I love this time of the year and I'm
not just talking about the holidays. I find it so interesting reading
people's yearly reflections - it's fascinating seeing how productive
they've been and their sheer talent and creativity is always a source
of inspiration. So as 2012 draws to a close I thought I'd share my
own reflections and aspirations for 2013.
First up, some 2012 stats:
- I made a total 24 items, averaging 2 a month. It might not sound like many, but it's way more than I had hoped for.
- If 2011 was the year of the skirt, 2012 has definitely been the year of the top! I made a whopping 16 of them, or 67% of my overall makes.
- 2012 has also been the year of the jersey / stretchy fabric – equalling 15 of my makes or 62.5% of them.
- 2012 was also the year of the Sewaholic Renfrew – I somehow obsessively managed to make 9 of them.
- Finally, only 2 were knitted.
THE KNITTED ONES (both gifts)
THE BOTTOMS
THE DRESSES (two in jersey)
THE WOVEN TOPS
THE JERSEY TOPS
MORE JERSEY TOPS - THE RENFREWS
THE LAST LOT OF JERSEY / STRETCHY TOPS
2012 me-made reality:
- Excluding the 2 knitted gifts I made, I only really wear 10 of my 22 items...that's less than half!
- The lucky 10 are my: Picnic at the Beach Tilly Skirt, Hazedale, Pendrell with a 30s twist, Sewaholic Alma Blouse, Tiny Pocket Tanks (here and here), three Renfrews (Flamingo, Stripey and Floral), Animal Print Dixie DIY Sweater.
- I don't wear the others for recurring reasons like bad fabric choice, terrible style on me, bad fit or pure fuglyness.
Lessons learned and aspirations for 2013:
- I'm glad I fearlessly got stuck in with jersey experimentation this year - I feel confident sewing with it and look forward to testing my skills out on some dresses.
- I made a lot of cake in 2012, which is great because what I do wear is in constant rotation. But I want to have some fun with frosting in 2013 - think pretty dresses a la Roisin. If you have no idea what on earth I'm talking about on the cake / frosting front, check out Sewaholic's clever analogy.
- Part of my desire to make more frosting stems from my desire to focus on quality rather than quantity. I feel that this year I made some things just for the sake of it, whereas in 2013 I'd like to slow down and enjoy the whole sewing process.
- As well as pretty dresses I'd also like to make some practical ones too, more smart blouses and maybe try my hand at a jacket or coat.
- I would love to find a go-to skirt pattern. I have a real gap in my wardrobe that desperately needs filling, but I've not yet found a style of skirt that suits my 'interesting' body type.
- Finally, I'd like to knit more.
And that's my 2012 in a nutshell. Can't wait to read about yours!
P.S. There's still time to enter my vintage sewing pattern giveaway!
Your sewing creations are all awesome, i don't have to mention this! So my question is about the first scarf: do you remember what needles & yarn you used?
ReplyDeleteHi Corinna and many thanks!
DeleteThe scarf is a Debbie Bliss pattern and I used Debbie Bliss Angel yarn with 4.5mm needles. The patter is from the book A Fine Romance - all details of this make are here - http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/debbie-bliss-chevron-lace-scarf.html
I'm happy to email you the pattern / instructions if you'd like...just let me know ;o)
A beautiful collection of handmade items.. My favourites are the picnic skirt and the hot cocoa sweaters... I'm slowly becoming a jersey additc as the wear so well. I had 4 major failures this year but I know I could wear more of my wardrobe.. I seen to have a few favourites that I wear it all the time..
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel and I know what you mean about having a few favourites! I need to play around with styling more of my me-mades!
DeleteGreat job. A nice variety of new cloths.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Sherri!
DeleteWow Marie! You did so well this year! I love all your makes but your jersey stuff is a triumph!
ReplyDeleteWell done you!
I'm having a London Meetup on the 19th of Jan, would love it if you could make it! x
Aaaw, thanks Stevie! Just popped over to your blog and saw your meet-up post...I don't know I missed it before! I would so love to come, but I'm visiting friends in Leeds that weekend! I'm gutted as I know you're all going to have so much fun!
DeleteGreat job on all of them! You are so cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Evie!
DeleteWhat a great post! This is such a good idea for morale to post the things ypu made and learned for the year. I am inspired by all the cute tops you made and I love the Hazedale! I sewed so much for my kids this year and am hoping to sew more for myself this coming year.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Justine! You've made some amazing things this year too (both for you and the kids), so I can't wait to see what you do in 2013!
