2020's Monthly To Do List

2020 is upon us and it is time to start the monthly to-do list. Like last year, I will update once a week and at the end of the month will add the next month's list at the top. That way the current month will be visible.

Stash Shrinker is set up and I'm doing more color coding this year. 
- Black - in the stash and my fabrics
- Red - in the stash and Daughter's fabrics
- Blue - fabric purchased for a project (new or to finish)
I am also going to inventory the fabric. As I use a piece of fabric it will go into the Purchase (Inventory) column and what I use will go into the Sewn column. The goal is to have the same amount in both columns so nothing goes back onto the shelves. I have the multiplier set to 100 meters to be sewn so, technically I can't buy fabric.I am also setting some days aside to sew only Halloween and Christmas fabrics. 5 3 days per month from January to November for Christmas fabrics. Halloween fabrics will be 3 2 days per month only in the months having 31 days. I'm stealing an idea from another person. 23-25 of month is Christmas sewing and 30-31 Halloween sewing. 

Fabric Out Of The Stash 2020

January - 10.6 meters. I had 13.1 meters of fabric that was inventoried. The 2.5 meters is left from the cat bag and the Snow wall hanging. 
February - 10.1 meters. I had 11.85 meters that was inventoried. The 1.75 meters left is mainly from the doll's coat, one dress, and the bag I made. I'm working my way through those pieces though. 
March - 9.25 meters cut out and tried to be sewn. I have to wait until I can go out and buy a piece of cotton to finish one project. 
April - 10.65 meters cut out and sewn. I used up a lot of scraps and a few pieces of yardage this month making masks. 
I am adding this for a reference about mask effectiveness. 

May - 3.9 meters of fabric sewn with one item trashed.
June - 2.1 meters of fabric sewn. All of the fabric was from left over from other projects.
6 Month Update - 47.4 meters sewn. That is 12" short of 52 yards.
July - 6.1 meters of fabric sewn. New fabric was bought.

August - 12.7 meters (WOW!!) I even got 3 UFO's done. 

September - 3.5 meters and 1 UFO finished (binding on a table runner which was tallied several months ago). 

October - 5.35 meters of fabric sewn in October. Not bad for a busy month of cleaning and appointments. 

November - 3.5 meters of fabric. Not too bad when it was doll clothes and masks. To date I have sewn 80 meters of fabric.

December

We have decided to hunker down this month and help do our part to keep the virus at bay. The month is sewing family gifts and not much else.

Sewing Projects

• Gift bag with some embroidery on it. (Done Dec. 8, 2020)
  

• Pajama pants for grandson (Done Dec. 21, 2020)
  

  
  

• Shopping bag for our neighbors.  

  
  Shorten curtains (Done Dec. 5, 2020)
  

Knitting Projects

• Messy bun hats including a new pattern

  

• Daisy stitch headband and sweater for the dolls. 

  

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November

November is coming quickly and we are down to the last two months of 2020. I am slowing down on how much I want to sew as I plan for 2021. It has become more of "need" to sew at the moment as I balance real life with sewing until Christmas. 

Goals

• Tidy up the sewing room before I start the next batch of Christmas sewing. It needs to be done so I'm thinking every other afternoon working on it. (Done Nov. 12, 2020)

• Flesh out 2021 ideas for sewing and knitting.

• Christmas sewing for family here. 

Sewing Projects

• Pillows for daughter-in-law for Christmas (On hold as the store has closed to instore shopping for now)
  

• Finish a test dress pattern I started and set aside (Trashed)
  

• Redesign and sew a bag for the Fall Fair 2021

• Sew a simple leather jacket for the dolls

• Masks (these (two of first mask) and three others for a total of 6 masks)
  

• Test sew a pattern or two
  

• Hem drapes for family's house
  

Knitting

• Hat for daughter-in-law (Done Nov. 4, 2020)

• Sweater for dolls

• Hats that are sold

• Doll dress (test pattern)

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October

October is looking similar to September. I have committed to cleaning the house and trying to get some outside work done. This will be another hit and miss month for sewing. 

