The plans I made in February 2020 for my #MakeNine2020 changed a lot as the year progressed. I went from not wanting to do any sewing, to making a time consuming patchwork quilt for my son. But one of the biggest effects was that one of my Make Nine makes took many, many hours that it didn’t leave time (or energy) for anything else.
My #MakeNine2020 is:
1. Alabama Chanin inpired TShirt (NOT MADE)
I didn’t make a TShirt but I did do a little sample during an Australian Sewing Guild Inspiration Day in December. Louise Sparrow demonstrated the Alabama Chanin technique and I followed along with her instructions to make a sample. A stencil was provided and I used a Sharpie texta to mark it on pink knit fabric. This was backed on to blue knit fabric and hand sewn within the outline in silver thread. The pink fabric was then cutaway to reveal the blue fabric. It didn’t take too long to sew and cut and I’m really inspired to first get a well fitted TShirt pattern and using this technique for just a small part of it. I’d love to do the whole front bodice but I think I’ll start small.
2. Closet Case – Kelly Anorak (NOT MADE)
I had good intentions on making a waterproof version of the Kelly Anorak but as I knew it would be hard to find supplies at a local fabric store, let alone get any delivered, I didn’t even give it a second thought. And to be honest, I didn’t really miss it. I could count the number of times I needed a waterproof jacket on one hand.
3. Cloth Habit – Watson Bra (NOT MADE)
The Watson Bra was on my #MakeNine2019 list and I still didn’t get around to it. Once again due to limitations in deliveries I knew it would be hard to source materials.
4. Susan Khalje – Classic French Jacket – (REPLACED PATTERN Vogue 8804)
This was my biggest project of the year, spanning February to January (including lots of breaks). I did try using Vogue 8804 but I just couldn’t get a good fit, so fortunately a fellow Australian Sewing Guild member gave me a copy of the Susan Khalje Classic French Jacket pattern.
The reason for making the jacket was due to The Australian Sewing Guild hosting a Couture Cardigan Jacket sew-along. It was run over 12 weeks, but I definitely didn’t keep up to their timescale. I just took my time finding fabric and trims, getting a good fitting toile and actually sewing it.
The downside of the Susan Khalje pattern is it doesn’t comes with any sewing instructions, just the pattern pieces. So I used the instructions from Vogue 8804, sew-along resources and help from sewing friends to work out how it went together.
It was definitely a lot of work, but well worth it.
5. Seamwork – Audrey Denim Jacket (NOT MADE)
I didn’t sew a denim jacket, but I am inspired to make it as I’ve seen versions in linen, as well as some Liberty print stretch denim that would look great. I’ll definitely have this high on my list for 2021.
6. Seamwork – Prudence Dress (NOT MADE)
I was going to make this for a Gala Dinner for the Australian Sewing Guild Convention that was going to be held in Adelaide (and where I was going to be a tutor). But like a lot of things in 2020 it was cancelled. There are no plans for formal events in my future, so it won’t be coming back onto my 2021 Make Nine.
7. Stitch Upon a Time – Bunzies (NOT MADE)
No Bunzie undies for me this year. I didn’t get around to finding some good knit fabric to use. However, with plans on making an Alabama Chanin TShirt in 2021 I will get just a little extra to make these up.
8. New Look 6374 – Tunic (MADE)
I made this in a printed rayon with white cranes on a navy background purchased from Spotlight. I used some winston satin piping for the yoke seams that was in my stash. I love the print and have worn it quite a few times and received many compliments. Next time I’ll add some length to the yoke to allow for my rounded back as it does keep slipping to the back.
9. Leather Tote Bag (MADE)
I did a 2 day Leather Tote Bag workshop with Yvonne Twining in October and I was so happy with how my bag turned out. I have used it a number of times and when I tell people I made it they are so impressed.
This was my second workshop with Yvonne Twining and she is such a knowledgeable and patient teacher. Being spread over two days it didn’t seem like we needed to rush, so it was a pleasant experience to spend time with fellow sewers.
I made it all on my Janome Memory Craft 3500 except for the final line of stitching to join the outer bag to the inner bag. My previous workshop proved that my machine couldn’t cope with that thickness of material so I was fortunate to be able to use a Juki machine that was made available at the workshop at Melann’s Fabric & Sewing Centre.
Even though I didn’t achieve many of my projects for the Make Nine Challenge in 2020 I will be signing up to do it again in 2021 as it is such a great motivator. Watch out for my next post for details.
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