CHALLENGE - 14 Craft Projects in 2014

[BloominNora]

I thought it may be a good idea to have a challenge of 14 craft projects in 2014 - anyone care to join?

The challenge is simple - list 14 projects that you want to complete in 2014 and use this thread to talk about progress / issues / share finished results. Projects can be anything - small, large, WIPs that you've had hanging round for ages, any type of craft.

I'll set a sister thread up in Arts and craft pictures for finished projects.

[BloominNora]

I've finished making my SIL's bag. It's not perfect and I put one of the straps on the wrong way on one end so we've used it as a present bag rather than a present iyswim but it was good practice (and it is the first thing other than DD's PE Bag that I've ever actually finished!)

Picture Here

[BigWellyLittleWelly]

Hi, may I join in? I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place as far as craft projects are concerned (2 very young children and a doctoral thesis to complete for July) as well as having a house and garden renovation project n the go.

I can't knit or crochet but I can and do sew/ appliqué.

1. Drawstring rucksack for nephew
2. Drawstring bags for DD's
3. Flower appliqué onto linen nursery bag
4. Themal line existing curtains
5. Make heavy thermal lined front door curtains
6. Make welly wetbag for the car
7. Lined pinafore dress for DD1
8. Lined pinafore dress for DD2
9. Complete tapestry syarted when pregnant with DD1 (shes 4 in August)

10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

[HectorVector]

I've cut out the pattern for my vest top... Probably won't get to start it until next week though, I have a busy week ahead.

[HectorVector]

Oh that'll be no. 11 on my list. I thought I'd try a vest before the 3/4 length sleeve top, because I think I'm going to struggle with sleeves!

[daisychicken]

I've spent the weekend doing journal pages (J52 and TDL projects) so week 2 is completed, I have the prompts for week 3 so thinking about those now. I also practised different loom stitches and now have started a hooded scarf - pattern says beginners so hopefully I'll do ok!

So I'm working numbers 3 & 4 (ongoing) and now number 11 from my list (see below) ?? my Fibro is in an achey flare so not going to do much else until it settles again.

I've been speaking to the lady who taught me dressmaking and the lingerie class I did, she has a class coming up in feb for dressmaking.. I'm pondering taking it as having her there while I do my pattern will give me confidence... but it's £105 for 6 classes (I think I have that right).... Or should I just bite the bullet and get on with it???? I don't have these niggles with bag making and other stuff I sew, just clothes!


My list:

1. Finishing sewing knickers (did a course, have about 5 pairs cut out to sew)
2. Finish bag (fabric cut, ready to sew)
3. Journal52
4. The Documented Life (3&4 are combined into one journal)
5. Finish journal pages for meet-up in April
6. Make crayon/art kit for dn for Christmas
7. Plan and make Christmas/b'day gifts
8. Sew some clothes - I've made small items but not progressed to larger items & would like some tunic tops
9. Make wristwarmers from fleece lined fabric

10. Practise Lino prints and soft rubber block prints - use to make cards/fabric prints
11. Look into loom knitting - do hooded scarf project
12.
13.
14.

[ZingSweetApple]

yay, love this thread!

and I'm ahead as I have just finished my hexie quilted Christmas tree mat!
#1 - tick!

#2 - five small wall hanging quilts that I designed 8 years ago - also finishing stages as wadding and backing are pinned ready for quilting

#3 - a scrap cot quilt for youngest nephew who is one this week - I'm hoping to finish it by Thursday so MIL can take it with her as she's going to his birthday party

#4 - I don't think this will be done this year, nevertheless I'm planning to work hard on our king size bed quilt, which is tacked and being hand quilted.
it will be awesome

#5 - I spy quilt for our children, made of 5&1/2" hexagons.
it needs 307 of them.

#6 - mini hexie quilt for DD's dolly, ideally I hope it's done for her second birthday in April.
it's made of 1" hexagons, using brushed cotton (Robert Kaufman Cozy Cotton range)

#7 & #8 - moving and having baby #7 (due in July)!
both would require an insane amount of prep and organising, but as they are going to happen almost simultaneously at least I can sort stuff accordingly.
just need to focus.

[ZingSweetApple]

I'll add more later

[ZingSweetApple]

and I have started both #5 & #6

[TheTigerDidntComeToTea]

Can I join too??

Last year all I did was buy fabric and pin stuff on Pinterest and didn't get around to actually making anything, so this year I am much more motivated.

1. Bunting for niece, January birthday
2. Bunting for friend's new baby.
3. Catvent quilt for new family room - from Oh Fransson!
4. Cushions to match no. 3
5. Beanbag type floor cushions for ds & dd
6. Summer dress for dd (with fabric bought 18 months ago!)
7. Upcycle dress for dd from dh's shirt
8. Vintage sheet type quilt for my bed (homesweethideaway)
9. Upcycle bag from a man's shirt (bugglebeehandmade)

10. Buttercup bag (made by Rae) pinched from RueDeWakening's list!
11. Summer tunic/peasant type top for me (again, with fabric bought 18 months ago!)
12. Felt heart garland for Christmas
13. Christmas tree garland
14. Other Christmas stuff as I have a layer cake to use up...

