Friday, December 30, 2011

Year End Wrap Up for 2011

It's nice to take a look back at what you've sewn because it gives you an idea of what you've made and helps you plan what to sew for the new year.  I had one specific goal this year...to sew more garments from purchased patterns instead of using just my TNT patterns.  I think I successfully completed this goal since I used 12 new patterns this year.


However, there were two sew-alongs that I joined which I did not complete. The first was the Jacket a Month sew-along on Stitcher's Guild. The sew-along was to encourage you to construct one jacket a month.  I was pretty fired up to sew a jacket a month but stalled on my first one and only ended up with four completed. While not a total failure, I didn't complete the task.


The second sew-along that I entered was the 6pack Autumn wardrobe sew-along again on Stitcher's Guild...and again I did not finish it.  I picked out the patterns and fabrics, made up a great storyboard and even made a folder in my flickr account for the wardrobe...and then nuthin'.  Well that's not actually true, I came up with another idea and off I merrily went down another sewing path never looking back to start the 6pack wardrobe.


That did not stop me from completing 40.5 pieces of clothing this year.  This breaks down to 26.5 dresses, 9 skirts, 4 jackets and a pair of pants.  Until I tabulated this I didn't realize that I hadn't made a single top this year. Besides my TNT patterns, the pattern I used most this year was Vogue 1250.
  

I made this dress 6 times and I really would like to make a winter version with sleeves which was all the rage on PR.  Speaking of PR, there were 62 versions (and counting!) made and reviewed.  It was "The Dress of the Year" as far as I'm concerned because it fit and flattered so many different shapes!


I also did some sewing that wasn't for me, specifically The Christening Gown and the Christmas scarves.


There were three other projects that stood out this year...


1.  The Versace Inspired Dress




This was a project that enveloped most of the month of February.  I saw the original dress in InStyle Magazine on the way to the Dominican Republic and came home with a desire to make my own version that could be worn to work.  Everything clicked for me with this project and it was a journey but I was thrilled with the outcome. 


2.  The Rachel Skirt & Rachel Dress




These pieces were named after the designer Rachel Comey.  Originally I made the skirt from Vogue 1247 because I loved the hidden pockets.  The skirt coupled with a lace cardigan made a great work outfit.  So when I saw a woman wearing a dress that looked similar to my Rachel skirt, I realized that I could have a dress using the same kewl pockets.  




This was my second project of the year because it took some pattern work to get the dress I desired.  However, everything worked and I loved my dress...so much so that it is one of my Top 5 Favorite Dresses of 2011.


3.  The Designer Inspired Dresses Collection




For my September Sewcation, I got this idea to make several interpretations of the designer dresses I was seeing everywhere.  I made three during my sewcation and another shortly afterwards.  I still have two on my "to sew" list and hopefully they will make it off my list and into my closet in the near future!


I sewed quite a bit less than I usually do this year and I can chalk it up to one major life event, the move and new sewing room set up in October.  While it was a traumatic event (when isn't a move traumatic?), I did end up with a new sewing room/cave that I'm coming to adore.  It really is wonderful to have a room to sew in instead of sharing my bedroom with my sewing machines.


Looking towards 2012...
Sewing in 2012 will involve not only garments for myself...hey, I already have a list...but also sewing for grandchildren.  My oldest daughter is pregnant and hopefully will have a little girl to add to the other grandchildren.  So sewing for grandkids will be a major part of my 2012 sewing.


I also want to continue using more of my purchased patterns.  Not that I'm going to kick my TNT patterns to the curb (like so not happening! *LOL*) but I have a ton of patterns and I really want to take their journeys.  You never know, I might end up with another V1250!


Finally a few garments from the Colette Sewing book, maybe one or two of my  vintage 60s patterns and a coat...I really would like to make a coat this year...these are just a few of my sewing goals.


