Happy New Year, everyone! And as it’s a new year, it must be time for my #2018MakeNine challenge post. Last year I went for categories of capsule wardrobe building patterns as I wanted a range of TNT patterns for staple garments. This year I’m taking a slightly different approach.
I’ve included a few patterns above that are things I know I’ll be needing this next year, as well as a few to stretch my sewing skills. And most fall into both categories! This list is potentially a little overambitious (3 coats?!) and expensive as far as fabrics/supplies go, but I’d like to sink my teeth into a few more involved projects and I’m really excited about taking my time planning and making all of these. It doesn’t matter if they don’t all get made in 2018, but I’d like to at least get the ball rolling with sourcing patterns and supplies, and researching the new techniques I’ll need to use.
One thing I do know: I won’t be able to get going on most of these until after the baby arrives, as there are too many fitting issues–and I’ve tried to mainly stick to things with a relatively forgiving fit anyway as I know it will take a while to get my figure back to where it was pre-pregnancy. The only things here I could start going on in the next few months are the bag, the dressing gown and possibly the knitting. But that just gives me lots of planning time for the others, so it’s a good thing, right?! #glassalwayshalffull
A button-up shirt
I still want to make Butterick B5526 after seeing so many gorgeous versions online, such as Lladybirds and more recently, this stunner from Sew Becky Jo. It’s in the longer term sewing pile now, but I can see it being a useful top to have while breastfeeding. I plan to go for view D with the princess seams, but they’re all cute (except the ruffles. I don’t get on with ruffles)
Cute nursing tops/dresses
This is a broad category that will involve me hacking patterns to create tops and dresses with discreet breastfeeding access. There are very few nursing patterns out there, and they all seem to be made in jersey. Not a bad thing, but I’d like some lighter summer clothing I can breastfeed in. The Rita Blouse from Gertie’s new Charm Patterns line looks like it could work well with the stretchy elastic neckline, and I’m also contemplating some sneaky invisible zips in sundress princess seams as an option. This category could end up stretching my pattern drafting skills, but I’m good with that 🙂
A knitted top or cardigan
This is a bit of a departure from the sewing, but after finally knitting some socks in fingering weight I’d like to try a more complex pattern for a top in this finer weight yarn. I know it will take me ages, but I figure it would be worth it to end up with a really cute rockabilly style top or cardigan with negative ease. I love the Tongue Tied pattern by Amy Appel (in fact, I love all her patterns!) but I’m also pondering one of Andi Satterlund’s many gorgeous designs. Whatever I make, I want it to stretch my knitting skills and to end up with something I will wear regularly.
A biker jacket
I want another semi-casual jacket to go with jeans as all I have at the moment are a hoodie and a denim jacket–and I’m not into the whole Canadian Tuxedo look! I’ve just found Butterick B6169 which looks ideal, but I’m also thinking about the Grainline Morris Blazer.
A winter coat
I’m going to take my time deciding on a winter coat pattern, but one contender is already in my stash: Vogue V8841 which looks amazing in view B with the detachable fur collar. I also have a Craftsy class (affiliate link) for sewing this one up which makes it even more appealing, and it looks like a good contender for adding some welt pockets and bound buttonholes, which are two new skills I’d love to master. However, I might look for a pattern for a tailored fake fur coat as I’d really love one for more dressy nights out.
AÂ raincoat
I got rid of my only proper raincoat last year as I’d grown to hate it (powder blue–what was I thinking?!) and have been making do with my leather trench coat and a brolly. However, with a pram to push around again I’ll be needing another raincoat with a hood (ever tried holding a brolly and pushing a pram at the same time? It”s not easy!)
At the moment I haven’t decided whether I want to go ultra-practical with something like the Kelly Anorak, or find a more tailored mac I could make up in a bright laminated fabric. This is going to take some major research!
A nursing bra
I have Jalie 3131 already in my stash so it makes sense to make this one up. I did try making a nursing bra a couple of years ago but it was too much of a challenge to adapt a pattern that much when making my very first bra, and I ended up shelving it. This should make life easier, and I could make up some matching knickers too which is always a bonus. I’ve wanted to make a bra for so many years now. Could 2018 finally be the year?!
A lightweight dressing gown
I know I’m going to get a lot of use out of lightweight dressing gown this summer, what with having a newborn to contend with. The Suki Kimono looks ideal, but I haven’t done much searching yet so I’m not settled on that one. Finding beautiful, flowy fabric will be key!
A bag
I’m not sure exactly what kind of bag I want to make just yet, but I’d love to have a go with proper bag hardware and leather to make something really practical I could use everyday–especially as my current leather bag is shredding lining at an alarming rate. I do have a bag designing and making Craftsy Class (affiliate link) lined up, but I can see this one needing some careful budgeting what with the new leatherworking tools required.
Optional extras:
I’m sure I’ll be making plenty of comfy knit loungewear this coming year as it’s what I’ll need with a new baby around. However, if I have time I also want to make the following: a shirt for Andy, a shirtdress for me, pyjamas for Gabriel, a swimsuit for me, and Ginger jeans for me (assuming I can get back to my pre-pregnancy size before the end of the year!). And possibly some Lander Pants too as they look so good on everyone else and I loves me a wide-legged trouser, but don’t have any in my current wardrobe.
Anyone else made a #2018MakeNine list yet? Do share if you have!
Oh, and Happy New Year again!
Anna xx
Great choices! I love your ambition, and excitement at tackling many new skills. i am planning on taking a shot at the coat pattern that appeared in December’s Seamwork. I have made jackets before, but this will be my first actual coat. Happy New Year!
Thank you—and Happy New Year! Hope the coat goes well. If you start before me, you’ll have to share any helpful tutorials you find 🙂
I’ve been eye-balling that Craftsy coat class too, and also hesitate because the pattern is meh. I look forward to seeing how you go with that one!
Yeah, it’s such a plain pattern but I like the overall shape of it. I remember from the little I watched of the class that it covers various alterations to the base pattern, such as adding princess seams with inseam pockets, cuff latches on the sleeves, altering the collar shape and that fly front to cover the buttons. It also shows a half lining with Hong Kong seam finishes to the rest of the coat. I figure it shouldn’t be too difficult to try adding bound buttonholes instead of the fly front, and perhaps a welt pocket or two somewhere. I’d probably do a full lining as well, but who knows… Lots of decisions to make!