April Goals

Wow - time is just blowing by.  It's been a busy, busy couple of weeks.  I have a brand new granddaughter and took a week of holidays plus a couple of other days here and there to help out, plus two work trips, one to Hilton Head Island and the other to the Philly area.  It doesn't look like things will be slowing down any in the next few months for travel or work, but I really like keeping track of my goals and accomplishments, so I'll try to keep up with these posts for the time being.

Here's what I had hoped to accomplish in March (and the first week of April) and how I fared:

Sewing & Quilting

Before I get into the list, I will state it right off the bat - I haven't accomplished any of these items.  I *have* been sewing, just not on the things I chose at the time I wrote the last post. 

1. Start working on athletic wardrobe plan. 
2. Sew SOI Pussy Bow blouse out of cream lightweight crepe.
3. Finish Hounds and Howl quilt (piece border, finish flimsy, piece back, sandwich, quilt & bind).
4. Finish piecing the flimsy for the Garden quilt (and come up with a better name for it!!).
5. Make a pillowcase for Deklan.
6. Make a sleepsack for Baby Girl.

Despite the fact that I didn't accomplish anything on this list, I sewed three knit dresses for myself for one of my recent trips, two flannel change table covers and three flannel crib sheets for the new grandbaby.  I'm also in the midst of a quilt that I'm picking away at a bit at a time.  I really would like to get some of my athletic wardrobe sewn for a trip in the middle of May, but I'm not stressed about not accomplishing it if I don't get there - I have a lot of other options already made that I can take with me on my trip.  More of that below in my April goals.

Knitting & Spinning

1. Finish the orange baby sweater. I'm done the knitting,  I just have to seam up the underarms and sew on some buttons!
2. Finish Kettle Valley handspun shawl. Done!  It turned out amazing and prompted a lot of spinning so I can have more handspun to knit with!
3. Finish Noro No. 9 cowl. Also done!
4. Finish Deklan's Maple Leaf Cardigan. The knitting is done on this one too!  I've even sewed up the sleeves, but have to find and sew on the buttons.
5. Continue spinning daily for 15 minutes.YASSS!!!  I've been really enjoying spinning every morning as a meditative practice.  Plus, I end up with some gorgeous yarn!

Reading

1. Finish reading Kindred by Octavia Butler. Done!  It was easy to read due to the vocabulary and writing style, but the subject matter was very difficult for me to read.  Reading to me invokes images like HD movies or television in my head and this story brought horrifying images.
2. Choose the next fiction read. Done - I'm reading Raven Black, which is the first in the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves.  I have watched the entire series, but I can't for the life of me remember who the murderer was so reading it is quite the mystery!
3. Finish 9 Minutes on Monday by James Robbins.  I haven't finished this one yet, I blame the fact that it's a physical book rather than an e-book.  With all the travelling I've been doing I've been reading e-books over the physical books.  It's also living on my desk in my office and between all the travelling or vacation time I've taken in March, I just haven't read it.
4. Start The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins.  (Interesting - I just realized the two authors' last names were the same!) Finished!  I liked the message Mel Robbins wrote in this book, but the format was a bit "hit you over the head with the same message over and over again" which I got a bit tired of part way through. Regardless, this has book has made me re-evaluate my productivity level and how I'm working towards accomplishing certain goals.  I think I'm more productive as a result.

Health & Fitness

1. Continue with the cycling training program, get back on track and be on the bike 3-4 times per week. I've been biking when I've been home, but I was hardly home in March, again between the work trips, the holidays spent helping out my daughter after her baby was born, and ski days, I haven't been on the bike much.
2. Continue with the goal of being in bed by 10, lights out at 10:30. Well...see the excuses I gave in #1.  
3. Include stretching into my fitness program with yoga and classical stretch, 3x/week I haven't done this.  At.  All.  I miss stretching and yoga and these are more portable and absolutely feasible while I'm travelling, so I really have no excuses.  They also help keep me grounded and not so overwhelmed when things just get crazy with my schedule.
4. Journal and meditate daily for 10 minutes.  I've been meditating while spinning in the mornings when I've been at home.  I haven't been journalling and need to get some of the excess stuff out of my head.  I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed and journalling really does help.

So...what do I hope to accomplish for the remainder of April?

Sewing & Quilting

1. Pillowcase for my grandson Deklan
2. Two or three more change table covers for my granddaughter Everleigh's nursery
3. SOI Pussy Bow blouse in cream crepe
4. Continue working on Hounds and Howls quilt
5. Start athletic wardrobe

Knitting & Spinning 

1. Sew buttons on Everleigh's and Deklan's cardigan sweaters
2. Continue working on Plain Vanilla Turtleneck sweater
3. Spin 15 minutes daily when I'm at home
4. Research and start the next project using my own handspun yarn

Reading

1. Finish 9 Minutes on Monday
2. Finish Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
3. Finish Money, Master the Game by Tony Robbins
4. Choose the next fiction book

Health & Fitness

1. Continue with the cycling training program 
2. Be in bed by 10 pm, lights out at 10:30
3. Aim for 8000 steps daily
4. Classical Stretch or Yoga 3x/week
5. Schedule journalling sessions for myself 3x/week

Considering I'm out on another work trip for a couple of days again coming up, I'll be super surprised if I can tackle all of these, but it's good to aim high!

February Goal Review & March Goals

Wow - it's essentially halfway through March already!  I had a great February, albeit a busy, busy month with a trip to Utah for work, but I managed to get two ski days in the mountains in, followed by a three day vacation in Quebec with friends for more skiing, and then I wrapped up last week with a couple of days of skiing with my mom!  The weather was atrocious for most of February when I was at home, but the skiing days managed to be absolutely glorious!!  In between all of this, I've been ski patrolling as well on the weekends.

With all this busy-ness, I am currently feeling a bit overwhelmed with things, both at home and at work.  When I get stressed, I find that cleaning and decluttering helps me reframe myself.  I start this by writing a list of things I need to tackle - it makes me feel much more organized and better about things.  So in that frame of mind, here's my March goals update!

February's goals were:

Sewing & Quilting

1. Finish Warm Winter Sudoku wardrobe - this is almost finished.  I have one more blouse  I want to make (the Sew Over It Pussy Bow blouse), and possibly one more jacket, though I can sub this out for an existing cardigan.  I have been wearing the completed items and absolutely love them!
2. Plan the next capsule wardrobe - this one will be an athletic wear wardrobe I have done this, but need to review and finalize it.  I'd love to post my plans on this and hopefully, I'll have some time to do this soon!
3. Finish Baby Girl F's (my granddaughter!) Mermaid Quilt and crib sheets Done!  Baby Girl is going to be born tomorrow via c-section, so I'm really pleased that I got these items done before she arrived!

Knitting & Spinning

1. Finish M'Agatha sweater - this would be perfect to coordinate as an extra with my Warm Winter Sudoku Wardrobe! Nope, not yet.
2. Finish the orange baby sweater for Baby Girl F  I've picked this up again today so this will be carried over to March's goals.
3. Finish the last pair of 2018 socks Done!
4. Start Monkey Socks - nope, I haven't done this at all.  I totally got sidetracked by some other projects, both long languishing WIPs and new projects.
5. Knit a pair of socks for my grandson, Deklan nope.
6. Finish Deklan's Toronto Maple Leafs sweater nope.
7. Sew together Augusta cardigan and finish!  This would also coordinate really well with my Warm Winter Sudoku Wardrobe! nope.
8. Spin 15 minutes a day (when I'm not travelling) I wouldn't say I accomplished this goal, but I have made more time for spinning this past month.  I find it very meditative and am in the midst of a very enjoyable sweater spin.  I've also realized how lovely it is to knit with your own handspun and would love to knit with my current spin!

