Thanks to Crafting a Rainbow for her Top 5 of 2012 idea. It’s such a neat logo as well!
Here’s my top 5 Hits:
Sewaholic Renfrew Cowl top
1. Sewaholic Renfrew, I have made lots of this wonderful pattern, with a turquoise wool jersey cowl version on my sewing table at the moment. It is so comfortable; a true basic. In fact I’m wearing it now, the only different thing to the picture is my socks.
Vogue 8740
2. My apron has had constant use, I love it. It makes washing up a more cheerful event.
Colette Beignet
3. Beignet corduroy skirt. Comfortable, practical, and good looking; what I most enjoy in clothes! I also love the royal blue wool version.
4. Sewaholic Minoru Jacket- worn constantly through the spring and summer ( such as it was). I plan to make a waterproof one for my walking group.
5. Vogue 7975 fringed jacket. I have only worn this once so far, but I’m sure it will get lots of outings.
I don’t want to dwell too much on my misses, but I could mention the Lekala tops, mauve skirt, pink satin sorbetto all of which I made for the Pattern Review Fabric stash contest and never wore, the Knipmode cardigan from hell, and the Knipmode trousers with the terrible thigh wrinkles. None are complete wadders but will probably be culled when I next dive into the rear of the wardrobe.
Reflections
You can see all I made in 2012 on their own page so make your own judgements on them. Unlike many bloggers I read with pleasure, I made only two dresses this year and one of those I haven’t worn. In fact there have been so few days of good weather this year it just doesn’t seem worthwhile. On the other hand, I made four jackets and a raincoat and wore them all.
I only bought two T shirts and a jumper all year! I did buy underwear and socks though. My self made wardrobe covered all events and I don’t think people were laughing at me. I haven’t analysed what I spent, but I know I couldn’t have afforded as many RTW outfits by a long way. I don’t want to dress out of Primark, and would prefer to avoid third world exploitation stuff.
I used independent designers a lot, Burdastyle and Burda patterns as well. The only one of the big corporate companies I used was Vogue. I am wary of Simplicity, New Look etc because I have had trouble with their fit. Who needs that much ease? Sewaholic is a dream come true for the pearshaped.
I can’t express how much I have used, been inspired by, got pleasure from all the bloggers out there. I have so many bookmarked tutorials from talented people all over the globe. Sewalongs are a wonderful concept and I have enjoyed taking part in them.
My goals for 2013.
1. My son is getting married in June, so I need a Mother of the Groom outfit. I have bought the latest Marfy pattern catalogue ,and with my Daughter’s help over Christmas have picked out two or three candidates.
2. Perfect a narrow trouser TNT; I am working on this with someone you may know and hope to report progress in the next month or so.
3. Participate in Sewalongs; I find these very enjoyable and sometimes inspirational! In fact I’ve signed up for Prettynpnk’s January Jungle already. Who can resist the call of the wild?
4. Get back to the 6PAC concept, it really reduces wardrobe orphans. It also makes you think about what you really need.
5. I vowed at the beginning of 2012 to improve my finishing techniques and need to carry this through 2013. I’m getting better at not rushing, but still could do better.
See you all in 2013!
I like your Minoru, I’ve had it on my list for a while and thought about making a waterproof one too but got a little freaked out by working with waterproof fabrics so haven’t got around to it yet!