Make Nine 2023

2023 got off to a rocky start. The bruise from the IV that was in my arm has finally healed. 😔 I'm better now *fingers crossed*.

 

I finally completed my intentions for Make Nine 2023. As with previous plans, the majority of the grid consists of patterns that have been in and out of the sewing queue.  To my own surprise, four of the patterns are from (fairly) recent releases.

Two tops:  Simplicity 8791 &  Simplicity 9646

Lately, I've been drawn to shirt patterns (knit and woven) with full sleeves. So when I saw 9646, I knew I wanted to make it. I'm a wee bit on the fence about the dropped shoulder seam morphing into the full lower sleeve. We'll see how it goes.

Simplicity 8791 is a classic and I've wanted to make it for a while now. I think I'll do view C (modeled), though I do like view B (red) with the double peplum. 

Two skirts:  Simplicity 8609 & Simplicity 9377

Honestly, I don't remember why I added 8609. I think I saw something on Instgram some time ago that sparked an interest in this type of pleated skirt. Eh...I don't know if this one will remain on the grid.

I do like 9377. I have some linen that I think will go nicely with this pattern. I'll likely do a test version first to see how all those buttons are going to work.

Two dresses:  McCall's 8030 & McCall's 8286

 

When 8030 was first released, I didn't think much of it. When people started sharing their versions, the pattern grew on me. I really like the play on stripes and intend to do the same with my version. If I have enough fabric, think I'll make view A with the sleeve cuffs and belt.

8286 - a wrapped shirt dress with collar and curved hem? Um...YES please! I like this so much I bought two copies in anticipation of making multiple versions. I hope this pattern delivers!

Oro Rosa Magdalena 

 

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As with all of my Make Nine plans, I include a handbag. I really, really like making handbags and have been acquiring fabric and hardware to keep going. I like the challenge of coordinating fabric, vinyl/leather, and hardware as well as putting all the pieces together. 

Magdalena was part of my Make Nine 2022 grid, but I changed it for Oro Rosa's Catalina bag that had just been released. I really like Alexis' patterns because the styles are unique (to me at least) and her instructions are very clear and comprehensive.

Closet Core Kelly Anorak

Every time I see this pop up on the internets, I get excited all over again. I love the details of the jacket and it looks like it would be interesting to make. I'll definitely make a muslin to test the fit. Hopefully, I'll have this done in time for Spring.

Deep stash

I have a lot of fabric (we are not going to talk numbers 😅). Some pieces date back 15 years and it's doing no good aging in my basement. My partner once said that the fun for me was in buying fabric and not using it. Ouch. He's not wrong, but homie didn't have to call me out like that. =) Anyway, a stash reduction is in order and the best way to achieve this is by sewing, selling, and/or donating.

That's it for the plan for now. Though these are the patterns I've chosen, I am not wedded to anything on the grid. My Make Nine is flexible and subject to what I feel like sewing.

L

Make Nine 2022 Results

Barring the major fail of Simplicity 8948, this is my most successful Make Nine ever. I finished eight of nine items! Although there were two mid-year substitutions (Oro Rosa Catalina for Magadelna and Simplicity 8601 for McCall's 7627), the new plan still included not-previously-sewn patterns. 

 

Favorites

Hands down, Vogue 9299 and Oro Rosa Catalina are tied for most favorite out of the plan. I love the Vogue tunic so much that I made it three times and intend to make a few more. The Catalina hand bag was so fun to make and I enjoy carrying it. I don't need more than one of this bag, but who knows? Maybe I'll try one of other views. 

 

Unsung Heroes

Initially I wasn't a huge fan of New Look 6698 because it was too big. I got lazy and cut a straight size 18 when I should have cut for my upper bust and made an FBA. In the end, I wore this a lot over summer and really like it. The sleeves are a bit awkward in length on me, but that's an easy fix. I'll definitely make this again and in the proper size.

 

Simplicity 8601 is also a winner. I was worried that the neckline facing would be uncooperative in rayon challis, but it's not a problem at all. I really like this shirt and intend to make another one in wool challis. 

 

Wearables

During a visit to Finland in 2019, I purchased a meter of bouclé with the intention of making a skirt and I did using Burda 2-2020-108.

 

There's nothing wrong with the skirt or fit. I deem it "wearable" because I've found it's been hard to find a top that pairs well with the colors in the fabric. I can always wear a blue denim jacket or white shirt. The purple knit slightly visible in the picture compliments the fabric but in a way that I don't quite like and I don't know why. =) I'll keep searching for other options.

 

New Look 6560 is also wearable but can be fiddly. Again, laziness got the best of me and I cut this without making an FBA. It's not possible to wear without a tank top because of major gaping along the surplice front. As with the other New Look top, I intend to make it again but with the proper adjustments.

 

The Ottobre Pea Coat is mostly finished, but it's not my best work. I will wear it for sure, but I know I can do (and have done) much better.  

 

Pardon the way it looks on the dressform. The coat is bigger than the form, so the fit isn't great. Actually, the fit isn't that great on me either despite spending a lot of energy on the muslin and making adjustments. Overall, I think the coat is just too big in some places and it looks kinda frumpy on me. Meh.

 

The buttons aren't sewn on yet because I'm still deciding whether to use snaps or make buttonholes. The snaps are sewn on, but I don't like how the thread is visible from the side view. I have some invisible thread and will sew on one snap to see how it looks. If I don't like it, then I'll make buttonholes.

I think I'll take it to the dry cleaner to have it professionally pressed. Maybe that will help with some of the wrinkles I can't get out on my own. As for the pattern, I'll write about it separately. This was a labor of love and I don't want to abandon it.

Disappointment/Fail

I am taking a break from Simplicity 8014. I think this was my third or fourth go at view D (without waist seam) and I just don't like it. I didn't laze out this time and made the proper FBA, converted to princess seams. I don't like anything about the dress and have already donated it. I didn't even bother putting buttonholes and figured someone else could wear it as a duster.

 

Simplicity 8948 just did not work and I have no intention to return to it any time soon.

 

***

That's it for Make Nine 2022. I think it's a success to have worked on everything in the plan and have six usable items. I definitely intend to participate in Make Nine 2023. I'm still working on the plan.

L