Reading

1. Finish current Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #2 by Martin Walker - I am absolutely loving these easy to read novels about Bruno, a former solider turned police chief in St. Denis, France.  
2. Start & finish Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #3 by Martin Walker
3. Start Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #4 by Martin Walker Done!  These were so easy to read and absolutely lovely with lots of descriptions of French daily life.  I've turned my mom onto this series as well and she's enjoying reading these books as much as I am!
4. Finish 9 Minutes on Monday by James Robbins I'm still reading this one.  I don't want to zoom through it but rather would like to read it and absorb the lessons to be learned.
5. Choose the next business/self-help book to read I've chosen The 5 Minute Rule by Mel Robbins.

Health

1. Continue cycling training program.  This includes cycling four-five days per week (I'm currently using a pretty plain-Jane stationary bike I bought in mid-December).  I'm finding the biking really boring, but try to make it more exciting by using the time to catch up on video podcasts.  I'm loving how strong I'm already starting to feel. I've fallen a bit off the bandwagon with this.  But, it's for no other reason than I've been skiing an incredible amount which is also working my leg muscles.
2. Aim to be in bed by 10 pm, lights out by 10:30 pm I'm pleased to report that I have pretty consistently been paying attention to my body and giving it the sleep it deserves.

Wow, I feel like I did get a lot accomplished in February, despite all my travel!  March is half over, and also a pretty busy month, but if I don't write them down, my goals won't happen, so here they are!

Sewing & Quilting

1. Start working on athletic wardrobe plan. 
2. Sew SOI Pussy Bow blouse out of cream lightweight crepe.
3. Finish Hounds and Howl quilt (piece border, finish flimsy, piece back, sandwich, quilt & bind).
4. Finish piecing the flimsy for the Garden quilt (and come up with a better name for it!!).
5. Make a pillowcase for Deklan.
6. Make a sleepsack for Baby Girl.

Knitting & Spinning

1. Finish the orange baby sweater.
2. Finish Kettle Valley handspun shawl.
3. Finish Noro No. 9 cowl.
4. Finish Deklan's Maple Leaf Cardigan.
5. Continue spinning daily for 15 minutes.

Reading

1. Finish reading Kindred by Octavia Butler.
2. Choose the next fiction read.
3. Finish 9 Minutes on Monday by James Robbins.
4. Start The 5 Minute Rule by Mel Robbins.  (Interesting - I just realized the two authors' last names were the same!)

Health & Fitness

1. Continue with the cycling training program, get back on track and be on the bike 3-4 times per week.
2. Continue with the goal of being in bed by 10, lights out at 10:30.
3. Include stretching into my fitness program with yoga and classical stretch, 3x/week
4. Journal and meditate daily for 10 minutes.

Whew, that seems like a lot, but I'm confident I can crush them!

February Goals

I'm not sure how enticing my goals posts are to the general public, but I really find them helpful for me to be accountable to anyone who reads my posts.  So, I'm going to continue on with them.  I'm not going to go back to my last goals post since it was so long ago, nor will I do a recap of my 2018 goals for the year.  I'll just jump in and outline my goals for February 2019.

Sewing & Quilting

1. Finish Warm Winter Sudoku wardrobe
2. Plan the next capsule wardrobe - this one will be an athletic wear wardrobe
3. Finish Baby Girl F's (my granddaughter!) Mermaid Quilt and crib sheets

Knitting & Spinning

1. Finish M'Agatha sweater - this would be perfect to coordinate as an extra with my Warm Winter Sudoku Wardrobe!
2. Finish the orange baby sweater for Baby Girl F
3. Finish last pair of 2018 socks
4. Start Monkey Socks
5. Knit a pair of socks for my grandson, Deklan
6. Finish Deklan's Toronto Maple Leafs sweater
7. Sew together Augusta cardigan and finish!  This would also coordinate really well with my Warm Winter Sudoku Wardrobe!
8. Spin 15 minutes a day (when I'm not travelling)

Reading

1. Finish current Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #2 by Martin Walker - I am absolutely loving these easy to read novels about Bruno, a former solider turned police chief in St. Denis, France.  
2. Start & finish Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #3 by Martin Walker
3. Start Bruno, Chief of Police, Book #4 by Martin Walker
4. Finish 9 Minutes on Monday by James Robbins
5. Choose next business book to read

Health

1. Continue cycling training program.  This includes cycling four-five days per week (I'm currently using a pretty plain-Jane stationary bike I bought in mid-December).  I'm finding the biking really boring, but try to make it more exciting by using the time to catch up on video podcasts.  I'm loving how strong I'm already starting to feel.
2. Aim to be in bed by 10 pm, lights out by 10:30 pm 

There you have it, February goals.  Let's see how hard I can crush these!

June Catch-Up and July Goals

Well, its a new month and I simply cannot believe how fast this year seems to be flying by.  I guess the adage about time moving faster as you get older is true!  In reviewing my June goals, it would appear that I set some pretty big ones for myself that may now in retrospect have been unattainable.  BUT... the great thing about crafting goals is that you can simply review, assess and make new goals for yourself.  I'm a super achiever, but crafting is supposed to be fun and a stress reliever for me, so beating myself up about not reaching my goals is not ok.  So I won't beat myself up, but just move on!

Here were my goals for June:

Knitting

1.  Finish Cupcakes in Vienna socks - these are my current mindless knit which are awesome for my jet lagged mind, and I'm loving The Yarn Jar's base and colourway.  You can find her shop here.  Also the memory of knitting on them on the rooftop terrace in Vienna, overlooking the spires of the Mexican Cathedral is inspiring me to finish. Done!
2.  Continue working on the second sleeve for the Custom Comfy Fade Cardigan.  It's currently too bloody hot to wear this (or even knit on it) but I will need (and want) it at some point this summer, and just can't wait to wear it when it's cool enough. I haven't touched this yet - it's been just too hot to work on this.
3.  Continue working on my April Switcheroo Socks - I need to recover from jet lag first as I do need to think a little while working on this pattern, but maybe I can get them done before July rolls around. Done!  These were actually easier than I remembered and I was able to finish them quickly!
4.  Start my May PSC socks - the yarn was wound before I left...Done!  Not only did I start these, I also finished them!

What wasn't on my list but what I did was to pick up one of my long languishing projects and work on it.  I'm feeling rather overwhelmed with all of the projects I've got on the go and would like to clear off some of the needles before starting anything new.  I've picked up the Traveller project (link to my Revelry works in progress is in the sidebar) and am working on this instead of a plain vanilla sock.

Sewing

1. Sew a pair of cropped Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers - these would make the perfect summer pants in a medium weight cotton, IMHO.  They would go very nicely with the new ballet flats I've purchased.  Plus I've got these on my #makenine2018. Nope.  My sewing mojo was limited in June because of the shirt dress project I chose.  
2.  Sew a Sew Over It Ella Blouse to coordinate with the aforementioned SOI Ultimate Trousers.  I have the perfect fabric picked out already, I just need to find some coordinating fabric for the pants.  Also on my #makenine2018. Also nope - see excuse in #1.
3.  The Beverly Bikini by Named Clothing.  While packing for my recent trip, I discovered I was woefully short on bathing suits I want to be seen in public in.  This would be perfect for a beach trip (yet to be scheduled, but now I've got an incentive for both!) I pulled the pattern and it's sitting on my  cutting table with fabric, so it's a start!  I needed a boost with a TNT project after my shirt dress disaster, and chose a bikini out of a modified Orange Boylston bra and Ohhh Lulu Sophia panty.  The bottoms are done and the top just needs the back closure.
4.  McCalls 7387 shirt dress.  While in Europe, I noticed SO. MANY. DRESSES.  I've wanted one of these shirtdresses forevahhh, and even have fabric already pulled. This is the fated projected that sucked my sewjo and ended up in the bin.  I'm crossing it off, despite not really finishing it.