I have finished 1 and 2, and the fabric arrived on Saturday for me to start 3 and 4. I think I might do 3 in bits and do other ones in between, but not sure. I would really like to make dd some stuff for the summer because I've been thinking about it for ages but I'd probably need to start soon if she's to wear it this year!!

[Shnickyshnackers]

I've been keeping myself busy with three crochet blankets on the go at the moment. One is very close to being finished off, and then I can post it to my friend in the UK and it will be the first completed project of 2014 for me :)

[ZingSweetApple]

I have cut out more paper hexagons (from cereal boxes) for I spy quilt and loads of fabric ones as well.

I need to tack them, get more cereal boxes, sort more fabric, design the x-stich numbers (to put them in a clock face pattern), make templates for Alphabet hexies....and so on.

how's everyone progressing?

the cot quilt for nephew is not done, but luckily he's one so won't mind it being a few weeks late!

[daisychicken]

Had to stop the hooded scarf till I can find someone who can help me understand the pattern... I have to somehow decrease the stitches but the method doesn't make sense..... I have however started a slouchy beanie and almost finished! I am actually enjoying it, it's easy to do (mostly!), doesn't hurt my hands as much as knitting needles do and I can do it while watching a film/chatting! Think I'm sorted with a new hobby!

Am also part way through one journal page and still thinking about the other. Next week I aim to start knicker sewing

[WillieWaggledagger]

daisy are you able to post the instructions here, maybe some of the knitters might be able to decipher them?

[BloominNora]

A couple of people have asked on the picture thread about oilcloth sewing tips, so I thought I'd put them here on the main thread instead:

1. You can't undo a mistake in oilcloth as the needle holes will still show so BE CAREFUL (and don't sew straps on backwards like I did).

1. For the same reason, you can't move backwards and forwards with the needle to finish the seam so you will need to leave an extra long tail on the thread to tie off manually.

1. You pin or iron oilcloth so use clothes pegs to hold seams in place or pieces of material together.

1. Use longer stitches as there is less opportunity for the material to get stuck.

1. Oilcloth sticks to shiny surfaces so you need to create friction. I covered the base of my machine in freezer paper (matt side up), although tissue paper or masking tape will work just as well (just make sure you don't cover feed dogs).

1. You also need to do something with the foot. You can either cover it in masking tape or get a teflon foot (I used a teflon foot). When researching, I also saw suggestions that a walking foot or roller foot could be used - however, while I bought a walking foot and roller foot, I didn't try them as the teflon foot worked so well (depending on your machine you can get one for less than a fiver on Amazon - I bought this one )

I'm no expert (having only successfully completed one oil cloth project),
however, hopefully these tips will help

[BloominNora]

Oh - almost forgot:

1. Use a denim needle.

[HectorVector]

Thanks for the oilcloth tips. Sounds a bit too complicated for a novice like me. I have to master regular cotton fabrics first! :)

[BloominNora]

Nah - I'm a novice too. It's the first project I've actually ever finished!

[daisychicken]

Thanks for the oilcloth tips, I want to make an oilcloth bag at some point!

Willie - the knitting is for a loom, I'm not sure if anyone here has much experience with them? Everyone else I've asked has only done knitting needle knitting. I've found a description which explains the decreasing bit better so I'm thinking I'll just swop to that method... I can always rip it out and start again if need be I guess!

[ZingSweetApple]

FWIW oil cloth is same as leather in that regard - needle marks are permanent.

anyone does English paper piecing? I use dots of glue stick to attach fabric to cut out templates - makes it really easy to tack the fabric as it stays in one place!

[WillieWaggledagger]

ah, sorry daisy, you're right - i am needles only!

[daisychicken]

No worries Willie

I have finished my hat! so chuffed!!! Going to restart hooded scarf today. I have the knitting loom bug & am already looking at sock looms (much finer so can use thinner wools) stop me spending!!!

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Hooray! I finished number 1 on my list (Margaret Sherry Cross Stitch picture for my friend). It's all framed and ready to go to her tomorrow.

I've started looking at making a toy hammock for DS, which is NOT on my list! Oh well, perhaps once I get the sewing machine out I'll be all motivated and get on with the rest of it.

On the subject of sewing machines - I think I need a new one. Mine is dying a bit. Any recommendations? I don't need anything fancy - I mainly just use it for making little pieces (toys, bunting etc), a bit of applique and the odd button hole. It does need to be strong though as I often stitch through lots of layers.

[ZingSweetApple]

cupcakes

get a serviced second hand one - ask your local fabric shop or sewing machine shop for advice & contacts

and can you post a photo of your finished project?
well done!

[daisychicken]

Cupcakes - why do you think your sewing machine is dying? Might a service & clean (I mean of the inner workings) help? I have 3 & 2 are old-ish (1940 & 1980) and have been serviced regularly so work well hence wondering if that might be a solution?

[SuburbanSpaceperson]

Fab idea, I have just learned to crochet so there might be quite a few crochet projects on my list.

1. Have already made a crocheted möbius cowl
2. Have already made a crocheted hat
3. Finish a baby quilt (Baby is now 6 months old )
4. Crochet a scarf like this. I've done six flowers so far.

5, 6 and 7. Make blinds for the holiday cottage that I have a share in.
8-14. To follow as inspiration strikes me.