The Results of #ufosewjanuary

SO, now January is over, it's time to reflect on how I went in reducing the UFO pile. I am calling it a success, even though I didn't get through as much as I had wanted. I got through most of the refashioning/mending pile. The pieces that are left are mostly half done projects, which I have motivation to finish anyway. the month was a good time to force myself to do some small sewing jobs that usually get lost in the excitement of new fabric. I was also a bit slow as I did a number of paid sewing jobs over the month. Nothing too exciting; work pants hemming, sewing in labels for small businesses etc. The best thing is now I have more room in my small sewing space, and my mind is running fast with new projects.

So here are my finished projects:

This BHL Anna blouse fits so well, but with a side zip is hard to get on. I did a quick fix so the side zip is now open at the bottom. It's still tight to get on, but I shouldn't now be busting stitches and pulling muscles whilst getting dressed

 My brown velvet skirt. Fixed the hem, and stitched down the top facing to stop the lining flipping out.

 I hand stitched down the facing to stop it flipping out. this is such a good hot weather dress

 No "after" picture, but all I did was take off about six inches from the length to make it easier to wear.

 Halter dress to skirt for my sister.

 Replacing a busted zipper. Once I get proper photos I will do a blog post on this.

 Finally finished my bridesmaid fabric shirt dress. I am getting so much wear out of this

The 'third time lucky' blouse. This gorgeous piece deserves its own blog post

















I decided it was time for a few pieces to go, and also did some button salvaging. One or two pieces also went into "use fabric for other purposes" box.


So there you go! I'm hoping to finish off my other projects this month, as I also start new pieces. I was reunited last week with my cutting table, which I had missed so much this past year. It slots into the corner of our apartment, an I can roll it out when I am sewing. everything is now stored much neater, and I have cutting space. I am in the middle of sewing up a Mimi blouse in Liberty carline, so hope to share that soon.

UFOsewjanuary

This week I finally tidied my sewing area. My sewing area is really a bunch of tubs and boxes that live in the window box. There was fabric going everywhere, and it was good to spend an afternoon refolding and sorting. I finally got it very neat. One thing that stood out to me though was how many UFO's I have. I also have a whole bag of mending/refashioning.
After getting started on one new project this last wee, I have decided that I must tackle this problem before I get carried away with all my new sewing plans.
My resolution for January therefore is to deplete the UFO and the mending pile. Most things are almost finished. In many cases, the UFO's just need the finishing touches, and a good bit of the mending is neckline facings that have not been cooperating. This will then free up more sewing room, give myself a good pile of new clothes to wear (more finished item posts! yay!) and make me feel less messy every time I go to sew.

There will be a few exceptions. I have a few pieces of commission sewing this month, but luckily nothing too big. I am also giving myself a pass on a lot of the refashions. A few require the muslins of new patterns, and I also don't want a self imposed deadline to ruin good garments. I also do not have the time this month to learn bound button holes to revitalise a vintage kilt.

There will be a lot of hand sewing this month. The above picture is my refashioned-refashioned Liberty shirtdress. Almost there with that one. It will be a good excuse to watch Call the Midwife. Do any of you have good recommendations for BBC style costume drama that makes good watching whilst handsewing?

Lastly, I want to throw open this challenge to any one else that wants to use this month to burn through the UFO pile. I'll be posting on Instagram, and be doing a round up here at the end of the month. If you want to play along tag #UFOsewjanuary on instagram, and also tag me, @kaitlynssimplyvintage so I can see all your projects as you finish them up.

Do you have a massive UFO pile, or are you a disciplined finisher?