Reading

1.  Finish the third book in the first Gail Bowen trilogy (Joanne Kilbourn mysteries).  I've got the next anthology on hold from the library, but who knows when I'll get it...Finished!  I've even downloaded the next anthology and have started reading it.
2.  Finish Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.  Anthony, I'll miss you.  You've got an amazing point of view on life, food and travel that I discovered only a few years ago.  I devoured your TV shows and now I'm working my way through your books.  Thank you for all you've shared.  I'm so very sad you struggled and couldn't carry on. I'm still working my way through this book.  I often read at bedtime, but going to bed late has made it difficult to do much reading.  That being said,  he writes so similarly to how he narrated his many TV shows, and this book is very enjoyable to read.
3.  Start another book by Anthony Bourdain (I purchased a few upon hearing about this death) I'll carry this over to my goals for July.
4.  Read Sisi by Allison Pataki.  Sisi was a beloved yet eccentric Austrian-Hungarian Habsburg Empress whose apartments I toured when in Vienna recently.  I read the first book about Sisi by Allison Pataki, called Accidental Empress and couldn't wait for the next book, Sisi, to be released.  Seeing her apartments reminded me of the release of the book, which I also subsequently purchased. I haven't started this one yet since the next Gail Bowen anthology came up for borrowing from the library and I started that one instead.  If this book was anything like the first one, it will be a quick and easy read that I'll start when I'm done the Gail Bowen books.

Health/Fitness

1. Continue yoga 3x/week. Accomplished!
2.  Start kickboxing and kettlebells workouts.  Dragonboat season is upon us and I really need to kick up the core workouts (see what I did there?! Kick...kickboxing...haha) Nope.  Didn't do any of either...
3.  Focus on incorporating more vegetables into my diet.  I am typically woefully short on them in my daily diet, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy them. I did well when I had time.  Then work got crazy and I relied too much on fast food/Skip the Dishes for eating and my veggie intake suffered.

Miscellaneous

I'm going to quit saying "Purge L'atelier."  It's starting to become one of those "Shoulds."  I want to enjoy the time in my sewing room, and sewing because I "hafta" isn't a reason to continue on with this hobby.  Yes, I have A. LOT. of stash.  Do I love it?  Mostly.  Will I use all of it?  Maybe.  So, I've decided that if I come across something I no longer love, I'll use it for a toile, or get rid of it without any guilt.  Mostly, I just want to sew when I'm down there. Ironic given the troubles I had with my sewjo this past month!  No worries, I'm gearing up for a great month!

Okie dokie.  Here are my July goals!

Knitting

1.  Finish Traveller project.

2.  Start and finish June PSC club socks.

3.  Start July PSC club socks.

Sewing

1.  Finish Boylston bathing suit top.

2.  Sew Beverly twist bikini set.

3.  Plan and start sewing Bonjour Ete Sudoku capsule wardrobe.

4.  Choose pattern and fabric from stash for my brother's wedding in August, and sew mockup/toile.

5.  Sew Deklan a beach coverup.

Reading

1.  Finish Gail Bowen's second anthology.

2.  Finish Kitchen Confidential.

3.  Start Sisi.

Health/Fitness

I'm going to stop listing yoga on this as a goal.  It would seem that I've managed to make this a habit.

1.  Some type of core training 3x/week, whether this be kickboxing, ab workouts, or plank challenges.

2.  Weight training 2x/week

That about sums it up.  Not sure if these are realistic or not, but that will remain to be seen!  What about you?  How are your summer goals coming along?

We're Halfway through 2018!

Well, my friends, it's been a while since I've done a check in.  Funnily enough, when I (mostly) finished my Spring in Prague SWAP, I told my mom I don't have any sewing plans and it felt really odd.  So, I figured I should do another check-in to review my goals and see where I'm at.

My May goals were these:

Knitting

1.  Finish the Custom Comfy Fade Cardigan I've been working on.  Gosh, I'm loving the way this is turning out.  I want to take it with me on my upcoming vacation, so there's a deadline.  I'm on the first sleeve, so it's still do-able! Well, I didn't finish this for my vacation, but I'm currently working on the second sleeve, so it's getting closer to being done.  It was too hot to wear on my vacation anyways...



Sewing

1.  Keep working on the Spring in Prague SWAP.  I don't have *that* much left, and I'm planning on a full sewing retreat weekend this weekend! I pretty much finished the SWAP in time for my vacation, with the exception of one top.  I did a post on the items I actually took along with me - which varied a bit from my original plans.  You can see that post here.

Reading

1.  Finish Three Days Road by Joseph Boyden. Done!  While not a happy read, it was an excellent book that kept my interest until the very end.  I highly recommend this book.
2.  Load up the Kindle for my upcoming vacation (any recommendations for books taking place in Prague?) Done!  I ended up starting The Early Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn by Gail Bowen (not related to Prague at all, but one my mom was reading as well and recommended), and I started reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain after I heard the horrible news of his untimely death.
3.  Continue reading Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg Done!

Health/Fitness

1. Be more diligent about what "fuel" I put into my body, and my reduce sugar intake. Well, vacation kind of did me in on this - I mean, beer in Prague, wine and Aperol Spritzes in Austria, "German" style potato salad and schnitzels, and the cheese, not to mention the daily cakes at coffee time! Walking between 10-20 km a day really helped me maintain my weight while I was away (yes, I am super proud of that!).  Mom and I often only ordered an appetizer each at lunch and split them, and typically only one piece of cake for the two of us at coffee time.  I am learning I am very rigid with myself and feel a large amount of guilt if I vary from my perception of what healthy is.  Being in Europe helped me realize that I can absolutely enjoy a lot more variety, but moderation is key for a healthy lifestyle.  Guilt is not helpful in any way.
2. Continue with my yoga practice, daily if possible. I did yoga once with Mom while we were away (and loved it - thanks Adriene!), and have already gotten back into my practice when I came back home. It makes a huge difference in how I start my day.
3. Add kettlebells and kickboxing into my routine. I haven't done this yet, but the intentions are good!
4.  Continue walking, daily if possible.  Today was absolutely ridiculously too hot for walking outdoors of any kind, but walking is another thing that makes me feel good.  I don't have to reach the 10-20 km a day that we were doing while I was away (yes, I absolutely am proud of that!) but certainly a few km in the morning and again at night, weather permitting make me feel better.

Miscellaneous

1. Continue cleaning and purging in L'Atelier.   I was amazed at how much stash I used for my Spring in Prague SWAP.  It feels good to work through it.  Being apart from my "stuff" while on holidays always makes me wonder how much of it I actually need, but coming home to it always makes me appreciate what I do have.  

Goals for June

Knitting

1.  Finish Cupcakes in Vienna socks - these are my current mindless knit which are awesome for my jet lagged mind, and I'm loving The Yarn Jar's base and colourway.  You can find her shop here.  Also the memory of knitting on them on the rooftop terrace in Vienna, overlooking the spires of the Mexican Cathedral is inspiring me to finish.
2.  Continue working on the second sleeve for the Custom Comfy Fade Cardigan.  It's currently too bloody hot to wear this (or even knit on it) but I will need (and want) it at some point this summer, and just can't wait to wear it when it's cool enough.
3.  Continue working on my April Switcheroo Socks - I need to recover from jet lag first as I do need to think a little while working on this pattern, but maybe I can get them done before July rolls around.
4.  Start my May PSC socks - the yarn was wound before I left...

