For the first time in years I actually don’t feel like a serious slacker. After writing about being the Queen of Unfinished Projects a few weeks ago I went into sewing overdrive and actually finished most of my half-done and half-sewn projects that have been lingering and taunting me in my sewing room for the last months (years). I hemmed, I mended, I button-holed, I zippered and I even hand sewed until the wee hours of the morning. I guess writing it all down and addressing the fact that I needed to get my act in gear helped me to realise it was time. Time to have a clean sewing slate and move on to new and fresh projects without the niggling feeling of having all those almost-finished purses, bags, dresses, shorts and wallets that I would eventually have to deal with.
These dresses were supposed to be ready for my twin daughter’s 11th birthday. Obviously that didn’t happen as it was on March 28th (it was too cold and rainy in March anyway to be able to wear dresses like this). As I mentioned last time the pattern is one of the basic dress models from the book Stof Voor Durf-Het-Selvers (only available in Dutch). The book has some great patterns for children’s dresses, skirts, tops and accessories and gorgeous photos using the most lovely fabrics. I used contrast colour zippers on the dresses to give them a little something special and actually ended up making one dress with a side zipper instead of back zipper by mistake. Don’t ask. These will be perfect for special occasions this summer while we’re in Umbria and Canada.
I did a double lined hem on these seersucker shorts for my son and actually sewed on all 4 buttons needed (miracle). Unfortunately they’re still too big so he’ll most likely only get to wear them next year. Until then I’ll display them for all to see and admire (poor guests). These were some seriously complicated and time consuming shorts to make and I’m pretty sure I could buy similar (even nicer?) ones in H&M for a fraction of the cost to make them. But I guess I shouldn’t think about that…
I also finished this simple summer sleeveless shirt. Very quick to sew up and comfortable to wear (even if I did make mine 2 sizes too big). Fabric is from Max Mara and the pattern is Simplicity New Look 6871.
And today in my sewing group I managed to finish up this boxy shopper bag with zipper closure. Just what I needed in my life…another bag. I think I could open up a shop with all my hand made bags and wallets that I’ve been stockpiling over the last few years. Stay tuned for details of my Etsy Shop in the near (or far?) future.
I’m still finishing off the last of my projects and I’m feeling great about it. Now to get busy with my new projects that I’ll most likely have to finish in a few years time….
Jillian In Italy 
Good job! Now I’m waiting for your Etsy Shop 🙂
I’ve been mentally planning it for a few years. Now I have to get serious and start making some stuff to sell! Wish me luck.
Congratulations!!! Loved those dresses!! I’ve always wondered why you didn’t have an Etsy, I think you will do great!! The writing bit didn’t help me at all, I’m still stuck with a bunch of unfinished things, Oh, well…
No worries…I still have a few (ahem) projects to finish up. Can’t wait to get some good Etsy advice from you next week.
Look at you go. I love it all!
The fact that I just started drinking coffee (at the ripe age of 38) might have something to do with it. I’ve been slightly hysterical with all that caffeine in my system lately…
Beautiful dresses! 🙂
Thanks Andrea! I’m sure you could make some gorgeous headbands to match!
Beautiful dresses!! It must feel so good to get things done!! (You want to come to my house and do my unfinshed projects!- ha, ha!) Love the dresses – you are so creative!
It does feel good. Now I just have to apply that to unfinished projects around the house as well (which is a lot less fun!).
What a great feeling. I hope I have it one day too. There is a handknit cardigan staring at me on my desk for a 6 month old that my 3 year old probably isn’t going to squeeze into any more. All it needs is buttons! Maybe I’ll sell it in MY future Etsy shop?! Can’t wait to see yours one day and those dresses and the shorts are all gorgeous!
Just make sure to get that cardigan finished for your first grandchild! See, no more pressure or guilt! And just pretend that that was the plan all along.
Wow you have been going like crazy! I bet your Etsy shop will be really successful: the bag you sent me was so well made, no weird stitching, so precise! Your daughters outfits are just fabulous! Hope your son won’t grow too fast between now and next summer 😉
Worse case is he’ll have to wear them this coming winter. Maybe with long-johns underneath? He’ll be the coolest kid in school! But in any case, he HAS to wear them (too much work went into those to not).
Wow, a super productive week. I will increase my cappuccino intake for the next week and see if it helps me finish all my ‘got bored and walked away half-way through’ projects!
The only problem with this whole caffeine plan is that I don’t sleep at night. How do you life-long coffee drinkers deal with that?!
You, a slacker?! No way. It’s like those people who are 102lbs, gain two pounds and think they’re fat.
The dresses are awesome. Your girls are so lucky! And those seersucker shorts are pretty sharp, too.
All this plus the cool bag you sent me! Guess there’s something to be said for caffeine, eh?
Why did I waste all these years feeling sleepy and unproductive?! I should have been on the coffee decades ago.
Can’t wait until Tala get a bit bigger so I can deck her out in a funky smock…
Etsy! It’s about time Jill, this is perfect. You have the eye, you’ve pinned your style and obviously have the skills – go for it! 🙂 the dresses and colours/patterns are wonderful. makes me happy. very excited to finally meet you next weekend! weeee
Thanks Kat. Will you make it to the dinner on Friday evening by chance?
It’s great that you went on and finished those projects! The first dresses are my favorite, I’m not a kid anymore but I would wear them right now!
I look forward to seeing your future projects 🙂
xx
Ylenia