Historical Costuming Resolutions? Nah! Let's Complete Those Unfinished Projects!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 січ 2024
- New Year; Old Projects - new skills? The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare skl.sh/ashlg01241
Embark on a unique crafting journey with me this January, as we ditch the typical New Year's resolutions and confront the pile of forgotten projects and repairs. Join the adventure as I delve into the tales behind each neglected piece, from abandoned projects to incomplete repairs. But this isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a call to action! I'm setting a challenge to complete as many of these unfinished treasures as possible by the end of the month, and I invite you to join in the creative conquest. Expect laughs, lessons, and a touch of nostalgia as we transform "almost done" into "totally finished." Let's make January the month where we turn our neglected projects into triumphs and celebrate every stitch together!
You can support me on Ko-Fi here: ko-fi.com/ashlgyoutube
Find pictures of my cat here: / ashlgcostumes
Watch slightly unhinged videos here: / ashlg14
Stay in touch here: profile.php?...
Business inquiries: ashlgyoutube@yahoo.com
This January, we're tossing aside the typical New Year's resolutions and diving headfirst into a different kind of challenge. Join me, your friendly neighbourhood costumer and mischief-maker, as we embark on a journey to conquer the mountain of unfinished projects and repairs that have accumulated over time.
In this video, I'll take you through the depths of my crafting abyss, showcasing the abandoned treasures and half-finished wonders that have been patiently waiting for their moment in the spotlight. From forgotten embroidery projects to incomplete gowns, we'll explore the tales behind each piece and the reasons they ended up in the "to be continued" pile.
But fear not, fellow crafters and costume enthusiasts! This isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a call to action. I'm setting a challenge for myself and, of course, extending the invitation for you to join in. By the end of January, our goal is to breathe new life into as many neglected projects as possible. Whether it's stitching up that elusive seam, that repair that's been hanging over our head, or finally adding the finishing touches to a long-abandoned accessory, let's make this month the one where we turn "almost done" into "totally finished."
Expect laughs, lessons, and perhaps a touch of embarrassment as we navigate through the chaos of creativity. So, grab your crafting supplies, dust off those forgotten patterns, and let's embark on a mission to transform our unfinished projects into triumphs!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring that notification bell to stay updated on my crafting adventures. Share your progress and stories in the comments below - because in this community, we celebrate every stitch, no matter how long it took to get there.
Get ready for a month of costuming magic as we say goodbye to resolutions and hello to completed creations!
This may be common knowledge but, from one ADHDer with too many unfinished projects to another (or anyone who needs to hear it), a friendly reminder that you are allowed to throw out projects that you don't see a point in finishing and you are also allowed to have a hiatus of several years/decades on a project and still finish it and be proud of it 😊
I needed to hear that, thank you!
Wise words! ❤️
"January is the 4am"
OH MY GAWD
Huge lightflash, so true.
Yes.
Thank you.
...crawls over to the mountain of unfinished projects.
I feel so seen! And I can't tell you how validating it was to watch this while hubby is trapped in his recliner by surgery. Every so often I could say "see, not just me!"
He calls my workroom the black hole. What he doesn't realize is that things don't just go in and disappear (not all anyway). Sometimes they come out transformed into something else.
I made one resolution years ago and I've never broken it. It was to never bother with another resolution.
As an extreme morning person, 4am/6:30am are both times I am quite awake and alert and happy about it 😅 but thinking about my wips - I have a pair of knitted gloves that I've got to undo and reknit on a larger needle size that I don't have (or maybe I do have now. memory doesn't serve me well), and a cabled jumper that is a current wip. Everything else falls under "stuff I got the materials for and never actually began" 👀 and that's definitely a different kind of problem 🙃
Haha o no I am very familiar with that problem too
Ugh.. if I have anything resembling a new years resolution, it is to end the year with fewer unfinished projects than when I started. (I'm not a fool I know I won't finish them all, let alone start more.. just.. like.. if I could work that total number down.. please?!?)
You're on! January will have to be craft projects that aren't sewing + redecorating until I can have a sewing space again. Total coming... Eventually
I'm super intrigued by some of those projects we'll see in a few months. And an embroidery machine would be the coolest thing ever.