Sewing

1. Sew a pair of cropped Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers - these would make the perfect summer pants in a medium weight cotton, IMHO.  They would go very nicely with the new ballet flats I've purchased.  Plus I've got these on my #makenine2018.
2.  Sew a Sew Over It Ella Blouse to coordinate with the aforementioned SOI Ultimate Trousers.  I have the perfect fabric picked out already, I just need to find some coordinating fabric for the pants.  Also on my #makenine2018.
3.  The Beverly Bikini by Named Clothing.  While packing for my recent trip, I discovered I was woefully short on bathing suits I want to be seen in public in.  This would be perfect for a beach trip (yet to be scheduled, but now I've got an incentive for both!)
4.  McCalls 7387 shirt dress.  While in Europe, I noticed SO. MANY. DRESSES.  I've wanted one of these shirtdresses forevahhh, and even have fabric already pulled.

Reading

1.  Finish the third book in the first Gail Bowen trilogy (Joanne Kilbourn mysteries).  I've got the next anthology on hold from the library, but who knows when I'll get it...
2.  Finish Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.  Anthony, I'll miss you.  You've got an amazing point of view on life, food and travel that I discovered only a few years ago.  I devoured your TV shows and now I'm working my way through your books.  Thank you for all you've shared.  I'm so very sad you struggled and couldn't carry on.
3.  Start another book by Anthony Bourdain (I purchased a few upon hearing about this death)
4.  Read Sisi by Allison Pataki.  Sisi was a beloved yet eccentric Austrian-Hungarian Habsburg Empress whose apartments I toured when in Vienna recently.  I read the first book about Sisi by Allison Pataki, called Accidental Empress and couldn't wait for the next book, Sisi, to be released.  Seeing her apartments reminded me of the release of the book, which I also subsequently purchased.

Health/Fitness

1. Continue yoga 3x/week.
2.  Start kickboxing and kettlebells workouts.  Dragonboat season is upon us and I really need to kick up the core workouts (see what I did there?! Kick...kickboxing...haha)
3.  Focus on incorporating more vegetables into my diet.  I am typically woefully short on them in my daily diet, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy them.

Miscellaneous

I'm going to quit saying "Purge L'atelier."  It's starting to become one of those "Shoulds."  I want to enjoy the time in my sewing room, and sewing because I "hafta" isn't a reason to continue on with this hobby.  Yes, I have A. LOT. of stash.  Do I love it?  Mostly.  Will I use all of it?  Maybe.  So, I've decided that if I come across something I no longer love, I'll use it for a toile, or get rid of it without any guilt.  Mostly, I just want to sew when I'm down there.

What ya working on?

May Update

Hello internet friends!  Wow!  Life got real busy, real fast.  Work is always busy in the spring, with outdoor maintenance crews gearing up and quite a few tradeshows.  Plus, I travel more in the spring, summer and fall weather, just because it is easier to schedule trips without the threat of snow!

As a result, I have been making sporadic, short trips into L'Atelier, without much to show for it as a result.  I even had to wear an "old" (aka previously premiered) dress to a banquet I recently attended!  This coming weekend is a long weekend here in Canada, and I'm very excited to be home for the weekend.  And instead of gardening all weekend, which I normally do for the May 2-4 long weekend, I'm planning on being in L'Atelier for a good portion of the time!

My last goals post was a while ago, so without further ado, here's how I fared on my April goals:

April Goals

Knitting

1.  Finish March PSC socks. Finished!  These turned out gorgeous, IMOH.  You can see them here.
2.  Start and finish April PSC socks.  I am using this as motivation to finish my March PSC socks (which I'm absolutely loving), but I won't even open the April package until the March ones are done! I've got the first sock done, and the second one started but totally got sidetracked with a cardigan that I want to take with me on an upcoming holiday.
3.  Finish Deklan's Sheepish Little Sweater - just the colourwork on the last sleeve to go! Done!  He's so adorable, don't you think?

4.  Choose and start a birthday present for Ben. Well, I chose the project, but haven't started it yet - shame, shame.  In my defense, he won't be able to wear it until the fall/winter anyways...

Sewing

1.  Finish Queen of Dots SWAP - one skirt to go!  I've been totally distracted by the Spring in Prague SWAP.  The fabric for this skirt is still sitting on the cutting table.  I do really want to make this because it matches a jacket I just finished, and I'd love to have it as a suit.  I think the reason I keep putting it off is that I want it to be more than a normal, boring pencil skirt and I'm not sure how to narrow down my ideas...
2.  Continue with Spring in Prague SWAP - at least two articles per week. Well, I'm slowly picking away at this, but not at this speed.  
3.  Schedule at least one full weekend day in April for a sewing retreat day. I got a day in and an hour here and there, but the full weekend didn't happen.  It's plenty okay though, I had loads of other activities and social events that kept me busy!
4.  Choose pattern and pull fabric for dress for the upcoming Ski Patrol Banquet in May. Well, I pulled fabric and chose a pattern, and even cut it out and had it half sewn, but I just ran out of time to get it done for the banquet.  I am still planning on finishing it - and I'll post it here when I do!

Reading

1.  Finish Deadly Communion, by Frank Tallis (the last book of the Libermann Papers series). Done!  What a great series.
2.  Start Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg. I've started this, and am really enjoying it.
3.  Chose next fiction read. I finished a few books over the past few months, and am currently reading Three Days Road.  This is not a happy story, but it is absolutely gripping and I am enjoying the read.

Health/Fitness

1.  Yoga 3x/week. I've been rocking this goal, making it to the mat almost every day.
2.  Kettlebells training 3x/week. Working out when you're travelling so often is hard.  I've managed to take my yoga practice with me, but can't figure out how to get a different workout in.  I'll keep trying.
3.  Walking 3x/week.  With the nicer weather, I've been able to walk regularly, and I'm loving the way my brain feels so clear after a walk outside.

Miscellaneous

1.  Continue with Atelier spring cleaning. It's an ongoing process.  Creativity is messy!

May Goals

Well, May is half over, but I still have a few goals for the month.  I'll try to remember to be kind to myself when I'm in planning mode!

Knitting

1.  Finish the Custom Comfy Fade Cardigan I've been working on.  Gosh, I'm loving the way this is turning out.  I want to take it with me on my upcoming vacation, so there's a deadline.  I'm on the first sleeve, so it's still do-able!



Sewing

1.  Keep working on the Spring in Prague SWAP.  I don't have *that* much left, and I'm planning on a full sewing retreat weekend this weekend!

Reading

1.  Finish Three Days Road by Joseph Boyden.
2.  Load up the Kindle for my upcoming vacation (any recommendations for books taking place in Prague?)
3.  Continue reading Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg

Health/Fitness

1. Be more diligent about what "fuel" I put into my body, and my reduce sugar intake.
2. Continue with my yoga practice, daily if possible.
3. Add kettlebells and kickboxing into my routine.
4.  Continue walking, daily if possible.

Miscellaneous

1. Continue cleaning and purging in L'Atelier.

March Check In, April Goals

Happy belated Easter everyone!  Here's how I spent my Easter Sunday:

This is not an April Fool's Joke, we actually had fresh snow yesterday and skiing conditions were excellent!  It was also our last day on the hill for the season, with a fabulous Easter dinner for our patrol family of roast lamb, roast ham, roast potatoes, dinner rolls, a fabulous green salad and banana cake with cream cheese icing for dessert.  My patrol family is amazing!  It was a bittersweet day knowing I won't be seeing them every weekend over the summer.

