Hello There Friends,
Happy new year!
I wanted to take a quick look back over this past sewing year, as well as look forward to 2015.
2014 has been a (even if I do say so myself), phenomenal year for me in terms of sewing. Not only in terms of output, but also in terms of variety of garments and fabric types sewn, as well as the increase in my technical abilities. Here are some brief stats:
I think these are correct….
- 45 items sewn in total (that have been blogged about; I have also sewn one pair of curtains so far for the new house, and am carrying one UFO forward into the new year – my birthday dress. I don’t do UFOs, so this will have to be finished….but now I don’t have a big occasion coming up that I need the dress for, I am dragging my heels slightly).
- 17 dresses (including one not mentioned above that has not yet been blogged).
- 9 tops
- 8 jackets/ coats/ cardigans/ sweatshirts
- 4 items for Kezia
- 1 shirt for Philip
- 3 bottoms
- 1 knitted item
- 1 underwired bra
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 patchwork teddy!
These items are definitely the ones that got worn the most:




So suffice to say, I realise that I need to make more tops in the new year!
I also wanted to give a “special mention” to these garments, which I genuinely love each and every time I put them on:




Now on to the garments which I didn’t love:

The bodice length was too short on this peplum top and I really didn’t know what to wear it with. It has been donated to charity.

The puckered seams on this dress made it a fail for me. I wore it once and then realised how embarrassed I was of it…it went to the charity shop.

Ah yes, the beautiful silk crossover top. Don’t worry, this is still in my wardrobe…but it has only been worn once. I am thinking what to do with it.

This last one may (or may not!) surprise you. I love wearing this sweatshirt, and I would like to make another (maybe sized down slightly). The issue is with the fabric. It is extremely delicate and snags (and tears) very easily. I have actually acquired more quilted fabric from another source which seems more durable…so expect to see some quilted dresses appearing.
Plans for 2015? I don’t like to restrain myself with resolutions or plans. I like to go with the flow 🙂 But I would like to make more tops, more every day wearable pieces, still try and do the tailoring thing, and sew some classic tailored pieces like a beautiful blazer and a tailored coat.
All that remains is for me to say thank YOU, readers, sincerely, for following along this year. For leaving comments, answering my questions, offering opinions and entering my giveaways. Peoples, it’s been emotional….until soon and happy new year.
Wow – what an impressive array of sewing! You’ve had many more hits than misses!! Thanks so much for sharing your sewing journey with us. I thoroughly enjoy your blogs and have bought and sewn several patterns based on your recommendations. Happy new year to you and yours!
Thankyou sewing addict.
Great wrap-up! I love that pink silk top and want one of those V8884 jackets!
Thanks Nakisha.
I’m a new reader to your blog but quite love your makes and your voice. Happy New Year to you!
Thanks Reenee
I’ve enjoyed your blog all of 2014 – happy new year!
Thanks JenL.
Gorgeous stuff! Your 6696 is one of my favourites.
Thanks Jenny.
Love your work. I rarely look at roundups but knew yours would be fantastic… and it is! I really look forward to seeing more in 2015 🙂
Wow thanks Kathy!
you have made some fantastic things this year and quite an output! I always look forward to seeing what pattern you choose. Especially love the green Vogue jacket, that is perfection. Happy New Year, Beth
Thanks Beth.
Wow! what an exceptional year of sewing, you have so many beautiful handmade items! Congratulations and Happy New Year!
Thanks Barbara.
Love them all. My fave is the quilted jacket, it is fabulous.
Thanks Sassy T
I’m crazy for quilted knits right now… what’s your source?!? I love how colorful everything in this post was! I think you got one of each color in there!
Hi I got the sweatshirt fabric from minerva fabrics in the UK…the other two (new) quikted fabrics are from an ebay seller…will put up details when I see them!
What a wonderful & productive year in sewing you’ve had! I’m swooning again over several of your makes — I NEED a gorgeous green jacket too!
Thanks Ginny.
Well done, you got so many of the garments spot on! I tend to have more misses than hits, and if it is a hit, I tend to make it over and over. Thanks I have enjoyed following your blog and look forward to following another year of inspirational sewing.
Thank you so much Janet
Great sewing year! Here’s to a Happy New Year of sewing and learning.
Thanks Tia Dia!
You have made some really beautiful garments in 2014 Manju. Looking forward to seeing what you make in 2015.
Thank you Jean Margaret
Love your selection! I am late to this blogger/pinterest way of finding information but I am starting on Vogue 8884 and I see you made a lovely version back in the spring. I really am not a beginner but I am quite stumped over the directions on the foldline on both the front and back yoke pieces. Please if you don’t mind, do you crease the foldline and then bring it down to the seam line, then topstitch 1/4″ from there??
Also, did you use woven interfacing?
Thanks so much!
Hello Mary Kay….erm….that dress was made such as long time ago, I really don’t recall at all…although I don’t remember needing interfacing? If I can look at the directions in the next couple of days I will….