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I'd have to think about what garment to make given all the time in the world and all materials necessary.

What will I work on next?
Whenever I finish a sewing project, I immediately think about what I'll work on next. That doesn't mean I sew lots and lots of things; it means I spend time thinking about sewing lots and lots of things. Most of the time I just don't have the time required. Sometimes I don't have the right fabric in my stash or the proper notions, and unfortunately, there's no fabric store in my hometown, so if I need something I have to plan a trip. Sometimes I just don't feel like going shopping. So, often when I sew, it's actually NOT what I'd really like to sew.

I frequently sew from my stash.
Because I like to take advantage of my sewing motivation when I have it, I frequently sew from my stash rather than heading to the fabric store, since the thought of shopping usually stops me in my tracks. I shuffle through the fabric I have stored and find fabric that sparks my interest. Then I head to my pattern stash to find a pattern that will work with the fabric. Most of the time I can find a good pattern/fabric combination, but it's often not the project of my dreams.

I often sew gifts or charity items.
Many times I sew for gifts, so when I do shop, I buy fabric and notions with someone else in mind. I also sew for my church's fund-raising Holiday Bazaar. Doing so makes me feel as if I'm providing church support since I don't have time during the day to help in other ways. I do most Bazaar sewing from my stash.

What would my dream project be?
Sometimes I wonder what I would make FOR MYSELF if I had the perfect fabric, all of the necessary notions, and all the time in the world. For this "dream" to be ideal, my machines would have to be in perfect running order, and my sewing room would have to be relatively clean and uncluttered (I don't get high marks in this category). I'm not sure what my dream project would be, and each time I think about it, I come up with something different. It would be great to make a pair of pants, tweaked to fit perfectly; or I could make a beautiful basic dress that would be an ideal addition to my wardrobe; or perhaps I would make a versatile casual jacket—the kind that you can wear with almost anything. However, if time were not the slightest issue, I think I would ultimately choose something to expand my sewing horizons. I'd work with a technique I've never used before. I think I'd make the attempt to create a tailored jacket complete with all of the inner and outer details that tailoring demands. I've made lots of jackets, but I've never had the time or materials to truly tailor any of them. I'd love the opportunity to practice and perfect tailoring details.

What would your dream project be?
If you had the perfect fabric and all the necessary notions, plus you had all the time in the world, the perfect place to sew, and your machines were all in good order, what would you make for yourself? Would it be for a special occasion, or would it simply be the perfect addition to your wardrobe? Do you envision yourself wearing it often or just once in a while? Why did you choose it as your dream project?

April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Jul 13th, 2010 in sewing

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Comments (26)

SeaSprite writes: Current project is more practical to make a wardrobe of clothing that fits nicely, so I have something decent to wear.

The "Dream" sewing expedition entails gathering together my scattered stash of collected illustrations and pictures and pattern sketches, photocopies from old books and magazines and history fashion books and history bridal books, on making clothing, especially bridal gowns that were worn back in 1860s to 1910. The fashions were so feminine back then.

Knowing how to draft the patterns to full size is part of the challenge!
With all the resources and time in the world to immerse myself in all the fine pintucking, pleating, bustles, lace, the fine French Heirloom sewing, organzas and silks...
I can only dream of it becoming a reality!

But dreams are free!!
Posted: 10:14 pm on May 18th

deemail writes: uh, oh.....i answered the question and then read the other comments....now i have more dream projects.....
Posted: 11:33 am on July 24th

deemail writes: One, beautifully fitted, completely lined, JACKET! something with tailored welt pockets or buttonholes, softly turned collar and lapels, sleeve heads, interfacing, underlining, weighted hem....ahhhhhhhh...from the perfect tweedy multi-colored (so I could wear it with lots of things) 'doesn't wrinkle easily' fabric and the MOST beautiful buttons.....the kind of thing I have made for customers a dozen times but never myself...
Posted: 11:28 am on July 24th

sewchris703 writes: My dream project is to make the Edwardian wedding gown from Folkwear Patterns http://www.folkwear.com/227.html I would love for one of my girls to wear it at their wedding but it's not their style. I have the pattern but not the time nor the money for the fabrics and laces.
Posted: 10:57 am on July 23rd

rogue_cellist writes: My ideal sewing project would be a beautiful heirloom-style dress for my new baby girl with English style smocking in the bodice. I'm still not sure of the fabric- probably a very fine cotton voile.
Posted: 8:49 am on July 23rd