The Goal

• Sew when I am able to.
• Clean the sewing room. I got started in September and need to keep moving along with it. 
• Make a list of Christmas items I need to make and start on them. 

Sewing Projects

• Hem curtains for family. There are 4 of them so not a big job. 
• Masks for daughter and son-in-law. 3 for son-in-law and 4 for daughter. (Done Oct. 3, 2020)

• Two Christmas presents - fleece blankets for cat and dog. (Done Oct. 20, 2020)
• Pattern testing. (Done Oct. 25, 2020)

Knitting

• Test pattern - Little Flock with sheep

• Test pattern - Gulf Shore sweater

• Work on the Slow/Forever sweater. (It may end up in the trash can).

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September

September is looking like a busy month doing other projects. I am behind due to heat and other commitments. But I do hope to get some sewing done. 

The Goal

• Sew 3 times a week if I am able to.
• Start on Christmas projects if I can get out and about to get the fabric I need. 
• Clean the sewing room. (Working on that)

Sewing Projects

• Hem grandson's uniform (pants and jacket) (Done Sept 5, 2020)
• Make several masks for us and grandson using a new pattern or two.

Done Sept 4, 2020

Done Sept 7, 2020

• Embroider wall hanging for downstairs bathroom.
• Make Anna's blouse.
• Test Pattern.
• Fleece blanket for daughter's cat and dog.
• Grandson's pillow cases (Done Sept. 14, 2020)

• Piping. - .25 + .3 + .3 (12.5 meters of piping) (Sept 12, 2020)
• Piping - .25 + .25 + .25 (9.5 meters) (Sept 21, 2020)

Knitting

• Work on the slow knit sweater.
• Test pattern.

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August

July was a slow sewing month. With 2 heat waves during the month, I became exhausted. My blood pressure is up and the heat doesn't help it much. I just holed up and rested a lot of the time.

The Goal

• Sew on the days I am able to and rest on the other days. 
• Keep the a/c on while sewing in the basement. 
• Tidy up the room once again. 

Sewing Projects

• Continue on with Anna's wardrobe. 
• Blouse 
• Skirt
• Work on the bodice sloper for Gotz dolls.
• Sew reusable bags.

Placemats and napkins done earlier in the year.
(Done Aug. 10, 2020)

Completed Aug 11, 2020

Completed August 17, 2020

Completed Aug. 30, 2020

Completed Aug. 31, 2020 

Test pattern (Completed Aug. 28, 2020)

Help grandson sew pillowcases on Tuesdays. 

Knitting

• Work on the slow knit sweater.
• Test pattern. (Completed Aug. 25, 2020)

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July

June was a slow sewing month for me. It was intentional as there was outside work to do and the sewing room needed cleaning. July could be a slow month also as we would like to explore and do more outside work.

The Goal

• To enjoy the process of sewing rather than rush.  

• To sew one gift for a birthday or Christmas present. 

• Buy no fabric for the month. Notions yes, fabric no. What I want to sew is in the stash. I did buy fabric this month.  

Sewing Projects

• Anna's wardrobe
• Princess dress

• white leggings
• navy overalls and skirt (Done July 30, 2020)

• navy/pink blouse
• dress of some sort- surplice top I drafted
• Muslin of surplice top for American Girl dolls. 

• Masks for friends
  

• Sew a Market Tote using fabric from the stash.
• Test pattern.
• Banner for Son. (Done July 31, 2020)

Knitting

• Sweater for Anna

• Test pattern.

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June

May was a turning month for me. Rather than "sew down the stash", I spent my time sewing less and enjoying the process more. I am planning on taking that forward with me. I only sewed 3.9 meters giving me a total of 45.5 meters.

