Over the last few weeks I’ve had a lot of non-sewing time which I just couldn’t tolerate. To pacify myself, I spent my spare time reading sewing blogs – a lot of them had their roundups of last year.
It made me think about what I liked, didn’t, and still wanna do with my sewing.
So for my first post of the new year, let’s keep it simple!
Let’s start with what I liked…
By far, last year I was happiest with my jackets, like my MotorCycle Express by Islander Sewing Systems. It was a complicated pattern for me to tackle but using the excellent instruction book included, I learned how to “bag” the lining properly and make sleeve gusset zippers and zipper pockets. Then there was the added bonus that the fabric was a gift from a friend!
My Sister’s Sewing Projects, the “Snake Skin“, “Picasso’s flowers” and the “Clark Gable” were all made with a 1989 vintage pattern, McCall’s 4408. I enjoyed them simply because I felt I was on an episode of a TV show where they give you ingredients and a recipe and say go to it. The fabrics my sister picked made me feel like I was learning a new style … and adjusting Petunia “The Dress Form Formerly Known As Dolly” to someone else’s measurements was a first!
Last year, I found my favourite skirt pattern (my TNT), the Sewaholic Hollyburn – there will be more of these in my future!
I also discovered a favourite top pattern (another TNT), Butterick B5988. Do you think I have made enough?
Eww, the nasty one… what I didn’t like… and can’t figure out what to do with…
There just must be SOMETHING I can do with this thing. I loved the look and feel of the fabric but no matter what I did it still felt like a thin shapeless T shirt fabric. I made a dress I didn’t like and refashioned it into a top I don’t even want to talk about! I think it still lies in a heap on the closet floor!
Lastly, looking to the rest of this year, what I still wanna do…
I always love a Challenge and I plan on taking part in a few this year, just like last year.
Jungle January is NOW! I have two bundles of animal print fabric and I am almost finished my first garment. Hopefully I will have time to finish my second before Jungle January is over! (I have the fabric but don’t know what I am going to make… that’s the delay.) Here’s my last year’s contribution…
I also plan on continuing my RTW FAST on Facebook. Last year was my first year… the first year of many to come. I enjoy not buying clothes and making my own. I tackled pants for the first time, after first tackling the slopers and muslins. I examined what I really had in my closet and what I really liked to wear, then I filled in the holes in my wardrobe with tops, pants and skirts. I really need to start on some dresses soon!
I’m also a fan of MAGAM (Make a Garment a Month) on Facebook. It’s a lovely group of creative sewists, helping each other out, sharing ideas, unveiling plans and trying to sew selfishly.
DESIGNIN’ DENIM – I plan on another pair of jeans this year. I already have my black denim fabric and am anxious to get my hammer and jeans buttons out and start smashing away!
DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER – What can I say… I think I may have already found my Designer photo to copy this year. Now I have to find my fabric. Why buy when you can make it yourself?
There are so many more Challenges and Sewing Groups, as you know … The Monthly Stitch, Sew It Chic, Me Made May…
Are you planning on joining a Challenge or Sewing Group this year?
Happy Sewing in 2016!
60 Responses to “What I liked, didn’t, and still wanna do!”
I love the first jacket. Everything looks good. Nice!
Thank you!
Late last year I joined the ASG and they have loads of interesting things for a quasi-beginner like me. I’ve already signed up for a knits class next month, and a Sandra Betzina class in the fall. Oh, and I have 3 online classes. I love challenges and competitions (although with my skills I will never, ever win anything) so will probably try some of those. It’s all just fun for me – and much better than spending my life watching TV or playing a game on my iPad 🙂
Oh I am so envious. There is no sewing guild in my area. I do like on line courses though and take lots of them. I don’t care if there is a prize or not, challenges and the like get me thinking about another new project to try! Good luck with your projects this year!
I love all these makes, but that first jacket? I want it!!
Thank you! That jacket pattern is so cool!
Hi, like I said lots of times before, both jackets are lovely, I especially like little jackets! As for the favourite top pattern, I’m sure there’s always space for more and if you fancied it you could always change the neckline or sleeve! I’m looking forward to seeing the dress that became a top and is now to be refashioned! I’m going to look up the groups you mentioned, I wasn’t aware there were so many on facebook?? And apart from all that, here’s to a great year of more and more sewing, Happy times!
Thank you, as always, for reading and your kind comments. Yes check out the Facebook groups – seriously that is the only reason I have FB is for the sewing and the funny animal videos! Happy Sewing to you in 2016!
You made some great things last year! I especially love your moto jacket- you can tell it was a ton of work! … I will be doing Jungle January if I can my garment cut out and going!
Thanks! Fingers crossed for your Jungle January!
Great year end review. My favourites were your Christmas outfit and the one with the furry thing on your shoulder. 🙂
Hahaha thank you kindly! The furry thing is an extra accessory unfortunately! 😂
You’ve made a lot of wonderful garments, and I particularly love that you only found one you’re unhappy with. That is one successful sewing year, I’d say. Love the zippered jacket, and all those skirts and tops. As far as sewing challenges or groups? I’ve committed to the SWAP 2016 and that might quite enough for me. Still planning on Designin’ December, and maybe a MAGAM or Monthly Stitch garment here and there. My wardrobe is in dire need, so hoping these will help me keep my rear in gear! 😉
Sounds good! The SWAP one is a big commitment, I think! Don’t you get a whole wardrobe out of that one?
It will definitely be a great beginning, and give me something to build from. And yes it is rather daunting. Terrifying really! It comes down to one garment a week. For some reason, that hadn’t sunk in until very recently.
Well good for you! 👍😄. I am looking forward to seeing all your sewing in 2016!
And I pressed “send” by accident before I could say thank you for always reading and commenting! Kind words always!
It was a busy year! Lots of really lively makes – well done you.
Thank you!
It is great to find a TNT pattern and I love your Moto jacket. It looks very complicated and very lovely on. I have still not started my “Designing’ December ” for last year yet. Life keeps getting in the way. I am hoping to join in for this year and maybe even MMM if I have enough stuff. Xx
Hey nothing wrong with making it now for blogging in Designin’ December! Love to have you along!
It’s good to reflect isn’t it. It’s funny sometimes how the complicated stuff becomes your favourite makes of the year. I love your Designing December look (think I’ve said that before, but it’s good to repeat a compliment!)
Well thank you for the compliments! I think it’s partly a feeling of OMG I did it, that adds to your love of the complicated projects! 😄