Lately I've been motivated to use some of my stashed yarn and fabrics. The stash yarn has morphed into two colorful baby blankets, but finding uses for the fabric was more of a struggle. In part, this is due to my continuing lack of sewing confidence, which makes cutting into precious yards of cotton a daunting task. My most recent attempt at making clothes was the Shoreline Boatneck by Blank Slate Patterns. I was immediately drawn to this pattern because it's suitable for both knits and woven fabrics, and looked quite flattering in both. I have made it successfully before in both a crepe-like rayon and sweatshirt-weight knit, bought very cheaply from my local big box craft store. I figured it was time to put on my big girl pants and work with the Cotton & Steel fabric I bought from my local indie craft store.
As for my next sewing project... well, I'm not sure if it's too ambitious, but I'd love to try the Making Backpack by Noodlehead. I've seen a few versions in wool and they looked ace, so it seems a good way to use a yard or so of my vintage wool. I'm a little afraid of the hardware, and I've never sewn box corners before, but I do like the appeal of making something that doesn't require me to stress about the fit. However, my real fantasy project right now, which is definitely too ambitious but also very inspiring, is the dashing Eden Coat. I do have all of that wool to use up, and last year I was looking for a raincoat but never found one to my tastes. We shall see.