirts that are cut and overlocked but not sewn. AAARGH! I really want to stop doing that. I am in the process of making a list, with pictures, of these shiny squirrels, and putting them (the projects) back in the containers I originally got them from.
I can't tell you how many projects were in The Pile, but I can tell you that my Pile took up a space almost exactly 3 feet by three feet by three feet. It fit on the floor between my sewing table and my cutting table, and came up just a little higher than the top of both.
Here's to Sewing From The Stash, and NOT making The Pile!
I cross fingers for you 🤞
I had to give up temporarily on sewing - a long-term houseguest means that ALL my projects are in the smallest room in the house, and I have to move things from one point to another every time I want to use my computer, or the iron, or …. But I did rediscover my yarns and crochet hooks in the fall and have been doing that instead. It’s nice to have progress, and it has really got me itching to work on some items for myself. So my goals for the beginning of the year in addition to taking care of some medical things are a) reorganize all the items in the three rooms that were rearranged for the houseguest (once he leaves), b) finish the mock-up of my first-ever shift and make a good version in the linen I have had for a couple of years, c) look more-closely at The Typical Tudor and a couple of other resources for “regular people” in the late medieval/early renaissance and make a kirtle and simple accessories [multiple steps from design to mockup to final] that works okay whether I am using crutches or wheelchair. I really want to have it finished by the end of July, but end of the year would still work. I think that one project will be plenty. If I need smaller projects just to get some momentum going I might make a T-tunic for generic medieval-ish events and simple, smaller accessories that I can do when I can’t move much. I can do those even if the guest has to extend his stay again. That, and do my day job…. 😂 It all feels manageable until I remember I have to work around teaching, planning, and grading!
before I can work on things in The Pile. I first have to find The Pile. it is in a box. or a bag. one of these.
Perhaps I can darn all the socks
I'm not mending with you cause I'm in training at work but I'm with you in spirit!
I still have a bag somewhere with a partially cut out pattern in it from about 30 years ag. I am sure I will finish it one day, when i can find it... :).
You can do it!
What a wonderful January project!
Last year was mostly The Pile
(About "90%" of my sewing was The Pile, all by hand.)
Honestly, I found it more motivating not to count every single hour. That said, there were almost 300 estimated hours.
Several were multiple mendings of frequently used items.
12 reclaimed beloved clothes, that now fit my new shape!
I have several items piling up already, and a *huge* amount of others that I hope to do this year.
What I can do is log hours & delineate projects as I go. I don't expect many will be less than one hour, and, I predict most will be several hours.
I figure, if I set aside the project I am currently fussing with, it will become part of The Pile (tbh, I had put it in the pile for a few days, anyway & just took it out to move forward, literally with this video). So, probably, it will be my first to fiddle with, until I get it how I want it & can wear it.
I went through my box of things to alter and basically just decided to donate it most of it. most of it is in good shape, just with some detail that I want to change (like taking in the shoulders or replacing buttons) but it's been sitting there long enough that I'm just admitting to myself I'm never gonna do it lol
I commend you 😀
Good job knowing yourself
I think I should donate most of my alterations as well. I don't think I'll get back to those sizes soon enough anyway.
This is the best challenge I’ve seen for beginning a new year. Bravo and thank you for the encouragement, Ash!
If I wasn’t doing tasks for costuming my child’s theater performance this month, I would be all in!
Instead, I think I’ll put this challenge off to February. And then, I shall do it!
I have three big ikea boxes of projects. I can't tell you all there's in there but I can promise you I will find out and get to it.... First up though: My sewing machine is going to the repair shop. Crossing fingers it will be done quickly. I had it scheduled already but it died last Thursday as I was working on a waistcoat for a larp for this past weekend 🙃
Part of the reason I’m doing so much hand sewing is I need to get the machine serviced!
My sewing machine has to go in for servicing because it lightly clunks (3 years delay) and I've got to get it there on a dolly on public transport (bus and tram then a walk or two buses and a shorter walk - it's an hour of travelling either way). It's not happening soon. *sigh*
@@AshLG 😆 honestly, the only reason I have it scheduled is because I booked it 1,5 months ago. It's two years overdue. I am just utterly thankful it happened now and not last month when I was working on a major commission.