Gram10 writes: My dream project has been completed already. It was to create my daughter's wedding dress. She and I shopped for fabrics and laces in Paris (she was working there at the time)on a one week adventure of a lifetime. The dress had a lace bodice beaded with 1800 crystal and pearl beads and smocked skirt. A full length lace trimmed veil complimented the dress. She was a beautiful bride! And I have a wonderful son-in-law!
Posted: 9:59 am on July 22nd

psfws1963 writes: psfws1963: My dream sewing project would have to be sewing pants better than i do w/ no problems. Becuase i always have trouble when i'm working on pants lots of times i make the crotch for the pants to high up. A little while back in early spring i made my self a pair of pajamas to sleep in for spring. I made pajama shorts and a sleeveless top.I did a good job on the short sleeved top, but when i made the pants i made the crotch to long. posted: 7:43am july 22nd
Posted: 9:44 am on July 22nd

jeanniem writes: I have been sewing as long as I can remember. My most intense sewing was when I was in my early 20's. Sewing has been a very personal experience for me; its where I can just let my creativity soar. My youngest child just went off to college and freed up a room in our home so now for the first time I have the opportunity to claim a space to call my sewing room. I am so excited.
Posted: 12:28 pm on July 21st

truebuddy writes: My dream sewing project would be to make a coat. I taught myself how to sew a 7 years ago. I made some skirts, a sweatshirt for my daughter (she was 10 years). Last year I took a sewing class. I ended up sewing 3 different skirts and I learned a lot of techniques. I mostly sew skirts but I'd love to sew a princess line coat. I already purchased the coat pattern but I'm kind of fearful. However, I know that I have to overcome this fear. These articles have allowed me to dream and expand my horizon.
Posted: 1:23 pm on July 20th

KimsIdleHands writes: To finish all my UFO's and the ideas in my head.
Posted: 1:19 pm on July 20th

Herring writes: I have been looking for/planning to make a leopard skin (fake) coat for about 5 years. I have never found just the right skin in fabric or just the right style. I have feeling that I never will now. 5 years ago I might have compromised but it's gone beyond that point and nothing but perfection will do. I can see it in my mind's eye - beautiful silky fur in just the perfect shades, a 50's swing shape, the perfect satin lining, just the right collar shape.
If I ever do find it/make it I will wear it till I kick the bucket and then be buried in it.
Posted: 4:00 am on July 20th

judithann writes: HA...so many dreams, so much proscratination. I have a lovely biege/gray wool and a christine johnson coat pattern that I am probably scared to start more than anything. Thats my dream currently, plan it and do it.
Posted: 10:18 pm on July 19th

writerinfact writes: Being the obsessive type, there are actually two dream projects on my list. Like Skymom above, I have (on paper) planned the essential wardrobe that would cover about 80% of the occasions I would ever encounter, and making that wardrobe from high-quality natural fabrics (classic, never-dated styles, naturally) is one of them. The other is to make the Bear's Paw quilt I fell in love with as a teenager, completely by hand, the way my grandmother did - and using her quilting frame! Of course, that presupposes that my sewing table magically transforms itself into an actual room in which the frame will fit comfortably (still can't quite figure out where she put the darn thing to work on it!).
Posted: 8:18 pm on July 19th

kdr writes: I am about to start my dream project. My only child is geting married and she has asked me to make the dress. It is princess style using about 15 yards of Italian peau de soie and silk organza. It is beaded with seven different types of beads and sequins and about 1500 swarovski crystals. The beading design is one I created from some heirloom embroidery designs. It will be one of a kind and very special -just like her.
Posted: 8:11 pm on July 19th

PatternedHeart writes: I design quilts so my project would be one of the 100 designs I haven't quilted yet.
Posted: 6:12 pm on July 19th

sewsilly4ads writes: Black silk suit with beading on lapel, cuffs and pockets.
Posted: 12:55 pm on July 18th

EvaDress writes: Happy to say I am in the throes of ONE of my projects I ahve dreamt of for YEARS-an 1887 French Bat Costume complete with silk bat wings, corset and flounced skirt over a hoop skirt and bustle pad!

