I loved doing the Sew Weekly last year because it really made me look at my sewing: my stash, how I sew, what I sew, what I spend the most time on, and what I waste the most time on.  At the end of the year, I’m sewing much more efficiently, both in how long I take, and in creating things that I’ll really use and that work with what I have.  That was part of the reason for suggesting the Historical Sew Fortnightly this year: I want to turn all that I learned towards my true sewing love. Here are five tips based on what I learned last year that may help you tackle the Historical Sew Fortnightly. Plan ahead I’m announcing the Challenges 8 challenges ahead so that you have plenty of time to figure out what you are making for each challenge, where you are going to spend your time, and what you need for each challenge.   Make a list of the challenges and note what you are going to make. …

One of the things I really loved about The Sew Weekly was their little guide to a garment, giving the basic facts in a quick rundown.  I’d like to do the same for the Historical Sew Fortnightly.  Here is my suggested guide to your garment.  You’ll see my first one shortly! Just the facts, Ma’am: The Challenge: Fabric: Pattern:   Year:   Notions: How historically accurate is it? Hours to complete: First worn: Total cost:

One year, a challenge every fortnight, and at the end of it, 26 fabulous historical garments. How it works: Every fortnight in 2013 I’ll post a themed challenge and we’ll each sew (or knit, or crochet, or tatt, or embroider, or whatever it is you call making a hat, or otherwise create) a historical garment or accessory that fits the theme. I’ll post the challenges 7 ahead, so that you have plenty of time to plan and work on more elaborate challenges. You can do as many or as few of the challenges you want — I’ll be trying my best to do all 26, but if you can only do 6, that’s fine. For the purpose of the Historical Sew Fortnightly, ‘historical’ means 75 years or older, so pre 1938. Your item can be as basic or elaborate as you want, from a simple fichu to fill in the neckline of a gown, to a full ensemble from the undergarments outward: whatever you need and can can handle time and skill-wise. I’m hoping that …