The Goal

• Enjoy the sewing process more which means sewing less. I've begun to appreciate the stash more rather than less. 
• Begin to draft my plans for Christmas sewing. Gifts, items for us and family. 
• Think about 1 more item to sew for Halloween. 

Sewing Projects

June's sewing will be in spurts as we have to do landscaping. Choosing ideas has been based on the amount of time we will be outside and how tired we will be. I have chosen to take a leave of absence from testing patterns due to some issues in May. If something comes up and I want to sew it, I will. 

• Kit's sewn wardrobe for a Ravelry contest. I don't think contest, I think fun. And Kit will get a wardrobe. 
• Bella Blouse in blue print cotton
• Simplicity 1086 in check print (both of the two shirts and the shorts)
• Simplicity 1086 skirt in check print
• Simplicity 1086 capris in blue chambray
• Leggings in a blue chambray knit fabric
• Sunhat in blue chambray lined with the check print
• T-shirt in the chambray knit fabric
• Train Station jacket (modified) in blue chambray.

• Design a surplice bodice for both American Girl and Gotz dolls using pattern pieces from patterns I own. The objective is to show others how to hack a pattern. 

• Bog coat (test pattern) (Done June 11, 2020)

Knitting Projects

I am not sure what is coming for test patterns. If it is slow here is my list. 

• Sweater from a pattern I bought 4-5 years ago. This is to be a slow knit as it is an intermediate/advance pattern. 
• White cardigan for Kit's wardrobe

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May

April was a sad month but I did accomplish sewing 10.65 meters of fabric. I didn't get a lot done on my list as I was asked to make masks. We had Blursday, we had sorrow, and we felt the stress and strain of all that has happened. 

The Goal

• Sew down the stash but it may not be 10 meters. I've decided to enjoy the process as who knows when the fabric stores will open. 
• Sew Christmas and Halloween fabric.
• Finish the binding on two projects. 
• Start to digitize the tulip picture (Started but not finished)
• May 1-4 - .6 meter
• May 5-11 - 3 meters on the cutting table as I make a shirt for the Spousal Unit. 

Sewing Projects

• Shirt for the Spousal Unit. It is the first thing I want to make. (Done May 31, 2020)

• Four Christmas bowl cozies.
• Doll dress (test or otherwise) (Done May 4, 2020)

• Piping 
• 2 masks for us (Done May 13, 2020)

• Tulip Embroidery for us. 

Knitting

• Test pattern (Done May 7, 2020)

• Patterns of my choice (Done between May 7 and May 21, 2020)

• Scarf, hat, and slippers in red yarn. (Done May 28, 2020)

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April

With self-isolation comes some sluggish behavior. I'm trying to keep positive and sew up the stash. We are at home and we are safe. 

The Goal

• Sew down the stash. Try for 10 meters. We will see how that materializes. 
• Sew Christmas fabric for 3 days
• Complete the Chatty Chicken challenge

• Week 1 - .45 meters sewn
• Week 2/3 - 8.7 meters sewn
• Week 4/5 - 1.5 meters sewn

Sewing Projects

• A shirt for the Spousal Unit
• Four Christmas bowl cozies
• Child size Tote
• Doll coat (Test pattern) (Done April 26, 2020)

• Doll's dress (Done April 28, 2020)

• Piping 
• Masks - 43 total (Done April 20, 2020)

Knitting

• Test sweater pattern (Done April 17, 2020)

• Test sweater pattern (Done April 23, 2020)

• Doll sweater pattern

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March

The Goal

• To continue to sew down the stash. Try for 10 meters once again. 
• Sew Christmas fabric for 3 days
• Sew Halloween fabric for 2 days
• Week 1 - 1.65 meter sewn
• Week 2 - 2.4 meters sewn
• Week 3 - 1.05 meters sewn
• Week 4 - 3.25 meters -- not all sewn. 

