#2017MakeNine challenge: six month update

Time for an update on how my #2017MakeNine challenge is going. Here’s the current state of play, with original images replaced with my makes:

 

However, although I’ve tried out some of the patterns I originally planned to make, my actual goal was to find a TNT pattern in each category so I could keep making the same pattern in different fabrics and colours. So this is more like the actual situation right now:

Still got a little way to go, but I’ve got patterns I want to make again (and one of them I’ve already made twice!) in five categories now, so I’m pretty happy with that 😀

Dresses:

Dungaree dress

I’ve made two versions of the Tilly and Buttons Cleo Dress now (cord here, denim here), and I love them both. Expect to see at least one more version of this pattern before the year is out. Nuff said.

Knit dress

I’ve made three knit dresses this year, my Moneta, Sew Over It’s Heather and the Seamwork Neenah. I really like them all and foresee future versions. However, I’m still planning on trying more knit dress patterns out, and want to try the  Colette Wren next–possibly in a black jersey with large white polka dots.

Sundress

I’ve made a knit sundress–my hack of Gertie’s Knit Sweetheart Top–but would still like to try a woven. The Colette Lily  still looks like a strong contender, but it might get pushed to next year as I want to go for the Colette Crepe first. I have my fabric, so next I need to get the pattern traced out…

However, I would like to make a shirtdress too, and am currently working on tracing the pattern for the Maria Denmark Edith dress. Which dress will be finished first, I wonder?

Tops:

Shirt/blouse

I tried the Colette Aster but really wasn’t happy with how it fit on me. Then I made B6712 – the Sweetheart Neckline Blouse by Gertie for Butterick. I love it so much! Full review coming on 9th July over on the Minerva blog, so you’ll have to wait for pics until then. Sorry 🙂

Cardigan

I tried the Seamwork Wembley cardie and while I like the style, it isn’t perfect. Then I tried the Jalie Drop Pocket Cardigan and everything fell into place. I don’t need any other cardie patterns now! If I want a cropped cardigan I’ll knit or crochet it instead of sewing.

A fancy top (or two)

I made Seamwork’s Aurora but I’m not sure it really fits the definition of blingy going out top. I’m still working on the Alabama Chanin Corset top, and have plans to make the super cute Simplicity 8342 rockabilly style top before July is out.

Other:

Trousers

I’m still planning on make some Ginger Jeans, probably in the autumn, but first up I’m trying the Cigarette Pants pattern from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. I’ve made my first toile and there are only a few, fairly minor fit issues, so I’m hoping I might have a wearable pair of pedal pushers by the end of July. But first I’ve been trialling the changes to the fit at the top by making the flared shorts version. Should be blogged later this week 🙂

Skirt

Gertie Skirtie00008

I’m no longer as keen on making a utility skirt as I don’t think it will fit so well with my style. However, I love my Easy Knit Pencil Skirt from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual and just cut out another. Black and white stripes this time. I also feel the need for a woven maxi skirt, so I might have a go at drafting my own.

Undies/swimwear

I’ve had a go at making some knickers and haven’t found a TNT just yet, but I’ll keep trying. I’m now updating this category to a swimsuit instead. Similar sewing techniques, fabrics and level of challenge. I’d like to try the Closet Case Patterns Bombshell Swimsuit first, as it has the perfect retro charm I’m after. Will probably make it in leopard print, and I’d better get sewing as I’ll need it by the beginning of August if I’m to take it to France with me!

***

I’ve managed to curb my pattern spending like I planned, working mainly from stash and only buying the occasional, much-lusted-after pattern.

I also planned to make some simpler projects like tees, and have tried several patterns out. I’ve found my TNT in the Knit Sweetheart Top from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual 🙂

I wanted to try some new techniques along with trickier fabrics. I’ve managed to sew some knickers with stretch lace and refashioned a velvet tee, so I suppose that’s partially achieved. Am planning shirts, jeans, swimwear and chiffon makes in the second half of the year.

I’ve done lots of stashbusting, so that’s good. There have been a few fabric purchases, but I’ve stuck to things that will either be made immediately or in the next couple of months.

I’ve not been doing much knitting and crochet, but am slowly working on some socks and my Rebel Lace Cardie.

I’ve made two of my unselfish makes: a dress for Daisy and a hat for Gabriel. And I have pattern and fabric ready for a shirt for Andy (gulp–not a tee as originally planned, but a proper button up shirt!)

And no, I don’t have my sewing room yet. Am still sewing at a table at the end of my living/dining room.

***

So, that’s the state of play with my #2017MakeNine challenge. I think sticking to loose categories rather than specific patterns has worked really well for me, as I’m the kind of person who likes to rebel against having to do things–even if they’re things I originally chose to do myself!

Anyone else doing this challenge? If so, how’s it going for you? And for those who aren’t, are you taking part in any other sewing challenges?

0 thoughts on “#2017MakeNine challenge: six month update”

  1. I’m not taking part in any challenges just yet but I am super impressed by what you have accomplished! Seriously it’s pretty amazing! I would say the biggest thing I want to do is sew up a pair of jeans so I’ll be interested to see how yours turn out. 🙂

    1. Thanks! I tend to thrive on a bit of external motivation 🙂

      I’m hoping to get to the jeans sometime in the autumn. Once I’ve got the cigarette pants properly fitted I’ll feel more confident about forging ahead with them… I hope!

  2. I decided on my 2017makenine patterns in January and here we are in July and I’ve strayed off the path after only getting two done. I just keep seeing other things that are more suitable right now and I make them up instead. Good for you coming so far with this Challenge. You have some lovely makes there!

    1. Thanks! The wiggle room I had by choosing categories has definitely let me make things that were suitable “right now”, as I reckon that’s the best way to sew!

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