@@margaretkaraba8161 2 year delay here. I don't have such a long trip but I have the same issue. I am still constantly considering cancelling my spot. But can we make each other a promise? I keep my spot and you schedule one? :)
I have many yoga pants in my mend pile due hungry thighs that can only be satisfied with pants fabric. I also have an 18th century gown I made that I've started to alter to fit me better but then left to start four other projects 😂
My 'pile' are of alterations I cannot complete until I lose roughly 5 stone (70 pounds) of Lockdown and mourning (My Dad, 2020) depression weight. They're in a good bag, away in a corner so they're not immediately visible/in the way. They'll get done when they get done. Other mending gets put in my way so I have to finish it. The (to me) significant pile of "things to do" is my 20 unfinished knitting projects. That's going to take a while. . .
I have four projects that are currently in progress or UFOs, 1780s stays, a quilt, a shift and a zero waste shirt. Perhaps I should make a list of the things my wardrobe desperately needs as my goal.
Its now June, but! Guess what about those UFOs, theres one left, the quilt. It also turns out that having no UFOs is bad for me, but hey thats good to know I guess?
I really enjoyed the opening talk about holidays and actually using them to pause the everyday grind of this late capitalist hellscape. It definitely rang true and gave me plenty to think about.
for the twelve days of Christmas traditionally, here in Bavaria, you aren't supposed to even do too much housework. So, for example: no laundry. (I did do some laundry, but lots less than usual.) But this year I did take the whole "hang out and eat stuff" aspect very seriously. And I can report: enjoyable.
Thankfully my pile consists of only one item: a duster/ coat that I started making and didn't have the patience to work on carefully last year.
glad I could help out even a teeny tiny amount! I don't really pay attention to the new year or allot any sort of big new project for the occasion, but currently am bearing in mind projects that would be good to complete before top surgery (in two months? oop) when I probably won't be able to do much 👀
Oh god, this is going to be a list.
- Two dresses that I made before I understood how to put on the binding, and so it keeps coming loose,
- A surcote that has lost one of its side ties and to which I decided needed a second front tie, that's all held together with pins I literally just need to sew it down,
- A petticoat that I made out of quilted material and needs the waistband redoing because the fabric was heavier than I allowed for,
- A blue pre-Raphaelite inspired gown which is cut out and has had one sleeve attached, I sewed one side seam up and then realised I had done it inside out, unpicked it and then gave up,
- A yellow dress that I spent forever finishing the 8 gores and then had my interest die the second I started attaching them,
- A chemise that needs the hem raised,
- Another chemise that needs the inside seams finished better because it is unravelling,
- A blue kirtle that needs some TLC after a year of LARPing,
- A woollen cloak I bought that needs the hem shortened and a non-scratchy lining put in,
- And finally, the thing I need to finish in two weeks before I go to a LARP - a Renaissance gown. The bodice is done on that, but I need to add the trim onto the skirts, hem the skirts, sew the skirts onto the bodice, and then do up the sides of the skirts so that it is actually A dress and not two halves of a dress.
And that's not including the numerous leggings and t-shirts that have holes that I keep saying I am going to fix, because once something is in the washing pile, it no longer exists
Ugh, thanks for the reminder I guess
This challenge pleases me immensely - I already had “finish at least 12 WIPs this year” on my list of Stuff to Work On.
If we count The Pile as things that need mending, I’m at 22. Works in Progress add another 16, plus a stack of face washers that need hemming (old towels from the overflowing linen closet are heaps cheaper than buying new, it turns out). And another 6 things that either need pulling apart for materials, or alterations to fit me properly.
Some of those suckers are massive, eg the cross stitch that’s 270x196 stitches big (I’ve done less than 10%). I’m definitely starting with the smaller mends for this challenge 😅
There is a lovely lady on youtube who is working on 30 years worth of backlogged projects. Hundreds by her count. This looks easier!
I decided to outsource my mending: my New Year's gift is a trip to the tailor!
I actually am working on big bold fancy things right now, but I started those in November. I spent 3 weeks of December horribly sick, so I actually did get rest in the holidays and am itching to get back into the swing of things, and handsewing is one of the gentler things I can do for myself, right now, to feel back in the driver's seat.
i am EIGHT MINUTES into this video, and I've already finished mending a skirt I've been putting off since MAY. SINCE FRELLING. MAY. thank you. thank you so much. motivation is apparently stored in the youtube.
