Yess! Of course I thought of you when I decided to finally sign up for a class. I don't have any expectations, but I think it will be fun to play with some clay!
Silk: Different weaves, different weights, different fabric hands-all of which might make a difference but I throw everything in the washer in general. The hand may change (think of how linen gets softer or some fabrics might get more textured). One of the biggest variables in washing silk is colorfastness. Knowing that-Just go for it. Wash your silk yardage (Take lengtth -warp and wideth=weft measurements before and effort to see if it shrinks ) BTW: Fabric origami-very cool
I think whatever I buy, I will do some test washes. The opinion about washing silk seems pretty mixed, and it probably depends on the type of silk. If I do a test, I can't go wrong. And yes! Fabric origami is something I would love to try one day.
I love the idea of 24 challenges for 2024. I did find out here in Canada, if you take out a library book, the author makes a commission. My best friend and i are encouraging each other in a very short New Years resolution list. We have decided the most important is to exercise consistently, and be more organized in our household chores. My #1 for 24 in 24 is to NOT buy any fabric. I need to finish projects and use the fabric in my stash. I love walking in the rain and never ever have I owned an umbrella. I do have raincoats, but I rarely wear the hood. My hair curls so beautifully after getting wet in the rain. And I don't have thick hair, so it doesn't take long to dry. I am always amazed that so many people in the UK don't travel to different areas. It's such a tiny country with a great train service. Traveling in Canada is so challenging, the country is vast, and the trains and flights are very expensive. Good luck with the 24 for 24, it will be interesting to hear how that goes. I'm going to start my list this evening.
I really love hearing that the author gets something if you take a book out from the library. That sounds very Canadian (in the best way). I would be surprised if it happens in many other countries. I wish you luck in your short resolution list, especially number one. It's a big one that I don't think I could manage. I certainly don't use an umbrella too often, but I think it will be interesting to be more conscious about making that choice. Especially when it's really coming down. Travel within the UK is pretty popular. I think people tend to go to the same places, though. I wonder if the fact that it's a smaller country makes it less appealing to travel around. You do get quite a variety around the country, but you wouldn't get the same dramatically different landscape as you would traveling around a bigger country. We are also so close to Europe, I think a foreign holiday seems more exciting to many. I personally don't travel much at all because I don't have the money to spend on it. Day trips are more within my budget!
We have made doughnuts out of a can of biscuits. You just punch out a hole using a small cap from a bottle. Then fry them until golden on both sides, blot quickly and shake them in a bag with sugar. Quick, easy and delicious!!!
I loved the chai latte I had in that little cafe at Kew!😋 Rye is a very pretty old town and definitely one to visit. Also, I’m sure we could all help out with the donuts!😊
I am here for your mastering perfect chai! Not silly at all. I have been on the same journey 😀 ☕️. Love the idea of a phone free day. I love how thoughtful your goals are.
@@LostMyThread I went on a chai journey a few years ago. I still have not mastered it. Most recipes called for making a concentrate and to steep the spices first for like 30 minutes. I think the authentic ones do loose tea milk and spices all together. None of the chai tea bags do it for me. I want it spicy with out being over sugared and I want to taste my tea too. I did have a successful journey to finding a great cappuccino muffin and a very delicious pumpkin muffin. The Chai tea is all I am missing for the things I might be tempted to have out but am 85% of the time disappointed in.
@@ChristineSewsALot very nice. I love that you've got a couple of great staples. Maybe I need to add a new food/drink item to my list every year until I build up a bank of favorites. I love a good cinnamon scone from an American bakery but have not made one that I love and can't get them in the UK. That might need to be on the list next year. You're giving me ideas!!
I loved your list and will be making my own. Things I will include sewing at least 3 times a week, going to the local library and trying a new recipe every week.
Oh, excellent! It's a great way to remind ourselves about things that bring us joy. I hope you enjoy sewing and visiting the library. I also hope you find lots of new favorite recipes!
Some of our best hikes were in heavy rain. Our first hike was in March on part of the Rob Roy Way and we literally had 4 seasons in one day. We were so cold that we couldn’t feel our legs and so wet through that we were wringing the water out of our underwear! 😂 15 years on and no longer able to hike but we still remember how much we loved that day ☺️ Have a great Christmas Theresa ❤❤
Oh wow, what an amazing memory! It definitely feels like a much more extreme version than I was talking about, but isn't it incredible feel so in touch with nature?
@@LostMyThread I really miss our hikes. I had a trimalleolar fracture 5 and a half years ago and have so much metalwork in my ankle that I can’t walk far at all now. The difference it makes to your mental health is phenomenal. Especially when you’re hiking in amongst our beautiful lochs and mountains ☺️💞💞
I am 66; I grew up in Vancouver and I still live in coastal British Columbia. I don’t even own an umbrella, and I haven’t for years. It’s only rain, right? You won’t melt 😊. Go for it! (Having said that, the last time I wished I had an umbrella, I was in London!). Great 2024 list-lots of good ideas!
Oh, I love to hear that! I think it was simpler when I lived in Chicago because if it was too cold, it would snow. If it was raining, it usually wasn't that cold, and we didn't get half as much rain as we do in London. Vancouver has a reputation of being pretty rainy though, so I say good for you! We have so, so much rain in London. I probably use an umbrella about five times a year. I certainly don't bother for the mild misty stuff. Sometimes there isn't any point for the sideways windy rain. I feel like we just got a lot more cold rain in London, and I don't want to get soaked in the cold. That's what tips me over into wanting my umbrella. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's always nice to have a kindred spirit!
You can decide what it means to you when silk is ruined. If you want it to maintain the same hand then I would get it dry cleaned first. If you are ok with the hand and color changing then you can wash it. Washed silk has a beautiful hand to it and you won't have to worry about water spots since it has been in water already. I have given silk a gentle wash and air dried it before but I have also run it through a warm wash and a dryer to get a more buttery washed silk feel. I will usually cut off a few 5" x 5" swatches and wash them a few different ways to see what hand I like best. Once the silk is pre-washed then I will tend to only wash it on gentle and lay flat to dry to avoid additional damage.
I think that is a really thoughtful way to consider it. It's worth having a play with any silk that I get and see what happens when I wash a swatch. I tend to put most of my fabrics in the washer and dryer when I first buy them, in case I accidentally do that in the future. I will then only ever wash on a gentle cycle after that. I certainly wouldn't want to accidentally ruin my garments!
I love your 24 for 2024 and plan to make a list for myself. It's also nice to include sewing and other things we want to enjoy in our lives. Thank you for including it in your video.
I've never sewn with silk either but l do have ready to wear silk blouses, a dress and a long crinkle skirt (all thrifted). I did a "Google" and have gently washed them all in just barely warm water using the delicate liquid for silk and wool. Then you roll up your item in a clean towel to absorb the excess water. I've line dried outside but you don't put them out in the sunshine. Everything has been fine 💜
I think it's probably more in my own head, to be honest. It's a fabric that has such a reputation. I never put any of my handmade clothes in the tumble dryer anyway, so I feel like I'm probably going to be fine. Wish me luck, though!
2024 is going to be great for you, you've got some really good resolutions in there. I have been going back amd forth on the smashing pumpkins and Weezer gig, I sooo want to go! Weezer was my first 'proper gig' when I was a teenager. Love your plan to meditate more and walks in the heavy rain. Even better but perhaps a bit crazy is when a car splashes you in a big puddle and being able to laugh about it! Thanks for all the energy you put into your channel this year, it's great following your journey 😊
Thank you so much! I've never actually seen Weezer live but am a fan. I've seen the Pumpkins many times, and they always deliver live. I think it will be a good show! I seriously avoid going near big puddles in the road when cars are passing. I can't honestly remember when that last happened to me (must be 10 years +). I think I prefer to trust no car and choose caution for that one. 😂
Thank you so much for doing this again this year, Theresa. I am so glad you plan to do vlogs again, too. I have created my list too with organisational and minimalist items featured (buy less!) so I'd definitely be up for joining you in a 10x10 challenge.