My total is 3, which doesn't sound much but my hands don't work properly, so one of those projects has been hanging around for over 5 years. All loom knitting, as that's the most accessible craft I've found for dodgy hands in bed. Good luck with your epic pile!
Good heavens, what a Pile! I hope you succeed in defeating a decent percentage of it this month!
Just yesterday I wrote out a blog post draft with some goals for this year, and one of them is to reduce the total number of projects in The Pile, which is currently 24 (not counting mending & alterations). It would be a lot more if I hadn't gotten rid of all the pre-top surgery projects that will never ever fit me.
I don't think I'm likely to finish a whole bunch this month in a competitive sort of way, but I do try to keep track of things, so will definitely update you in the comments of the follow up video!
Right now I'm mentally playing around with the in's and out's of how to construct a bobbin lace roller pillow. I'm resisting starting because, well, it's January. Do I need to take on a whole new project hussel while the weather decides between snow dumps and rain storms. Probably not. You to-do pile seems daunting - sending happy thoughts and Emotional-Support-Chocolate (ESC) your way. Happy new year to you and yours. Good luck to us all...
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Well, I feel validated. "January's here, what are your resolutions?!" Me: "Trying to stop drowning in half to mostly-finished projects while I continue to start new projects because my ADHD won't let me stop remembering that I like doing this thing I haven't done in years, but am going to pick up and definitely stick to for longer than a week... multiple times, with multiple things."
oh also - a couple of my repairs I have decided to just take to a professional because the reason they haven't been done is because I don't have solid enough or specialist enough skills to do the repair to the standard I want/need. Sometimes learning and practicing a new skill is good and repairs can be great for that. Sometimes it can hold us back. Right now I want to have the working items and taking the action of going to the repair place is still a positive action I can take.
I think it's really easy when we have some sewing and crafting skills to think that we have to or should be able to do it all ourselves but that's not always realistic. It's good to outsource and we are still getting finished or mended items and making use of things we have and not wasting stuff etc etc. I will darn my socks, take up the trousers and finish knitting this damned shawl - the riding boots can go to a pro!
sat and repaired a pocket on my favourite jumpsuit while I watched this. I might even pick up some of the other repair work/unfinished projects this month. WHO CAN SAY?!
40 with 3.5 closed since the list was started. I'm in competition with my partner to see who can tick off the most projects in 2024.
❤ Just what I needed. So comforting to know I am not the only one with an abundance of UFOs.😂
I made a deal with myself last year that for every new thing I made I'd have to do two mending projects. It worked out pretty well (until I started making entirely new things for the holidays and the mending has disappeared into the mist)
Hey, fellow dragon!
I made the same resolution as I usually do, to do things because I like them, not because I'm good at them or planning to improve.
I have two sets of sleeves to fix, so I stop hulking out of it.
"January is the 4am of the year" - you're right and you should say it.
my current main goals for 2024 are to learn to do crewel embroidery & to get better at knitting!
(100 * items done) / total items in pile = percentage of pile completed
Here is the formula for percentage that should work. If anyone wants to double check it, that would be awesome. Hope this helps.
On one hand, I refuse to do math regarding my projects (besides the necessary measuring.) On the other hand, I couldn't scroll past without thanking you for providing this! 💐
I picked out 12 unfinished projects for my January goal. I probably have at least 19 more, but at least Im starting somewhere.
I'm at 5 projects completed, but the current piece is kicking my butt. I'm gonna switch gears and hopefully come back to it before the end of the month
Hahaha I work nights. Until 6am. And the nature of my job involves making decisions at 4am. Can I use "But Ash says it's bad to make decisions this late" as an excuse to get out of making those decisions?
Watching this in June and feeling it all very strongly. Including the “where DID I put that fabric” moments
I’ve been kind of discouraged from working on my Norse kit lately, since I haven’t had any events to go to whilst wearing them. I’ve only got the sheepskin trim to add to my caftan-like overcoat, but for some reason I keep putting it off for ages and ages. I’ve also gotten into another kind of historical fashion: turn-of-the-century menswear, which is more wearable in today’s society (not that I wouldn’t enjoy wearing my kirtle and so on on the regular, but I don’t think anyone else would appreciate it as much as I did).