I realize that posts focusing on my goals may not be entirely exciting reading for everyone, but I think they make me more accountable to my goals.  This means my plans and hopes actually become goals that I work towards.  Well, mostly, anyway.  Here were my goals for March:

Knitting

1.  Choose a project that is currently in hibernation mode (on Ravelry) to start working on again. I'm thinking maybe the Stunning Lace Lux Poncho, just in time for summer?  It goes perfectly with my Queen of Dots SWAP clothing items. I did not do this.  I totally got carried away with my socks projects and birthday knitting and then things got really busy so I stuck to simple things I could take with me.  This month is another busy month work-wise, so I'm going to put this goal back on the back-burner for the time being.

2.  Finish Dad's birthday socks. Done!  They've even been gifted and are lovingly being worn!

3.  Start and finish March PSC socks. Honestly, these got some love, but I've only recently picked them up again after finishing the first sock.  I've just started the pattern on the foot of the second (toe-up) sock.  Various birthday knitting projects got in the way of my own personal knitting (I refuse to call it selfish knitting, because it's my hobby and I can do what I want including making gifts for others!)

4.  Choose, start and finish a birthday knit for my sister (her birthday is March 30).  Amy, if you're reading this, I'll be sending you a knitted something for your b-day! Done!  I knitted a pair of socks for her, which I have yet to mail...I also started and finished a pair of birthday socks for my youngest daughter's boyfriend.  

Sewing

1.  Finish the first phase of the Queen of Dots SWAP.  I only have two more pieces to go, with the majority of one finished. I finished the jacket, which took a lot longer than I had anticipated it would - I'll do a post on it soon.  I also had less sewing time than I had hoped this month.  And I totally got sidetracked by my Spring in Prague SWAP.  Lots of excuses.  I have the fabric and pattern for the last item, a skirt, sitting on my cutting table as I type.  I have a work conference coming up mid-April that I'm hoping to have this skirt for.

2.  Start the second phase (Extras) for the Queen of Dots SWAP. This has been put on hold for the time being.  My Spring in Prague SWAP has taken over my plans, as has the thought of spring in Ontario!

3.  Order the fold over elastic for the navy Fenway bra set. Done!

4.  Make the Harriet bra and a matching pantie.  Nope.  Again, less sewing time than I had hoped this month.

5.  Make activewear/yoga from the January 2018 Burda magazine. Again, this got put off.  I still want to make some new activewear, and have included the leggings in my travel wardrobe to take with me to Prague.

6.  Make the Kerrie sportsbra from Pin Up Girls patterns.  Nope...

Reading

1.  Start the next book in the Libermann Papers series by Frank Tallis. And actually read it.   I'm loving this series - I'm about half way through the last book, and am reading every night before going to sleep.

2.  Finish Crucial Conversations. Done!

Health/Fitness

1.  Dragonboat season is coming, and I'm woefully off my training routine.  I would like to gear up the training by re-introducing kettlebells and core workouts back into my routine, 3x/week.  Wow, I have no idea what happened with this goal.  I've been thinking a lot about it, but haven't done anything.  I guess the stresses in my day-to-day life have totally taken over and given me lots of excuses not to workout.  I realize that exercise would be excellent for me to cope with the stress, but I'm finding myself exhausted and unmotivated.  Then I feel guilty for not working out, and blame myself.  

Anyone else get in this horrible and uncalled-for cycle?  How do you deal with it?  How do you motivate yourself to workout?

2.  Continue with yoga 3x/week. I've fallen off this wagon too.  My yoga practice is in dire need to being restarted, and my body reminds me of this regularly.  I know I'm better for when I do yoga regularly - both physically and mentally.  Fresh start in April.

3.  Continue with getting outdoors (walking or skiing) 3x/week. I've been true to this.  I got a lot of skiing in in March, at least twice per week, and the weather has been a lot more pleasant for walking as well.  

Miscellaneous

1.  Choose a way to track and review my goals. I've been playing around with Trello, which makes a great electronic checklist, but it is only good if I review it on a regular basis.  I know there are other apps out there that keep your checklists, goals, reminders, etc. in one place.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

2.  Start spring cleaning my Atelier.  I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have down there again.  I need to go through my fabric and donate/toss some stuff!! I've done some of clearing out - mostly when I'm looking for a piece of fabric I know I have but can't easily put my hands on!  I've been ruthless when digging through boxes and bins, asking myself what I would make with the fabric I have and whether it's worth keeping it in my storage area.  I have a long way to go before I will be comfortable with what I have, and it's an ongoing process.

April Goals

Knitting

1.  Finish March PSC socks.

2.  Start and finish April PSC socks.  I am using this as motivation to finish my March PSC socks (which I'm absolutely loving), but I won't even open the April package until the March ones are done!

3.  Finish Deklan's Sheepish Little Sweater - just the colourwork on the last sleeve to go!

4.  Choose and start a birthday present for Ben.

Sewing

1.  Finish Queen of Dots SWAP - one skirt to go!

2.  Continue with Spring in Prague SWAP - at least two articles per week.

3.  Schedule at least one full weekend day in April for a sewing retreat day.

4.  Choose pattern and pull fabric for dress for the upcoming Ski Patrol Banquet in May.

Reading

1.  Finish Deadly Communion, by Frank Tallis (the last book of the Libermann Papers series).

2.  Start Leaning In, by Sheryl Sandberg.

3.  Chose next fiction read.

Health/Fitness

1.  Yoga 3x/week.

2.  Kettlebells training 3x/week.

3.  Walking 3x/week.

Miscellaneous

1.  Continue with Atelier spring cleaning.

There you have it.  Exciting, no?

Spring Travel Plans = Spring SWAP plans

Even though we've passed the spring equinox, our days aren't feeling very spring like.  The sun is shining brightly and longer, but it's still cold out.  Despite that, when the days get longer and sunnier, my thoughts turn towards spring.  And to me spring means a bright fun wardrobe.  I'm almost done the first phase of my current SWAP, with only two more items to go (a skirt and a jacket).  I've finished the pants but haven't blogged them yet.  BUT...I've also just booked plane tickets to go to Prague in June.  #soexcited

Travelling to me means SWAP or capsule wardrobe.  I travel with only a carry on bag, which means new SWAP is in order.

My first order of business when planning a SWAP or capsule wardrobe is always to browse - magazines, online, Pinterest, photographs, books.  In this case, I searched Pinterest for "Spring Wardrobe", "Spring Outfits" and "Prague Outfits".  When something catches my eye, I start my own board, specifically for that SWAP or season.  I keep pinning more and more outfits or photographs of anything that catches my eye.  When I have about twenty or thirty, I again take a closer look at what it is that catches my eye - in this case it was a combination of the colours coral and olive, and that the clothes were relaxed yet pretty and feminine.  Here's a perfect example of a colour palette I found on Pinterest:

The next step is to go digging through my stash.  My stash is expansive, so this always takes some time, but I always have so much fun stash-diving.  This time, I combined this with a bit of a sewing space clean out and donated/tossed some fabrics I know I won't be using (ever!).  I do the same thing with my fabrics as I did with Pinterest, just pull things that catch my eye, that fit the colour palette and fit the feeling of the collection that I'm going for.  I don't organize specific fabrics to specific patterns until later.  I found some good stuff:

 

The next thing I do to plan my travel wardrobe is to write the list of events I'll be attending, activities I'll be doing, as well as do a bit of research on the anticipated weather for the time of year I'll be travelling.  Am I travelling for work?  Am I travelling for pleasure?  Do I need certain clothes to do certain activities (swimming, hiking, biking, city walking, attending meetings or parties, etc.)?  I write an outline of the clothes I think I'll need - this is based off my travel  experience, my sewing experience with SWAP and a lot of research.  I have a standard formula of clothing items that seems to work really well (highlighted in bold below).  This formula can be suited towards any type of vacation, simply change the style of clothing required.  For example, the jacket can be either a suit jacket or blazer, or an athletic waterproof fabric, or a relaxed and cozy cardigan.