Oh great! Are you on Instagram? If so, what is your username? I'm going to put together a group of people who are interested in the 10x10, so that we can talk about how we'd like to organize it and use the group to share photos and give encouragement
Love your goals. We have several that are the same for 2024. I did t know that you were into Haiku. Every year on Washington DC there is a Haiku contest and the winners are printed on signs and placed around downtown DC so that people can read them on there walk in/out to work or at lunch time. I loved reading them. Really, it was the first time that I really appreciated them. Hope your hand feels better this upcoming year
Thank you so much, Mari! There's a nice, quiet, simplicity to haiku that I really love. My favorites are definitely by the poets Issa, Basho and Buson. I'm also a big fan of art in the public spaces. The London underground, the public transportation system for London, has "poems on the underground wall". They're poems up on billboards in the stations and trains. They always make me smile to see them. I have been noticing some incremental improvements with my hand and wrist. Of course, I wish it was quicker, but I'm still happy to see the progress. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2024!
@@LostMyThread I hope you have a happy new year, as well. By the way that 10 challenge sounds like so much fun and I think October is a great transitional time to do it
I'm inspired to make my own list for creative motivation. I usually make them only for managing task, but this next year, will be an added new dimension. Thanks
Walking in a heavy rain Wow that brought back memories. That should be a must. Did it once, have never been that wet even in a shower or swim. Feeling the rain that way is an awesome experience, your senses explode. This was an eye opening video, making this type of list is a gift to ourself. Have a blessed Christmas.
So great to hear that somebody else understands the power of this! And yes, that one is just going to happen. I will wait until the weather is a bit warmer, though. 😉
I love hearing about your resolutions and plans. I hope we can catch up in early 2024. I went to Rye, and Merchant and Mills, a year or so ago. I didn't buy any fabric (as you know, most of it is eye wateringly expensive and I just didn't need any of it at the time, but also as you say the quality seems great and it was fun to see it in person). A beautiful store in a lovely town. I did a five week introduction to wheel pottery at Crown Works Pottery in Bethnal Green (not that far from the NCH) back in early 2020 and I loved it. It wasn't the most convenient for me to get to (and I guess it's not for you either), but it was brilliant and I recommend it. IIRC they also do introduction to pottery weekends as well as the evening classes I did, if that's easier for you to get to.
Ah, this is all really useful info! You are awesome. Thanks, Chloe! I'm not committing to buying anything at Merchant and Mills (or promising that I won't buy anything) 😉, but I still think it'll be a fun trip. And it's an area of the UK that I've never visited, so how can you lose? I find it pretty unlikely that I'll find a good pottery class that is convenient to get to. London is kind of like that, you know? I feel like if it's a shorter class (5 weeks sounds good), then I can manage it. I will definitely look into Crown Works Pottery. I probably need to do a ton of research, but I think it would be a really fun thing to try. Are you coming to the fabric swap? It would be really nice to catch up in the new year. Hoping you have a really awesome Christmas! And wishing you and your partner a happy and healthy 2024!
@@LostMyThread I'd love to go to the fabric swap, but we're away that weekend so I'll have to give it a miss. I look forward to your report of it though! If you go way back in my IG feed to early 2020, I did a post for each week of the pottery course, which should give you a pretty good idea of what it entailed.
I wash all my silk. Sometimes, I even put it in the dryer! Just wash the fabric before you cut out your pattern. Yes, the texture might change. It will probably get softer and shrink a bit. I’ve never had a disaster.Whitney of Tom Cat Stitchery also advertises she washes all her silk. If you have sewn with chiffon or light weight rayon, you know how to sew with silk.
Oh, interesting! Part of me felt like I would just pre-wash it and see what happens... It just seemed like such a risk to take for silk. It has such a reputation! But you are absolutely right, I have sewn with very similar fabrics. It's more about how to treat and wash it. Great to hear that you can get away with machine washing it!
I wash most silk garments in a lingerie bag on a cool regular cycle or on a delicate cycle (better) and usually hang to dry. I'd definitely prewash my fabric before sewing it so it can shrink. Test a swatch though on a low dryer setting before tossing the whole piece in. I prefer sandwashed silks because they have already been washed and so the character doesn't tend to change much. Silk/cotton or silk/linen blends are also nice and not quite as precious.
Awesome! I'm planning to start an Instagram group in the new year, so that everyone who is interested can chat and plan how and when we will do it. Then we can all share our outfits and give each other encouragement when the time comes!
I've just tried to find you. Are you cathkincreatesgoodies on IG? I'm going to start an IG group in the New Year with the people who have expressed interest. We can plan the rules, dates, share our outfits and encourage each other!
Oh, I love a good chai. I've tried so many, and I also prefer them not too sweet. I haven't made it from scratch yet, but I have realized that my favorite chai blends all have black pepper. I'm really looking forward to whatever you share of your chai adventure. I really enjoy them cold as well. Your list for next year sounds really fun. I'm in a place right now where I can't really think that far ahead, because the present is really demanding my attention, but when things calm down, I may take some inspiration from it and see what kind of list I can make. Time slips by so quickly, it seems like making a list so you don't forget what you want to do may be the only way to get those things done. I enjoy your videos so much. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🙂
Thank you so much! I will definitely be sharing my chai adventures. 😁 And the new year is some of an arbitrary time to start making goals and plans. It makes it a little bit simpler to keep track, but you certainly have no need to stick to the first of January. I hope that life settles down for you soon and that you are able to make some happy memories for 2024. Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas season!
What a great list. I love how it’s balanced between creative, personal and family. You’ve inspired me to get my Gretchen Rubin back out again! One thing I had success with this year was a sewing challenge which gave 12 categories, suggested one project a month, but wasn’t rigid with deadlines. I’m going to pick 12 crafts I’d like to dabble in again and then try and do one a month. I’ve got so much crafting paraphernalia, I need to use it. Have an amazing 2024 with your list!
I'm always interested to try a new craft. I hope you have fun experimenting with some this year. It's always great for us to find the right balance for ourselves. If you got us this in the works for you, absolutely go for it! Wishing you a wonderful 2024!
I'm a new subscriber. I've seen a few of your videos and have really enjoyed them! I love your resolutions! I have been sewing for 57 years and have never sewn with silk either. I will watch to see how your silk project turns out.
What is it about silk? Haha! It clearly has a reputation. I know that I've sewn with very similar fabrics, so I don't expect the sewing part to be that difficult. The question of how to treat the fabric is more what concerns me. I'll start with a small project. What's the worst that could happen?
I love your list. I'm not really a 'resolutions' person because they always seem so big and so unlikely to be accomplished, and at the end every year I always think about picking a word for the upcoming year, but I can never actually commit to one. I like the sound of your 24 for 24 because they can be big things if you want, but they can also be small and fun and silly. There's enough of them that you've got room to play, and if you only manage half of them, that's still so many great things! Maybe I will try to come up with my own list of 24. I've also been thinking about a word for 2024 (as usual) and I still can't commit to one (as usual) but I'm thinking of committing to three instead: Nourish, Nurture, and Nest. I feel like those words encompass what I actually want to focus on this year, which is to take really good care of my body, my mind, and my home. All the best to you this holiday season. Can't wait to see you tick things off your 'menu' in 2024. 💙
I really love the sound of your three words, especially your interpretation of them. It always seems very fun when I hear other people coming up with the word for the year. It's great to keep them reasonably open, so that they can work depending on what life throws you throughout the year. Let me know if you do decide to do a 24 for 2024. I'd love to hear what's on your list!
I love these goals! I also love your attitude toward them. The fact that they’re things to think about and keep front of mind, rather than hard and fast things you MUST do takes all of the pressure off. 10x10 would be so fun! I think it would be a really good challenge and a fun way to explore my wardrobe. Being outside in full on pouring rain is a wonderful thing. I’ve gotten caught in rainstorms a few times when running and I definitely don’t rush home. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you so much, Erin. It's nice to hear somebody else relating to the joy of being caught in the rain. So excited that you want to take part in the 10x10! I'm trying to get together a little group of us so that we can check in with you each other and share how it's going. Are you on Instagram? It might be simplest to make a group on there.
My husband and I met on a music related message board, too, for Sarah McLachlan. We still go out to see music regularly, especially since we've discovered how much talent there is in our local music scene. We do fewer big concerts, though we still fit some in each year.
