2020 Year in Review: Make 9 / Use 9 Updates
Well folks, it seemed like 2020 would never end, and it’s hard to believe that it finally has! I can’t say I’m sad see it go, but I’m humbled and filled with gratitude to still be here at the end of this traumatic year, and I’m excited to make a new start. I decided to take a moment to reflect on the sewing goals I set this year and share with you lovely readers some of the makes I’m most proud of. It goes without saying that not everything went exactly as planned, but honestly, what about 2020 did, am I right?!
My main sewing goals revolved around two big Instagram challenges:
The Make Nine Challenge hosted by Rochelle of Homerowfiberco
and
The Use Nine Challenge hosted by Glass House Patterns
Be sure to check out the hashtags #makenine2020 and #usenine2020 on instagram if you’re unfamiliar with these challenges. There’s a lot of great inspo to be found! But basically the Make Nine Challenge is about choosing 9 sewing projects to challenge you throughout the year and the Use Nine Challenge is about sustainability and using up fabrics in your stash rather than going out (or online) to buy new fabrics.
I’m happy I managed to complete 4 of my #usenine and 4 of my #makenine projects. Some of the projects that I didn’t complete, like the joggers, I definitely still need and want to complete in 2021. Others aren’t as high on my priority list because times have changed (I’m currently working from home) and I’d rather make things I’ll get actually get some use out of (sorry blazer, your time is not now, maybe I’ll revisit you in 2022 lol).
Anyway, without further ado, these were my Make Nine Goals:
First up, project #1 was a blazer. I didn’t get it done, and like I said, I won’t be adding it to 2021’s list (and to be completely honest, I’m not even entirely sure I’ll be participating in Make Nine in 2021 as I’m trying a different approach to goal setting), but if the mood strikes me, who knows, I might whip it up lol.
Project #2 was a formal dress and looking back, this project is the perfect example of how 2020 did NOT go according to plan in SO. MANY. WAYS! I sewed this dress for a friend to wear to another friend’s wedding. I had already made the bride’s dress for her engagement photos, which she looked absolutely stunning in, and I also planned to make her reception dress. Well, not only did that reception dress NOT happen (I had to take a break from sewing due to excessive back and neck pain), but the wedding had to be cancelled due to the pandemic! Oh and the friend I made this gold dress for moved out of state, so I wasn’t able to do a final fitting lol. The dress looks great on her, but needs to be taken in a bit. It’s such a shame not to have an occasion to wear such a beautiful sparkly gown, but 2020 didn't care about anybody’s plans. Thankfully, my friend was able to have a beautifully intimate, family-only, backyard wedding and I was able to attend her drive by wedding shower.
Anyway, on to the deets about the dress…
The pattern I used was McCall’s 7683 and the fabric was a Gold Pique Knit from Mood Fabrics.
Project #3 was Joggers. I didn’t complete them but I spent most of the year wearing them lol, but I definitely plan to make a pair (or ten) in 2021. I have 2 patterns I really want to try, both of which I won in Instagram contests! The Nellie Joggers, which is a woven jogger pattern by Pattern Scout, and the joggers from the Lisa Loungewear Set by Style Sew Me Patterns. I plan to try the Nellie Joggers first. Since they’re woven, I’ll probably need to sew up a muslin to check the fit. And then I’m hoping to sew up the Lisa joggers in February, just in time for the Black History Month pattern designers challenge!
Project #4 was a bomber jacket, I got as far as cutting the pattern out and choosing the fabric. More to come in 2021 on this project :)
Project #5 was a cami. Camis are such great layering pieces and I knew I wanted a cropped one, so I used Mimi G’s Simplicity Pattern #S9114 and I had just enough crepe fabric leftover from my #usenine to whip this baby up! I like how it turned out, minus the dart placement, so I might take the time to do a full bust adjustment next time.
Project #6 was a self-drafted pattern. Draping counts as self-drafting, correct? If so, I completed two projects that tick this box! The first is a close fitting dress using the red flannel from my #usenine. I’m in looooooove with it! I don’t have a ton of places to wear it at the moment, but I love knowing that I have a dress that’s custom fit to my body, that I can remake any time I want. I can make just the skirt or just the top (and maybe add a peplum) for variety as well!
The bodice has princess seams that start at the shoulder and the skirt has darts (1 in front, 2 in back).
I don’t think I’ve ever had a garment that fit this well in the back! And even though my invisible zipper isn’t exactly invisible, I’m so proud of this one!!!
And it’s the year of the pandemic, so of course I made a matching mask.
The second thing I draped was a flowy blouse with a yoke using a donut print (scroll down for photo). I love the look of it, but I have a few improvements to make before I make it again in another fabric. It was a little tight in the armholes and I’d like to remove some length from the back hem.
Both of these self-draped projects were made possible by a project that wasn’t included in my Make Nine, but that was probably my favorite project of 2020: my me-made dress form! I wrote a whole blog post about it so click here if you missed it!
