My #2017MakeNine challenge: the results

#2017MakeNine results

So, it’s New Year’s Eve and a traditional time to take stock of what’s gone on in the past year. Okay, here in the UK it’s also a traditional time to get drunk and stay up till the small hours, partying, but there’s not going to be any of that for me this year, that’s for sure! I expect to be in bed by 11 ๐Ÿ™‚

I posted my initial #2017MakeNine challenge back in January, choosing categories of garment rather than specific patterns as I wanted to find as many TNT patterns as I could to flesh out my me-made wardrobe and liked the flexibility of setting it up that way. Here’s all my finished makes for the different categories (click on the pics to be taken to the original posts):

Dungaree dress –

Tilly and the Buttons Cleo corduroy mini pinafore dress

The Tilly and the Buttons Cleo was really my only pattern contender here, and I’ve made it three times this year. I love a dungaree dress! I’m keen to try some more hacks on this one in the future, to use the pattern as a base for all kinds of alterations.

Knit dress –

Anyone following this blog for any length of time will know by now my love of a good, comfy knit dress. Basically, I live in them for most of the year, so it comes as no surprise to me to count up six makes in this category (Colette’s Moneta, Seamwork’sย Neenah, Colette’s Wren, Sew Over It’s Heather, a hack of the Gertie Sews Vintage Casual Knit Sweetheart Top, and Tilly and the Buttons’ Maternity Agnes). They all have their good points, but the one I can see myself making the most in the immediate future is the Maternity Agnes, for obvious reasons!

Sundress –

I only ended up making one woven sundress in 2017 – the Colette Crepe – and sadly I don’t think this one is destined to be a TNT. It’s a good excuse to try more patterns out next year, though!

Shirt –

While I had the aim of building my confidence and skills with the ultimate goal of making a classic button-up shirt, I didn’t quite get there but I’m definitely well on the way. First up I made the Colette Aster blouse which really didn’t fit right, sadly, but I was thrilled with Gertie’s Butterick B6217 and will definitely make many more of these in the future. I also liked the cropped tie-front blouse (Gertie’s Butterick B5895) although it will need a few alterations next time to make it more wearable.

Cardigan –

I made four cardigans in 2017, which isn’t anywhere near enough, really, considering how often I wear them (every single day, generally!). I’m remedying that with my next make, however ๐Ÿ™‚

I wasn’t all that excited by my finished green Seamwork Wembley cardigan, but I loved the Jalie Drop Pocket Cardigan so much I made it twice! I’m also very fond of my self-drafted summery leopard print kimono, and I’m looking forward to getting that one out again next year when the weather warms up. You can be sure I’ll make more of these patterns, but will also keep experimenting with cardigan patterns. I’m trying out a new one in January, so watch this space!

Fancy top –

I never did quite get around to making my original goal of a spangly going-out top, but I made these two cute tops (Seamwork’s Aurora and Simplicity 8342) which could definitely both be used as a base pattern to work with. I had issues with the construction of the Seamwork top neckline so am most keen to work on the Simplicity one and nail that fit perfectly, then make it in a variety of fabrics.

Trousers –

Although I never got to make my original pattern idea (the Ginger Jeans) I’m really proud of all the work I put into fitting the Pedal Pushers and Flared Shorts from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. I’m not quite there with the fit I was after, but you can bet I’ll be working on this pattern again in the future! Er, once I lose the baby fat, that is ๐Ÿ™‚

Skirt –

Amazingly I only made three skirts this year (the maternity Erin isn’t pictured as today is the first day I’ve worn it), and two of them were the ultra-simple Knit Pencil Skirt from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. I need to find more good skirt patterns for the future! Wovens especially…

Undies –

I ended up changing this category to swimwear halfway through the year, and since then have made the Seamwork Dakota/Reno combo, and the soon-to-be-released Maternity Laminaria from Seamstress Erin. I loved making both of these so I’ll definitely be making more swimwear in the future and trying out new patterns too ๐Ÿ™‚

I’ll be posting my #2018MakeNine Challenge ideas tomorrow. Anyone else thinking of giving this challenge a go? xxx

4 thoughts on “My #2017MakeNine challenge: the results”

  1. It’s interesting how everyone has made the make nine work for them – I found it really helped me feel more organised about what I wanted to achieve this year.

    Louise

    1. Yes, Iโ€™ve found that too. I think these more open challenges are the way for me to go. Anything else is too much pressure and takes the joy out of sewing, which is a real shame.

    1. Thank you! Iโ€™ve really enjoyed having a productive year and actually wearing my me-mades regularly ๐Ÿ™‚

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