And so nice that you're able to keep that connection. I do always prefer smaller concerts, but it's nice to go all out with a big arena show sometimes.
We are going to see OMD in March. We saw them in around 2008. They were fantastic. The whole audience, with the exception of my sil, danced the whole concert.
I was not familiar with OMD, so I did a little search to hear some of the music. Super 80s, in the best way. That seems like such a fun concert to go to. I'm sure you'll have the best time!
Thanks for sharing your list Theresa. Those haiku books look fantastic. I remember learning an e e cummings poem in school and being really intrigued by the opening "Listen. This a dog barks". I've forgotten the number. I don't do resolutions but have a word for the year instead. This year mine is "self-expression". I'm wanting to get back into sewing and ideally have a few more items in my wardrobe for Me Made May.
My book of the complete poems of ee cummings has an index of first lines at the back, so I was able to find that one. That poem like many of his, is great at creating a feeling. I love poetry that transports you, creates a vibe, draws out your emotion. Both haiku and cummings do this for me. I have so many favorite ee cummings poems. Here's one: somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond any experience, your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which i cannot touch because they are too near your slightest look easily will unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers, you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose or if your wish be to close me, i and my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly, as when the heart of this flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending; nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility: whose texture compels me with the colour of its countries, rendering death and forever with each breathing (i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens; only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses) nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands
Thanks, Marie! I have to say, I'm pretty unfamiliar with the greater Manchester area. My family live in Ramsbottom. We may end up using that more as a launching off point and heading further into the country. I'll let you know if it looks like I've got a little time to meet up, depending on where we go. It's a really lovely idea! And Happy New year to you, too!
@@LostMyThread Ramsbottom isn’t Manchester city centre that’s for sure, but it is a lovely part of the country. I’d be happy to travel to meet up - time dependent of course! Family is the most important thing!
As someone who’s set all sorts of sewing goals over the years, I have an opinion. You’ve got an ambitious list, so give yourself some slack getting through it. Setting yourself up for gift sewing for the family And starting 10x10 on October 10, And vlogmas, really slams your 4th quarter with a lot of stress and expectation. You might want to consider moving the 10x10 to the spring. Just a thought. Btw, I think the 10x10 concept sounds interesting. I’d like to explore it a bit more.
Well, I think that all sounds pretty sensible. I certainly hadn't made any decisions about when I would do the 10x10. Spring might be simpler, as it might not need as many warm layers. My hope is to actually sew up my Christmas gifts in October/November so that December is relatively free for vlogmas. And of course, I will not be pressuring myself to work through everything on this list. It's more of a fun suggestion list! Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom based on your own experience. Definitely very thoughtful. I appreciate it! Wishing you a wonderful festive season!
Lots of great ideas again. ❤ your enthusiasm for a return to Vlogmas, I have missed the crocheted mailbox covers and fantastic music (thanks Phil!). So I have had hand/thumb/ wrist issues multiple times over the years (there's a reason my family worry everytime I cycle and won't let me ski anymore🙄) I can recommend pottery as a form of hand therapy. I can also recommend using a long loom to knit a hat as part of your wrist recovery. I found long loom knitting far less stress on my hands and wrists. I would never replace regular knitting needles completely but its nice to mix it up. I'd do 10x10 with you. It might spur me on to get a better phone so my Instagram photos are half decent😂. Its just like packing in a carry-on for holiday. It would be a real challenge in winter here but not impossible. If you go to the gardens in daylight please take us with you! Your magical walk through the illuminated gardens pushed us to do Butchart Gardens last New Years while we were visiting relatives in Victoria British Columbia. It was amazing! So thanks for that. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024! 🎄🎅🤶
Ooh, yes Nancy! Let's do a 10x10! I'll see if other people are interested, and if so, we can always make a group on Instagram or something. It will be a lot more fun to have someone else joining in. I was actually a bit reluctant to try the pottery until my hand and wrist are fully recovered. In fairness, I probably wouldn't be organized enough to do it all that soon, anyway. I'm really curious to see how it goes. I have a feeling that I will really like it. I will have to look into the long loom knitting. I'm not familiar with that, but I really appreciate the suggestion. Very disappointingly, something seems to have happened to the local crafting group. I've only seen one crocheted postbox topper for this year. I have taken some photos though and will be sharing them in my next video. So glad to hear that my adventures inspired you to get out somewhere new. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy festive season!
Great picks Theresa! I think one of my sewing resolutions would be to use what’s in my stash. I love that I have enough options to make just about anything at this point so I better use what I have. Also, spending less and saving more but that’s not as fun 😂
Haha, well if we can make the goal more about the positive, that might make it more appealing. Using all the gorgeous fabric in your stash sounds a little nicer than banning yourself from buying new fabric, even if it means the same thing. Good luck, and most importantly, enjoy! We do buy those beautiful fabrics for a reason!
Yes to Vlogmas next year! Loved views of London and the crocheted mailbox covers. I was so inspired by your 23 in 2023 that I did it myself. I organized it into categories and it helped me understand why I wanted to do them: Make Community, Make Home, Make Stuff, Make Tracks, Relax (make_grow_hike_repeat). I did all but 3 - I'm list motivated. I'm doing it again next year and may need help with one item in list. I want to do a free needle minder pattern because I nearly lost a cat to a bad incident (you can see on Instagram post)...don't want it to happen to someone else. Per Chai...I love it and they do make it too sweet in shops. I buy Adagio loose leaf tea and love their Masala Chai and Thai Chai. Being out in heavy rain without an umbrella...I don't associate this with fun too much because I've been stuck on the top of a 12K ft mountain in a heavy monsoon downpour accompanied by lightning, or on many backpacks wear you're drenched with no place to go - so it no longer sounds like fun. Ha ha.
My goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about the scare with your cat! I am glad to hear that it sounds like they were okay. Yikes! What is your ig handle? It's so awesome to hear that you did a 23 for 2023 and that you were so successful with yours. I have a few things that I haven't been able to do on my list from this last year, but I'm still happy about what I did achieve. Thank you so much for the suggestions about the Chai! I'm looking forward to a lot of experiments. And yes, I think the context in which you are in the heavy rain will very much influence your enjoyment of it. 😉😂
@@LostMyThread make_grow_hike_repeat I don't have a whole lot of posts and it is very recent picture of white and ginger cat. That incident was really upsetting to the point that one thing I want to put on my 24 for 24 is to create a free zippered needle minder wallet. I don't want anyone else to go through same thing I did. I want to see if the FoldLine or any other sewing vloggers would be willing to feature it. I don't know what best way is to get word out.
@@LisaFaiss send a direct message to them on Instagram. Most big channels and influencers respond quickly to direct messages (though maybe not over Christmas 😉).
Merry Christmas Teresa and Phil! By the end of your vlog my list had 13 ‘menu items’. Thank you for sharing yours with us. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💖🌼🌸🌺🌻💐🇦🇺😎
That is the plan, but I must say that this year has been really disappointing with the post box covers. I'll only manage to see one. I don't know what's happened to the local crafters... 😞 I will be making a video soon where I will share photos of the one that I saw. And anymore if I spot them before then.
Great list, and I love the idea of it being a menu, not a must-do. I'd participate in a 10x10 wardrobe challenge. Doing it later in the year would enable me to build up my handmade wardrobe.
Oh awesome! Are you on Instagram? If so, what's your handle? I'll try to get a group of us together who want to do the 10x10 challenge. I can create an Instagram group, which will help keep us motivated.
Teresa, this is full of wonderful ideas! I love your list! Also, it makes my librarian heart happy to hear of your book related options. I don't know what your local libary is like but I can say it is staffed by people who are curious, love words, and love curiosity. Have fun there! You may find that you not only save money but also find new, interesting resources for your interests.
I honestly have spent so much of my life in libraries. They are definitely my happy place. For many years I was convinced that I would be a librarian. At times I wonder if I should have been. 😉 I'm looking forward to spending some good time there this year.