On this trip, I'll be doing mostly European city touristy/vacation type things - museums, in-town walking tours, art galleries, but I also like to dress for dinner, and there is the possibility of an evening reception or two.  So, I'm going for a business casual wardrobe with a dress or separates that can be dressed up a bit.

Here's what I'm thinking:

1.  Jacket, olive green cotton motorcycle style jacket, Kwik Sew 3764 (one of my Make Nine!)

2.  Pants #1 - Tan textured cotton Lander Pants, view C (another #makenine2018)

3.  Pants #2 - Vogue 8330 slim cut jeans in blush stretch "denim"

4.  Skirt #1 in a solid colour - Vogue 7805 in olive cotton

5.  Skirt #2 in a print or check - I'm switching this out to a pair of cropped wide-legged trousers in an olive medium weight linen/cotton blend - I'm thinking if the Lander Pants above is a success, why not use the same pattern but the cropped length (view B) for these?

6.  Top #1 - blush pink rayon jersey drapey tee, Sandra Betzina Vogue 1291 OOP

7.  Top #2 - coral pink cotton/lycra jersey drapey tee with 3/4 length sleeves, M7249

8.  Top #3 - creamy white cotton/linen shirt, Butterick 5678

 & 9.  Top #4 - tropical print cotton shirt, Butterick 5678, sleeveless

10.  Top #5 - ITY print in brown and cream, sleeveless tee/tank

11.  Top #6 - flow-y sleeve loose tee, olive jersey, New Look 6913

I'm also throwing in an easy jersey dress which can be dressed up or down, and a pair of leggings and a lightweight hoodie in brown knit technical fabric.  I'll need the dress for dinner out one or two nights, and the leggings and hoodie will be my pjs and yoga gear.   For the dress I've chosen the infinity dress pattern from Butterick, in an olive green jersey, which will give me lots of different looks.

I have also found a cozy cardigan and a lightweight rain jacket to layer over everything are necessary items.  I have a really unique wool sweater knit fabric in an olive-y/tan/brown colour for a Blackwood cardigan.  I haven't figured out what fabric or pattern for the rain jacket yet.

Accessories will include scarves, a few cheap but gorgeous statement necklaces, hoop earrings in gold, and two pairs of supportive shoes (one casual pair and one dressier yet just as comfortable pair, perhaps sandals of some kind).

As you can see, this SWAP has absolutely nothing to do with my previous SWAP - the colours I've chosen aren't immediately noticeably cohesive with the previous capsule wardrobe I've sewn, but I think there will be the ability to mix and match some of them together.  Regardless, I am blessed with a large closet, a large stash of fabric, and loads of patterns.  And I'm sewing (and eventually wearing) what will make me happy.

February Goals Check In & March Goals

Part of me can't believe February is over. The other part, the part of me that spent the better portion of a week on the couch being sick and missed my mom's 70th birthday party,  and the part of me that went away on a ski vacation to ski in the rain (well, only one day was spent in the rain but still), definitely knows February is over.  

Yours truly on the ski vacation - it rained one day, but snowed the next!

I took a look at my goals over the past few days to prep for this post and realized that I haven't actually been working towards them.  When I get busy, I forget to review.  I need to set up a better system to review them on a regular basis.  Reviewing my goals is a big part of success in reaching them.  

In any event, here were my goals for February, and how I fared:

Knitting

1.  Start and finish the personal sock club (PSC) sock for February Done!  I'm really loving this sock club, and am having fun exploring patterns that I've had cued for years!  Kudos to my girl for putting this together for me!

2.  Work on the Mackenzie sweater I have thought about working on this, does that count?! ;)

3.  Spin one braid/bump/batt nada, nope, nothing.  The spinning wheels sit neglected in my living room, mocking me.  Maybe when ski season is finished, I'll get back to it.

4.  Finish the Sheepish Little Sweater for Deklan I'm in the midst of the second sleeve, so it's coming!

5.  Start and finish birthday socks for Mom and choose the birthday socks for Dad I have started and finished the socks for Mom, and am a good way through the socks for Dad, so I've super smashed this goal.

Sewing

1.  Sew a Fenway bra and pantie set  I don't know what the deal is with this bra, but I just can't make myself get it into the queue.  I now have the right colour powernet for the back bands, but am missing navy fold over elastic to finish the mesh part of the cups.  I"m trying not to buy anything, but if I want to sew this, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get some on order.  Maybe it's because I don't have much success with the use of fold over elastic?  

2.  Chose and sew one Burda pattern from the January 2018 issue (can't wait to try the yoga top and leggings!) the patterns for the yoga top and leggings have been traced (ahem, on the 28th, but only because I wanted to at least make some progress on this goal!)

3.  Continue sewing Queen of the Dots SWAP items I am making great progress on this.  Only two more pieces to go, and I'll be done the first/main component of the SWAP!  Watch my posts for more details on each piece as I progress.

Reading

1.  Finish reading Crucial Conversations I haven't even picked this up since I wrote this goal.  I am even putting the portions of this book that I have read into practice, and want to finish it but get sidetracked every time I make plans to read.

2.  Finish reading Life Mask by Emma Donoghue I had borrowed this from the library and didn't finish it before it got returned.  I  had a hard time getting into it, so I'm just going to move onto the next book on my list.

3.  Start Leaning In I have devoted seriously little time to reading this month and haven't finished the previous books, so there's no sense in starting another one.

4.  Start the next book in the Libermann Papers series by Frank Tallis  ditto

5.  Start High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard ditto ditto

Health/Fitness

1.  Get at least 7 hours of sleep at night.  Go to bed by 10 pm.  Try, try, try!  Well, I'm getting to sleep by 11 pm.  I'm heading to bed around 10, but then reading for a bit before lights out.  This is progress.

2.  Continue with yoga 3x/week in the mornings  Yes, I'm smashing this goal (funny to use that phrase related to yoga, but anyway).  Stretching really makes me better.

3.  Meditate daily, every morning  I'm not getting a formal meditation practice in every day, but I'm making moments throughout my day more meditative.  

4.  Move my body outdoors at least 3x/week.  Life for me is better when I get outside! This has been a weird one this month.  At the beginning of February it was just gross outside, then I was sick, and then I was away on a ski vacation which really bumped up my desire to be outside, nice weather or not.  So, I'm not sure how to classify whether I accomplished this goal, but the nicer weather we've been having coupled with the approach of the end of ski season have really made me want to be outside, either walking or skiing.

Goals for March!

Knitting

1.  Choose a project that is currently in hibernation mode (on Ravelry) to start working on again. I'm thinking maybe the Stunning Lace Lux Poncho, just in time for summer?  It goes perfectly with my Queen of Dots SWAP clothing items.

2.  Finish Dad's birthday socks.

3.  Start and finish March PSC socks.

4.  Choose, start and finish a birthday knit for my sister (her birthday is March 30).  Amy, if you're reading this, I'll be sending you a knitted something for your b-day!

Sewing

1.  Finish the first phase of the Queen of Dots SWAP.  I only have two more pieces to go, with the majority of one finished.

