2020 Sewing Year in Review

It's that time to look back at the things I made over the year. Despite 2020 being a whole mess, I managed to maintain my sanity and crank out some garments.

 [not pictured:  Burda 4-2009-101 (skirt), Burda 11-2009-124 (pants), Simplicity 1283 (pants)]

I made 32 wearable garments and a tote bag.  When I compare this collage to those from recent past years, everything looks more subdued (not really cheerful) to me. Maybe this was the state of my mind or maybe I just gravitated more to darker colors this year. 

I've worn roughly half of what I made because my weight is all over the place thanks to quarantine eating and being more sedentary.

The Statistics

I *still* really like making and wearing skirts. Skirts and tops - that's it. That's my style.

 

Burda is a clear favorite once again. I am seriously considering purging a huge chunk of my Big 4 patterns (except Simplicity and New Look) because I don't sew them. I like many of the patterns, but they don't inspire or motivate me as much as Burda. 

I used 24 patterns - 11 of which were new-to-me.

 

 

The stash / non-stash sewing ratio was much better than last year. I bought fabric, but not nearly as much and I sewed considerably more stash. A summertime re-sort of all of the fabric bins led to a big purge and a reminder of some of the nice pieces I have.

Favorites

McCall's 7906:  For the second year in a row, this pattern tops my "favorites" list. I bought the Marimekko fabric whilst in Finland with the dude in 2019. When I saw it, I immediately knew I wanted to make this skirt.

 

I've seen many comments say that short people shouldn't wear big prints. Yeah well. Who makes these rules? I love the drama of these huge flowers!

I couldn't find any buttons that really "went" with the fabric, so I took scraps and made covered buttons instead. No two are alike and they don't match - except they really do!

Ottobre 5-2012-7:  I tried making this pattern twice in 2019 and put it aside after failing at it. For some reason, I picked it up a third time and it worked!

The shirt came out just as I envisioned and I adore it. The inner collar stand, inner cuffs, and sleeve packets are made from a tiny cotton scrap with beautiful assortment of colors. This shirt makes me smile every time I see it.

 

Burda 1-2008-108: I first saw this pattern (or something very similar) on PR many years ago and only now got around to making it. Sewing the bib front can be a little challenging. I found using 3/8" seam allowance near the lower curved connection points helps immensely. I like this shirt so much that I made two and will probably make a couple more.

 

I went a little stripe-crazy with the second version. =) Forgive the wonkiness in the second picture; the dressform is less padded than me. The stripes match!

Jalie Isabelle:  This is my go-to pattern for running/biking pants. I have nine pair!

 

All except the purple pair were batch-sewed. In other words, I cut out all of the pieces and assembled each stage of every pair at the same time.

Blue Calla Amaryllis tote:  This was a true labor of love. After finally getting the leather piece sewed to the pleated bottom, finishing the bag went smoothly.

Though it looks small in the photos, it's actually quite large. I intend to use it as my carry-on for whenever I feel safe to get back on a plane.

Honorable mentions

Burda 1-2008-125:  I spare no words expressing my disdain for stretch cotton poplin. So when I noticed it was the suggested fabric for this pattern, I questioned how much I really want this shirt. Ultimately I decided to go for it. If I didn't like it, no big deal. Right? Well it turns out I really like it! It's super comfortable to wear and goes with several skirts I have.

There are 13 tiny pintucks on each sleeve and sewing them after the sleeve is cut out in this fabric was a chore.  I guarantee they are not all the same size or length, but who's looking? =)

 

The wrinkles are here to stay; it's the nature of the fabric (and why I loathe it so much). But I love this shirt!

Inside of Burda 4-2008-107:  Usually the seams of my unlined jackets are finished on the serger. But this time, I bound the edges with red and white self-made bias tape after reading Miss Celie's Pants' review. 

Please don't mistake these colors for a certain patriotism. I just like the contrast.

Wadders/UFOs

• Burda 10-2020-114 (UFO):  The smurf coat is on timeout right now. I still need to address the lining issue and add buttonholes. I'm *this* close to finishing.
• Burda 5-2005-120 (wadder):  I tried twice and still not a fan. There won't be a third attempt.
• Burda 9-2019-101 (wadder):  I really liked this pattern on the model, but I should have known it wasn't a good style for my body. Cropped jackets with no waist shaping and a swing-y back just do not suit me. Plus the polyester fabric I used was giving STRONG church choir robe vibes and I was not feeling it. I was in a choir. Ehhhh...I'm good.
  
• Ottobre 2-2011-13 (wadder):  The length is all wrong and the fabric (polyester blend) is just awful.
• Jalie 2908 jeans (UFO):  I need to add the waistband and hem.
• Pin up Girls bra (UFO):  I need to repair some stitching, add some elastic, and the hook & eye closure.

 

  2021 Sewing Intentions

• reduce fabric buying & use more stash:  Always a goal!
  
• Make Nine 2021:  I quite enjoy the challenge. This year, I've selected some patterns that are very involved/time-consuming. I want to challenge myself with some of  Burda's 4-dot patterns.
  
• make one or two more bras:  Definitely need to use up those kits I bought.
• embrace the finish:  Oftentimes when I'm close to finishing a project, I put it away and start something new (looking at you smurf coat). Something about those final steps just does NOT motivate me. As evidenced by the UFOs above, there are only small tasks remaining - and yet they're still unfinished. This year I'm really going to try to change this habit, though I won't force it.
  
• just sew it & just let it go:  Yes and yes.

 

I remain grateful for those that take time to read my sewing ramblings. I hope that 2021 brings everyone  joy and happiness. Happy new year!

L