This year, I did alot of sewing, way more than my 2016 crystal ball predicted. I’m very happy about that, as I find a week without sewing to be a bit grim. Although I didn’t keep a spreadsheet, I can tell by looking at my blog photos that I made roughly a garment a week, a fact that surprises me a bit:). Will I do the same in 2018? My closet won’t allow it, LOL -more about that in a future post. In the meantime, here are my top five hits and misses, a concept created by the fabulous Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow.
If I were going to give a garment a prize for ‘most worn’, this simple cardigan would be the clear winner. The long length makes it so versatile…in the photo I wore it with a skirt but I love it with jeans, skirts and dresses too. The fabric is a lightweight knit, so great to sew and wear.
I had so much fun making this dress! I’m such a fan of sewing with lace, and this ‘make’ gave me the opportunity to use a couple of different ones from my stash which made me so happy. It’s easy to wear too, and it’s always a conversation starter at a party. I think it’s because the bodice is a stretchy ponte with a shiny finish that looks like leather – – such a lucky find.
Even though this Maisa denim jacket took loads of time to finish, it was one of the sewing pleasures of 2017. For one thing, it involves color blocking, a option that always makes me happy. It also required alot of topstitiching, a time consuming detail that’s so satisfying. My only issue with this jacket is that even after multiple washings the denim is a bit stiff. I should have distressed the denim first – lesson learned!
I’m not a fan of ruffles as a rule, but this top is one I reached for constantly before the cold weather made that impossible. The linen knit turned out to have the right drape for the project and it’s great to wear too.
This make combined two things I love – – flannel and plaid! I’ve worn this so much, it’s a bit embarrassing :). I wasn’t sure flannel would work for a top with bell sleeves, but it did!
Honorable Mentions:
It was the year of the sleeve for me, and they feature prominently in my favorites that didn’t make it into the top five but are much loved!
Dress number one is here. Dress number two is here and the above top is here.
The gingham top is here, the ruffled top is here, and the statement sleeve top is here.
Now, on to the misses:
I tried to love my Sapporo coat, but there’s just too much fabric for me! It has to be arranged carefully or it slips off my shoulders.
Okay, I should love this safari style jacket, but the color is just a bit off so it hangs in my closet, a lonely orphan. It’s a warm color and I have need to be careful with colors like these. I just don’t like to wear them.
This dress had the right stuff for a hit – a border print, my favorite color, statement sleeves and Pom Poms, but it just never felt right. Maybe it’s the way it fits in the waist or the flowery border trim. Not sure why, but it’s a definite miss.
This skirt and this top are both clear misses. The ruffle on this denim wrap skirt made the front panel too heavy and awkward to wear. I’ve since removed it. The top, well, just look at that fabric! It’s just too busy for me.
The takeaway from these misses? For me, it’s all about the fabric; the color, the print and the drape.
That’s my take on the year as sewn – – I can’t beleive 2017 is almost over! My reflections and goals for 2018 will come in another post. Thanks to all of you for visiting my blog in 2017 and for chatting with me about, well, everything! I find our conversations so fun and enlightening too. Have a fun and safe New Year. Until next time, happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Too bad about your safari jacket – I love it and it really looks good on you but I completely understand about wearing certain colors – I can’t wear anything medium or light blue without wanting to get it off me ASAP!
That’s exactly how i feel in that jacket! I just want it off! it was fun to sew but horrid to wear, so sad it’s moving to the ‘donate’ pile.
Wow Linda!. You made some beautiful garments. How did I miss that lovely lace dress? Perhaps it was when I was on holiday… love the plaid top too. I’ve loved following your makes and look forward to hearing all about your new year plans soon too. Happy New Year! Xx
Thanks Diane! The lace dress was so fun! Yes, I’ve had a thing for plaid this year, not sure what that’s all about. Thanks for following me and for your lovely comments all year. Happy new year to you too!
You sewed a lot, and very nicely, too, if I may say! These are some beautiful makes. I think your Sapporo coat just needs a BIG button to hold it on. Things fall off my shoulders as well if they don’t have a closure, unless it is a very light garment. Can’t wait to see your plans for 2018!
Thank-you! That’s a good idea for the Sapporo – – buttons are so nice to keep things in place. The style would look good with a button too! Thanks for the fabulous idea! My 2018 plans will be up soon….
Linda, enjoy your blog, and look forward to your 2018 makes. Such a shame to lose your lovely safari jacket… as it is linen, and already written off, might a dye (dark blue?) be worth a try? Maybe on the ‘busy’ top too, as less contrast would calm it? Meanwhile Happy New Year to you and your family 🙂
Thanks, Su! I love your idea of dying that jacket and top. They’re linen and just might respond to a indigo dye. I haven’t experimented much with dye so it doesn’t always pop into my mind as an option, but I do think it’s worth a shot. Thanks for the fabulous idea, and Happy New Year to you and yours too!
It’s so funny how even when we make something that has all the right ingredients it can end up in the misses category! But I have to say, even your misses look so well made, designed and executed that you should feel super proud. What an incredible year you have had.
Thanks, Naomi! What a nice compliment. It is funny what ends up in the misses category…I could have sworn that lacy border on that one dress would have made the ‘hits’ list, and sometimes I don’t know it’s a miss until I leave the house in a make. That dress just made me feel “off”. Happy new year to you! Can’t wait to see your next makes.
I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing all your wonderful makes! The denim ruffled skirt was too heavy for your slight frame (we should all be so lucky!). I would love to see it without the ruffle; I bet it suits you much better. Have you ever heard of washing denim with Coke? Something in it breaks down something in the denim and softens it to perfection. My husband didn’t believe me, but I washed a stiff pair of his jeans in Coke just to prove him wrong. Ha! Ha! Now he wears them all the time.
Thanks! You are so right about that denim skirt- That ruffle was trouble!! I’ll be sure to include it in a blog post soon. Who knew Coke could soften denim? Hilarious and I’m going to try it right away!Thanks for the tip!
Oh man, you are just SO STYLISH! I love that your makes are all unique and bold, but also suit you perfectly and look “right” on you. Hope you have a great 2018 too!
Thanks Gillian for the lovely compliment and for dreaming up this fun way to end a year of sewing!
I totally agree about it being the Year of the Sleeve for you. You’ve had so many cool sleeves throughout the year. I think my favorite make has to be that Joel Dewberry dress–it’s just so pretty and maybe it stands out because it’s not in your pretty blues. Here’s to a happy 2018!
I know what you mean about the Joel dewberry dress, that Fabric design would make anything stand out! He has to be my favorite designer, as you know. I’m such a fan. I think this year was an amazing year for you too. I’ll never forget your Halloween costume extravaganza….what an inspiration. Can’t wait to see what you do in 2018….cheers!
His aesthetic is fantastic. If I could be his personal color advisor, I’d buy everything he had! I do have 2 lengths of his, one a challis that’s reasonably in my colors and a sateen that is–I’m waiting for the right projects for both of them!
I can’t wait to see what you do with those pieces!
I am so pleased that your denim jacket made the Top 5!! And I love that cardigan, it’s still a big inspiration for me to make one myself.
What a bummer that your safari jacket didn’t work as well in practice–it’s a beautiful and versatile design, but I know what you mean about some colors just not fitting in or being “right.” Maybe a new version in a more wearable color is in order? 😉
I do love that denim jacket and hope I have plenty of chances to wear it this year. As you suggest, I’ve put the safari jacket pattern in my queue again. Now, I’m hunting for a suitable fabric in a great color as there is nothing in my stash that’s right. I had fun making it last year and can’t resist another go!