It's great to set ourselves goals and give ourselves personal challenges I think. I'm not sure, sewing wise, what mine are yet as I'm still condsidering. I know that I want to go through every room in my house and redecorate, so that's my main priority this next year. We have a holiday in France in the summer, so most of my sewing will be for that. Good luck with yours Theresa.
Well I think redecorating a whole house sounds like plenty! And prepping for a holiday in France sounds like a great way to focus your sewing. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. It sounds like you've got a good one planned already!
Thank you for asking goal for 2024-im slowing down on the finishings of garments to look nice. I get impatient at the end of constructing something, rush on it and it looks sloppy.
I have definitely had that experience. There is such a temptation to rush at the end of a project when you're so close to the end. I wish you luck on achieving this goal. It will be so satisfying!
Silk…..I’ve both bought RTW silk blouses and have a small stack of silk dupioni, and other varieties of silk. Silk jersey is delicious. I wash them all on delicate, they’ve occasionally made it to the dryer accidentally, taken out when kinda dry, they are all fine. Silk is tough, so tough it was used in parachutes in WW2. I think that’s true, but no silk I’ve dry cleaned then washed myself has ever suffered because of it. Silk is dyed through a steaming process with acid dyes, same as wool. Or with dyes you use with cotton, Procion MX dyes. So not to worry, it’s just fabric, buy a bit extra but all in all, have been successful with treating silk just like cotton. No fear, k?
Oh my goodness, you are making it all sound too easy! Hahaha! It's such a funny thing to be intimidated by a fabric... It just has such a reputation. And silk jersey? I have never heard of that before. It sounds incredible. I will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for that.
I sew with silk when I want a really lovely garment. I hand wash most of my silk; I have a silk crepe de chine liberty tunic that I pre-washed a swatch for and did not like how it looked, so for that it's spot clean - I took out an oil spot with cornstarch - and hanging to air and spraying with vodka to freshen up the armpits. But mostly handwash and dry flat or hang to dry. Sure, I could probably machine wash, but why, when these are precious garments?
I think pre-washing a swatch is really clever. I totally understand what you're saying about avoiding the machine, though. These are really special garments. I absolutely understand why you would treat them with such care!
I don't mind walking in the rain as long asitisnta cold rain. Every raindrop is shocking when it hits you if it is. But I find it's really annoying when I wear glasses. I can't see where I'm going. I never use an umbrella around home though, just when I'm out and want to stay looking relatively nice.
Oh yes, I do agree about the cold rain. I feel like London has some of the coldest rains. 🙈 And I do agree, glasses in the rain is no good. Fortunately, I can get away with not wearing my glasses and walking around. I wouldn't be without them for driving, but I almost always take them off when I'm walking around and it's raining.
Definitely in for a 10x10- spring or fall. I'm on IG (barely..) but watch you religiously! There are many things that you've inspired me to take on (including 23for23) and this seems like a great one!!
Oh excellent! I found a few others who are interested in the 10x10. I'll put together a group on Instagram next year, so that we can start discussing how and when we want to do it. I think having a group where we can share our progress and photos (if desired) will be really fun!
@@LostMyThread that will be fun- I'll spend some time updating my IG and watching for your post! Your 10x10 will be one of my 24for24. Happy Holidays, Suzanne
One of my goals for 2024 is to sew more for myself and to focus on a few areas - nightwear/loungewear and lingerie, tee shirts and nailing the fit of a pair of wide leg trousers. I have also made the decision to not purchase new fabric for myself next year with a couple of exceptions (special trips) and I’m looking forward to using some of my beautiful stash. I like the idea of 24 in ‘24!
Sounds like you've got some really nice goals that are specific enough without hemming you in too much. I hope they all go well! And good luck getting through your stash and resisting temptation. I'm not sure I'm ready to push myself that far! 🙈
I have quite a large stash and this past year it seems to have grown without as much as I would like making it into my wardrobe so next year I will fix that. One of my goals is to reduce my screen time and use the time more productively…..I’ve fallen into doom scrolling and I plan to stop and sew instead, it’s already making a massive difference to my head space and my productivity.
ooo, a trip to Merchant and Mills! 'Beam me up Scotty' and I would be there haha. I do hope you do Vlogmas next year! There are a lot of them this year, but I love seeing what Christmas looks like in so many different places! Thanks for sharing your upcoming goals. Really good list! Especially the book ones..... I read about 50 library books a year, and love spending time there. Have a really wonderful Christmas, and peace and good health in the New Year! ❤
What a wonderful comment, thank you, Lynn! The library is definitely one of my happy places. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time there this year. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas season and a very happy and healthy 2024!
Great video Theresa - you have inspired me as usual! I haven’t given much thought to 2024 yet but I am determined to do what I had planned to do in 2023 - strength training. I didn’t do a single strength workout this year. I would like to aim to do 2 a week next year alongside my cardio workouts which I manage to get done more easily. I’ll keep thinking about more goals. ☺️ Have a wonderful Christmas and start to 2024! 😘
Thank you so much, Sarah! So many of these things aren't difficult in and of themselves, it's just hard them into a routine. Wishing you luck on finding a way to get strength training into your schedule. I'd love to hear about any more goals that you come up with. Sending lots of love to you and your family over this Christmas and New Year season!
Going out in the rain is something my kids enjoy. I am part cat and hate getting wet. My oldest daughter would come home from school with he pants soaked up to the knees from splashing through the puddles on campus.
post 2 haha! I am excited to hear of your interest in a pottery class. Personally I love the feel of clay in my hands. I recently have only used paper clay (it's been very satisfying because it dries hard and is easy to paint) and also painted ceramics. We have business here that sells greenware that we can paint and they fire for us. I have a few items my kids made as well as personalized switch plates (we did some on a date night!). I worked with clay years ago though and loved it.
Gotta say, I am interested in all sorts of creative endeavors and would love to see some of your non-sewing ones. Perhaps you could share on a monthly or seasonal roundup?
I will have a think about that. I have been sharing those things in my community section from 2023. It's hard to know how much people will be interested in other non-sewing things. I know that I'm always interested in all creative pursuits, though. I'll give it a think!
I'm pretty sure you're saying that you want to do one. And if you weren't saying that, too bad because you're doing it, anyway! 😂😂 I'm going to start an Instagram group in the new year for people who have said they want to join in. We can discuss/plan/share our progress.
@@LostMyThread you’re on! I’m excited. I love wearing dresses cos I pretty much don’t speak ‘separates’ as foreign language 🤣🤣🤣 I’d love to explore wearing more separates in the New Year
Hmm, I wonder how the feeling and icing would freeze? I've often frozen cakes that haven't been iced, and that works really well. I'll probably just end up making one that I can share with friends or family. 😁
A great list, thanks for the prompt, I'll have a think
Oh great, I'm always happy to share what is inspiring me. I hope you can think of some fun goals for yourself for the new year!
Yay! Hooray!! Take a pottery class!!! Wish you great success with the wheel or hand-building. Aunt Katy may have some origami ideas.
Yess! Of course I thought of you when I decided to finally sign up for a class. I don't have any expectations, but I think it will be fun to play with some clay!
This is awesome! I love your lists.
Thank you so much! I hope it's giving you a little inspiration for the coming year.
Silk: Different weaves, different weights, different fabric hands-all of which might make a difference but I throw everything in the washer in general. The hand may change (think of how linen gets softer or some fabrics might get more textured). One of the biggest variables in washing silk is colorfastness.
Knowing that-Just go for it. Wash your silk yardage (Take lengtth -warp and wideth=weft measurements before and effort to see if it shrinks )
BTW: Fabric origami-very cool
I think whatever I buy, I will do some test washes. The opinion about washing silk seems pretty mixed, and it probably depends on the type of silk. If I do a test, I can't go wrong.
And yes! Fabric origami is something I would love to try one day.
Yay, Vlogmas!!!!! 😁🎅🏼🎄
Woohoo! I didn't know if people would be excited seeing as so many vlogmas videos have just come out. I'm excited, though!
