March Design, Part Two

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Note: March designs will be for Summer and Fall, as I am working on my Fall Line this month.

Design #2 (week of Mar 3-9)

Embroidered Fleece Jacket

In my opinion, not all fleece jackets are created equal. While the typical baggy, hooded sweatshirt is comfortable, it is anything but flattering!

While hoods keep our heads nice and warm, they also add a lot of bulk. I prefer stand-up collars and zippers. Our necks stay warm without being choked. Sounds good to me!

(Note: It is still important to keep your head covered when it's cold outside. Please wear a hat or earmuffs.)

I love the collar, zipper, and fit of this fleece jacket! Plus, there are practical pockets and a cute embroidery design (probably a rose or custom monogram)!

I am making the sample jacket for myself in ivory fleece and gold embroidery. Which colors would you like to see?

13 for 2013 January Update

Remember my 13 Goals for 2013? Here's an update on how I worked toward them in January :)
(Italics are the goals, bolds are my comments)


Build myself as a Designer:

1. Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). I want to produce those designs the following month, as a seasonal clothing collection.

I posted 4 designs, though perhaps not all in January ;)
Design #1: Vintage-inspired jacket
Design #2: Frilly blouse
Design #3: 3/4-sleeve-length fitted shirt
Design #4: Loose, long shirt

2. Launch Collections:
     - Spring Collection in February or March (2-3 pieces).
     - Summer Collection in April or May.
     - Fall Collection in July or August.
     - Winter Collection in October or November.
     - Bridal & Prom Collection in September or October.

Some of the designs from January will become my Spring Collection! 

Do you, dear reader, have a preference on which ones make it in? I always appreciate opinions!

In addition, I plan to make this dress (right) in a fun, spring print!

Expand my Etsy Shop:

3. Have a full page of listings (24) in the Bridal Accessories section(15 more). Preferably by February.

I have about 20 Bridal Accessories made, and they will be in my Etsy shop soon :)

4. Have 20 listings in the Dresses section (7 more) Preferably by May.

Currently, I have 14 listings, though more will be added this week.

5. Have a full page of listings (24) in the Dresses section (4 additional). Preferably by October.

6. Have 8 listings in the Wedding Gowns section (4 more). Preferably by February.

This section has 6 at the moment. Soon it will have 7. I just need one more.

7. Have 50 coffee sleeves in inventory. Preferably by November.

8. Don't buy any cotton fabrics. Use fabric stash to create new items (non-clothing).

Accomplished, so far!

Live Well:

9. Read through the Bible in a year. I've done this before, and it's wonderful! My church is doing it together, so I'm doubly excited!

I'm just about on track, maybe a day behind, and catching up today :)

10. Low-Carb Diet. Intensive for 1-2 months, moderate for the rest of the year.
My husband is pre-diabetic, so we need to regulate his blood sugar naturally.
I want to get good at cooking and baking low-carb. Hopefully we'll both loose weight, too!

We're still going strong! My husband has lost about 5 pounds (and might have lost more if he hadn't cheated with donuts a few times!).

I enjoy eating low-carb food. Lots of protein, lots of dairy, lots of veggies, a little fruit. 

Our favorite meal is pork chops with a cream gravy, made with carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms, and topped with cherry tomatoes. 
We eat it with a mash turnips & cauliflower, which is a lot like mashed potatoes.
And, for dessert: plain Greek yogurt, sweetener, berries, and whipped cream. Yum!

11. Try 2 new recipes every month. I enjoy this, but I don't do it often enough.

Almond Flour Biscuits are incredible! Fresh from the oven, like soft bread. The next day, like pancakes :)
I played with that recipe by adding cheese & pizza toppings, then dipping them in pizza sauce. Pizza biscuits!

I also made Low-Carb Tortillas. They are flexible, which is nice, but have so many eggs that they turn out more like omelets. Still, it gives us something to add to our taco salads :)


12. Read at least one book each month. This is how I de-stress. Very important!

Even though I was incredibly busy, I read one! "Dragons of the Watch" by Donita K. Paul.
This author is great! Her books are part fantasy, part adventure, free of trash, and have lovely Christian undertones :)
13. Enjoy each month and document with photos. I love nature, changing seasons, holidays! I want to make a point of enjoying them, not just living through them.

Ok, I didn't do this much. Partly because I accidentally left my camera at my mother's house a few weeks ago.

January Design, Part One

Goal #1 from my 13 in 2013 list: 

Design something new every week in January (for Spring), March (for Summer), June (for Fall), and September (for Winter). 

Design #1 (week of Jan 1-5)

(Confession: I actually designed and sketched this a few months ago.)

Vintage-Inspired Asymmetrical Jacket/Coat

Every time I think about this design, I sigh with contentment :D I absolutely love it!

Remember the asymmetrical seams and short, stand-up collars of the 80s? 

While sorting through my grandmother's huge pattern stash, I found one for a fitted dress with a one-sided lapel, similar to this. I like the idea of asymmetry in design, but with sophistication (I'm sorry, but NEVER would I use shoulder pads, and I don't like the boxy-looking dresses of the 80s).

In this jacket/coat, I combined the vintage asymmetrical seams and standing collar with a more femenine shape (princess seams and a fitted waist, instead of darts and boxy-ness) and large buttons for a more modern feel.

My plans are to make this in the shorter (hip) length as a spring/fall jacket, with fabric of fleece or twill. the longer (mid-thigh) length would be perfect in lined wool, denim, suede, or leather.