Taking stock at what I made in 2019:
I sewed 14 clothing items: 2 pairs of pants, shorts, a knit romper, 3 knit tops, a knit dress, 2 woven tops, a dress to woven top refashion, a spring jacket, a hat, and a knit nightshirt. I also sewed a zippered pouch. I knit a short sleeve pullover, 2 scarves, a dog sweater, and dog bandanas. The striped pullover is the first sweater I completed since 2010.
How did I do on my 2019 Make Nine challenge? I completed 6 items.
Out of the three items I didn’t make, only the cross stitch picture was started. I didn’t get very far, even though it seemed like I spent many hours on it. I can see the roof of a house, and the wing of a goose. It was tough going, and then I stopped.
I preferred to be sewing last year than doing anything else. I also sewed more with knit fabrics than ever before.
Besides underwear, the only ready to wear item I bought in 2019 was a Hanes hooded zippered sweatshirt for under $10. I’ve been wearing them since I was in high school! I don’t have a ban on buying ready to wear. I just prefer to sew most things. I still have a lot of ready to wear clothes in my closet that I enjoy wearing. Some of my clothes get light wear and I keep things for a very long time.
My favorite sewing related thing I bought was a huge table at my local hardware store. This 6 foot long table has become my fabric cutting table, and has made that part of sewing so much easier than getting down on the floor. It folds up and fits under my couch when not in use.
On to my 2020 Make Nine:
- Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns. The high waisted version. Stretch denim with a zipper fly and hardware.
- Mama Bear Joggers by Patterns for Pirates. I want slim knit pants, but not leggings. Making these from ponte de roma for comfort, and without cuffs.
- Angelia Shorts from Itch to Stitch. My fabric is khaki twill.
- The next 3 pieces are from Vogue 9246 (Vogue Five Easy Pieces). The jacket. I will make it in tan twill in a medium length.
- Vogue 9246 top. I have a striped knit in mind for this.
- Vogue 9246 pants. The pattern has a cropped wide legged pant and a slimmer full length pants, both with an elastic back. I have a cropped linen blend in mind for this.
- Willamette Shirt by Hey June Patterns. I want a collared woven shirt. I have a gingham from an estate sale in mind for this.
- Paisley thrifted fabric. I bought this in 2015 and I want to sew it up. I want a peasant/boho type top, and think Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse may be the one.
- Phoenix Top by Hey June Patterns. Interesting lines with a bib inset and gathers. Reminds me of a top I wore in the 70s. I plan on making the view with the pictured bell sleeves.
I’m still sewing on the same basic mechanical machine I bought in 2010, a Brother XL2600i with 25 stitches and a 1 step buttonhole. At the time I bought it, I wasn’t sure if I would actually use it, or if it would end up stored in the garage. Sewing has become a way of life to me. To elevate the quality of my sewing, I’ve decided to buy a serger. It is time for me to learn.
My other sewing goals for 2020:
To match stashed fabric with patterns, especially for tops.
To buy fabric wisely, especially to buy more bottomweight fabric for pants.
Techniques I want to learn are sewing a collar and welt pockets.
That’s a wrap! Happy New Year!
Stitch It Again 