2021 Thoughts and Aspirations

2020 has been quite the year. I've done a lot of testing as the pandemic had the designers reaching for their pencils and designing lots of new patterns. My doll's wardrobes are large and varied. 

As this year comes to an end, I've been thinking about what I want to do for the dolls next year. Which direction am I going to take? What would I like to focus on? 

Testing Patterns

I have been waffling around about pattern testing (sewing and knitting) for quite a while. I thought about quitting because I did a lot of testing and what I wanted to sew and knit. I was diligent to follow the rules and now that I have slacked off, I haven't been kicked out so I will stay until I get kicked out. Stay means on my terms. 

Pattern Drafting

I'm going to look at this once again and figure out how I can do it like a course. I need to get a program for writing up my patterns. Will I publish them? Maybe. But, I would like to have a few patterns to work with for the Gotz dolls. Basics that I can use pattern design techniques to make different necklines, sleeves, etc.

The other thing I want to do is change patterns a bit. One is making a facing for the inside of a jacket so the lapels match the outer garment fabric. 

Easy To Sew Patterns

I'm still wanting to sew a bunch of easy to sew patterns. They are the patterns that clear my brain and allow me to try a new technique or two. They are the ones that give you instant gratification when you really need it. They are the ones that complete an outfit with something that isn't the star of the outfit. 

Historical Patterns

As a person interested in history, I have read/watched a lot on the Victorian/Edwardian era. I have been mulling this around a lot this fall and I'm going to start sewing historical clothing in the new year. I'm going to combine it with couture sewing (a course I need to finish) and have a bit of fun. These will not be quick sews as I want them to be outstanding items. The goal is to use a lot of fabric from the doll's stash. 

The other era I like to sew for is the 1930-50's as the outfits are great on Kit. I don't research this era, I just sew them for fun. 

Techniques and Tutorials

I want to continue on doing different techniques and do tutorials on some of them. One is how to place embroidery on an article of clothing. What works well for me. I enjoy sharing what I've learned with others. 

I also want to share some hacks that I plan on doing in the new year. And I want to share how to sew with leather. Though it has its own rules, sewing leather is not scary. 

Photography

I want to improve my photography skills and need to get a ring light and an area to photograph. Using the ledge by the window gives less than professional pictures. I want to use my Cannon camera and learn how to use it correctly. There is a lot to learn but I can learn by photographing the dolls. 

What Else?

To sew up as many of the patterns I have on hand as possible. That could take me years to do but I hope to do some each year. 

To sew down the dolls' stash. I have lots of nice fabric to sew and I should be using it up rather than looking at fabric in the stores. This includes lace, ribbon, and buttons. 

To look deeper into selling doll's clothing on Etsy. I have questions to be answered by a friend. 

Thoughts for 2021

 Thanksgiving in Canada is this weekend and the housework has been at the top of the list. We have been given guidelines to follow so I'm getting ready to have a safe Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends. 

The Desk

The desk is in at Ikea but I can't get it for a couple of weeks. This week is too busy as is next week. But, I'm excited to know it's available and hope it is there when I can get in to buy it. 

The Striped Fabric

It sits on the shelf calling me but I still haven't found a pattern I like. I keep looking in the stash of patterns and on line for a new one. So it sits and waits calling out on a regular basis. After Thanksgiving, I will have another hard look at patterns once again. 

2021 Thoughts

I am having an issue with testing patterns at the moment. I have to choose one a month to test and there are months that none resonate with me. I do them, don't like them, and, after some time passes, I toss them. There are some I love and I really enjoy making those patterns. I have been staying because of them. I have to make a decision on what to do for both sewing and knitting. 

I want to take a bit of a turn in the path and try something different next year. 

A bit of history making outfits that come from books/movies I enjoy. One a month that takes a while to sew. Where did that come from, you ask? Lumineria published 2 new patterns this week. Meg and Beth from Little Women. I want to buy the set and do them plus the Downton Abbey, Little House, and Anne of Green Gables patterns I already have. I have the fabric and trim for most of these outfits. I have two dolls who will wear these patterns well and may look for a third one doll. Not sure as I want to keep the doll numbers down. 

Continue with Kit's wardrobe. I enjoyed working on it in the past and I want to add to it. I'm looking at a couple of Keepers Dolly Duds patterns for her along with, I hope a few patterns I hope are going to be tested in the near future. 

Work on the Gotz doll's wardrobes. I'm hoping to make them each 6 pieces for sure. They will pretty much have the same items of clothing - overalls, blouse, dress, coat, leggings, and skirt. All in different colors. Start with the overalls as I have one done. 

I am going to have a day of playing in the fabric and put together fabric with patterns. It will be a day to sort, think, fold, and have fun. 

In the meantime, I need to figure out the pattern for the stripe material. It is still calling me softly from the shelf. 

Happy Dolly Sewing.........................................