Well that went quickly, didn’t it? I suppose it helps when I’m not posting regularly, and last year was a bit “messy” with everything going on! I really am still sewing, albeit not as much, but I am not finding it easy, or fun, to take photos. However – as it is January, it’s as good a place as any to try to start again and post again. I do miss reading blogs, my reader isn’t anywhere near as full as it used to be.
So, being January, it’s time for Sew japanese in January, Jungle January and a whole host of other sewing challenges to kick start your Sewjo after the Christmas crush. Sew Japanese in January is hosted by Blogless Anna on Instagram, and it’s a great way to use Japanese patterns and or fabrics. The fabric I chose is viscose, soft and drapy, off white with a pale blue print that almost resembles layers of palm leaves over each other.
After last year’s over shopping and under sewing achievements, I have decided to shop from my collection of patterns and fabrics as much as possible this year. I got the fabric last year from Stitch Fabrics at the Sewing show at the NEC. I’m not banning myself from buying anything, because I know my level of willpower! But I really need to get the levels of fabric in the sewing cupboard under control.
I have to confess that I’ve been a bit lazy with my contribution for Sew Japanese this year, I’m not making anything outrageous or using a new pattern. I simply reached for my favourite blouse from Asuka Hamada’s book, Sweet Clothes, and whipped up a beautiful top with big sleeves that I know I will love to wear all year long! Tick for using an existing pattern and fabric from the cupboard!
I’ve made no adjustments to the pattern since last January when I made this gorgeous blue windowpane version. The insides are all pretty with French seams throughout and the viscose behaved itself while I applied the self bias to the neck edge. Initially I thought I’d be wearing this with a contrasting, dark pair of trousers/jeans, but I popped it on with the off-white corduroy Betty Pants I made last January and I really like the pale look!
Further plans for a Japanese January are afoot. I had a length of vintage Japanese cotton fabric given to me in ’22, and I’d love to make a yukata with it. I bought a Folkwear Kimono pattern from Higgs and Higgs last summer, but I’m also intrigued by Emilia’s posts on Kimono making. The printed pattern is not the same as the layout they describe, so I’m on the fence a bit. I only have one bolt of the fabric and I need to do it justice and make it correctly! I guess you’ll have to come back and watch this space to see what I actually do – if anything….
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 