DeleteHey Marie I'm so with you on the posts this time of year brings. It fascinates me to think of all the toiling that goes into all the wonderful garments I regularly exclaim at. Big pat on the back to you my dear for your very fabulous efforts and here's to more frosting in 2012 woot woot!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rehanon, I totally agree ;o)
DeleteHurrah for frosting! The thing I love about sewing frothy creations is how exciting it is so I can recommend, it feels so good! Now as to your skirt pattern problem - seeing your Hazeldale makes me think that maybe the new Sewaholic skirt pattern would work, or even an adaptation of the Lonsdale skirt?
ReplyDeleteHope to get more chances to meet up with you in 2013, Marie - it was so good to meet you in November xxx
Hehe, it sure looks like fun so I'm gonna give it a good go! I think you're right on the skirt front you know! I wasn't blown away by the new Sewaholic skirt pattern, but I do think it would suit me. But as you say, I reckon the Lonsdale could be a good one to adapt!
DeleteI'm sure they'll be more chances to meet-up, it was great meeting you too! I seem to remember you saying you may be popping over to Leicester at some point...?
What lovely ouput! And what's the name of that top left scarf? Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The scarf details are all here - http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/debbie-bliss-chevron-lace-scarf.html
DeleteAs I said to Corinna above, just let me know if you'd like me to email you the pattern / instructions!
You've made such a lot this year! My favourites are your picnic skirt and flamingo renfrew but looking at everything you've made what strikes me is how well made and professional they all look. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks very much!
DeleteLove reading about how you view your sewing wardrobe at the end of the year - and I can see why your 'favourites' are favourites! You have given your sewing a lot of time and thought throughout the year and the end results displayed like this are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas from Down Under...J
Thanks for your kind words Judith, have a wonderful Christmas down under ;o)
DeleteWowzer! What a gorgeous handmade wardrobe! You made so many beautiful pieces! Great job, girl! You're seriously one of my very favorite bloggers and I can't wait to see what you make next year!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sonja! I'm so flattered to be one of your favourite bloggers as I feel the same about you too!
DeleteAll such beautiful stuff! Love the chevron scarf- I think I have this favourited on Ravelry (or something exactly like it?) and I don't have the pattern so I'd LOVE you to email me, haha! Thanks so much! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed at your output and your lovely experiments with jersey... what a great year for you!
Thanks a million Johanna! We're down at the boyfriend's family for the holidays, but as soon as I get home I'll email you the pattern ;o)
DeleteJersey's the best. 24 garments, wow! I want your striped Renfrew.
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Catherine!
DeleteNow thats what I would call a productive year! you've made some lovely things Marie. I can't wait to see what you make in 2013, very much looking forward to seeing your frostings :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sarah, I look forward to seeing your 2013 creations too, as well as your new sewing area!
DeleteWow! Great effort this year. I only sewed like 17 things and most of those were for Imogen's nursery. Hopefully next year I'll get more sewing for me done. I could do with some new dresses.
ReplyDeleteKat, you have been so productive and creative this year..and to think you've been pregnant and a new mum! I've loved everything you've made (especially my gift ;o)) and can't wait to see what 2013 holds!
DeleteWhat a great year - it looks like a well thought out wardrobe. Happy sewing for 2013!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much!
DeleteI LOVE them all!!! Such a great year you've had!! May 2013 be even better!
ReplyDeleteAaaw thank you!
DeleteGood sewing year and nice creations! Like your review!%)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sveta!
DeleteI love all your makes, and I think your skirts are very nice, but it's not my opinion that matters. God, the things I've made that I never wear, I could write a book...I should really join this bandwagon, it's so helpful! I love looking at your year in clothing, I think it's very impressive!
ReplyDeletestrugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com
Thanks so much Leah! I guess we all make and learn ;o)
DeleteYou've had an ace sewing year! So many lovely things. All the best for the new year, xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch Zoe, you too!
DeleteYour beautiful Renfrews inspired me to take a leap and sew knits and I've quite enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to what 2013 brings you. Happy new year!
Aaaw, thanks Mela! It means a lot to know I inspired you to try knits...and what beautiful jersey dresses you've made too!
DeleteWhat a year! Bloomin' heck Marie...you are a machine! Well done!(and a happy new year to you and yours!)
ReplyDeletePx
Thanks Portia, you're really too kind!
DeleteWhat a year you've had Marie! Such an inspiration! I cannot wait to see what you create in 2013. Sam xox
ReplyDeleteYou've had such a marvelous year!! The jersey tops are my favorite as I am completely obsessed with the Renfrew pattern myself :) Well done, and I am looking forward to what you make in 2013!
ReplyDelete