52 Week Sewing Challenge – January
What a month it has been! The January 52 Week Sewing Challenge was filled with creativity, innovation, and lots of fun. Here’s the projects I tackled in January for the weekly challenges.
Week One – Clean Your Sewing Space/Work In Progress
The year started with a bang as I took some time to clean my sewing space and work on finish a work-in-progress. I started the Bowl & Plate Cozies before Christmas and they were a great way to kick off the challenge. Using cozies when heating food in the microwave is a game changer for me! Now I tuck my plates or bowls into a cozy, pop in the microwave and retrieval of hot dishes is a snap! No more juggling pot holders, kitchen mitts or towels to keep from burning myself!
I love these cozies! They are so quick and easy to make. I used Simplicity Pattern 9733 – Cozies for Pans, Bowls, Plates and Ice Cream Pint. Just two fat quarters and Wrap-N-Zap Batting and you’ve got a cute and fun bowl or plate cozy! Make them to match your kitchen or give them as gifts!
Week Two – Sew a Sports Item
In the second week, I embraced my “athletic side” by sewing a sports item. This reusable Snack Bag was a great way to combine practicality with creativity and help with the environment. My “athletics” run in the direction of walks and hikes and these reusable snack bags are great!
Best part? These bags can be made in different sizes to meet different needs. They don’t have to be only used for snack bags! They are a great way to keep a lot of stuff organized – makeup, charger cords, pens/pencils, etc. The list is endless!! If you want to know how to make your own reusable bags check out my blog post Sew A Reusable Snack Bag.
Week Three – Sew Something with a Button
The third week brought a touch of classic sewing into the mix with the challenge to sew something with a button. I could have grabbed a shirt, skirt or pants project to meet this challenge but I decided to step up my game. I’ve had Simplicity 2676 on my list to make for a long time and this was the perfect challenge to pull the pattern out.
I read several reviews on PatternReview.com before starting and after reading other sewists comments, I decided I wanted to make some changes. The first change was to eliminate the fusible fleece and substitute a stiffer stabilizer for a crisper look. I also wanted to have an inside zipper pocket and change the tab closure to a zipper one.
There were several learning curves while making this bag. I ended up making it twice! The first bag I used stabilizer that was way too stiff! I used Pellon 71F Single-sided Fusible Ultra Firm Stabilizer. I had to fight to get the bag to turn right side out! This stabilizer would be great for projects that need a very firm silhouette.
Re-make Changes
The second bag I made using Pellon 926 Extra-Firm Stabilizer. This stabilizer was much easier to sew and work with but still gave the bag a crisp look.
I turned to YouTube to find help to change the tab closure to a zipper one. How to Add a Recessed Zipper to Any Tote Bag- Tutorial by Crafty Gemini is a great video! Her instructions are SO easy to follow! I loved using the multi-colored zipper I stumbled upon at Hobby Lobby!
To find an easy way to add an inside zippered pocket YouTube once again gave me what I needed. So Many Creations video Adding a zippered pocket & recessed zippered closure gave me exactly what I needed! Rearranging the inside pockets from six open ones, three on each side of the bag, to three on one side, two on the other, and added a zipper pocket made a huge difference!
I did make a small notion change to the purse covers. I used elastic pony tail bands instead of elastic thread for the loops. This was definitely an easier way to go!
The Changeable Cover Purse project stretched my sewing skills, taught me some new techniques and allowed for a lot of personalization and creativity. I will definitely be making this project again.
Week Four – Sew an Item that Brings You Comfort
I love Bucket hats and this challenge was a “no brainer” for me. I pulled another pattern out of my stash, Simplicity 9509 and gave it a try.
The first attempt I made the adult small but it didn’t fit right and looked weird. The crown part was too big at the top but fit around my head and the brim was too wide. Back to the sewing machine I went!
For my second attempt I used the child’s medium and adjusted the brim width. I reduced the brim by about an inch. I also added an inside casing with a ribbon to adjust the fit. Now my hat looks and fits much better!
Week Five – Sew Something with Scraps
I wrapped up the month with a challenge to sew something with scraps. Jar Openers are a great ways to use up those leftover pieces of fabric and create something that is not only useful, but cute!
The door is open with the fun ways you can use these jar openers to enhance your kitchen. And these little handy items can be used as coasters! And the awesome part? Jar openers are washable!! How great is that?! If you’d like to make some of these jar openers, pop over to my blog post Easy Peasy Jar Openers.
And that sums up my January 52 Week Sewing Challenge! If you would like to see more of my sewing journey check out my Sew Much More! page. For additional information about these projects, check out my reviews on Patternreview.com.
What a fantastic start to my year! January 52 Week Sewing Challenge has helped me get my sewing mojo in gear. I’m excited to see what February brings. I already have several projects in mind!
If you would like to join the challenge with me check out the Facebook Group 52 Week Sewing Challenge-2024 Edition. You’ll find lost of ideas, motivation and creativity to get your sewing juices flowing! I hope to see you there!
Keep sewing and keep challenging yourself!
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