2.  Start the second phase (Extras) for the Queen of Dots SWAP.

3.  Order the fold over elastic for the navy Fenway bra set.

4.  Make the Harriet bra and a matching pantie.

5.  Make activewear/yoga from the January 2018 Burda magazine.

6.  Make the Kerrie sportsbra from Pin Up Girls patterns.

Reading

1.  Start the next book in the Libermann Papers series by Frank Tallis. And actually read it.

2.  Finish Crucial Conversations.

Health/Fitness

1.  Dragonboat season is coming, and I'm woefully off my training routine.  I would like to gear up the training by re-introducing kettlebells and core workouts back into my routine, 3x/week.

2.  Continue with yoga 3x/week.

3.  Continue with getting outdoors (walking or skiing) 3x/week.

Miscellaneous

1.  Choose a way to track and review my goals.

2.  Start spring cleaning my Atelier.  I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have down there again.  I need to go through my fabric and donate/toss some stuff!!

I'd love to hear from you.  What goals to you have this month?

January Goals Check In

January. The month often faulted to be the let down month after the holidays, known for Blue Monday.  This January has seen ups and downs for me, particularly because for a good part of January, I was stuck indoors battling the frigid temperatures we've experienced this month.  Shack-wacky as my daughter's boyfriend calls it.  That being said, being indoors during awful weather isn't so bad.  I've been hunkering down in my sewing room, creating, as well as knitting up a storm.  Or through the storm...Ha.  I make myself laugh.  Ahem.  Anyway.

Here were my goals for January and how I fared:

Knitting

1.  Finish Autumn Woods socks - first sock is finished, casting on the second pair today. Done!  Even the ends are woven in, and photographs are up on Ravelry!
2.  Finish Rikke hat.  Done!! I've been wearing this soooo much - its so soft and squooshy, I love the colours.  Handspun for the win!
3.  Finish Henry the Chipmunk.  All I have to do is the eyes, but for whatever reason it's been sitting on my shelf not finished for A-G-E-S.  Nope, gah.  Some day...for now he's sitting on my shelf in my office, judging me, still eyeless.
4.  Machine knit a sweater for Deklan (my grandson)   I didn't pull out the knitting machines, but I'm well on my way through the Sheepish Little Sweater as a hand knit, and I'm loving it! Sleeves on baby sweaters aren't the black hole they are on adult sweaters!  One more to go!
5.  Chose and spin one braid from my stash.  Nope - the spinning wheels are sitting, collecting dust in my living room.

Sewing

1.  Sew another Boylston bra (kind of cheating since this is already cut out and ready to sew) Done!  In fact, I made several!
2.  Sew a Fenway bra I haven't sewn a Fenway bra - I started.  I chose some fabric that I wouldn't be heartbroken to lose if it doesn't work out.  But then I realized I needed some supplies to make it a decent looking wearable muslin should it actually work out, so I'm working on collecting those before I can get into the sewing.  I sewed a couple more Bolyston Bras instead
3.  Chose a pattern from Burda magazine for lounge wear (I change every evening after dinner to flannel pants, and I think it's time to upgrade). I did sew some lounge wear but I didn't use a Burda pattern for it.  So half accomplished maybe?
4.  Plan and post my late Winter/early Spring SWAP plans. Done!
5.  Trace and sew one Toaster sweater. Done!  I'm not 100% happy with how it turned out, but it's wearable and cozy.

Reading

1.  Finish King's Crossing by Christine Kling Done!
2.  Finish Crucial Conversations  I haven't finished this, but am continuing to read this
3.  Finish You, Inc. I haven't finished this one either, but am still working through it.  
4.  Chose next fiction book  I've read a few this month actually.  I am currently in the midst of Life Mask by Emma Donoghue.  I'm having trouble getting into this one but it could be because I've been exhausted at the end of long days when I try to read it.
5.  Start reading Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferris  haven't started yet...
6.  Start reading Leaning In (received this one for Christmas from my Dad) also haven't started yet.


Health/Fitness

I've changed this title from original title of Physical Health/Fitness, because I need to pay attention to my emotional health and mental health too.

1.  Yoga with Adriene at least 3x/week. Well...it's been close to three times a week, but only because I was gently scolded by my chiropractor about getting back to stretching.  I've had some old aches and pains flare up this month, and have only been doing yogic stretches, not really a flow or power yoga I want.  Baby steps.
2.  Go to bed at 10 pm. Do you ever notice that when you state your plans, sometimes it just absolutely goes in the opposite direction?  I was lucky to see 11 pm for a bed time this month, and that's on the really late side for me!
3. Decrease alcohol intake during the week. Yeah, I decreased it.  Not by much, but it's a step in the right direction.  And I feel less guilty about my alcohol intake and absolutely enjoy the drink I do have.
4.  Meditate 3x/week.  I'm trying out a few new routines.  Like sitting in my office and quietly contemplating before I start my day.  So far, it works as long as I don't look at the email first.  Or get a phone call right away. I have the attention span of a gnat.  That's why it's called a practice!

Goals for February

Knitting

1.  Start and finish the personal sock club (PSC) sock for February
2.  Work on the Mackenzie sweater
3.  Spin one braid/bump/batt
4.  Finish the Sheepish Little Sweater for Deklan
5.  Start and finish birthday socks for Mom and choose the birthday socks for Dad

Sewing

1.  Sew a Fenway bra and pantie set

2.  Chose and sew one Burda pattern from the January 2018 issue (can't wait to try the yoga top and leggings!)

3.  Continue sewing Queen of the Dots SWAP items

Reading

1.  Finish reading Crucial Conversations
2.  Finish reading Life Mask by Emma Donoghue
3.  Start Leaning In

4.  Start the next book in the Libermann Papers series by Frank Tallis

5.  Start High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard

Health/Fitness

1.  Get at least 7 hours of sleep at night.  Go to bed by 10 pm.  Try, try, try!  Sleep often loses out to sewing or knitting for me, but I'm so much better when I get enough sleep!
2.  Continue with yoga 3x/week in the mornings
3.  Meditate daily, every morning
4.  Move my body outdoors at least 3x/week.  Life for me is better when I get outside!

Queen of Dots, a dotty SWAP

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have noticed a recent post of fabrics that I’ve pulled as a result of a stash toss (and maybe some recent purchases...ahem...).   In order to combat the winter blahs and the recent Blue Monday, I’m planning a late winter/early spring wardrobe for myself.  It’s definitely winter here right now, with cold temperatures and lots of snow/sleet/freezing rain. Usually, thoughts of spring have me dreaming of softer colours, like coral, turquoise and white, but for some reason I’m drawn to a dramatic wardrobe of red, mustard, black and grey.  Maybe I’m just not quite ready for spring yet? (Haha)

These are the fabrics I’ve pulled from my stash.  I love me my SWAP wardrobe (for the uninitiated, SWAP stands for Sewing With A Plan).  I spend hours dreaming about SWAPs, planning SWAPs,  sketching SWAPs, pulling fabrics for SWAPs from my stash, and buying fabric for SWAPs.

I typically plan around a SWAP core wardrobe, which I found in the Australian Stitches magazine series years ago (mid-90s /early 2000s maybe?)   I still have ALL of the original magazines that these articles were published in.  Each article added a few more clothing items to the author's wardrobe, which ended up being extremely wearable and very cohesive.  I travel a lot for both work and pleasure, and love that I can pack very quickly with a well planned wardrobe.



