Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 Review



I've been doing a lot of thinking about my sewing lately, and how I want to change it for next year. That will come in another post. I'm looking back and the things I've made this year and recounted them to find that I've made 45 things! Now, one of them was a quilt, a couple were handbags, a couple were gifts, and most of them were garments for myself. You would think that I have an endless supply of clothes, and though I don't regret making any of them, there is a lot that either don't fit right or really aren't "me". Next year I will do things a little differently, and I have already started making a list. But for now, here are some of my favorites:

At the left - black wool skirt. I like it because of the fabric and the style. I used the Nancy Erickson pattern, but I also have anther pencil skirt pattern that I really like too.


This blue, gray and black top. This is a New Look pattern and I love the neckline. The fabric also drapes really nicely on this one and it goes great with skirts or jeans. This is the other skirt pattern and actually, I made this skirt in 2007, but it is still a favorite.













This BWOF blouse is probably my favorite thing that I made all year. It is really comfortable fabric and I love the style and the details. I really should make another one of these. I like the fabric in these pants, but they are too tight in the waist so I never wear them. I think I am tending to "over-fit" some of my garments.

There are a few other things that made my favorites list because they are most worn/used. They include
Metropolitan handbag
My Quilt
Marcy Tilton Pants, and
the Little Brown Jacket
























And of course, my new coat. I wore it today and I love it!













Now for the not so good.


This BWOF blouse was a lot of work and has a lot of details. I only wore it once or twice and it was a little tight and uncomfortable in the sleeves. Also, the cuffs were heavy with all the big buttons. I eventually gave it away.













These pants went straight into the trash. They were just too big and baggy.









This is a beautiful BWOF blouse, but I rarely wear it because the fabric is a poly chiffon and it is not that soft. Also, I always have to remember to wear a cami underneath it. I do wear it occassionally, but it's not something I would wear to work on on the weekends, so I don't wear it that much







This cardigan I have never liked. THe main thing I don't like about it is the fabric. It is not soft at all and the first time I washed it it pilled terribly. It was not inexpensive fabric either. Oh well, win some, lose some. Also, this, like several other tops I have tends to slide down in the back at the neck. I think this means I need a forward shoulder, or rounded back adjustment.

So, as I stated before, I'm hoping to sew "smarter" next year and have more things that I totally love. If you'd like to see a quick review of all that I made this year, here is the link to the photo album.

6 comments:

cidell said...

45 things. Wow. That is a lot of sewing my friend. I love the BWOF tie neck blouse and have it on my monthly list. I also ADORE the poet blouse, especially because I got to see it up close and in person. You've had a productive and stylish year!

Shannon said...

You had a great year! I hear you about the garments that just aren't right for some reason or another. Sometimes it's hard to predict what will become a favourite.

Lori said...

What a great year. I like the poet's blouse the best, one of my favorites, too.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

You had a great sewing year...and you learned some valuable lessons to apply to your craft going forward! I can't wait to see what you sew in 2009!!!

Summerset said...

That's a very productive year! I know you teach and you've have family issues to deal with this year. When the first picture came up, I thought, "How pretty she is!". I'm so glad it was a garment you liked or else I would have felt bad! I agree - the poet blouse is perfect for you. Donate the other stuff and don't feel bad, you know you can make things that you'll love more.

Sigrid said...

That's a lot of sewing projects accomplished! And sewing a lot is also leading to some things you don't like after all. I always say to myself that happens with rtw too, sometimes you buy something that in the end you seldom wear. It just happens.
Have a happy new year and I'l be following your projects again with pleasure.