I thought really hard about each of the makes I’m proposing and tried to get a good mix of projects, from a range of designers. There are some simple projects and some more complicated, time consuming ones. 8 out of 9 are patterns I have never tried before.
I will go through them in the order I plan to make them in.
1 - Juniper Cardigan by Jennifer Lauren Handmade
I’ve had my eye on this pattern for a while. I love both versions, but am planning to make the cropped version with long sleeves. My brother bought me some gorgeously soft sweatshirt jersey for Christmas in mustard and navy, and I’m planning to completely copy one of Jennifer’s samples and make a colour blocked version. The jerseys are bolt End remnants so I may have to get creative to get everything to fit!
I’m aiming to get this sewn up this month, as I am in desperate need of a fitted cardi in my wardrobe and my fabric choice is perfect for the cold weather we are having in the UK.
2 - Ilsley Skirt by Marilla Walker.
This is the 1 pattern I have made before, for the Refashioners challenge in 2015. I made it out of an old shirt. For this version I want to make it a little longer, about knee length.
I have some gorgeous Robert Kaufman chambray in my stash that would be perfect for this. Chambray is probably my all time favourite fabric, so lovely to work with and really versatile.
I thought this would pair really well with the Juniper Cardigan, so it’s up next!
3 - Camera Bag
On Instagram I posted a photo of a camera bag from the latest Mollie Makes issue, but after a bit more thought I’ve decided to draft my own pattern to better fit my camera and my needs.
I’m going to use some heavyweight fabric from my stash (to be confirmed once I’ve had a rummage) and I want proper fastenings and an adjustable shoulder strap. I’m going to add in more pockets for my phone, memory cards and lens cap and make a matching lens pouch for my additional lens.
I’m really excited about this. I’ve drafted patterns for bags before and I love thinking through all the details and construction.
4 - Simple Sew Sophia Top and Skirt
I really like the Sophia outfit and have plans for quite a dressy top and then a skirt that can either be smart or casual - to increase its wearability.
For the top I have some bright pink stretch cotton velveteen. I very rarely ware pink, but thought I’d give it a try as it’s quite a small amount of it. I like the simple, cropped shape of the top and have seen some lovely versions of it.
For the skirt I was planning black cupro that I have in my stash. I may need to line it, I’ll decide when I start sewing it up.
I’m hoping to get started on these around May time. I’m not actually sure when I will get chance to wear these, as I’m not going out at all (due to a little breastfeeder) but I don’t have any smart separates in my wardrobe and think these will be versatile and useful.
5 - Sew Over It Doris Dress
I’m planning to make the Doris Dress for a wedding in July. I need something that can open at the front for breastfeeding, though my daughter will be 10 months old by then so will probably be feeding less frequently. I’ll make the longer length and have some dusky blue cupro in my stash that will be perfect for July. I have bought some yellow shoes already to go with this!
6 - True Bias Lander Pants
I want to make these to coincide with the #sewmystyle challenge on Instagram, so will be sewing these in July. I’ve made a pair of Sew Over It ultimate trousers once before, a couple of years ago, but never made a fly fronted pair of trousers. I thought these would be a good introduction to jeans making as they require less fitting than skinny jeans. I love the high waist and they just look like they will be flattering and easy to wear. I have two fabric options for these, some black twill and some khaki green twill. I might end up making both!
7 - Wrap Dress from Simple Modern Sewing
I love wrap dresses and one of my favourite makes from last year was the Seamwork Magazine Reggie dress. I made it towards the end of my pregnancy and the empire line style worked really well with my bump. As I’m pear shaped I tend to avoid empire waist lines, so was looking for a wrap dress that ties around the natural waistline. There are lots of clean, simple designs in the Simple Modern Sewing book. I plan to make the wrap dress first, but would also like to try the loose fit trousers and some of the tops. I want to make this in time to go back to work at the end of summer.
8 - Colette Patterns Beignet Skirt
I’ve liked this skirt for as long as I’ve been following Tilly’s blog, which is a long time! I have so so many fabrics in my stash that would work for this, but will probably use a Robert Kaufman teal herringbone flannel that I picked up from the Cool Crafting stand at the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show.
This fabric is absolutely beautiful. I stupidly only bought one metre, so I’m hoping that I can squeeze the Beignet out of this if I make the facings from a different fabric.
If that fails, I've got some teal needlecord that would also be a good match for this pattern. This is the perfect autumn skirt, as it’s fully lined I can wear it with tights and it will be useful for work too.
9 - Waffle Patterns Yuzu Coat
This is by far the biggest and most complicated project I have planned for this year. I’m saving it till last as I need as much brainpower and time as I can get! My approach is to take it slowly and make it over a couple of months. I’m planning to start in September and hopefully finish by Bonfire Night!
I have some teal wool boucle fabric, which has a good amount of body and should work well. I need to find the perfect buttons and lining still!
I didn’t end up making all of my Make Nine last year, but when I decided on the patterns I didn’t realise I would become pregnant in January! So that meant most of my pattern choices were no longer suitable. This year I’ve focused on a wide range of patterns that I know are missing from my wardrobe and are easy to fit in to my daily life. There would be no point including lots of dresses as whilst I’m still breastfeeding I can’t wear them! I’m hoping this more considered approach will give me more success this year.
My sewing time is pretty limited at the moment so I’m not putting pressure on myself to achieve a lot of new projects every month. I hope to take part in lots of Instagram challenges and competitions as I really enjoy them. I’m also hoping to blog more regularly - I’m just awful at getting my makes photographed! Does anyone else have that problem? Every year I tell myself I will start vlogging, but I still haven’t filmed a single vlog. I’m pretty nervous about it to be honest. I hate the sound of my own voice and I think I’ll be really awkward. I really enjoy watching other sewing youtubers though so I hope I can conquer my fear and get started!
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