The core SWAP wardrobe I usually start with consists of:

1. Jacket, typically in a simple style such as a cardigan jacket
2. Pants #1
3. Pants #2
4. Skirt #1 in a solid colour
5. Skirt #2 in a print or check
6. Top #1
7. Top #2
8. Top #3
9. Top #4
10. Top #5
11. Top #6

The tops are a mix of coordinating solids and prints, one of which should match Skirt #2 for a dress look.

And here are my plans for the my SWAP.  Ignore the numbers associated with the items in my sketches as  the plans have already been revised a few times.  A few of the sketched items are from my existing wardrobe as well, so you won't see them in my sewing plans, and some of them are also noted below as Extras.

The Queen of Dots, a dotty SWAP

1. Jacket - short fitted collarless jacket in stone and black Prince of Wales stretch suiting
2. Pants #1 - Closet Case Sasha Trousers in stone and black Prince of Wales stretch suiting
3. Pants #2 - Christine Jonson Travel Trio One Centre Seam Pant in black ponte
4. Skirt #1 - self drafted pencil skirt in stone and black Prince of Wales stretch suiting
5. Skirt #2 - Christine Jonson Basewear Two skirt in black ponte
6. Top #1 - My Image magazine #12 M1612, black crepe with white polka dots
7. Top #2 - Butterick 5526 princess seam shirt, white crepe with black polka dots
8. Top #3 - My Image ImageWear IW1002 blouse with bow at neckline in red crepe with black polka dots (see why it's called Queen of  Dots?!)
9. Top #4 - Tilly & the Buttons Agnes Top with scoop neck and plain sleeves in red, black and tan leopard print brushed lightweight sweater knit
10. Top #5 - My Image magazine #15 M1760 twist top in mustard heather jersey knit
11. Top #6 - My Image magazine Fall/Winter 2013/2014 M1357  turtleneck sweater in white textured sweater knit

As is true for me when planning any SWAP, I have trouble limiting myself to only these items. That being said, I sew a lot with a high output of finished garments. #notbragging  #sorrynotsorry In fact, I make 99% of my own clothing.  I also own A LOT of fabric.  And I'm dotty to think I'll be able to focus long enough to get all these pieces finished before spring.  All that leads to my dream wardrobe to include the following items that I affectionately call "Extras".

1. Vogue 7827, view B flutter sleeve top, black georgette with tiny polka dot
2. Sew Over It Ella Blouse, red herringbone print crepe
3. My Image blouse with gathers at centre front neckline, Red, beige and black print crepe 
4. Sewaholic Renfrew top, view C with cowl, Black print lightweight sweater knit 
5. My Image Spring/Summer 2015 M1504 shirt, short sleeves with draped neckline, ITY jersey in black, beige, red and cream print 
6. Sew Over It Molly Top, ITY jersey in black, beige, red, blue and cream print 
7. cowl neck top or wrap top, black lightweight rayon/lycra jersey 
8. Helen’s Closet Blackwood Cardi, long version, red sweater knit 
9. Muse Patterns, Jenna Cardigan with ruffle at the hems, black sweater knit 
10. My Image magazine Fall/Winter drapey trousers, black brushed poly/rayon twill
11. Angela Wolf Flared Trouser Jeans, beige stretch cotton twill 
12. Boatneck tee with 3/4 length sleeves, black and white lycra jersey 

I'm not sure how likely it is that I'll get all of these done, but I already have the fabric pulled and the Extras flow really nicely with the pieces I've got planned for my Queen of Dots SWAP.  I can also adjust them for the spring/summer season by adjusting the length of the sleeves, hemlines and necklines.

Time to get sewing!!

#makenine2018

I wasn't originally going to take part in the Make Nine project this year.  Despite my love of SWAPs, I don't really like being tied to specific patterns as I am more of an intuitive sewist - meaning I sew how I feel.  If I feel like sewing a bathing suit in the middle of winter, then I'll sew a bathing suit.  If I feel like sewing a parka in the middle of summer, I'll do that too.  Then, this morning, while scrolling through my Instagram account, I totally got caught up in all the beautiful plans people are posting and the next thing I knew, I had a list in my bullet journal of the nine patterns I want to include in my sewing plans for this year.

#1.  Toaster Sweater, Sew House Seven (found here)

photo credit: www.sewhouse7.com

I have seen so many beautiful comfy looking makes of this pattern that I just can't help jumping on this bandwagon.  I need to improve my lounging game from flannel pants and a ratty old sweatshirt and this fits the bill nicely.  I already own this pattern, which is a plus.  My first planned version of this will be in grey heathered terry.

#2.  Ultimate Trousers, Sew Over It (found here)

photo credit:  www.sewoverit.co.uk

I am a huge fan of Lisa Comfort, and I've sewn a few of the Sew Over It patterns in the past. In fact, there are very few patterns from SOI that I don't own.  These have been on my list for-EVAH.  2018 is the year I'll finally get around to sewing them.

#3.  Ella Blouse, Sew Over It (found here)

photo credit:  www.sewoverit.co.uk

Read what I wrote for #2.  Ditto.

#4.  Fenway Bra, Orange Lingerie (found here)

photo credit: www.orange-lingerie.com

I've owned this pattern since it came out too, and I've been putting off sewing it because of the perceived  angst I'd have to go through in order to get it to fit just right.  I'm now envisioning all of the lovely pretty lingerie I could have if I just got over the angst-y part of it.  I'm also riding the high on my recent success with my Boylston Bra makes (view here) so I figured I should give it a go!

#5.  Lander Pants, True Bias (found here)

photo credit: www.truebias.com

I don't currently own this pattern, but I'll gladly go off my self-imposed pattern buying ban because...LOOKIT those pants.  Every pair I've seen have been SO cool.  And the options for a cropped pair and shorts!  And I want to do the #landerpantsdance!!

#6.  M7387  McCalls Shirt Dress (found here)

photo credit: www.mccallpattern.mcall.com

View C with a shirt-tail hem, in light blue chambray, please!  Seriously, I've been fantasizing about a chambray shirt dress for a very.long.time.  Am I the only one to use the word "fantasize" when referring to sewing dreams?  Ahem...anyway...

#7.  Beverly Twisted Bikini, Named Clothing (found here)

photo credit: www.indiesew.com

Every girl needs a cool bathing suit.  One that makes her feel comfortable and sexy.  And wearing something different than everyone else on the beach.  This looks like it has a lot of potential for meeting those needs for me!  I own this pattern already, which is also a plus.

#8.  KS3764, KwikSew (found here)

photo credit: www.kwiksew.mccall.com

The Iconic Moto Jacket.  I've been dreaming about this one too.  I even have the red faux leather (vegan leather?, pleather?) in my stash awaiting it's moment.

AND...last but not least...

#9.  Renfew Top, Sewaholic (found here)

photo credit:  www.sewaholicpatterns.com

I have a lot of self-made tee shirts, from a lot of different pattern companies.  While I adore my most recent makes from my beloved Agnes tee pattern, I have had this pattern kicking around and want to use it too.  While I'm typing this post, it has gone from heavy rain to freezing rain to blustery snow, and version C with it's cuddly cowl is calling out to me!  This is another pattern that will span the seasons, so it doesn't matter what time of year it is when I get around to sewing it!

**Appendix for things I can't say "No" to:

A.  I also desperately want to make a fedora-style hat.  We have a local hat shop here in my town that offers classes, and it's been on my list of things to do.  WILL.DO.

B.  The Esplanade Bra by Orange Lingerie is also on my drool list.  As a strapless bra, it goes beyond angst-y to down right scary in my world of perceived fitting anxieties.  If I can accomplish my first nine, maybe I'll give this a go.

There you have it.  #makenine2018  Somebody remind me of this post when I'm making my millionth Boylston Bra.