With the year drawing to a close, I thought I would reflect on my makes during 2019.
Most challenging make - the black copley cardigan
I’ve chosen the black copley cardigan as it is the make that took me the longest. I have made this pattern before but in a yellow colour, which was a lot easier on the eye! I can get quite impatient so the fact I persevered and finished it within a year is quite an achievement.
I haven’t worn it much yet – I think I have just got a bit exhausted from it. I’m sure I will start wearing it more once I’ve recovered!
Most fun make - the beach towel poncho
It was easy to select the most fun make – it’s the beach towel poncho! My mum and I made this one weekend when she came to stay. She wanted one for when she visits us as we live close to the beach.
I enjoyed this make as it was a collaborative effort, we had to work out how to make it as we went along, and it came out better than I imagined.
Most useful make - the Debbie Shore office bag
The most useful make has been this Debbie Shore Office Bag. I only made it in September but it is now my work bag. I made a matching water bottle carrier and zip pouch as well which have proved to be invaluable as well.
Favourite gift made - the bear pjs
I am fond of practically all the gifts I made this year, but my last substantial make has to be my favourite. I made Phill these bear PJs from pattern woven fabric from our trip to Hong Kong in 2018 and then made a top in a black knit fabric. Once made, I couldn’t resist making a little bear motif for the top. I tried to replicate one of the bears on the patterned fabric and created the outline with chain stitch, using a french knot for the bear’s eye.
Favourite make - the Cleo upcycle
The Cleo pinafore stands out in my mind as it is probably the make I wear the most. As I made it from two pairs of jeans that were given to me, it feels so substantial and lovely to wear.
My #2019makenine
- Molly Dress – completed
- Bibi Pinafore – completed
- Copley Cardigan – completed (see above)
- Kinder Cardigan – completed
- Toucan T-Shirt – did not start but will rollover to 2020 list
- Bag for swimming or yoga – no longer required (but I did make that office bag instead)
- Vinyl travel bag – did not make but may carry over to 2020 list
- Art of Knitting throw – Did not continue as the cardigan took so long
- Sew House 7 Dress – did not make
Other key achievements and lessons learned
- I can survive on my fabric stash without buying more fabric – and I now appreciate my stash rather than feeling overwhelmed by it
- I have managed to start posting regular vlog and vlog posts recently – I think there are at least 20 weekly vlogs in a row!
- I have begun learning about pattern cutting through a couple of local courses
- I have learned more on how to craft when my chronic illness flares – basically stick to hand crafts such as knitting, crocheting, hand embroidery and other hand sewing
- I need to track my makes – sometimes I can’t vlog, blog or Instagram a make as it is a gift so I need another method of keeping tabs
That’s it for 2019 – I’ll be back with my 2020 intentions.
Watch it on the Vlog
You can watch my review of 2019 on the vlog below:
