2020 Make Nine: Plans

After last year’s moderately successful Make Nine (5/9 finished!) I went back and forth on whether I actually wanted to do a Make Nine for 2020. In the end, I decided to go for it. I don’t love resolutions, but it’s neat to think of these goals more as a “slice in time” than a to-do list. At this point in my life, here’s where I’m at in my crafting journey and this is what I’m excited about in the future.

My selection for this year includes some projects already in the prep-phase (hope that isn’t cheating! 😇) and encompasses more than just a handmade wardrobe — quilting, weaving, slopers, printing, slow-sewing... and cat clothes?!

1: Needle-turn appliqué quilt

I made a small Hawaiian needle-turn appliqué top as a test case last year. This year, I plan to make the Alturas Quilt by Carolyn Friedlander (large size, 8x8 squares). I have the fabric all cut out and ready to go.

2: EPP quilt

I’ve been super inspired by @listokap and her EPP quilt. (In fact, I stole a picture of her EPP progress for my Make Nine grid. 😁) I don’t have concrete plans for this one, but I’d like it to have a hidden layer of meaning. Perhaps it can be data-driven in some way. I’ve seen a daily temperature quilt and a knitted scarf with color-coded commute delays. Would love to come up with something similar!

3: Woven rag rug

This is already warped on my loom. 😉 Need to get on it! I’m using the book Weaving Rag Rugs by Tom Knisely as a guide. The warp is blue carpet yarn and the weft is fabric scraps from Pendleton Mills. In general, rag rugs seem like a great way of using up my own scraps or worn out garments. Hope this will be the first of many.

4, 5, 6: Skirt sloper, Pants sloper, Bodice sloper (moulage)

I’m embracing the sloper life this year! I have three Suzy Furrer classes on Bluprint ready to go, and her book Building Patterns from a class I took at Cañada college a few years back… in which I made a pants sloper. 🙃 But I want to make a new one with my additional sewing knowledge and to my current measurements.

7, 8: Garments made out of handwoven yardage and handprinted fabric

With my slopers, I’m hopeful I’ll have a well-fitting garment that’s worthy of special fabric! I’m saving these materials for patterns I know I’ll love.

9: Garment with hand-embellishment

Embroidery, beading, smocking - something time consuming and beautiful.

Bonus: Clothes for my cats

Sorry Mo and Ghostie, but this needs to be done. Perhaps Halloween costumes? Mo’s alter ego is the Untitled Goose. Ghostie would look cute as a nigiri.