My 2014 Sewing Year in Review

I have been enjoying reading the various sewing bloggers' sewing reviews of 2014 and it has inspired me to look back at my own sewing achievements over the past year.

There are still a few items yet to be blogged, but I will get there eventually. I was surprised to count a total of 39 garments sewn (totally selfish sewing, as they were all for me), 1 refashion , 1 muslined wedding dress that never eventuated, 1 tote bag, a wedding garter and a couple of custom made pillow slips as a gift for my mother (my only unselfish sewing for the year).

Here are my most worn garments sewn in 2014

Starting at the top left hand corner and going clockwise: Style Arc Terri Tie Cardigan, Sewaholic Renfrew, Style Arc Elle Pants, Style Arc Stacie Jean Jacket, Style Arc Fay Skirt and Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress.

The Terri Tie Cardigan got loads of wear. It matched a lot of my pants, I could wear several different tops/shirts under it and it was warm and comfortable with a flattering shape that camouflaged my tummy area.

The Renfrew was made of a very good quality ponte which has held up really well with no pilling at all. This was a favourite for work dressed up with a long necklace.

The Elle pants were all very popular for casual weekend wear and I found that I reached for the navy ones the most. Probably because they were easier to match with different tops.

My Stacie Jean Jacket was a real favourite. I just love the floral print and it makes me happy.

The mosaic print Fay Skirt was easy to dress up for date night, or dress down for work and this got a lot of wear.

I loved my stripy Coco Dress. It was such a fun casual dress and I loved the retro vibe. 

I also had a few garments that I was not really happy with.

My first attempt at the Style Arc Elle Pants, Named Kielo Wrap Dress, Vogue 1382, Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress.

My first pair of Elle Pants have never been worn due to wrong fabric choice. The bengaline did not have enough stretch which made these ridiculously tight.

I really wanted to love the Kielo Wrap Dress but it just wasn't flattering on my body shape and made me feel like a brick. I have since refashioned this into a much more wearable shift dress.

Vogue 1382 was my first fully lined dress which proved to be a bit of a challenge to sew and a few lessons were learned along the way. Unfortunately, the colours are just not me and I don't feel comfortable wearing it.

The white Coco is lovely in theory, but I have never worn it. White is a difficult colour to wear in winter and the length was a little short for comfort.

Here is a list of garments sewn in 2014 by type:

4 x Woven Skirts
Rachel Comey Vogue 1247 in denim
Grainline Studio Moss Mini in fushia cotton drill
Simplicity 2451 View B (not yet blogged)
Simplicity 2451 View C (not yet Blogged)

2 x Knit Skirts
Style Arc Fay Skirt in Mosaic Print Scuba Knit
Style Arc Fay Skirt in Black Ponte (not yet blogged)

1 x Shirts
Grainline Studio Archer in blue poly/cotton gingham

6 x Knit Tops
Sewaholic Renfrew with Cowl in Lavender Ponte
Style Arc Issy Top in a fine silky poly knit
Maria Denmark Kirsten Kimono Tee in white cotton/lycra
Maria Denmark Kirsten Kimono tee with neckline and fit alterations in white cotton/lycra
Style Arc Ann T-Top in white cotton/lycra
Style Arc Polly Top in white cotton/lycra

9 x Pants
Style Arc Elle Pants in Brown Striped Bengaline
Style Arc Elle Pants in Black Bengaline
Style Arc Elle Pants in Teal Bengaline
Style Arc Elle Pants in Midnight (navy) Bengaline
Style Arc Elle Pants in White Bengaline
Style Arc Wendy Pants in Burgundy Bengaline
Style Arc Sammi Pants in Grey Poly Suiting
Style Arc Barb Pants in Black Bengaline (not yet blogged)
Style Arc Barb Pants in Midnight (navy) Bengaline (not yet blogged)

5 x Woven Tops
Grainline Studio Scout Tee in Floral Rayon
Grainline Studio Scout Tee in Cream Rayon
Grainline Studio Scout Tee with 3/4 sleeves in Navy Rayon Print
Grainline Studio Scout Tee with 3/4 sleeves in green Rayon print
Grainline Studio Tiny Pocket Tank in Floral Rayon

1 x Woven Dresses
Vogue 1382 Anne Klein Shift Dress in khaki & natural linen/cotton blend

6 x Knit Dresses
New Look 6071 in Purple Ponte
Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress in white cotton sweater knit
Named Kielo Wrap Dress in Charcoal Ponte
Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress in navy & white striped ponte
Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress in navy and white chevron striped ponte
McCalls 6552 Maxi Dress in White Snake Foil Printed Knit (not yet blogged)

3 x Cardigans
Style Arc Terri Tie Cardigan in Grey Marle Ponte
McCalls 6844 View B in Royal Blue Ponte
McCalls 6844 View C modified in Deep Red Ponte

1 x Jackets
Style Arc Stacie Jean Jacket in Floral Denim

Compiling this list of garments sewn during 2014 has been a very interesting exercise. It has made me realise just how productive I have been, considering I do hold down a full time job as well. Most of the garments sewn have fitted into my lifestyle well and get worn on a regular basis. There are still a few holes to fill in my wardrobe which I look forward to rectifying in 2015. I participated in the RTW fast for 2014 and only broke it to purchase my wedding dress after I had trouble getting the required fabric delivered in time. It was surprising to see how much I didn't miss clothes shopping during the year...although I did purchase quite a few pairs of shoes.

Thank you to all the lovely people out there who have taken the time to comment on my blog. I appreciate each and every one, and a big thank you to the whole sewing/blogging community for providing endless inspiration, tips and encouragement through out the year.

McCalls 6552 White Snake Foil Print Maxi Dress

Here's wishing you all a very happy 2015 filled with lots of sewing enjoyment.

Jean