Do you Sew Along?

The main reason I started this blog, was because I had so many ideas for sewing projects that I wanted to create but never did.

I was in a sewing funk.

I would come up with an idea purchase a pattern or fabric or both! Then I would do nothing.....except put it on shelf. This process I would repeat until the point it was making me, nothing but depressed and guilty. However I couldn't stop coming up with ideas of things I wanted to create. So many that it became over whelming, and again I did nothing. Over the last few years the only items I sewed for myself was for weddings.  Im pretty sure that was because there was always a fixed date!

Being a freelancer my work life is broken up into projects, each having a series of deadlines always with final deadline. Then on to the next project, client or company. I think that, is the reason I struggled sewing for myself. The idea of making just for the sake of making- without a fix deadline was unpractised by me.

That is why I have found 'Sew Alongs' helpful to ease myself back into sewing.

There is a project outline, a deadline and best of all- Others working along side you offering advice and encouragement along the way! I also do love having a sticky beak, seeing how others have interpreted an idea. And what pattern, fabrics and alterations they have chosen, to make it their own.

This month I have joined two Sew Alongs, which is pretty ambitious for someone trying to get back into the swing of sewing! I had a few rules for joining Sew Alongs which were:

I actually want to make/wear the piece of clothing in the Sew Along- seems like a no brainer but it's very easy to get tempted to join every Sew Along.....

AND

I already have the pattern OR the majority of the fabric needed (I can purchase trims etc). Bonus points if I have both!

Both of the following Sew Alongs qualified :)

The first is Swirl Dress Sew Along hosted by the lovely Beccie from Sew Retro Rose. I believe it is her first Sew Along, but I'm sure it wont be the last.

We are all working on a Swirl Dress using a McCall 5411. Beccie generously hand traced the pattern 

in sizes Small to X-Large. 

Fabric from stash...which means it's free!...Right?! 

All cut out and ready to go....

She also made a tutorial for each step, which has been great as even though it seems like a simple dress I have already made a few mistakes :/ 

Some sewing I did today that I just realised I will later have to unpick...face palm

Today I finished the bodice only to find the neckline abit gapey? Not sure if thats an actually word? Anyway I have to brain storm how to fix that- which I hopefully share in my next post! Then I just have to add the skirt and its complete. Easy peasy, and I can already see myself using this pattern again.

The second Sew Along I have joined is The Vintage Pajama Party Sew Along hosted by Carla form Tiny.Angry.Crafts.  I was excited to join this Sew Along as I had the pattern and a few years back bought this fabric especially to make up into PJ's. At this stage Im still working out how much fabric I have, possibly just enough for the Robe....

The deadline for The Vintage Pajama Party is December 6th, so there is still plenty of time to join!

So how about you?

Do you like Sew Alongs?