Sewing Projects

• Reading Pillow for library (need to buy some fabric for this project) (Done Mar 11, 2020)

• St. Patrick's Day Spring wall hanging (embroidered) (Done March 21, 2020)

• Shirt for the Spousal Unit (on hold)
• Halloween Wall hanging
• Christmas - antique server runner done to hand sewing (Done Mar 3, 2020)

• tree skirt for daughter - on hold due to fraying. I need to underline the burlap. The 360" of ruffle has been rolled hem and gathered. 

• Doll dress (Regency era) (Done March 20, 2020)

• Doll's dress (Done March 4, 2020)

• Doll's play suit (Done March 17, 2020)

• Bag for library 
• Doll's Portable Closet

• Piping left from last month. (Done March 29, 2020)

Knitting Projects

• test pattern for Joan

• test patterns (Done March 17 and 31, 2020)

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February

The Goal

• Sew down more of the stash. Try for 10 meters but will be happy with 8 meters. 
• Sew Christmas fabric for 3 days. 
• First two days of February - 1.05 m sewn
• Week One - 1.05 meters sewn
• Week Two - 4.15 meters sewn
• Week Three - 2.6 meters sewn

Sewing Projects

• Reading Pillow

• Valentine wall hanging (embroidered) I have to buy fabric for this one. (Done Feb. 9, 2020)

• Doll's dress (test)

• Piping

 

• Tree skirt for daughter. 
• Table topper and runner for our dining area
• Reusable bag that a person wants (Done Feb. 12, 2020)

• Second Snow wall hanging (Done Feb. 9, 2020)

Knitting

• Escarpment cowl (Done Feb. 2, 2020)

• Baby hat out of worsted weight yarn (Done Feb. 18, 2020)
• Doll's sweater from sport weight yarn (Done Feb 22, 2020)

• Doll's shawl from sport weight yarn (Done Feb. 4, 2020)

• Dog sweater for Colt (Done Feb. 17, 2020)

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January

The sewing room is clean and ready for me to start sewing. All fabric in the sewing room officially becomes stash on Jan. 1, 2020.

The Goal

January's focus is on 

• Christmas fabrics for 5 3 days
• 2.5 meters of fabric cut out waiting to be sewn starting Jan. 23.
• Halloween fabrics for 2 days 
• Piping
• At the end of Week 2 - of the 5.6 meter taken out, I have cut out or sewn 4.9 meters.
• At the end of Week 3 - of the 4.25 meters taken out, I have cut out/sewn 3.55 meters.  
• At the end of Week 4 - of the 2.5 meters taken out, I have sewn 1.4 meters. 

I pulled out a pile of matching Christmas fabric and I'm going to sew it first. Tree skirts, table toppers, runners, and what ever else fills the bill. 

Sewing Projects

This should be a high yardage month due to the winter weather. If it isn't done, I'm not going to beat myself up. 

• Tree skirt for myself (Done January 24, 2020) 

• Table toppers (Done Jan. 26, 2020)

Add caption

• Table topper (Done Jan. 26, 2020)

• Reading pillow (February - may need to buy some fabric for this one.) Fabric is bought. 
• Animal print purse (new pattern to try out for my reusable grocery bags.) (Done Jan. 19, 2019) 

• One embroidery project - wall hanging (Done January 22, 2020)

• Piping (How much will be the end of the month's tally -- 2.0+2.7 meters) Fabric used .3  Dark blue piping is 3 meters and .15 meters of fabric used. (Total fabric used is .45 meter)

• One doll's outfit (test or otherwise) I'm almost done the dress - (Done Jan. 12, 2019)

• Wall hanging (One done Jan. 2, 2019)

Knitting Projects

• Doll's dress - Jazz that Kit is wearing. (Done Jan. 9, 2020)

• Doll sweaters and hats from sports weight yarn
• Doll sweaters from sock yarn
• Sweater 101 course - Size 1 child's sweater. (Done Jan. 22, 2020)

• Messy Bun hat (Done Jan. 27, 2020)