I really like this idea but I'm not sure I can find my pile! I'm not as organized as you are so my mending is sort of all over the house! Off the too of my head I can think of maybe 10 timely mendings. They are needed fairly quickly as the grandson is still growing so if things don't get done he out grows them! Oh and my great aunts quilts but that's a long term thing as some of the old 60's polyester has disintegrated so I need to find vintage fabric. Then more room to take it a part and out it back together! And yes the quilts have been waiting years! It will be a big project!
My big plans are mostly to continue donating things that no one needs of wants so we have room for new things! Oh and putting away things that actually have a spot! My family seems to have forgotten this concept!
That said there will be some mending cause as I said he keeps growing!
I am also embarking on a finishathon. 3 jumpers, 3 pairs of socks, a shawl, and a huge goldwork embroidery project i started 18 years ago as a teenager . Id like to get them all done by the end of February
Edited, 4 hours later:
I finished the embroidery.
Go me. Thanks for the push Ash!
Some hilarious reactions here as you remember stuff as you find it
I really live that January is the 4am of the year concept and I love a good mending/finishing things video! I'm very curious to go count my pile now. Its a lot...
My rule before cutting fabric on a new project is that last project needs to be finished, something has to come out of the UnFinished Objects/revisit pile (even if it goes back in), something has to come off the mending pile, and 1D6 pairs of socks from the darning pile must be returned to active duty. Sometimes stuff is in the UFO pile because I legit didn't finish it before I made my rules, sometimes there's something wrong with it rendering it not wearable because I just need time away from it, and sometimes stuff is in there because I attempted something I didn't quite have the skills for and either screwed it up or got to a speedbump I got stuck on... I may only have one sewing project going at a time, one weaving project, one crochet project and one patterning project on the go at a time. Last year it was 2 mending projects, 2 UFOs and empty the darning box, but after I started that rule last year or the year before, I made a really big dent in the piles so I'm relaxing my requirements, and I also allow the occasional 1 day project to jump the queue (like I'll probably be making a beret out of the "plaid my mom hates" to go with the rest of the stuff I've made out of it, even if I don't get the sewing machine out for that, it's a ridiculously quick project).
"This shirt fits weird" for me has often been solved by armpit gussets, as much as they're a pain in the butt to insert in a finished project, I've never regretted adding them. Right now I'm in the middle of finishing a hakama I started about a decade ago. Then project Victorian Walking Skirt, then mend work pants and darn socks again, then turn shredded hakama body into Secret Pants/ie on pants with pocketses, then probably by then it'll be bathing suit time presuming I can convince any of my machines capable of zigzag stitch to behave.
This was really motivating! I got up and started cataloging my historical fabrics, something I have wanted to do for a long time because I get stuck from not knowing their length and width and weight when I want to make something, end end up doing nothing.
Now I am going to label them all once and for all.
My plans for January are to reclaim my sewing corner and find all my WIP. Hopefully I will finish some of them.
Also I'm all for the embroidery machine goal. It's one of mine
I had a very productive Mending Monday a few weeks ago, but then I would've had to stop and find THAT ONE FABRIC so the last waistband never got cut out. This is excellent motivation to do that thing. If I can finish that skirt and the two cloaks I promised my friends a year and a half ago, I'll be very happy. Never mind about the rest of the monster pile 😅😂
4 minutes in, and *I did not come here to be called out like this!*
Most of your projects are on a whole other level than mine, and I'm okay with that.
Here's to a healthy, joyful and prosperous 2024!
🙏❤🏳🌈🏳⚧🟦
Overwhelmed! You need a year to work through that pile. Good luck.
This describes me so much. I should go work on my crazy quilt, crazy quilt pillowcase, wonky nine-patch, and other things that I have forgotten about. And the pillowcase should be easy to finish. But what I want to do today is finish the first mockup for an unfitted kirtle I want to make. I have analysis paralysis. This always happens to me.
I feel I need this energy throughout the course of my day- often my pile includes things like “finish eating breakfast” 😬
BIG MOOD
February is 5am if you have been to sleep it's just early
This is the most relatable costuming video ever, thank you.
Literally only just began sewing Spring of last year, took really well to it, but already I’ve got my own Pile 😂
Excellent point and video! Not sure how many projects there is in my pile and not sure I want to know.... Started tackling some of it in the fall but didn't get far, don't remember but think there were a needle problem that put a halt to it 🤔Not sure I'm up for competing, we'll see, but I will definitely turn my attention to the pile this January 😅
Would also argue that some of your 37 are full blown projects and not simple fixes so maybe you could take them of the list? Or it's a list with bothe "fixes" and "started projects"?