I love the idea of 24 challenges for 2024. I did find out here in Canada, if you take out a library book, the author makes a commission. My best friend and i are encouraging each other in a very short New Years resolution list. We have decided the most important is to exercise consistently, and be more organized in our household chores. My #1 for 24 in 24 is to NOT buy any fabric. I need to finish projects and use the fabric in my stash. I love walking in the rain and never ever have I owned an umbrella. I do have raincoats, but I rarely wear the hood. My hair curls so beautifully after getting wet in the rain. And I don't have thick hair, so it doesn't take long to dry. I am always amazed that so many people in the UK don't travel to different areas. It's such a tiny country with a great train service. Traveling in Canada is so challenging, the country is vast, and the trains and flights are very expensive. Good luck with the 24 for 24, it will be interesting to hear how that goes. I'm going to start my list this evening.
I really love hearing that the author gets something if you take a book out from the library. That sounds very Canadian (in the best way). I would be surprised if it happens in many other countries.
I wish you luck in your short resolution list, especially number one. It's a big one that I don't think I could manage.
I certainly don't use an umbrella too often, but I think it will be interesting to be more conscious about making that choice. Especially when it's really coming down.
Travel within the UK is pretty popular. I think people tend to go to the same places, though. I wonder if the fact that it's a smaller country makes it less appealing to travel around. You do get quite a variety around the country, but you wouldn't get the same dramatically different landscape as you would traveling around a bigger country. We are also so close to Europe, I think a foreign holiday seems more exciting to many. I personally don't travel much at all because I don't have the money to spend on it. Day trips are more within my budget!
We have made doughnuts out of a can of biscuits. You just punch out a hole using a small cap from a bottle. Then fry them until golden on both sides, blot quickly and shake them in a bag with sugar. Quick, easy and delicious!!!
Oh, that's fun! We can't get those kind of instant biscuits in the UK. I miss them!
I loved the chai latte I had in that little cafe at Kew!😋 Rye is a very pretty old town and definitely one to visit. Also, I’m sure we could all help out with the donuts!😊
Awesome, thank you! Yes, that is just the kind of spicy chai that I like. It will be fun to play around with the spices. Happy to share my findings!
I am here for your mastering perfect chai! Not silly at all. I have been on the same journey 😀 ☕️. Love the idea of a phone free day. I love how thoughtful your goals are.
Awesome! Thank you!! Any chai tips so far? I think I'll be trying a few things out.
And thank you!
@@LostMyThread I went on a chai journey a few years ago. I still have not mastered it. Most recipes called for making a concentrate and to steep the spices first for like 30 minutes. I think the authentic ones do loose tea milk and spices all together. None of the chai tea bags do it for me. I want it spicy with out being over sugared and I want to taste my tea too. I did have a successful journey to finding a great cappuccino muffin and a very delicious pumpkin muffin. The Chai tea is all I am missing for the things I might be tempted to have out but am 85% of the time disappointed in.
@@ChristineSewsALot very nice. I love that you've got a couple of great staples. Maybe I need to add a new food/drink item to my list every year until I build up a bank of favorites. I love a good cinnamon scone from an American bakery but have not made one that I love and can't get them in the UK. That might need to be on the list next year. You're giving me ideas!!
I loved your list and will be making my own. Things I will include sewing at least 3 times a week, going to the local library and trying a new recipe every week.
Oh, excellent! It's a great way to remind ourselves about things that bring us joy. I hope you enjoy sewing and visiting the library. I also hope you find lots of new favorite recipes!
Some of our best hikes were in heavy rain. Our first hike was in March on part of the Rob Roy Way and we literally had 4 seasons in one day. We were so cold that we couldn’t feel our legs and so wet through that we were wringing the water out of our underwear! 😂 15 years on and no longer able to hike but we still remember how much we loved that day ☺️ Have a great Christmas Theresa ❤❤
Oh wow, what an amazing memory! It definitely feels like a much more extreme version than I was talking about, but isn't it incredible feel so in touch with nature?
@@LostMyThread I really miss our hikes. I had a trimalleolar fracture 5 and a half years ago and have so much metalwork in my ankle that I can’t walk far at all now. The difference it makes to your mental health is phenomenal. Especially when you’re hiking in amongst our beautiful lochs and mountains ☺️💞💞
I am 66; I grew up in Vancouver and I still live in coastal British Columbia. I don’t even own an umbrella, and I haven’t for years. It’s only rain, right? You won’t melt 😊. Go for it! (Having said that, the last time I wished I had an umbrella, I was in London!). Great 2024 list-lots of good ideas!
Oh, I love to hear that! I think it was simpler when I lived in Chicago because if it was too cold, it would snow. If it was raining, it usually wasn't that cold, and we didn't get half as much rain as we do in London. Vancouver has a reputation of being pretty rainy though, so I say good for you!
We have so, so much rain in London. I probably use an umbrella about five times a year. I certainly don't bother for the mild misty stuff. Sometimes there isn't any point for the sideways windy rain. I feel like we just got a lot more cold rain in London, and I don't want to get soaked in the cold. That's what tips me over into wanting my umbrella.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's always nice to have a kindred spirit!
In Seattle, once in a while you see someone with an umbrella. Usually they just moved here. The rest of us wonder: what’s that for?
@@gloriaa3652 haha, fair enough! Sometimes you just have to embrace it!
You can decide what it means to you when silk is ruined. If you want it to maintain the same hand then I would get it dry cleaned first. If you are ok with the hand and color changing then you can wash it. Washed silk has a beautiful hand to it and you won't have to worry about water spots since it has been in water already. I have given silk a gentle wash and air dried it before but I have also run it through a warm wash and a dryer to get a more buttery washed silk feel. I will usually cut off a few 5" x 5" swatches and wash them a few different ways to see what hand I like best. Once the silk is pre-washed then I will tend to only wash it on gentle and lay flat to dry to avoid additional damage.
I think that is a really thoughtful way to consider it. It's worth having a play with any silk that I get and see what happens when I wash a swatch. I tend to put most of my fabrics in the washer and dryer when I first buy them, in case I accidentally do that in the future. I will then only ever wash on a gentle cycle after that. I certainly wouldn't want to accidentally ruin my garments!
I love your 24 for 2024 and plan to make a list for myself. It's also nice to include sewing and other things we want to enjoy in our lives. Thank you for including it in your video.
That's so nice to hear, thank you! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
I've never sewn with silk either but l do have ready to wear silk blouses, a dress and a long crinkle skirt (all thrifted). I did a "Google" and have gently washed them all in just barely warm water using the delicate liquid for silk and wool. Then you roll up your item in a clean towel to absorb the excess water. I've line dried outside but you don't put them out in the sunshine. Everything has been fine 💜
I think it's probably more in my own head, to be honest. It's a fabric that has such a reputation. I never put any of my handmade clothes in the tumble dryer anyway, so I feel like I'm probably going to be fine. Wish me luck, though!
2024 is going to be great for you, you've got some really good resolutions in there. I have been going back amd forth on the smashing pumpkins and Weezer gig, I sooo want to go! Weezer was my first 'proper gig' when I was a teenager. Love your plan to meditate more and walks in the heavy rain. Even better but perhaps a bit crazy is when a car splashes you in a big puddle and being able to laugh about it! Thanks for all the energy you put into your channel this year, it's great following your journey 😊
Thank you so much! I've never actually seen Weezer live but am a fan. I've seen the Pumpkins many times, and they always deliver live. I think it will be a good show!
I seriously avoid going near big puddles in the road when cars are passing. I can't honestly remember when that last happened to me (must be 10 years +). I think I prefer to trust no car and choose caution for that one. 😂
Resetting when sewing is very important. Great to see you. Merry Christmas to you! ✝️
It really is. Thank you, Zelda. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you so much for doing this again this year, Theresa. I am so glad you plan to do vlogs again, too. I have created my list too with organisational and minimalist items featured (buy less!) so I'd definitely be up for joining you in a 10x10 challenge.
Oh great! Are you on Instagram? If so, what is your username? I'm going to put together a group of people who are interested in the 10x10, so that we can talk about how we'd like to organize it and use the group to share photos and give encouragement
One thing you be aware of is the wedging of the clay. It might be hard on your wrist
I was definitely planning to put off any pottery until my hand and wrist are fully recovered. Thank you for the thought, though!
