January Sewing and 24 Projects Goal

Happy New Year!  Boy, am I late on that one?!  I can't believe I haven't posted since November and it's already the start of February.  I'm sorry I have really slacked on posting updates on sewing projects (to my sewing cyber-friends) and Avery/family updates (to my family).  This year in 2011 I decided to make some goals.  I looove lists so I made lots of lists of goals for all areas of my life: spiritual, fitness, sewing, home/organization etc.  I won't be sharing all my personal goals but I will share some of my sewing goals.  I counted the sewing projects from 2010 and I made about 16 successful projects.  So my goal for this year is to make 24 successful projects.  "Successful" meaning it is something Avery or I or another loved one will wear more than once or a project that WILL get used.

Sorry my picture summary is all over the place.  I don't know how to make those nifty photo mosaics.
January was a good month for working toward my goal.  I made three projects.
To start off, I made a Moses basket/baby doll bed.  I was excited for Avery to get baby dolls for Christmas, but doll accessories are so expensive so I made her a doll bed.  I think it looks more like a cat bed.  he he  There are pockets on the inside to carry the baby necessities.

My next project was a knit cardigan. It's McCall's 5978. I was really excited about this project because I love knits and it was the first time making button holes.  It was so easy and I can't wait to add button holes to something else.  I think it turned out pretty good but it feels a little big and gapes a little at the top.  I might just add another button to help with this.  The interfacing makes this feel more like a light blazer.  This is what I wore to work today.  I like to roll and push up the sleeves.

I love button holes

I tried styling it with a white belt.  I wish I had a skinny black belt.

 Oh!  And I forgot to mention.  One of my Christmas gifts was a serger!!!  My Mother and Father in-law got it for me. It's a Brother 1034D.  I sewed this knit cardigan with my serger and it was so fun to have it to sew AND finish my seams at the same time.  It was a little scary to get used to because it cuts your material as it sews so you better be sure you're sewing the right size etc.  A serger really makes the inside of your garments look professional and I LOVE IT! 
And my last project for January was the Pendrell Blouse from Sewaholic. Tasia is the designer and this is her 1st pattern.  I've been following her blog and was so excited when she came out with her own design.  Her directions are so well written and this was a great pattern for beginners.  Tasia designs more for the pear or triangle shape.  I cannot wait for her to come out with her next pattern!
The Pendrell Blouse has three views.  This is view B and I'm actually in the process of making view A.  Here is view B:

This is a fun blouse.

I'm looking forward to styling this with a skirt. Today I just threw it on with the jeans.

Just before Christmas I made a little purse for Avery from NewLook 6926.  It doesn't count toward 2011's 24 projects but I still wanted to share.

My super cutie reaching for her cell phone.

I'm off to a good start.  My short term goal is to make two projects a month to meet the year goal which seems very attainable with all my normal life activities/responsibilities.  Oh, and I am going to try to be more consistent in posting updates.
Thanks for stopping by again.  Enjoy your day!
~Kristie