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Sewing Year in Review 2011
Here it is, the stuff I sewed in 2011. I didn't do any knitting like I wanted to, but I was far more productive than usual. I got done, on average, just over one project a month, which was my original goal for the year. I think I can up my productivity for next year a little bit. I have some new strategies, like to just force myself to get started, because once I've started I have no trouble continuing. So...
Grape dress- which I want to re-fit in the waist section before I wear it
1840 Corset- Ok, technically, this one still needs about half of it's grommets set, but other than that it's done.
Edwardian Chemise- Just two shaped body pieces with straps sewn on and beading lace around the top. No pics.
Tucked Petticoat- Made for a Your Wardrobe Unlocked article. Also notable for all the hand sewing involved with the gathers and waistband.
Circle Skirt- I think I need to add some patch pockets to this one before it gets regular use. That and wait for the weather to get warm again. ;p This was a great project because I learned to draft a circle skirt and I learned how to use the rolled hem foot on the machine.
Paisley Apron- I was happy with this project. I put the rolled hem foot to good use on the ruffle. And my friend really liked it. (It was a gift.)
Pink Print Skirt- I didn't really have enough fabric for this one, so it's a bit skimpy in the width, which means that whenever I put stuff in the pockets, it bunches unattractively. I'll still probably wear it once in a while, though.
Sprigged Flounced Skirt- In my continuing quest to put pockets in everything, this one was only partially successful, like the previous skirt. If I put heavy things in the pockets, they tend to weigh the lightweight skirt down. Also, the yoke isn't quite as fitted as I would like it to be.
1940 Ivory Slip- Drafted this from vintage instructions in addition to totally winging the bust pieces. First time drafting from scratch! I really like almost everything about this piece, except that I should have cut the bust pieces on the bias or stay-stitched the top edges. One stretched a bit and now it doesn't sit quite right. I just bought some ivory ribbon to make the straps, so this one is also not quite complete, but to me, it's complete enough to count.
1940 Ivory Knickers- Also drafted from the same vintage manual. These ones were a tiny bit small in the waist because the fabric I did the mock-up in had some stretch. They still need a snap at the waist. Made a continuous placket for the first time.
Black Shorts- Used a heavily modified version of the Wearing History Smooth Sailing pattern. I really needed the deep pockets. This was my first try at a lapped zipper. I'm now a complete convert. And I love these shorts. They're going to get worn a lot next summer.
Denim Shorts- Same as the above, with a slightly lower waist, and made out of a stretch denim. These will probably get even more wear than the black ones. I love the cuffs and contrast stitching! (What I love the most is making clothing that fits well and actually brings to life the concept that I had in my head. These totally did that.)
Wednesday Addams Halloween Costume- No pics yet. It needs a good iron before I do that. This was made from a heavily modified vintage pattern from 1963. I had to make a lot of adjustments, make up some things along the way, and I think it turned out really well. It's a tiny bit snug, but that's alright.
I also made a blouse out of the remaining ivory satin, but I really don't like it. I made up the pattern by Frankenstein-ing many other patterns. The techniques I used to sew it didn't work very well and it's just sort of shapeless and unflattering. But it was a good learning experience and I think next year I'll make a very nice blouse in a similar, but much improved style.
I've made some solid progress on the 1912 corset and the plum wool jacket. So my only real, definite plans for next year are to finish those two things and to do the 1912 Project at the Vintage Pattern Lending Library. Other things that I'd like to sew are: a new pair of jeans (using the same pattern and denim as the shorts), a white cotton blouse, another jacket using a lighter wool, a 1930s cotton dress, maybe a 1940s dress, a corded petticoat and a plain (or tucked) petticoat, an 1830s or 1840s cotton dress (to go over the underpinnings), and finally completely finish all the minor unfinished bits. I also want to put to use some of the couture sewing techniques and pattern drafting skills that are shown in my new Christmas books.
Whew! That was a lot. It seems like this was a pretty productive year for everyone on my Friends list. See you all in 2012! Happy New Year! And best of luck with all your future sewing projects!
Grape dress- which I want to re-fit in the waist section before I wear it
1840 Corset- Ok, technically, this one still needs about half of it's grommets set, but other than that it's done.
Edwardian Chemise- Just two shaped body pieces with straps sewn on and beading lace around the top. No pics.
Tucked Petticoat- Made for a Your Wardrobe Unlocked article. Also notable for all the hand sewing involved with the gathers and waistband.
Circle Skirt- I think I need to add some patch pockets to this one before it gets regular use. That and wait for the weather to get warm again. ;p This was a great project because I learned to draft a circle skirt and I learned how to use the rolled hem foot on the machine.
Paisley Apron- I was happy with this project. I put the rolled hem foot to good use on the ruffle. And my friend really liked it. (It was a gift.)
Pink Print Skirt- I didn't really have enough fabric for this one, so it's a bit skimpy in the width, which means that whenever I put stuff in the pockets, it bunches unattractively. I'll still probably wear it once in a while, though.
Sprigged Flounced Skirt- In my continuing quest to put pockets in everything, this one was only partially successful, like the previous skirt. If I put heavy things in the pockets, they tend to weigh the lightweight skirt down. Also, the yoke isn't quite as fitted as I would like it to be.
1940 Ivory Slip- Drafted this from vintage instructions in addition to totally winging the bust pieces. First time drafting from scratch! I really like almost everything about this piece, except that I should have cut the bust pieces on the bias or stay-stitched the top edges. One stretched a bit and now it doesn't sit quite right. I just bought some ivory ribbon to make the straps, so this one is also not quite complete, but to me, it's complete enough to count.
1940 Ivory Knickers- Also drafted from the same vintage manual. These ones were a tiny bit small in the waist because the fabric I did the mock-up in had some stretch. They still need a snap at the waist. Made a continuous placket for the first time.
Black Shorts- Used a heavily modified version of the Wearing History Smooth Sailing pattern. I really needed the deep pockets. This was my first try at a lapped zipper. I'm now a complete convert. And I love these shorts. They're going to get worn a lot next summer.
Denim Shorts- Same as the above, with a slightly lower waist, and made out of a stretch denim. These will probably get even more wear than the black ones. I love the cuffs and contrast stitching! (What I love the most is making clothing that fits well and actually brings to life the concept that I had in my head. These totally did that.)
Wednesday Addams Halloween Costume- No pics yet. It needs a good iron before I do that. This was made from a heavily modified vintage pattern from 1963. I had to make a lot of adjustments, make up some things along the way, and I think it turned out really well. It's a tiny bit snug, but that's alright.
I also made a blouse out of the remaining ivory satin, but I really don't like it. I made up the pattern by Frankenstein-ing many other patterns. The techniques I used to sew it didn't work very well and it's just sort of shapeless and unflattering. But it was a good learning experience and I think next year I'll make a very nice blouse in a similar, but much improved style.
I've made some solid progress on the 1912 corset and the plum wool jacket. So my only real, definite plans for next year are to finish those two things and to do the 1912 Project at the Vintage Pattern Lending Library. Other things that I'd like to sew are: a new pair of jeans (using the same pattern and denim as the shorts), a white cotton blouse, another jacket using a lighter wool, a 1930s cotton dress, maybe a 1940s dress, a corded petticoat and a plain (or tucked) petticoat, an 1830s or 1840s cotton dress (to go over the underpinnings), and finally completely finish all the minor unfinished bits. I also want to put to use some of the couture sewing techniques and pattern drafting skills that are shown in my new Christmas books.
Whew! That was a lot. It seems like this was a pretty productive year for everyone on my Friends list. See you all in 2012! Happy New Year! And best of luck with all your future sewing projects!