Love your goals. We have several that are the same for 2024. I did t know that you were into Haiku. Every year on Washington DC there is a Haiku contest and the winners are printed on signs and placed around downtown DC so that people can read them on there walk in/out to work or at lunch time. I loved reading them. Really, it was the first time that I really appreciated them. Hope your hand feels better this upcoming year
Thank you so much, Mari! There's a nice, quiet, simplicity to haiku that I really love. My favorites are definitely by the poets Issa, Basho and Buson.
I'm also a big fan of art in the public spaces. The London underground, the public transportation system for London, has "poems on the underground wall". They're poems up on billboards in the stations and trains. They always make me smile to see them.
I have been noticing some incremental improvements with my hand and wrist. Of course, I wish it was quicker, but I'm still happy to see the progress.
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2024!
@@LostMyThread I hope you have a happy new year, as well. By the way that 10 challenge sounds like so much fun and I think October is a great transitional time to do it
@@MariSews do you want to join in? I'm going to start an Instagram group in the new year for people who are interested!
@@LostMyThread count me in
I'm inspired to make my own list for creative motivation. I usually make them only for managing task, but this next year, will be an added new dimension. Thanks
That sounds awesome! Sometimes we all need a little extra motivation!
Walking in a heavy rain Wow that brought back memories. That should be a must. Did it once, have never been that wet even in a shower or swim. Feeling the rain that way is an awesome experience, your senses explode. This was an eye opening video, making this type of list is a gift to ourself. Have a blessed Christmas.
So great to hear that somebody else understands the power of this! And yes, that one is just going to happen. I will wait until the weather is a bit warmer, though. 😉
I love hearing about your resolutions and plans. I hope we can catch up in early 2024.
I went to Rye, and Merchant and Mills, a year or so ago. I didn't buy any fabric (as you know, most of it is eye wateringly expensive and I just didn't need any of it at the time, but also as you say the quality seems great and it was fun to see it in person). A beautiful store in a lovely town.
I did a five week introduction to wheel pottery at Crown Works Pottery in Bethnal Green (not that far from the NCH) back in early 2020 and I loved it. It wasn't the most convenient for me to get to (and I guess it's not for you either), but it was brilliant and I recommend it. IIRC they also do introduction to pottery weekends as well as the evening classes I did, if that's easier for you to get to.
Ah, this is all really useful info! You are awesome. Thanks, Chloe!
I'm not committing to buying anything at Merchant and Mills (or promising that I won't buy anything) 😉, but I still think it'll be a fun trip. And it's an area of the UK that I've never visited, so how can you lose?
I find it pretty unlikely that I'll find a good pottery class that is convenient to get to. London is kind of like that, you know? I feel like if it's a shorter class (5 weeks sounds good), then I can manage it. I will definitely look into Crown Works Pottery. I probably need to do a ton of research, but I think it would be a really fun thing to try.
Are you coming to the fabric swap? It would be really nice to catch up in the new year. Hoping you have a really awesome Christmas! And wishing you and your partner a happy and healthy 2024!
@@LostMyThread I'd love to go to the fabric swap, but we're away that weekend so I'll have to give it a miss. I look forward to your report of it though!
If you go way back in my IG feed to early 2020, I did a post for each week of the pottery course, which should give you a pretty good idea of what it entailed.
I wash all my silk. Sometimes, I even put it in the dryer! Just wash the fabric before you cut out your pattern. Yes, the texture might change. It will probably get softer and shrink a bit. I’ve never had a disaster.Whitney of Tom Cat Stitchery also advertises she washes all her silk. If you have sewn with chiffon or light weight rayon, you know how to sew with silk.
Oh, interesting! Part of me felt like I would just pre-wash it and see what happens... It just seemed like such a risk to take for silk. It has such a reputation!
But you are absolutely right, I have sewn with very similar fabrics. It's more about how to treat and wash it. Great to hear that you can get away with machine washing it!
I wash most silk garments in a lingerie bag on a cool regular cycle or on a delicate cycle (better) and usually hang to dry. I'd definitely prewash my fabric before sewing it so it can shrink. Test a swatch though on a low dryer setting before tossing the whole piece in. I prefer sandwashed silks because they have already been washed and so the character doesn't tend to change much. Silk/cotton or silk/linen blends are also nice and not quite as precious.
Hi! I would love to join in a 10x10 wardrobe chalenge!
Awesome! I'm planning to start an Instagram group in the new year, so that everyone who is interested can chat and plan how and when we will do it. Then we can all share our outfits and give each other encouragement when the time comes!
Would love to do the 10 for 10. Will watch for news. Am on insta so will watch there.
I've just tried to find you. Are you cathkincreatesgoodies on IG? I'm going to start an IG group in the New Year with the people who have expressed interest. We can plan the rules, dates, share our outfits and encourage each other!
@@LostMyThread yes that is me ;)
@@cathgriffits2149 excellent! I'll make sure to add you to the group.
Oh, I love a good chai. I've tried so many, and I also prefer them not too sweet. I haven't made it from scratch yet, but I have realized that my favorite chai blends all have black pepper. I'm really looking forward to whatever you share of your chai adventure. I really enjoy them cold as well. Your list for next year sounds really fun. I'm in a place right now where I can't really think that far ahead, because the present is really demanding my attention, but when things calm down, I may take some inspiration from it and see what kind of list I can make. Time slips by so quickly, it seems like making a list so you don't forget what you want to do may be the only way to get those things done. I enjoy your videos so much. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🙂
Thank you so much! I will definitely be sharing my chai adventures. 😁
And the new year is some of an arbitrary time to start making goals and plans. It makes it a little bit simpler to keep track, but you certainly have no need to stick to the first of January.
I hope that life settles down for you soon and that you are able to make some happy memories for 2024. Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas season!
What a great list. I love how it’s balanced between creative, personal and family. You’ve inspired me to get my Gretchen Rubin back out again! One thing I had success with this year was a sewing challenge which gave 12 categories, suggested one project a month, but wasn’t rigid with deadlines. I’m going to pick 12 crafts I’d like to dabble in again and then try and do one a month. I’ve got so much crafting paraphernalia, I need to use it. Have an amazing 2024 with your list!
I'm always interested to try a new craft. I hope you have fun experimenting with some this year. It's always great for us to find the right balance for ourselves. If you got us this in the works for you, absolutely go for it! Wishing you a wonderful 2024!
I'm a new subscriber. I've seen a few of your videos and have really enjoyed them! I love your resolutions! I have been sewing for 57 years and have never sewn with silk either. I will watch to see how your silk project turns out.
What is it about silk? Haha! It clearly has a reputation. I know that I've sewn with very similar fabrics, so I don't expect the sewing part to be that difficult. The question of how to treat the fabric is more what concerns me. I'll start with a small project. What's the worst that could happen?
The Spring Haiku is available on my country so I think I might buy it
I really do love all of those books. The spring one is fantastic. I hope you love it, too!
I love your list. I'm not really a 'resolutions' person because they always seem so big and so unlikely to be accomplished, and at the end every year I always think about picking a word for the upcoming year, but I can never actually commit to one. I like the sound of your 24 for 24 because they can be big things if you want, but they can also be small and fun and silly. There's enough of them that you've got room to play, and if you only manage half of them, that's still so many great things! Maybe I will try to come up with my own list of 24. I've also been thinking about a word for 2024 (as usual) and I still can't commit to one (as usual) but I'm thinking of committing to three instead: Nourish, Nurture, and Nest. I feel like those words encompass what I actually want to focus on this year, which is to take really good care of my body, my mind, and my home. All the best to you this holiday season. Can't wait to see you tick things off your 'menu' in 2024. 💙
I really love the sound of your three words, especially your interpretation of them. It always seems very fun when I hear other people coming up with the word for the year. It's great to keep them reasonably open, so that they can work depending on what life throws you throughout the year. Let me know if you do decide to do a 24 for 2024. I'd love to hear what's on your list!
I love these goals! I also love your attitude toward them. The fact that they’re things to think about and keep front of mind, rather than hard and fast things you MUST do takes all of the pressure off.
10x10 would be so fun! I think it would be a really good challenge and a fun way to explore my wardrobe.