Oh I love this! You always have the best ideas and challenges!!
I will check out my piles and be back with a count. Though I do know that there’s one that’s been in the pile for untold years that will be there for untold years more. Or at least until I dedicate some time to finding 1970’s polyester of a similar weight to fix the quilt my aunt made
Ok my aunts quilt is as I said is there. There’s 4 pairs of pants that need patches, 1 pair of pjs that needs sleeve hems (he’s also out grown them), darning one sock. Oh and snow pants daughter brought me a pair that needs mending. There’s also a few that need reinforcement on the cuffs. Children drag snow pant hems fabric always losses against sidewalks!
Oh I forgot my winter coat it needs buttons put back on lol. For a few years I’ve just held it closed it’s not like it’s my really cold winter coat. My it’s -20 or colder coat has all it’s closures!!!
"union backed holidays"
oh, the way I laughed until I cried.
Happy new year, Ash, may it be whatever you need it to be, and bring you joy and health and security.
This is such a fantastic idea! I also have a pile of easily fixed items that I was too emotionally exhausted at the time to finish (or mend in the case of wardrobe clothes). And it is true that I never seem to find the time to do them…❤
I have family coming from overseas to stay in February yay! I have to turn two craft/storage rooms into bedrooms by February….
Oh, what a challenge. Best of luck!
My January will be spent tidying my flat in order to get it in a functional condition: move bed away from radiator, install desk in tiny closet (which will eventually be a TARDIS, though it's smaller on the inside), restructure the storage in my multipurpose room (currently known as The Holodeck), and set up a sewing station. All stitching projects are indefinitely on hold.
Love this! I got pretty burnt out early in December and decided no new projects for the rest of December or January. *BUT* I would use this time to clear out my mending pile and attack some of my UFOs that are almost finished. Some things that were on my mending pile were as simple as a button needing to be reattached or needing elastic in a waistband. Some stuff isn't as easy to cross of my list, like needing to overdye a white shirt that got washed with something red and now the armpits are pink. Can't wait to see how many projects we're able to cross off our lists!
I have several crochet projects started and actually finished one from last year. But I continue to start new ones. Your cat is beautiful.
This is absolutely wonderful. If I hadn't already started the new project back in December, I would be right there with you. The Pile is currently tucked away on a shelf and documented on my white board, so at least the inventory is done.
tackling the pile in January is a wonderful idea. mine was tackled in november because we needed the room to do a 10 player magic the gathering game... yeah sometimes priorities :P so my pile now is at 3 things only. love your videos !
Finish off stuff, repair stuff! I cheated as I decided to get all of my repairs and alterations done in December in anticipation of getting some projects started. So my tally is 0, this includes the mountain of ironing that needed to be done. Now I'm not one for making BIG plans for the new year so the projects I had in mind in 2022 are the same for 2023 which involves a few tops, a wrap dress and a skirt. Love to see the new overlocker in action, I dream of having one, oh one last thing. I still want to turn your lovely curtains into either a bag or a skirt.
I looked at the title of this video, again. According to just that, I am still on task.
(No "big projects" started.)
My first week, I sewed almost three times my weekly average (compared to last year).
Since I don't have any tiny projects, I don't believe I am exactly in the same box as you. Even my *huge* projects, not quite The Pile, more giant mending, mostly alterations... well, they are as big as many of my full sized projects would be.
For your delicate lace dress look up needle lace for the pattern and techniques that might help you. I have an unfinished bodice in a bag that’s just the cut out fabric pieces for a paper pattern that I have lost and want to make more of. The same with an unfinished polyester taffeta coat, and the same pattern almost finished of a cotton velveteen. I’m going to check the other bits shortly.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check it out
@@AshLG I’m terrified of messing up anything lace related but I’m trying to learn how to make it so that I can repair it properly 🤦🏼♀️ it’s a thing
You could also take white netting, bridge/patch the holes and sew on top of that - it might show a bit, but it'll make some of those holes a little less daunting - and support the fabric edges.
