Friday 2 January 2015

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

20 comments:

  1. Love that last photo :)

    Ahhhh I forgot about the awesomeness that was your jean jacket. So well done! Can't wait to see what 2015 brings!!

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    1. Thanks Nakisha. I will never be able to compete with your sewing output but I am looking forward to seeing what you make this year. I love your enthusiasm. That last photo was taken at Circular Quay in Sydney while we were waiting to board the boat for our Sydney Harbour Dinner cruise ...my work Christmas Party for 2014. You can see a glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. Sydney is a four hour drive away from where I live, so this was a real treat.

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  2. You certainly have some amazing makes this year. It's a shame you don't like the white Coco or the colour blocked dress - have you considered dying them? Your foil print maxi dress is a bit of a masterpiece!

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    1. Thanks Sue. I may get to wear the white Coco when it starts to cool down a bit. I have yet to blog the foil print maxi, just need to get some better photos.

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  3. Wow - you had an amazingly productive year ! Your honesty is so nice to see & I've enjoyed following you ! ( and will continue to follow )

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    1. Thanks MaryEllen. Your comment means a lot to me. I have just had a look at your blog and I see you have been very busy yourself. Well done.

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  4. Happy New Year Jean, I have really enjoyed reading your posts. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Happy New Year to you too Kelly. You have provided much inspiration through your blog which I have enjoyed following. Looking forward to seeing what you make this year.

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  5. I love your blog and wow, what a year for you in sewing! Thanks for your continued inspiration!

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    1. Thanks so much Hill Country Gal. I'm so glad I have been able to provide some inspiration in return for all the inspiration I draw from the sewing/blogging world.

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  6. It helps when you remake the same pattern when time is short. I work full time too and usually exhausted after to work to sew. I broke the RTW fast once - too good to pass up - Jeggings for 4.95 down from about $60 at Susan's. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2015

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    1. I do seem to make pattern repeats, especially when the pattern works for me. Successive makes are always quicker and easier. Although I did enjoy the RTW fast in 2014 I am not joining in again this year, only because I don't want to restrict myself. I still plan to sew most of my clothes, but sometimes you come across a bargain that would be a shame to pass by. Happy New Year.

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  7. Happy New Year and what a productive year you have had even working full time. I missed most of December and your skirt and dress look great on you but understand about the colour and fabric style. Look forward to seeing your makes in 2015.

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    1. Thanks Sharon. I am so impressed with your beautifully coordinated hand made wardrobe. If only I could be like you. Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing your creations in 2015.

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  8. That's a whole lot of sewing that went on there. Congratulations and wishing you all the best for a productive and happy 2015.

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    1. I think I actually surprised myself when I went back through and tallied up all my sewing for the year. Wishing you another productive sewing year for 2015...can't wait to see what you come up with next.

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  9. You've had a great 2014 sewing year. Love all your favorites, especially the floral jean jacket. It's gorgeous.

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    1. Thanks so much Paola. I have a skirt planned that will match my floral jean jacket beautifully, enabling me to get even more wear out of it. All the best for the New Year.

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    2. Jean, Simplicity 2246 that I was giving away on my blog is yours! Just email me on pngall at shoal dot net dot au and I will send it to you.

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    3. Thanks so much Paola. I have emailed my address.

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