a small sewing list

I find that my memory is not so good these days. It seems to me that as I get older, I forget recent things very easily (like where I put my keys and who I voted for in our last presidential election!!! Somehow that last one bugs me a lot!) and remember detailed but frivolous things from a long time ago (like what I wore on my first date with my husband 31 years ago). I have lots of things that I would like to knit, sew and crochet. They are swimming in my head, but then I forget them in the blink of an eye. And then when I want to start a new project, I lament that I can't find anything to knit or sew. Recently, I came across a useful blogpost on mapping your wardrobe and sewing your wants. I don't have any clue as to my wardrobe needs or wants, so I need to sit down and work it out in an organised way. My daughter, on the other hand, is very clear on her current "wants". Her wants come from clothes that she wished she had. She has been asking for 2 items.

1. First "want" is a skater skirt, a swingy circular skirt. What a coincidence! A long time ago, I saw a lovely photo of a skater in a circle skirt in Victoria magazine and I have always wanted to sew something like that. I have referenced some weblinks on how to make circular skirts.

http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2010/09/make-your-own-50s-circle-skirt/

http://www.patternschool.com/?page_id=526

http://boredandcrafty.com/?p=3221 - for a lined elastic waist circle skirt

http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-the-circle-skirt.html

http://www.grosgrainfabulous.com/2011/05/free-pattern-month-day-18-vivat-veritas.html

She wanted her skirt specifically in a wine red colour. After weeks of fabric hunting, I finally found the right fabric from a shop in People's Park. It's a heavy stretch crepe that would fall nicely with the right amount of drape and would not need to be lined. Instead of sewing a waistband, I am thinking of using this maroon elastic band that I have been saving.

2. Second "want" is a lace tank top with a contrasting black peter pan collar. A basic top to wear with shorts or skirts. I already have lace fabric and black satin in my fabric stash. As for the pattern, I am thinking of modifying the self-drawn pattern I used earlier for her cat tank top.

I recently added a small personal touch to one of my daughter's tops. The back has this interesting design. I sewed a bow to one of the bars. Why only one? Because that tiny bow was such a pain to make and one bow was all I had patience for :)