I hope that as we approach 2012, you too will enter it with the love and joy of sewing high on your list.  Hopefully you will stay tuned for whatever sewing adventures I have this year...because I will definitely be following along with other sewists in the sewing/blogging community.

...as always, more later!

55 comments:

  1. I also signed up for both of those sew-alongs and did not finish either. I came close. I've decided for this year that I will avoid signing up for such sew-alongs, since I don't like to feel pressure or failure. This is hobby, after all.

    You accomplished a *ton* this year, especially considering your huge move!!! Very impressive! Congrats and a happy and satisfying 2012!

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  2. My 2011 was filled to the brim with sewing for others, gifts and the like. 2012 is the year of ME..ME..ME!I am going to perfect my use of the Lutterloh System that I have had for a couple of years. Pam Too (my dummy and sewing companion) is about to have a re-vamp and I have already started working on using the system for my daughter who is moving away in a couple of weeks. I want to be able to sew for her long distance. I've just started my first blog to keep me on track. Happy 2012 to everyone.

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  3. Very impressive! Can't wait to see what you do next year...

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  4. You are an incredibly productive sewer, even with a move! My favourite of 2011 has to be the Versace inspired dress. It was so pretty and so very flattering on you.

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  5. Very impressive sewing and beautiful garments, Carolyn. I can't wait to see your wardrobe evolve throughout 2012. Happy New Year!

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  6. I just signed up for the TAM (top a month) with the caveat that I most certainly will not make 12 tops, but whatever I do make will be more than what I have now.

    You made some great dresses this year! Have a Happy New Year.

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  7. A very inspiring wrap up! And congratulations on a new little one for which to sew. I like the way you use your blog to track your sewing. So glad you are now able to have an actual sewing room, even though it involved a traumatic move.

    Last year I am not sure I ever made anything for me. It all went to family and friends - but I have already declared this the year of ME! I will still do some pieces for others - I already have a few things lined up in that direction - but by and large it will badly needed new pieces for me. (I see another reader, Pam, has the same issues and goals!)
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  8. You are such an inspiration, and your production this year is amazing! Good luck with the kids sewing for next year. Even though I don't comment often, I enjoy reading your blog, and will definitely keep watching this space. Happy new year! :)

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  9. Best wishes for a wonderful new year! Your creativity and output are inspirational.

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  10. You are such an inspiration to me. I love reading your blog and I wish you a happy new sewing year.

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  11. I check your blog often and am always happy when I see a new post! Your posts are very inspirational and motivate me to push myself. Thanks.

    Best wishes for a joyful 2012 and beyond.

    ~Sewjourner

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  12. Another productive year Carolyn!
    Happy New Year!

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  13. You've had a great year! I look forward to your 2012 projects.

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  14. What a wonderful lot of accomplishment for the year. You're an inspiration!

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  15. That was an impressive year, Carolyn. I've enjoyed watching your progress. I wish I did half as much!

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  16. Carolyn: I'm amazed by the productivity you show. And if I made 4 jackets I'd be buying myself a fancy dinner out, or something. Seriously, that's such an accomplishment. The challenge with sewing challenges (given my nature, at least) is that it's easy to focus on what one hasn't achieved when, if one inverts the proposition - so much has been done!

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  17. Have a great New Year... it's been fun and well... say fabric and I'm entertained! What's not to like? An impressive total... especially dresses. Good goals too! Looking forward to reading you thru this next year.

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  18. Happy New Year, Carolyn! You are inspiring.

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  19. happy new year, keep doing what you do and I hope you really do get another baby girl to sew for in the new year

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  20. Wow you have done a lot - like you I like the idea of the SWAP etc but get distracted too quickly, however I have said I will do the SAM - so will have to see if I manage it.

    Enjoy sewing for you grandchildren - I am.

    Happy New Year.