Being outside in full on pouring rain is a wonderful thing. I’ve gotten caught in rainstorms a few times when running and I definitely don’t rush home. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you so much, Erin. It's nice to hear somebody else relating to the joy of being caught in the rain.
So excited that you want to take part in the 10x10! I'm trying to get together a little group of us so that we can check in with you each other and share how it's going. Are you on Instagram? It might be simplest to make a group on there.
My husband and I met on a music related message board, too, for Sarah McLachlan. We still go out to see music regularly, especially since we've discovered how much talent there is in our local music scene. We do fewer big concerts, though we still fit some in each year.
And so nice that you're able to keep that connection. I do always prefer smaller concerts, but it's nice to go all out with a big arena show sometimes.
We are going to see OMD in March. We saw them in around 2008. They were fantastic. The whole audience, with the exception of my sil, danced the whole concert.
I was not familiar with OMD, so I did a little search to hear some of the music. Super 80s, in the best way. That seems like such a fun concert to go to. I'm sure you'll have the best time!
Thanks for sharing your list Theresa. Those haiku books look fantastic. I remember learning an e e cummings poem in school and being really intrigued by the opening "Listen. This a dog barks". I've forgotten the number. I don't do resolutions but have a word for the year instead. This year mine is "self-expression". I'm wanting to get back into sewing and ideally have a few more items in my wardrobe for Me Made May.
My book of the complete poems of ee cummings has an index of first lines at the back, so I was able to find that one. That poem like many of his, is great at creating a feeling. I love poetry that transports you, creates a vibe, draws out your emotion. Both haiku and cummings do this for me. I have so many favorite ee cummings poems. Here's one:
somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience, your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near
your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose
or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;
nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the colour of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing
(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands
Oh that’s so beautiful Theresa, thank you for sharing ❤ I read that 2nd stanza (if that’s the right word) several times
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you do get to Manchester in 2024, it would be lovely to meet up for fabric shopping or coffee!
Thanks, Marie! I have to say, I'm pretty unfamiliar with the greater Manchester area. My family live in Ramsbottom. We may end up using that more as a launching off point and heading further into the country. I'll let you know if it looks like I've got a little time to meet up, depending on where we go. It's a really lovely idea!
And Happy New year to you, too!
@@LostMyThread Ramsbottom isn’t Manchester city centre that’s for sure, but it is a lovely part of the country. I’d be happy to travel to meet up - time dependent of course! Family is the most important thing!
As someone who’s set all sorts of sewing goals over the years, I have an opinion. You’ve got an ambitious list, so give yourself some slack getting through it. Setting yourself up for gift sewing for the family And starting 10x10 on October 10, And vlogmas, really slams your 4th quarter with a lot of stress and expectation. You might want to consider moving the 10x10 to the spring. Just a thought. Btw, I think the 10x10 concept sounds interesting. I’d like to explore it a bit more.
Well, I think that all sounds pretty sensible. I certainly hadn't made any decisions about when I would do the 10x10. Spring might be simpler, as it might not need as many warm layers.
My hope is to actually sew up my Christmas gifts in October/November so that December is relatively free for vlogmas. And of course, I will not be pressuring myself to work through everything on this list. It's more of a fun suggestion list!
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom based on your own experience. Definitely very thoughtful. I appreciate it! Wishing you a wonderful festive season!
Lots of great ideas again. ❤ your enthusiasm for a return to Vlogmas, I have missed the crocheted mailbox covers and fantastic music (thanks Phil!). So I have had hand/thumb/ wrist issues multiple times over the years (there's a reason my family worry everytime I cycle and won't let me ski anymore🙄) I can recommend pottery as a form of hand therapy. I can also recommend using a long loom to knit a hat as part of your wrist recovery. I found long loom knitting far less stress on my hands and wrists. I would never replace regular knitting needles completely but its nice to mix it up. I'd do 10x10 with you. It might spur me on to get a better phone so my Instagram photos are half decent😂. Its just like packing in a carry-on for holiday. It would be a real challenge in winter here but not impossible. If you go to the gardens in daylight please take us with you! Your magical walk through the illuminated gardens pushed us to do Butchart Gardens last New Years while we were visiting relatives in Victoria British Columbia. It was amazing! So thanks for that. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024! 🎄🎅🤶
Ooh, yes Nancy! Let's do a 10x10! I'll see if other people are interested, and if so, we can always make a group on Instagram or something. It will be a lot more fun to have someone else joining in.
I was actually a bit reluctant to try the pottery until my hand and wrist are fully recovered. In fairness, I probably wouldn't be organized enough to do it all that soon, anyway. I'm really curious to see how it goes. I have a feeling that I will really like it.
I will have to look into the long loom knitting. I'm not familiar with that, but I really appreciate the suggestion.
Very disappointingly, something seems to have happened to the local crafting group. I've only seen one crocheted postbox topper for this year. I have taken some photos though and will be sharing them in my next video.
So glad to hear that my adventures inspired you to get out somewhere new. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy festive season!
Great picks Theresa! I think one of my sewing resolutions would be to use what’s in my stash. I love that I have enough options to make just about anything at this point so I better use what I have. Also, spending less and saving more but that’s not as fun 😂
Haha, well if we can make the goal more about the positive, that might make it more appealing. Using all the gorgeous fabric in your stash sounds a little nicer than banning yourself from buying new fabric, even if it means the same thing. Good luck, and most importantly, enjoy! We do buy those beautiful fabrics for a reason!
Yes to Vlogmas next year! Loved views of London and the crocheted mailbox covers.
I was so inspired by your 23 in 2023 that I did it myself. I organized it into categories and it helped me understand why I wanted to do them: Make Community, Make Home, Make Stuff, Make Tracks, Relax (make_grow_hike_repeat). I did all but 3 - I'm list motivated. I'm doing it again next year and may need help with one item in list. I want to do a free needle minder pattern because I nearly lost a cat to a bad incident (you can see on Instagram post)...don't want it to happen to someone else.
Per Chai...I love it and they do make it too sweet in shops. I buy Adagio loose leaf tea and love their Masala Chai and Thai Chai.
Being out in heavy rain without an umbrella...I don't associate this with fun too much because I've been stuck on the top of a 12K ft mountain in a heavy monsoon downpour accompanied by lightning, or on many backpacks wear you're drenched with no place to go - so it no longer sounds like fun. Ha ha.
My goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about the scare with your cat! I am glad to hear that it sounds like they were okay. Yikes! What is your ig handle?
It's so awesome to hear that you did a 23 for 2023 and that you were so successful with yours. I have a few things that I haven't been able to do on my list from this last year, but I'm still happy about what I did achieve.
Thank you so much for the suggestions about the Chai! I'm looking forward to a lot of experiments.
And yes, I think the context in which you are in the heavy rain will very much influence your enjoyment of it. 😉😂
@@LostMyThread make_grow_hike_repeat
I don't have a whole lot of posts and it is very recent picture of white and ginger cat.
That incident was really upsetting to the point that one thing I want to put on my 24 for 24 is to create a free zippered needle minder wallet. I don't want anyone else to go through same thing I did. I want to see if the FoldLine or any other sewing vloggers would be willing to feature it. I don't know what best way is to get word out.
@@LisaFaiss send a direct message to them on Instagram. Most big channels and influencers respond quickly to direct messages (though maybe not over Christmas 😉).
Merry Christmas Teresa and Phil! By the end of your vlog my list had 13 ‘menu items’. Thank you for sharing yours with us. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💖🌼🌸🌺🌻💐🇦🇺😎
Oh, I love that! Care to share any of them are? Sending lots of love and wishes for a wonderful 2024!
You've given me so much to think about!
Ooh, nice! I like the sound of that. I hope you can find some ways to brighten up your 2024!
I hope you do blog as next year or at least share the letter box covers that you see whilst out and about.
That is the plan, but I must say that this year has been really disappointing with the post box covers. I'll only manage to see one. I don't know what's happened to the local crafters... 😞
I will be making a video soon where I will share photos of the one that I saw. And anymore if I spot them before then.
Great list, and I love the idea of it being a menu, not a must-do. I'd participate in a 10x10 wardrobe challenge. Doing it later in the year would enable me to build up my handmade wardrobe.
