The Fabric Alchemist

This second week of Me-Making March has been all about my Akita Blouse. There is a full write-up about this blouse with a review of the Seamwork Magazine pattern coming tomorrow.

Thoughts on Week 2

When I envisioned this March Challenge, I imagined myself finishing a couple projects each week. In reality I am not making as much progress on as many projects as I had hoped, but I am still making more progress than I was making in February. And that really was the intention of this self-challenge.

There is not a way to fail Me-Making March. Yes, the goal is to allocate some small amount of time each day to one’s creative projects. But it is also important to forgive and allow ourselves time to focus on other demands of life and loved ones. Think about how Me-Made May is structured. Each participant is able to develop their own challenge.

Without further ado, here are my Instagram posts from the week. (I’m trying this method to save time since I am posting to IG every day.)

March 6 

Day 6: Finally cutting into the cotton voile I bought at @moderndomestic. No turning back now. #akitablouse #MeMakingMarch

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 6, 2016 at 9:48pm PST

 

March 7

Using my #hothemmer for the first time. I like it! But I prefer a smaller ruler for curved hems. #MeMakingMarch Day 7!

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 7, 2016 at 8:48pm PST

This hot hemmer was on my holiday gift list. I have only used it a few times and like it. Though, as  Brooke pointed out, you can make your own with cardstock or manila folders.

March 8

I didn't do any #sewing for #MeMakingMarch tonight. I was too busy watching #agentsofshield. So here is a cat in lieu of Day 8.

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 8, 2016 at 10:46pm PST

 

March 9 

Day 9 #MeMakingMarch: I have felt incredibly tired all day. I almost didn't sew, but someone once told me that motivation comes after action, even though most of us wait for motivation before we take action. She was right. Just hemming the blouse encouraged me to sew the hem and finish the side seams. All that remains is trimming the collar with bias tape. #sewing #sewcialists #akitablouse

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 9, 2016 at 8:29pm PST

 

March 10

Day 10: #MeMakingMarch Mayday! #sewcialists What went wrong with the bias tape on my #akitablouse? The collar should lay flat, but it warped and bunched. Did I stretch it too much or not enough? Was I supposed to notch the seam allowance to let it stretch better? Help @sewcialists, you are my only hope! #sewing #biastape #ijustwanttobedonewiththis #goingtosleepnow

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 10, 2016 at 10:47pm PST

 

March 11

Day 11 of #MeMakingMarch: I ripped out the first bias tape, cut new fabric and made my own #biastape, then repinned the bias tape facing. Tomorrow I will see, press, and be done. #sewing #wip Thank you to the #sewcialists who answered my questions!

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 11, 2016 at 9:27pm PST

 

March 12

Day 12 #MeMakingMarch: honestly, this might be part 2 of Day 11. I worked so late that it was basically the next day, so I am cheating a bit. But it is my challenge! I started to cut fabric for my #adelaidedress. Notice Maya kitty supervising my progress? I am hoping to work more on this tonight, but I have some social time planned and I want to prioritize my friend first. #sewing #sewingwithcats #sewcialists

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 12, 2016 at 11:02am PST

I thought this post might be my last creative post for the week. It turns out that my girl’s night revolved around creativity and in one week, I’ll get my newly-painted yarn bowl back. Hmm, I should choose my next knitting project.

Ceramic painting with @lizsmithdammit!

A post shared by Meris (@fabricalchemist) on Mar 12, 2016 at 9:01pm PST

The week ended with Akita almost completed, a new sewing project cut out, and a painted ceramic bowl waiting to be glazed & fired.