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  21. Carolyn,

    Happy New Year! Thanks for blogging...it helps me keep my mojo! I started reading and am thinking she did all this and she is not even mentioning the move...LOL. Just finish reading...I am spending this weekend in the sewing room.
    Hope you get a granddaughter, so much fun to sew for..until they turn 12, she only wants bags and purses now...sob!

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  22. Nice wrap up. Have a happy New Year,with plenty of creative sewing involved.

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  23. What a lovely recap! I hear you about moving being traumatic...but so nice that you have a new sewing space (I'm still setting mine up and we moved in July...lol.) Here's to another year of great sewing adventures!! I've loved sharing in your journey!

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  24. Carolyn I love all your 2011 pieces - but my stand out fav are the Vogue 1250's and the Rachel's (I love pockets with everything!).

    Best wishes,
    Claire

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  25. Your move may have been traumatic but you've inspired me to know that I can move and thrive afterward, not just survive. I anticipate a big one next year so you'll be guiding me. I have yet to make that wonderful Vogue 1250 but it will get done in 2012. Happy New Year!

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  26. I love seeing your yearly recap - so inspiring and such beautiful pieces !
    Happy New Year !

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  27. Happy New Year, Carolyn! I hope 2012 is as productive and creative as 2011.

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  28. Your sewing provided me a ton of inspiration through the year, Carolyn. Happy New Year!

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  29. Your productivity leaves me in awe every year. I know I don't comment enough. I read every blogpost and wouldn't miss it. I've been intrigued by the idea of SWAP, but I get bogged down at the planning stage. Making the storyboard scares me off. So I just drool over everyone else's SWAP. And try to sew one thing at a time.

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  30. I think you are one of the most amazing, stylish, generous bloggers in the sewing community. Your dedication to sewing and blogging has started me sewing again. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your successes and "not so successes" with me. My New Year's resolution is to comment more and lurk less. Thank you!

    Sue

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  31. I'm glad I found your blog. I sew, too.

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  32. Happy New Year. I only found your blog this year, and have enjoyed every post. As a keen new blogger, and lifetime sewist (love that word), I am amazed at all the brilliant garments you made this year. You have inspired me to get right back into it. Thank you, from Australia.

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  33. Carolyn, your productivity puts me to shame! Thank you so much for daily inspiration and smiles. Knowing that you're out there sewing away gives me a sense of sisterhood -- the Sisterhood of the Seam Ripper, in my case!
    Happy New Year and please continue to keep us in stitches!

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  34. Loved all the awesome dresses (and that FABULOUS lace cardigan (: ) you made up this year - your blog is such an inspiration!

    Happy new year, and I can't wait to see the neat dresses that you'll make in 2012!

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  35. Carolyn, you rock!
    I hope 2012 is a very productive year for you!
    I love reading your blog and am almost jealous that you get to "dress up" for work everyday.

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  36. I love your blog. I really missed your posts when you were moving, and was happy once you were settled in your new place. If I start sewing again in 2012, your blog will be one of the reasons.

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  37. I tried to leave a comment on your newest post, but there didn't seem to be anywhere to leave one! Well, all I have to say is, "Amen Sistah!" There are thousands of blogs out there, so if I don't like what someone blogs about, I don't read it! And, BTW, your blog is one of the few that I check (and enjoy) most frequently. I may not agree with all of your viewpoints, but I always enjoy reading your sewing thoughts. Keep up the good work!

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  38. Love you Carolyn!! Happy New Year!

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  39. Carolyn, I have visited to your blog everyday since 2006 and look forward to your posts in the upcoming year. You are such an inspiration. Wishing you a Happy Sewing New Year.

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  40. Another sewing year well done!

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  41. Dear Carolyn
    This is a comment on your New Years blog where this dumb 'fairly blonde' couldn't find the 'comment' link. Way to go girl! Your blog is really an inspiration to me and as we are both about the same size you give me drive to try more styles than I have ever before. I wish you and your family the happiest of new years and from me - please continue your blog and just ignore the ignorant!
    Cheers
    Robyn Kirk
    New Zealand

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  42. As always, Carolyn, you inspire me with all that you accomplish and at such a high quality! Happy sewing in 2012 and I'll be checking in daily to see your latest project.

