As always, the start of a new year is a time of reflection on what’s happened and planning for a hopefully even better future. 2017 was a big year. I went to Japan, my brother got married and I moved to a new house (my first move in 10 years!). Looking for a new place to live and moving took up a lot of time but I’m so happy that I did it. It’s been fun to fix up a new home and my commute time has gone from over an hour to 10 minutes each way. All year long I was working on new patterns behind the scenes and I finally released two new dress patterns just last week (woohoo!). By the way, all of my makes from 2017 are pooled in this tag if you'd like to take a deep dive.
The Make Nine concept was started by Rochelle of Home Row Fiber Co. You can get all the details on her blog. While you're there, check out her shop! So much cute stuff!! Last year, I made only 4 out of my 9 selected patterns for my #2017MakeNine. I made the Ultimate Pyjama Pants (which I may actually make again soon I think it would be a nice January tradition), the Watson Bra and Pantie set, the Ebony Pants and the Sophia Dress. I would still like to make the Ginger Flares and the Rosa Shirt and maybe Vogue V1501 too.
For 2018, I’m hoping to travel more, blog more and release at least one more pattern. (I’m seriously thinking that my next trip will be to Denmark in the Spring. Please let me know if you have any tips!) Of course I’m also going to be sewing. A lot. My 2018 Make Nine is mostly things I want to make and not necessarily what I need. If I were thinking about what I really need, this list would have jeans, bras and probably cardigans. And honestly, I’m making this list more as inspiration than a strict to-do list. Last month I read this article from Seamwork about taming your project queue. It was a total game changer for me. In the article, Sarai recommends leaving room for wildcard projects. I always have new project ideas during the year and change my mind about things that I was once passionate about so I love the idea of planning in some space for spontaneity.
2018 Make Nine
1) Kalle Shirt/Shirtdress by Closet Case Patterns
I think this will be one of my first projects of 2018. I'm always looking for an easy top to pair with jeans to wear to work and I think this would work well. I really love the curved hem. I'm also a little nervous about the button placket so I think it would be a good challenge to conquer. I sewed a similar placket about 8 years ago and it didn't go very well. It's time to get over that and try again.
2) Archer Shirt by Grainline Studio
I actually made an Archer Shirt two years ago that I've never blogged about. It's fine but not quite right. The fabric is a little heavier than I wanted so it feels stiff and the body needs to be lengthened. I think this pattern would be awesome with a few simple mods and I'd like to try it again. I do sometimes wear the first one I made and I hope that with lots of washing the fabric will continue to soften.
3) Lander Pants by True Bias
I fell in love with these as soon as they were released last year. I'm really excited for them.
4) Kobe Dress/Mito Cami by Papercut Patterns
The Kobe Dress is another that I fell in love with when it was released last year. I have fabric purchased and ready to go for both the dress and cami. Now just to make the time to sew them!
5) Vintage Stretch & Sew Swimsuit 1363
Another trip I have planned for 2018 is a family trip to Maui. A trip is always a good excuse to sew something and I'm planning to try this vintage swimsuit pattern. The last time I went to Maui, I sewed this vintage Stretch & Sew pattern. So why not make a tradition of it? I bought this pattern on Etsy a few months ago. Here's a similar one for sale now. One day I'd also love to try making the Sophie Swimsuit by Closet Case Patterns and the Anne Swimsuit by Measure Twice Cut Once (which would also work as a bodysuit).
6) Charlie Caftan by Closet Case Patterns
This caftan is also destined to be in my suitcase for the trip to Maui.
7) Tate Top by Workroom Social
This is a free pattern that's been around for a while. Yasmin made a few last year that reminded me I've been wanting to try it. In the same category of summery tanks, I'd also like to try the Hunter Tank by Jennifer Lauren Handmade.
8) Collins Top by In The Folds
I love sewing with Emily's patterns and every time I see a version of the Collins Top, I think to myself "I need to make that!".
9) Julie Jumpsuit by Schnitten
Last but not least, I think it would be fun to make a jumpsuit. I have a few fabric options in my stash plus two pattern options! The Julie Jumpsuit shown here and the Anza Jumpsuit by Itch to Stitch.
As always there are so many ideas and so little time. I only have two WIPs leftover from 2017, a Stars Hollow Quilt that only needs binding and a Find Your Fade shawl that I basically started over on a few months ago. In the coming weeks, I have a lot of content planned for the Lou Box Dress Sewalong so my selfish sewing will be a little bit slower than usual. But there's a whole year awaiting to tackle this list or change it and do whatever I feel like doing, which is exactly how it should be. If we're not having fun with sewing, then what's the point, right? I hope your new year is starting off well. xoxo Happy Sewing Friends!
P.S. If you need help planning your sewing, check out my FREE printable sewing calendar.
