A year of sewing - Tragic style

I've really enjoyed reading all of the 2013 Hits and Misses that have been popping up on sewists blogs lately, the brainchild of Gillian. I did a little summary in the middle of the year of how some of my makes were wearing/holding up, and it's been interesting to see what choices I've made since then. I've definitely tried to make more things that are practical and wearable, and that fit with garments I already have. It's easy to get caught up in the latest fashionable or popular pattern/sewalong/competition and forget that expending precious time, fabric and money on something that won't be a valued or flattering part of one's wardrobe is a bit pointless! I've also come to the realisation that there are only so many cute skirts/dresses that I need in my wardrobe which is bursting at it's colourful seams - 2014 is going to be all about basics!



It's also been interesting to think about how I've been spending my spare time this year. My mum made the comment the other day that she thinks I'm addicted to my iPad! It's true that I'm on it a lot, reading blogs, researching tips and techniques, ogling patterns on Ravelry. I used to be a huge reader of books (fiction) - and this year I've hardly read any, which saddens me. I've a whole shelf full of books waiting to be read, but it's like my attention span has atrophied to some degree, and so this is one of my non-sewing goals of 2014 - to reignite my passion for reading, and to try to find a bit more balance in my hobbies. Does anyone else struggle with this balance?

Looking back I've made a LOT of things. For the most part I've had more hits than misses, and it always fills me with pleasure to wear something I've made that makes me feel fabulous! Anyway, I'm going to start with my lesser successes of the year. It's interesting, but most of the patterns that I have had both fitting and wearability struggles with have been the independent patterns......

1 - Colette Laurels
I've worn my yellow muslin quite a bit in the cooler months, but it is too tight in the armpits. My second Scandi version I've still never worn and I've only worn the dress a couple of times since it (sniff) shrank. The shortness doesn't bother me, but the tightness in the armpits isn't comfortable. I spent several hours trying to rejig the fit with another muslin but just couldn't get the armpit/bust/diagonal drag lines worked out. In the end I gave up and it was a breath of fresh air when I made New Look 6808 which is very similar in style - I intend to make a Laurel-esque dress using it, and I think it will become my basic bodice block too, once I have corrected the sway back.

2 - Colette Clovers
I do wear my floral Clover's occasionally, but I've hardly worn my chequered ones in the last few months. It disappoints me that I have made 3 different versions, in 3 different fabrics with a stretch component and each time the fit has been different and unpredictable. Can I be bothered trying again? I'm not sure that I can! I have my eye on Gertie's trouser pattern.....

3 - By Hand London Denim Charlotte
The main issue with this make is the heavy denim, without enough stretch, which is frustrating as it was expensive! The length of the skirt make's it hard to walk in, and I find myself bypassing it when flicking through my wardrobe. I also think there is fundamentally an issue with the pattern - most reviews I have read have mentioned the excess horizontal fabric fold across the hips. I do love my Monet version though, and hope to wear it a lot over summer. It's a lot more stretchy and lighter weight fabric and I've made the vent higher so it's easier to walk, and the busy print hides that little fabric fold. Won't be making another version in a hurry.

 4 - Named Tyler Shirt
The big drama with this of course, was the stretching of the neckline. I still wear it a lot, but the fabric is starting to let it down - it's not very sturdy, and the centre back seam is showing signs of strain and splitting across the mid-back. Essentially the size I purchased is too small across my bust/back and hips, but fits in the shoulders, and being a raglan and a pattern that is only sold in 2 sizes at a time I can't see how I'm going to be able to make a future version that fits better without a lot of mucking around. I think I'd rather try an Archer, or one of the shirt patterns in my Ottobre mags!

5 - Megan Nielsen Kelly Skirt
This is unblogged (coming soon!) and I don't blame the pattern. I stuffed around with this and altered it so much that it's barely recognisable as the Kelly - gutted! Stay tuned for this sad little sack!

Let's cheer up! Lets look at the winners!

1 - Style Arc Elle Pants
I've worn these at least twice a week since I made them in October. They fit very well straight off the pattern, but needed a little tweaking in the lady-garden section. I've just cut out a second pair after making said tweaks, so stay tuned. Sadly the fabric of the first pair has worn and balled appallingly  (lucky I only paid a couple of $ a metre) so I'll be repossessing the elastic in the waistband from them for the second version, and version 1 will head into the rag bag.

 2 - Various knit tops
I'm going to bunch in 3 patterns here - the Renfrew, the Maria Denmark kimono sleeve tee, and the Burdastyle dolman tee. These are all great patterns, which I have made many versions of. I haven't had to buy myself a t-shirt or knit top all year! My fave has to be the Crazy Cat Lady top, which always gets comments when I wear it, and I do love my wool Renfrew. Winners all round.

3 - New Look 6000
I made this for my friend's wedding, and felt very swish indeed. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't fit into it now, and I remember on the day I had a small amount of trouble inflating my lungs fully due to the too tight torso but it's gorgeous, fully lined in silk and was a huge amount of work - I was very proud to wear it!

 4 - Grown Up Dorothy Dress
I love this dress, and the fabric. I feel instantly chic when I wear it. Not much more to say!

5 - New Look 6808
Despite not wearing it much due to it being wool and making it at the end of spring, I was so pleased I finally made this up, and thrilled at the fit (see above re Colette Laurel!). The sleeves eased in superbly and its such a versatile pattern. I have at least 3 more planned in my mental queue!

I'm going to be a crazy kid and have another 2 makes - it is my blog after all!

6 - Colette Beignet
I love my Beignets! Damn they're a lot of work, but worth it in the end. Instant chic.

7 - Purl Soho Cap Sleeve Sweater
Honorable mention must go to my first ever knitted sweater. I've worn it a couple of times, and I do love it despite its flaws. Great memories are knitted into every stitch, along with a generous amount of my cats hair.

My goals for 2014 include making welt pockets for trousers, and continuing to attempt conquering trousers in general. I'd also like to try making some outerwear. I've finally been convinced that the By Hand London Victoria blazer might be a good addition to my wardrobe, and I wouldn't mind trying a Minoru jacket. In the meantime I have my Glamping wardrobe to address, and I still have some gorgeous silk jersey from NYC to making into something divine. I won't get bored, that's for certain!