Have most everything to do it (have yet to draft the fichu and skirt polonaise) but, just need more time in which to put it together (always the problem, n'est pas?!)
Posted: 10:39 pm on July 16th

Glad_ragLady writes: I have dreamed for a long time of making a very intricate carcoat type jacket. A brownish gold with bown corduroy trim at the collar and cuffs. It would have many pockets, be unfitted and just a comfy jacket,probably 3/4 length.






Posted: 9:08 pm on July 16th

Thimblefingers writes: My dream project would be that nice (really nice!) navy suit that I need. I have a beautiful dark navy Italian wool that I purchased at $98.00/metre. By education, I am a Tailor; however, I do all types of women's wear, so I have the ability and training. I just haven't had the time to do all the intricate details that I want to put into it to do a perfect hand-tailored work of art.
Posted: 5:48 pm on July 16th

kfred writes: I would have trouble choosing between a Chanel-style jacket that has been rolling around in my head and the most exquisite christening gown ever made. The Chanel-style jacket is more realistic but the christening gown would be the most fun. I love doing all of that putsy stuff.
Posted: 9:22 am on July 16th

Pagog writes: I just finished gathering the components of my dream project ~ a Chanel jacket. This has been brewing in my mind for a long time. I've read all the articles I could get my hands on. A year ago I discovered a lovely vintage Chanel style pattern. I was in NYC in May and purchased the fabric, lining, and chain. A few weeks ago I found the perfect trim and buttons. My inspiration came from the slide show from the Threads' article "Inside a Chanel Jacket", photo 5. I like clothing that I can dress up or down. I plan on getting a lot of use out of this jacket.
Posted: 2:49 pm on July 15th

IndigoRam writes: Anything. My dream project is to just sew, I have so little time, LOL! Actually, I've been planning on redrafting several vintage patterns I inherited from my great-grandmother. They're 1930's patterns for girls and women and just adorable. I love the old stuff. I drool over the back cover of Threads.
Posted: 9:45 am on July 15th

GreenTrunkDesigns writes: I’m an eco fashion designer, so all of my sewing projects are made from reclaimed fabrics like vintage sheets, curtains, tablecloths, and whatever scraps of fabric I can find at the thrift stores. So all my sewing projects are pretty much determined by what fabrics I find and there is of it. This keeps my sewing interesting, but it can also be very frustrating. Anyway, if I had all the fabric, notions, and skills I could ever need, I would love to make costumes--The fancier the better! I particular want to make a renaissance costume. I’ve got the pattern I want to use….just waiting for the right fabric to come along. :)
Posted: 8:26 pm on July 14th

CandiceLouise writes: Since my specialty is in bridal and formal wear, of course, my dream sewing project would be here. I would love to make a gown form some of the gorgeous laces and silks from Italy. They are the finest I have seen, and I would so love to have the time and resources to be able to make a truely spectacular gown form them!
Posted: 10:09 am on July 14th

Skymom writes: I'd like to design (or at least plan) are really chic, versatile wardrobe--all pieces that work together and look good, and can be thrown on without a lot of thought. Talk about biting off more than I can chew, though! And in the past, the few times I've really managed to make two or three items that coordinate, I actually found it a little boring to sew, and ultimately not that exciting to wear. So the planning part is essential, to come up with pieces that don't look like a uniform, or overly matching, yet do form a good core wardrobe.
Posted: 5:55 pm on July 13th

sewing930 writes: I would make a fine sewing project...something tailored and lined, very fitted with lots of details. Made with the finest of fabrics and with lots of time and attention to those details. All of my OCD tendencies would relish in this dream project! A designer, classic, vintage dress from the 40's or 50's...truly a once in a lifetime project.
Posted: 5:06 pm on July 13th

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