2022 & 2023 Sewing Years in Review

Since the start of 2023 wasn't smooth, I never got around to reviewing my sewing achievements from 2022. In this long, pic-heavy post, I'll summarize completed projects for 2022 and 2023.

 

~2022~

 

I made 26 wearable garments and 4 handbags (2 were given as gifts) for a total of 43.375 yards. I'm sure I had some wadders, but I don't remember what they were and my sewing space is in shambles right now.

 

 

Once again, Burda and Simplicity were my most made patterns. I have to seriously think about the patterns I have and buy because it's obvious I tend to favor these two brands.

 

 

I'm happy that I continue to sew more of the stash, though I still need to work on not buying as much. 

 

Favorites

Vogue 9299:  I made it three times almost back-to-back because I love it so much. It's a great tunic and I simply enjoy wearing it.

 

Handbags from Oro Rosa - Quilted Alice (left) & Catalina (right):

 

When I showed bae the Quilted Alice bag, the man took one look and said: "Gaudy." 😏

Oooof. He has other great qualities, I swear. And......he's kinda not wrong? I mean, I went all in with the gold hardware and it's unlike any other bag I have. I carry it ALL THE TIME - so much so that one of the rivets popped out. It's super comfortable, roomy, and easy to carry. I have plans to make another using the wool from the now-deconstructed Jedi Smurf coat.

~2023~

(not pictured:  two pairs of jeans and a pair of workout pants both from Jalie)

This year, I made a total of 25 wearable garments (20 for me, 5 for bae) and 5 handbags; I had 3 wadders. Overall this is consistent with the last two years as I struggle to balance home challenges with sewing. Sewing is my refuge and I do what I can when I have energy.

Simplicity and Burda win again. This time, though, I sewed far more tried-n-true patterns from both companies, so maybe this is a draw.

Definitely like that more stash was used this time! And I sewed 20 more yards this year compared to 2022. 

Favorite 

 

I only have one clear favorite this year and its the Closet Core Kelly Anorak. Despite encountering some problems with construction, this is the winner. I wasn't feeling it at first, but having worn it several times now, I really like it. I bought the fabric and hardware with this image in mind and I'm so happy it came together like I wanted.

 

Wadders

It's been so long since I discarded the fails, I don't even remember what they were. I know one was a Burda Magazine skirt that was giving big Aunt Lydia (Handmaid's Tale) vibes. The other two were a shirt and...hmm...something else. Out of sight, out of mind!

So how did I do with the 2022 Sewing Intentions?

• reduce fabric buying & use more stash:  Meh. I think I did better, maybe. I did cull around 30 yards - which is a major feat for me. We will not talk about how much is left.
  
• Make Nine 2022:  This time it was a success. I completed 8 of 9 with the 9th being a total fail.
• record all sewing-related purchases:  I continued with this endeavor in 2022, but kind of fell off near the end of 2023. I find that if I do not record what I bought the same day, I forget about it. I want to do better in 2024.
• just sew it & just let it go:  Always an intention.

2024 Sewing Intentions

• sew one handbag from each designer:  I have several handbag patterns from different designers and really need to branch out a bit. I like making Blue Calla and Oro Rosa bags, but there are other awesome designs I'd like to try.
• Make Nine 2024:  I think I have a good pick of patterns for this plane. Details to be shared later.
  
• clean out my closet:  I have a lot of clothes that I no longer wear because they don't fit or I am no longer interested in the style/color.
  
• rethink personal style:  As I get older, I notice that my interest in certain styles and garments changes. Ten years ago, I would not have given a second look at vintage patterns. Now, I quite like styles from the 60s and 50s. (Harpo, who dis?)
  
• ongoing intentions:  reduce fabric & pattern buying; use more stash; record all sewing-related purchases; blog more often / share in-progress updates
  
• commit to completing the Whole30 fabric challenge more frequently:  I started this a year or so ago, but fell off lately. I did really well a couple of times, but ultimately "ooooooh shiny" got the best of me.
  

 

***

 

Basement update:  Work on the basement is moving along. I've finished painting all of the major walls and am working to finish painting the baseboards, ceiling trim, and door trim. (Circumstances led us to doing the trim out of order.) 

 

My partner and I put in a new floor and it looks SO good! This was a lot of work and we were both sore for days. Despite the physical toll, I'm happy we went with it and like how it looks.

 

We still have quite a bit of work to do. I need to decide if I'm going to use the old quarter round or buy new. I also have to repaint the room where my machines are. I like the current yellow color, but it doesn't flow with the main room. Plus, part of the wall is stained from the burst pipe incident.

There is also a small area (not shown) that doesn't have any baseboard, so I'll need to add some there.  So far I am happy with how it's turning out. The space is much brighter and way more inviting.

Eventually, I will update the furniture and cutting table. For now, I want to finish the major work and restore my sewing space. When everything is complete, I'll do a big reveal or something. =)

 

That's all for now. Next post will probably be my thoughts on Make Nine 2024 and, hopefully, another basement update.

 

L