My Make Nine plans: 2019 results and ideas for 2020

It must be the time of year for MakeNine plans! Oh wait, I’m a bit late? Not as late as last year, when I shared my plans in… [runs off to check] yeah, April. That was late!

Anyway, this is how I did in the end with my 2019 goals:

MakeNine 2019 results

Four out of nine. Never mind. I’m really pleased with the four things I did sew. I still want to make all the remaining things from the 2019 grid, but only two of them have been copied over to this year. I will try to make the others anyway, if I get a chance.

Here are the links to the projects I made: Black linen Shirtdress, Green Burda Jacket, Jalie Eleonore “jeans”, Zebra swimsuit.

And here’s the grid for this year’s plans:

MakeNine 2020 plans

L-R, top to bottom as follows:

Heather Dress by Sew Over It

I’ve got some gorgeous grey and black zebra patterned ponte that would be just perfect for the centre panel of this dress. I’ve always loved the version shown above so I’ll be going for a polically inspired look by using black Ponty for the side panels and sleeves. I think this will be a long sleeve winter dress, as I don’t feel like I have enough of these at the moment. I basically live in knit dresses, thick tights and cardies in the winter.

Lily Dress by Colette Patterns

Yes, I think 2020 might be the year I finally make Lily! The main reason I didn’t get around to it last summer was that I knew I still had baby weight that would be falling off me, so I didn’t think spending all that time to make a woven, fitted dress would necessarily be a good use of my limited sewing time. The other reason I didn’t yet make this dress was wibbles about my fabric choice. I think the drapey Tencel hemp blend I bought for it does not have enough structure. It would be better suited to a crisp cotton fabric. All is not lost though, as (provided there’s enough yardage) I reckon the hemp/Tencel would make an excellent sleeveless shirtdress.

Stella Hoodie Dress from Stretch by Tilly Walnes

I need more loungewear, pronto! Honestly, I wear loungewear every evening and weekend mornings, so the current state of my loungewear wardrobe is pretty inadequate. I have one knit maxi skirt I made years ago that’s starting to come apart at the seams, and a couple of ratty t-shirts. I think the Stella Hoodie dress with long sleeves and the pocket would be awesome to snuggle up in. I already have some sweatshirting ready to go! I’m also planning on making the Monsal joggers from Wendy Ward’s book, and a couple of t-shirts too. But I’m looking forward to the Stella dress the most 🙂

Jenny Overalls by Closet Case Patterns

I’ve been umming and ahhing over this one since it was released. I do love the look–especially all the classic details and topstitching–but it’s way more wide-legged than I’m used to. I definitely want some dungarees in my wardrobe, though, so even if I end up going with a different pattern, hopefully it will happen in 2020.

Lander Pants by True Bias

Honestly, I’ve loved pretty much every version I’ve seen of these trousers. There’s something about those pockets that fills me with joy. I could really do with a proper pair of trousers in my wardrobe, preferably in corduroy. Whether I go with this pattern or find something more narrow-legged is debatable. The Jalie Eleonore pattern in a stretch fabric that isn’t denim also appeals.

Oslo Cardigan by Seamwork

I’ve had the Oslo Cardigan pattern printed out for years now (I bought it when Seamwork first came out!) but could never find the right thick sweater knit for it. Then, when I finally did find some I forgot all about the pattern! I’m planning to make it in some gorgeous red and black houndstooth wool, but before that I’ll give it a trial run in some plum acrylic knit I originally bought to make something for my sister. This should be really quick as I printed it large format, so I can just cut the pattern out and it’s ready to go!

Harriet Bra by Cloth Habit

I really want to make an underwired bra this year, and the Harriet looks close to the sort of styles I like in RTW. The price of the PDF pattern makes me wince, but I suppose if I like it it will get loads of use and definitely be worth it in the long run. I’d also be able to make matching undies, which would be great. I love having beautiful lingerie!

Shirt B5526 by Butterick

I’ve been meaning to make this shirt for years, and last year I saw a woman wearing a zebra print shirt that stopped me in my tracks. I need one in my wardrobe! I’ve only made one proper shirt so far (unblogged) but learned a lot in the process and am looking forward to the challenge. Not entirely sure which pattern view I’ll go with as there’s so much choice. Possibly D with the full length sleeves from B. I have the pattern. Just need to find the perfect fabric…

Raincoat 6517 by McCalls

Yes, this is back on the grid again. You will never not need a raincoat in the South West of England. This make is well overdue. I’m picturing something in purple or green, with a cute striped lining. Or maybe zebra print again… Is there such a thing as too much zebra print? Hopefully I can find this out of print pattern and all the supplies and get my act together this year. I know it’s something that would get a huge amount of wear.

***

So, those are the plans. I’m holding them pretty loosely in terms of pattern choice, but I would definitely like items in all these categories added to my wardrobe this year, as I feel there’s need for them.

There are other things I plan on sewing too, like more knit tops and a skirt or two. And I expect I’ll make a few things for the kids and maybe a scrapbusting project like that Closet Case Pouffe that everyone’s gone mad over.

I did say there’d be wardrobe and Kibbe style musings with this post but I’ve realised I’ve enough to say there for a whole post on its own. Watch this space!

Check out some of my previous MakeNine plans here: 2018, 2018 results, 2017, 2017 results, 2016

Coming on Tuesday:

French Terry Ottobre Design Boys Sweatshirt with pocketIt’s another kids’ make. This time for Gabriel. His absolute favourite sweatshirt complete with pocket for treasures!

What do you reckon? I'd love to hear from you!

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