It’s my first day back at work today. Yeuch. So I’ve done a round up of my 2017 hits to try to cheer me up… Thanks again to Crafting a Rainbow, and Helen’s Closet for highlighting the sewing top 5. Tomorrow I’ll be discussing my Highlights of 2017…
1. Sewing for holidays. There’s nothing more exciting than a holiday. Planning what you’ll be doing whilst you’re away, and the clothes you’ll want to wear to do those things is really motivating, and the definitive deadline really helps procrastinators like me. I’ve dedicated a blog post to my me-mades in Cuba.
2. Kalle shirt dress – Oh how I love this pattern. Released in 2017, so far I’ve made two and have further plans for two more in 2018. So comfortable, yet stylish, perfect for travelling. My Kalles were frequently worn on my recent trip.
3. Overture set – I received this free pattern in Simply Sewing magazine in 2016. It’s one of the few free patterns that actively made me want to buy the magazine, and I later learned that the pattern is designed by my sewing teacher, which made it even more exciting to sew. I’ve already blogged my first dress made from this pattern, and have since made another version. You can also make a top from the pattern, I think I’ll be making at least one in 2018.
4. Sew Over It Penny hack: tie blouse – This is another unblogged garment but those who follow me on Instagram will know that I love this shirt. I began making this shirt with little time to spare ahead of my holiday, based on a gap in my wardrobe. Like my first Kalle, it was meant to be a toile, and made from a cheap fabric. It was a much more involved make than I imagined, and I didn’t have time to make another. Thankfully the toile fitted well, and I loved how versatile the pattern of the fabric is – it goes with everything! The fabric also really suits the modern vintage style of the pattern. I’d say it’s going to become one of my most worn garments (weather permitting here in sunny Scotland!) of 2018.
5. Canadian sewers! – there are so many amazing pattern makers in Canada. Most of my favourite patterns in 2017, as well as those on my to make list, are from Canadian pattern makers – Helen’s Closet, Victory, Storybook and of course, Closet Case Patterns. In an ideal world of unlimited time, I’d spend 2018 working through another Kalle and Overture set, a Charlie Caftan, some Carolyn PJS with a coordinating Suki Kimono. Another pair of Winslow culottes, a Hannah dress for my holidays and a beautiful, unique dress from boundless style for an elegant evening. Some beautiful Esther pants and Blackwood cardigan for relaxing, and a lovely pair of Jedediah pants for my husband… All made whilst listening to endless episodes of the Love to Sew podcast. Heaven! I have no doubt there’ll be more good stuff from Canada in 2018, and I’m very much looking forward to it!
sew slow Sarah 