Bookbinding! Looking forward to seeing what you get up to. I've been dabbling in it and want to try more, it's so fun!
Watching while finishing a sweater from last winter 😊. And i have a skirt waiting as well.
I just got an embroidery machine and am so glad I finally did! I absolutely love it 😍
Oh dang. I was like oh bet! I need a good finish-what-you-started challenge! And then I was like percentage based? Crap. I’m gonna have to count. I dunno if I want to know how many I really have waiting on me … 😂 I’ll report back.
Oh and an embroidery machine? Dooooo it! Join the dark side!!! Story and unsolivcited advice: I got a second-hand brother with a max of a 4x4 inch hoop. I figured that was fine bc it kept cost low and I wouldn’t feel as bad if I couldn’t figure it out or didn’t do much with it. Really wish past me had held out a little longer for one with a 5x7 inch hoop. A 4x4 hoop is much more limiting if you want to work with purchased designs and more challenging if you make your own and reposition and rehoop to make a bigger design. If you can do it, go ahead and get one with a 5x7 hoop. Even if you do resell it after a project or two, it will definitely hold its value at that hoop size. Love love love your videos and looking forward to seeing what you create and share with us this year!
you could weigh the pile and then see how much smaller the pile is at the end of the month?
Love this idea! Not sure if I can commit as my work is VERY stressful. I am going to finish setting up my sewing room and fix the 2 skirts I made last year before I start anything new on the sewing front. Trying to be dedicated with my knitting and finish off some projects.
* staring at my knitting project from over one year ago *
Never do sleeves after 10 pm
Have you tried cloth buttonholes? Less intimidating than it sounds and much easier and prettier than the zigzag mess.
I’ve done them but I’m not a big fan - I always find buttons very bulky anyway, so I like really thin buttonholes
I've only one project waiting but this was inspirational just the same! Invigorated to go back to the skirt I previously messed up!
I love this idea and may try to incorporate it into this January if I can. Im currently on a no buy until i use up the many yards i have set aside for specific projects because i have no space for new fabric. However im going to need fabric soon to make two ball gowns. If im struggling to squeeze it in this month i might be able to do a Finish It February
Also a brilliant plan!
I have gotten a second machine to be able to do a Thing.
1: Unbury the sewing machine, sewing table, and cutting table enough to move them to the other room where they belong
0 : I should probably clear the space they need to go to first
-1 : Well if you finish the wood working that the stuff in the way is for...
-2 : AHHHH decision making!
-3 Watch this while trying to clean my kitchen which got massively out of control due to fixing a cupboard and the spiral of related projects and indecision that meant there was nowhere to put the dishes even if I had washed them...
-4 You're out of dishes. And counter space. This is RIDICULOUS
-5 You really need to eat first...
-6 AHHHHHH
Thanks for keeping company for pre-steps -6 and -5
My only challenge for the year is to finish (or toss) all my unfinished projects. Plus not create any more
Do not decide to cut bangs (fringe) in your hair at 4 am!
now I have to go count my pile lol. I guess I do have a question does "the pile" include current projects we are working on or just those tail end of projects that we have been putting off dealing with?
It’s really up to you, but I tend to think of it as primarily things that aren’t finished, or need starting, but I haven’t been actively working on for a while
@@AshLG ok I have 15 mending/projects I haven’t worked on in over 6months. Then I have three active projects. One of them includes embroidery for a shirt so I feel you on that. I’m trying to do blackwork embroidered dragons on my cuffs. I’ve done very little embroidery before so it’s slow going.
Why are you filming directly from my house? And taking to do lists from my brain? And why is mending taking so much time, all year long?
If You are me it's because you can have the ability to happily spend hours sewing on a button but only after snipping the last thread realise it is inside out... 🫠
@@lucie4185 Eh. Inside, outside... the wrong grain of the fabric...
@@iulianaa2079 not on a waistband. 🙄🙄🙄
@@lucie4185 Do cuffs matter? Those made out of material that stretches only in one direction, of course. Also, I managed to somehow sew the yoke for jeans exactly opposite to how it should have been. So yes, then nothing fit anymore and I did not get why.
💜