Project #7 was a coat. I didn’t complete this project and I still need a coat, but I spent much of 2020 debating which pattern to use. I just couldn’t decide! I’d like one that has cup sizes included and preferably princess seams. I’ll keep my eyes open for the perfect pattern in 2021 :)
Project #8 was a men’s jacket. I used Mimi G’s Simplicity Pattern #S8845 and the fabric was a linen blend that I believe was from JoAnn’s, but it’s been in my stash for so long that I honestly don’t remember.
I’m a bit of an impatient sewist; I like my projects to come together quickly. This jacket is NOT that lol. It tested my patience and challenged me in new ways. Norris’ YouTube sew-along was incredibly helpful and I managed not to screw up the welt pockets. That’s a win! My husband loves it, but would like some length added next time because the length makes it a bit awkward for him to put his hands in his pockets.
I think I did a good job on the sleeve plackets as well, but my husband prefers to have his sleeves rolled up.
And finally, Project #9 was to use a vintage pattern. I didn’t get around to this one, but I’d like to try again in 2021. My favorite Christmas movie this year, hands down, was Jingle Jangle (check it out on Netflix if you haven’t already seen it) and I was so inspired by the costumes!!! I don’t know if I’ll recreate one of the looks or not, but I would definitely like to make a vintage (or at least vintage inspired) look in 2021.
Moving on to my #usenine projects! Here’s a snapshot of the nine fabrics I wanted to try and use in 2020. Truth be told my fabric stash is a bit out of control, so I’ll be trying to use more than 9 fabrics in 2021 lol.
Fabric #1 was a white linen blend. I didn’t get around to using it, but I think it would make a great cami or light jacket.
Fabrics #2 and #3 are both crepes. I used them to make Vogue 9109 which I believe is out of print now, but it’s a great pattern! It comes with cup sizes up to D and I love the shaping of the armholes. Rosy Peña has a sew-along on her Youtube channel.
I used a hook and eye closure in the back and bias tape to finish the neckline and armholes.
For the black and white version, I added the peter pan collar.
Fabric #4 was the red flannel I used to make my self draped pattern (see above)
Fabric #5 is a denim that I plan to use to make a high waisted skirt, but didn’t get around to it.
Fabric #6 is a maroon colored linen. I have no idea what I’ll use this fabric for, but I’m in LOVE with the color.
Fabric #7 is a tan sweater knit which I paired with some creme colored fabric in my stash to create this hoodie for my husband. I finished it on Christmas Day and he even helped with a couple of the steps! I’ve been teaching him some mini sewing lessons :) The pattern is the Kanye Hoodie. Norris has a sew-along on Youtube for this one as well.
I’m wearing my bonus self-draped top. It’s a little tight in the armholes and I didn’t bother to pattern match, but not bad for a first go at a self-drafted blouse!
Fabric #8 was a gold brocade. To be honest, I’m still a little intimidated by this fabric. I purchased it secondhand for next to nothing, so I don’t know what my problem is, but I still don’t have a plan for it, so this one gets to stay in my stash a while longer.
Fabric #9 is a lightweight gauze fabric in an olive green color way. I actually plan to use this for the next version of my draped blouse. It’s one of the first projects I hope to complete in 2021 :)
Other projects I was inspired to complete in 2020:
While I could be disappointed in myself for not completing all of my Make Nine and Use Nine projects, I’ll choose to appreciate all the other projects I was able to complete this year. While sticking to a plan is admirable, as a creative, I sometimes feel stifled if I’m locked into projects that no longer inspire me. I sewed a lot of things this year and I don’t have the time nor the energy to post every single one, so instead, here are a few of the projects that brought me the most joy this year:
Baby vests and jacket. These were all made using Simplicity 8759. It’s actually 2 vests and a jacket. (I made the vest with the blue trim reversible). I don’t do a ton of gift sewing, but I’ll sometimes make an exception for babies because they’re so stinking cute! These were all gifted to babies in my family and were all made with the same navy corduroy.
My first bralette!
Pattern: Scarlett Racerback Bra from Ohhh Lulu.
My first underwire bra and lingerie set!
Pattern: Ohhh Lulu Cindy
And last but certainly not least, I made some home decor!! This is the Closet Core Pouf!! It’s is a free pattern and I had so much fun playing with the layout and rearranging the triangles until I liked the design. I had to interface ALL THE PIECES and it was tedious AF, but the sewing was easy peasy and it was fun making my own piping to go around the top and bottom.
I use my pouf as a yoga/meditation cushion and as a place to store fabric scraps. It’s not even close to full yet, and I thought I had a lot of scraps!
All in all, I’m pleased with everything I was able to accomplish in 2020 (at least as far as the sewing goes lol).
But just to keep it 100, I used my seam ripper a LOT in 2020 and I had a lot of sewing fails. I fancied myself an intermediate sewist for a hot minute but was made to feel like a beginner over and over again lol. I started several projects I never finished and the closet in my sewing room is filled with UFOs. But at the end of the day, I’m still creating, so I’ll call that a win.
If you’ve made it this far, let me just say THANK YOU!! I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! I hope 2021 is a great year for you, and I hope you found something to inspire your next project. And as always, stay creative!