Oh awesome! Are you on Instagram? If so, what's your handle? I'll try to get a group of us together who want to do the 10x10 challenge. I can create an Instagram group, which will help keep us motivated.
Teresa, this is full of wonderful ideas! I love your list! Also, it makes my librarian heart happy to hear of your book related options. I don't know what your local libary is like but I can say it is staffed by people who are curious, love words, and love curiosity. Have fun there! You may find that you not only save money but also find new, interesting resources for your interests.
I honestly have spent so much of my life in libraries. They are definitely my happy place. For many years I was convinced that I would be a librarian. At times I wonder if I should have been. 😉 I'm looking forward to spending some good time there this year.
It's great to set ourselves goals and give ourselves personal challenges I think. I'm not sure, sewing wise, what mine are yet as I'm still condsidering. I know that I want to go through every room in my house and redecorate, so that's my main priority this next year. We have a holiday in France in the summer, so most of my sewing will be for that. Good luck with yours Theresa.
Well I think redecorating a whole house sounds like plenty! And prepping for a holiday in France sounds like a great way to focus your sewing. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. It sounds like you've got a good one planned already!
Thank you for asking goal for 2024-im slowing down on the finishings of garments to look nice. I get impatient at the end of constructing something, rush on it and it looks sloppy.
I have definitely had that experience. There is such a temptation to rush at the end of a project when you're so close to the end. I wish you luck on achieving this goal. It will be so satisfying!
@@LostMyThread ty. I hope you reach your goals too!
Silk…..I’ve both bought RTW silk blouses and have a small stack of silk dupioni, and other varieties of silk. Silk jersey is delicious. I wash them all on delicate, they’ve occasionally made it to the dryer accidentally, taken out when kinda dry, they are all fine. Silk is tough, so tough it was used in parachutes in WW2. I think that’s true, but no silk I’ve dry cleaned then washed myself has ever suffered because of it. Silk is dyed through a steaming process with acid dyes, same as wool. Or with dyes you use with cotton, Procion MX dyes. So not to worry, it’s just fabric, buy a bit extra but all in all, have been successful with treating silk just like cotton. No fear, k?
Oh my goodness, you are making it all sound too easy! Hahaha! It's such a funny thing to be intimidated by a fabric... It just has such a reputation.
And silk jersey? I have never heard of that before. It sounds incredible. I will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for that.
I sew with silk when I want a really lovely garment. I hand wash most of my silk; I have a silk crepe de chine liberty tunic that I pre-washed a swatch for and did not like how it looked, so for that it's spot clean - I took out an oil spot with cornstarch - and hanging to air and spraying with vodka to freshen up the armpits. But mostly handwash and dry flat or hang to dry. Sure, I could probably machine wash, but why, when these are precious garments?
I think pre-washing a swatch is really clever. I totally understand what you're saying about avoiding the machine, though. These are really special garments. I absolutely understand why you would treat them with such care!
I don't mind walking in the rain as long asitisnta cold rain. Every raindrop is shocking when it hits you if it is. But I find it's really annoying when I wear glasses. I can't see where I'm going. I never use an umbrella around home though, just when I'm out and want to stay looking relatively nice.
Oh yes, I do agree about the cold rain. I feel like London has some of the coldest rains. 🙈 And I do agree, glasses in the rain is no good. Fortunately, I can get away with not wearing my glasses and walking around. I wouldn't be without them for driving, but I almost always take them off when I'm walking around and it's raining.
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Definitely in for a 10x10- spring or fall. I'm on IG (barely..) but watch you religiously! There are many things that you've inspired me to take on (including 23for23) and this seems like a great one!!
Oh excellent! I found a few others who are interested in the 10x10. I'll put together a group on Instagram next year, so that we can start discussing how and when we want to do it. I think having a group where we can share our progress and photos (if desired) will be really fun!
@@LostMyThread that will be fun- I'll spend some time updating my IG and watching for your post! Your 10x10 will be one of my 24for24. Happy Holidays, Suzanne
@@LizzlebyDesign so fun! Happy to have more company to spur me on! Happy New Year!
One of my goals for 2024 is to sew more for myself and to focus on a few areas - nightwear/loungewear and lingerie, tee shirts and nailing the fit of a pair of wide leg trousers.
I have also made the decision to not purchase new fabric for myself next year with a couple of exceptions (special trips) and I’m looking forward to using some of my beautiful stash.
I like the idea of 24 in ‘24!
Sounds like you've got some really nice goals that are specific enough without hemming you in too much. I hope they all go well! And good luck getting through your stash and resisting temptation. I'm not sure I'm ready to push myself that far! 🙈
I have quite a large stash and this past year it seems to have grown without as much as I would like making it into my wardrobe so next year I will fix that. One of my goals is to reduce my screen time and use the time more productively…..I’ve fallen into doom scrolling and I plan to stop and sew instead, it’s already making a massive difference to my head space and my productivity.
@@Kiltsnquilts I'm quietly hoping that one screen free day per week breaks the cycle of reflexively picking up my phone. 🤞
ooo, a trip to Merchant and Mills! 'Beam me up Scotty' and I would be there haha. I do hope you do Vlogmas next year! There are a lot of them this year, but I love seeing what Christmas looks like in so many different places! Thanks for sharing your upcoming goals. Really good list! Especially the book ones..... I read about 50 library books a year, and love spending time there. Have a really wonderful Christmas, and peace and good health in the New Year! ❤
What a wonderful comment, thank you, Lynn! The library is definitely one of my happy places. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time there this year. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas season and a very happy and healthy 2024!
Great video Theresa - you have inspired me as usual! I haven’t given much thought to 2024 yet but I am determined to do what I had planned to do in 2023 - strength training. I didn’t do a single strength workout this year. I would like to aim to do 2 a week next year alongside my cardio workouts which I manage to get done more easily. I’ll keep thinking about more goals. ☺️ Have a wonderful Christmas and start to 2024! 😘
Thank you so much, Sarah! So many of these things aren't difficult in and of themselves, it's just hard them into a routine. Wishing you luck on finding a way to get strength training into your schedule.
I'd love to hear about any more goals that you come up with. Sending lots of love to you and your family over this Christmas and New Year season!
Going out in the rain is something my kids enjoy. I am part cat and hate getting wet. My oldest daughter would come home from school with he pants soaked up to the knees from splashing through the puddles on campus.
Hehehe! Well, I'm glad to hear that they have the joy. Part cat! 😂 I guess it's not for everyone. 😉
post 2 haha!
I am excited to hear of your interest in a pottery class. Personally I love the feel of clay in my hands. I recently have only used paper clay (it's been very satisfying because it dries hard and is easy to paint) and also painted ceramics. We have business here that sells greenware that we can paint and they fire for us. I have a few items my kids made as well as personalized switch plates (we did some on a date night!). I worked with clay years ago though and loved it.
Gotta say, I am interested in all sorts of creative endeavors and would love to see some of your non-sewing ones. Perhaps you could share on a monthly or seasonal roundup?
Oh, I've never heard of paper clay. I feel like there's a whole world but I know nothing about, and I'm excited to find out about it!
I will have a think about that. I have been sharing those things in my community section from 2023. It's hard to know how much people will be interested in other non-sewing things. I know that I'm always interested in all creative pursuits, though. I'll give it a think!
I wasn’t to do 10 by 10 challenge with you!!!!
I'm pretty sure you're saying that you want to do one. And if you weren't saying that, too bad because you're doing it, anyway! 😂😂 I'm going to start an Instagram group in the new year for people who have said they want to join in. We can discuss/plan/share our progress.
@@LostMyThread you’re on! I’m excited. I love wearing dresses cos I pretty much don’t speak ‘separates’ as foreign language 🤣🤣🤣 I’d love to explore wearing more separates in the New Year
The joy when I was 14 and got an adult reader ticket
Aww, how wonderful. 💞
Bake a whole big cake for you and freeze half.
Hmm, I wonder how the feeling and icing would freeze? I've often frozen cakes that haven't been iced, and that works really well. I'll probably just end up making one that I can share with friends or family. 😁