My “pile” is video editing: I have at least 4 big project videos and 2-3 small videos that have been stuck in the editing “pile” for at least 6 months. I haven’t been feeling as creative as I dread the editing backlog. I think it is hopefully a reasonable goal to get 3 videos through the rough cut stage which is the stage I avoid the most by the end of January. Thanks for being so real!
I'm at uni right now, so my Pile is rather limited (back home there's an Aesthetic Dress from that free pattern that went around in 2021ish that's cut out but not at all sewn up because I don't know how to neckline). I have a tiny decorative pillow that needs fabric stuffing, a pair of trousers with a halfway done alteration, and an in-progress knitted shawl. If I finish even one project amidst coursework & extracurriculars I'll count it a win!
Believe it or not, I actually don’t have a Pile. I just don’t have room for that kind of thing. My project storage is a wall thing for kids’ toys from IKEA that has six pockets. Which means at any one time I can have six projects (fewer if they’re larger and occupy multiple pockets), and if I ever try to exceed that limit, the only place to put the overflow would be in my bed, which I need for sleeping, so not an option. The problem I encounter is that I’ll come up with an idea of what I want to do next when I have an empty pocket, but by the time the empty pocket occurs, I will inevitably have forgotten my idea. In fact, I just emptied a pocket last week and have no clue what I had planned to start next. But that’s okay, at the moment I don’t feel any huge urge to start something new, I really would rather finish what I’ve got right now. Well… most of it, there’s one I just don’t wanna.
I've already committed to starting my big organizing project in January, but am finishing off a few smaller ones that have been languishing for years first.
One more small one to finish up, then to sort out the game room/office.
Also bookmarking this video for next January, when I'll definitely look into tackling my piles of fabric projects.
Thank you so much for this idea! I think it's just the approach that fits the month here in the northern hemisphere, and I wish I'd thought of it last year when January was so bleak.
Best of luck on your piles!
This is a great idea, I've been wanting to make a sizable dent in my pile, which is a bag that's overflowing
I have the other ADHD uber-motivator: deadlines! Big projects it is... 😅
I can tell you now I won't beat you. I have a top that I need to resew the side of a blouse, an old top to undo to make a pattern of it, I have to mend 2 pullovers, 2 Leggings and one pair of jeans, and I'm one of the slowest sewers that exist. So will see how much I did.
You can do it!
Thank you, Ash, I love this. My TBD/TBF (to be fixed) pile is far smaller but I’ve been sewing far shorter. In my TBD “pile” is buy a *^#%! sewing machine. Hello decision fatigue! But I’m up to the challenge!
I think.
I hadn't actually realized that I started on my pile last month. My gambeson had sleeves attached like a shirt so I made them removable and my faux fur mantle needed a hook fastener. I am somehow down to only four projects either started or still in planning.
Well, I didn't get much work done on The Pile in January, but I picked away at a couple of things, and finished a nightgown and a shirt. I currently have.. uhhh... I'll go count.
Ok, not including the nearly complete jacket I'm actively working on and hope to finish this weekend, I have 20 unfinished things on The Pile, and 3 pairs of trousers that need patching, and some waistcoats that need to be let out, and that's not even counting the things I've done pattern drafting or samples for but haven't started cutting out yet :(
Then there's another box of things that are pre-transition and will never fit me again.
(I've already given some away to a theatre company, but for some I need to find a way to re-use the bits I have. What does one do with a partially hand quilted petticoat made of bad quality silk dupioni? None of the areas of quilting are big enough to re-use for anything, and the pattern is so elabourate that it would be hard to fill in the gaps quickly.)
Some of them are pretty time consuming projects, but some could be done pretty quickly. Maybe if I write them all down in a list and pin it to the wall next to my table it'll motivate me to do them so I can cross them off.
Update: I have tacked a list to my wall, and it's very very long, but some of them are pretty small and quick and might get done sooner now.
Congrats on finishing some things!!
Last year I just moved - with my Pile. It's horrible! I did throw some unfinished projects or alterations into donations or textile recycling, but I think I still have too much left.
Just when does one even have energy to look at the Pile?
Me: wow, how does someone avoid such simple things for so long?
My pile: ಠ︵ಠ