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!