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  43. I am actually replying to your latest post "Cleansing my palette." for which you disallowed comments. I am strongly of the opinion that if anyone disagrees with views expressed by a blogger, then the required action is to cease reading the relevant blog. For heavens sake, the dissenters should not be allowed to bully people into blandness. We need people with opinions, people with inspiration, people with vision, people with creativity. There are hundreds, nay thousands of sewing blogs out there, if you don't like what you're reading, go elsewhere - don't denigrate what doesn't appeal to you cos many others do enjoy it!!!! Carolyn, please carry on because you are an inspiration to many, whether plus-sized or not.
    Thank you,
    Sheila

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  44. Hi Carolyn - I hope you don't mind me ignoring your last post, but I only have good things to say!

    I am a 'return to sewing' kind of gal - I used to make all my work clothes, then joined the Police where they had different ideas about what I should wear! - and now I work for my provincial goverment in a 'business casual' office. I came across your blog a few weeks ago and have now finished reading it from start to finish, and I am fired up and ready to go!

    Your posts are inspirational and I am excited to plan a capsule wardrobe that moves me on from 'business casual' to 'business smart'. Your dresses are wonderful - I am not a dress wearer but I am keen to try some designs out! I have some gorgeous fabrics from Fabric Mart - even here in Canada it is cheaper for me to pay the shipping than to buy inferior fabric at our 'big box' fabric supplier, thankyou for mentioning them!

    In summary - I have learned a lot from your blog. You have inspired me to get sewing in the new year, and I look forward to seeing what YOU will be sewing in 2012. Long may you continue your blog, and please remember that there are lots more readers like me who only find pleasure in your posts.

    Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  45. FORTY PIECES OF CLOTHING!!!!! Carolyn, you are an inspiration to keep sewing on. I just cannot find the time to sew that much in my life, sadly. Maybe one day it will change. The other reason is I have so many other things I love to do, never mind that the garments that I would really like to make I have no place to wear! I mean, how many taffeta skirts can you wear on a weekly basis? :) Have a terrifically Happy New Year, and I can't wait to see what you make in 2012!!!

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  46. I am also a plus sized chick, and you inspire me! I don't comment often, for anyone, but I read and enjoy avidly.

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  47. I love following your blog, I feel a bit unaccomplished when I see all that you have done this year! : )

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  48. I am one of those who visit your blog every single weekend. I am also one of those who almost NEVER leave a comment... but I DO value your opinions and sewing and... Have a happy new year and successful 2012.
    Alice

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  49. Hi there: Just a note to say I enjoy your blog more than any other on the subject. I too am plus sized, although not in the arms as much as the abdomen. I am getting back into sewing after a long absence, and you have inspired me to buy a dress form and get on with it!

    I like the idea of your TNT patterns and hope to find the same for myself this year--a goal for 2012.

    And, BTW, envy your sewing cave!!

    Re your extensive fabric collection, which you will probably never get through--my husband recently said to me, very seriously, that I needed to make a decision: Do I sew or just collect fabric? (More the latter than the former, alas:)

    Happy New Year to you and your lovely grandchildren.

    Jess

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  50. Happy new year! 2011 was a great sewin year for you. Looking forward to 2012

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  51. You are such a prolific sewist and an inspiration to get busy in the sewing room! Thanks for sharing!

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  52. Happy new year Carolyn, you are sooo inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

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  53. I have loved seeing how you change the looks of a pattern with minor and sometimes not so minor changes.

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  54. Ms. Carolyn - I have to tell you, you are a superstar in book. I absolutely love your blog and sewing. You are so creative and such an inspiration me. I find myself wanting to copy your designs. Please continue to blog and inspire us. You are wonderful. Much success in the future.
    Cennetta

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