Reflections on 2016 and Onward with 2017!

It's a new year and time to reflect on my 2016 sewing! Here's the breakdown of the 14 garments I made in 2016:



I am most proud of my Bombshell bridesmaid dress.



Most disappointed by Vogue 8663, which shrunk from a dress into a top.



The award for most worn garment is a tie between my silk and wool vest and Colette Laurel.



My Asaka Kimono is the least worn.  I chose this pattern to wear as a dress, but never felt comfortable except on vacation.    

Asaka Kimono

2016 projects that I did not blog include a terrible looking hemlock tee, silk pair of winslows and versions 1 and 2 of the Eleonore pants, a cape made from a blanket, and a refashion of a dress into a top.

V2 of the Eleonore pants

Overall I am pleased with my sewing progress in 2016.  I took more care with my projects and achieved measurable progress toward more professional results. While I still find each new project daunting, the beginner pains are easing.

My sewing goals for 2017 are largely the same as 2016, with a few additions at the bottom:

• Asaka kimono  (Feb 2016)
• Wool knit cardigan (McCall 6844) (Nov 2016)
• Swimsuit 
• Bras that fit!
• Little Black Jungle Dress (Gertie's Bombshell Craftsy Video)  
• Lace bridesmaid dress with Gertie's video (April 2016)
• Pencil skirt using techniques from Claire Schaeffer book , Brooks Ann Camper's Skirt Skills and Craftsy skirt sloper class
• Ginger Jeans
• Susan Khalje Couture Dress class (Craftsy Video)  
• French Jacket (Susan Khalje Video) 
• Workout clothes (steeplechase leggings, Dec 2016)
• Winter coat (Clare Coat?)
• Pant sloper
• TNT knit t-shirt pattern 
• Style Arc Kate Wrap Dress 
• Finish a UFO  (Laurel Dress, May 2016)
• Carolyn Pajamas
• Ogden Cami
• Kelly Anorak
• Purple Silk Kaftan 
• Kimono top with fringe
• Tunic from The Tunic Bible

Early 2017 will be devoted to sewing for weddings.  In the queue is a purple silk kaftan ("Glamorous & Fabulous" in February), the 1/2 way finished jungle bombshell (Black Tie in March), and a TBD purple bridesmaid dress (Semi-Formal in April).

1/2 way finished Jungle bombshell 

I'd like to do a better job this year of interspersing easy and difficult projects and doing more non-apparel sewing, especially for gifts. Adult gift giving has historically stressed me out given my aversion to what I not-so-lovingly call "shelf sh*t." Homemade cloth napkins are first on the list.  I successfully made some for my brother for Hannukah this year and it was an easy, quick, and satisfying sew.

Inspired by Sara in Stitches, I created a workbook in Google Sheets to track sewing projects, fabric purchases, RTW purchases and shoe purchases in 2017.  I inputted my 2016 RTW and shoe purchases and was surprised by the number of purchases. I still feel like I have nothing to wear.

Cheers to filling in those wardrobe gaps in 2017!

Musings on 2015 and Onward with 2016!

2015, what a sewing year!  I feel a good deal more confident in my skills and am excited to continue on my sewing journey.  In total I made 21 garments with lots of pattern repeats, late night sewing sessions, and quality time with the seam ripper!



Without intending to, I sewed disproportionately from Indie pattern companies. And spent the most effort sewing for special events (6 weddings + 1 bar mitzvah).



I was most pleased with the fit and flare knit dress for an engagement party (blogged here).  Bonus: It was a quick and pain-free sew!

Fit and Flare

Ironically, I was  the most disappointed with my Anna dress (blogged here).  I put so much effort into it and still don't think the dress fits all that well or that the design is very flattering on me. Furthermore I really regret buying cheap lace and silk for the project.

Anna Dress

Did the 2015 RTW Fast save me $$ that I would have otherwise spent on clothes? Nope.  After adjusting for my lessons with Sharon and Camp Workroom Social, I still spent about the same on fabric/supplies as I did on RTW clothes in 2014.   I wasn't surprised by these results, as my RTW Fast was more Goodbye Ann Taylor Loft than Goodbye Valentino. Although I abstained from RTW, I did experience an uptick in shoe spending... Got to get that retail therapy in somehow!

It doesn't look like special occasion sewing will be slowing down in 2016.  But I am aiming to stop underestimating the amount of time it takes to complete special occasion garments.  To build up my casual wardrobe, I plan to buy a serger in the spring.

My husband and I are headed to Vietnam for a much anticipated vacation on Friday (!!!)  I plan to bring several pieces of stash fabric with me to take to a well-reputed Hanoi tailor.  I am hoping that these garments will fill in some of my wardrobe holes and I can avoid stressful 2am sewing sessions this year.

2016 Sewing Queue of My Dreams

• Asaka kimono  (Feb 2016)
• Wool knit cardigan (McCall 6844) (Nov 2016)
• Swimsuit 
• Bras that fit!
• Little Black Jungle Dress (Gertie's Bombshell Craftsy Video) (Almost finished!)
• Lace bridesmaid dress with Gertie's video (April 2016)
• Pencil skirt using techniques from Claire Schaeffer book and Craftsy skirt sloper class
• Ginger Jeans
• Susan Khalje Couture Dress class (Craftsy Video) 
• French Jacket (Susan Khalje Video) 
• Workout clothes (steeplechase leggings, Dec 2016)
• Winter coat (Clare Coat or Minoru)
• Pant sloper
• TNT knit t-shirt pattern 
• Style Arc Kate Wrap Dress
• Finish a UFO  (Laurel Dress, May 2016)

I realize that this is a VERY ambitious list.  Ultimately, I will be pleased if I can accomplish 1/2.
Onwards with 2016!