Welcome back folks! If you’re brand new here, thanks for coming by!  

I’ll admit that I’m a little rusty when it comes to writing about my projects. Though I’ve been sewing steadily since my last blog post, I did take a break from blogging for a while. It gave me a chance to sit back and assess the direction I’ve been taking with my projects, where I hope to go, and where my creative energies are best devoted to. I hate that it’s true, but there is only so much time in the day and only so much room for creative projects in it. If I’m not careful about setting my intentions for the time I invest in hobbies, I don’t reach my ‘big picture’ personal goals.

The break also allowed me to play with ideas and sewing without the pressure of feeling like I needed something to show for it, which I have to say was really nice. All that playing combined with my favorite sewing season FALL, led to a series of great projects that I can’t wait to share. I also have a long list of things to come that I’m really excited for too.  

I want to start back with blog posts today by sharing a new piece I’ve already sewn three times! It’s a long-sleeve, turtleneck t-shirt, which may not sound interesting, but it has quickly become one of my favorite things to wear lately. 

The sewing pattern I used is the Fog Tee from The Fabric Store, with the turtleneck neckline variation. It’s an incredibly basic piece but the drop-shoulder and slightly slouchy neck give it a relaxed feel. 

I first made it in an inexpensive cotton jersey knit in a deep mauve, and it fit perfectly without any adjustments. Amazing!

I then stepped up the fabric options with some very lightweight merino wool jersey in shades of caramel and forest green. I’m in love with all three! 

They make the perfect layering pieces for this time of year and are surprisingly versatile. I’ve dressed them up and down, and have even worn them as loungewear for cozy nights in. I plan to make more in black, cream, deep rust or burgundy, and maybe navy…for now haha! Seriously though, these are classics that will outlive years of trends to come, so it doesn’t seem like there can be too many. 

This pattern and these pieces were also the start of a new perspective on sewing for me. In the past, I thought that handmade items needed to be unique, one-of-a-kind, eye-catching, spectacular pieces, in order to justify the time, money, and effort that goes into them. I now see how well-made, well-fitting basics in high quality fabrics can be spectacular too, and extremely practical in my everyday life. I look forward to sharing more of these kinds of projects with you moving forward. 

On another note, I wanted to say that I know some of my regular readers aren’t sewers. Firstly, thank you so much for supporting my creative projects by taking time out of your day to come here and read about them. I appreciate it so much!! Secondly, I hope my projects manage to bring you some other form of non-sewing inspiration. Whether that be encouragement to tackle your own creative projects in the mediums that you enjoy and feel excited about, or to try something new that you have always wanted to. Either way, I hope that even if you don’t sew you find some enjoyment here in my little stories. 

I’ll leave you with that for now, along with the genuine hope that this fall is finding you creatively excited, inspired, and well. 

Until next time, 

Amanda 

@velvetarchivessewing