#MakeNine2021

It’s 2021 and this is my fourth year of participating in the Make Nine challenge. See my previous years:
#MakeNine2018 (Result)
#MakeNine2019 (Result)
#MakeNine2020 (Result)

This year I will be focusing on quality fabrics and pattern drafting. I have had too many years where I have bought the cheapest fabric that I like. After using some Chanel Fabric in 2020 to create a Chanel style jacket, and costing me quite a lot, I can really appreciate quality over price. I want to make things that I love to wear and will last for years. And if it comes at a high cost I’m more likely to repair it than throw it away and start again.

Secondly, I want to try out some pattern drafting again. I did lessons a few years ago at Sue’s Sewing World (now called Jack n Jayde) using the CIAM method. And a friend gave me the SITAM AB tools and books. There is also Winifred Aldrich books that I have seen referred to quite often. Not sure which method I will use, so I’ll do a bit of research and see which one provides the most tutorials and resources.

My #MakeNine2021 is:

1. Seamwork – Audrey Denim Jacket (Reviews)

I have enjoyed making denim jeans in the last few years (I think it’s the topstitching). So I would like to make a denim jacket, not out of the same colour as my jeans, that isn’t my vibe, so maybe something in red or a print. I have also seen some made from linen which is really more suited to the weather I have in Adelaide, Australia. I’ve got a few ideas in my head, but either way I’ll be buying the best fabric I can to get a long lasting jacket.

2. Silk Fabric

This is a pretty generic item, but I want to make something out of silk this year. I’m thinking of a silk satin blouse, but I don’t want to commit to anything quite yet. I know it can be quite a hard fabric to work with, especially those that are thin and slippery, but it’s time to bite the bullet and give it a go.

3. Leather Cross Body Bag

I have made two leather bags – a small cross body bag and a tote bag. I use the tote bag quite a bit, but the small cross body I have never used as it’s just too small for me. So this year I want to create a large cross body bag that will replace my denim cross body bag that I use 95% of the time. The denim one is wearing out where I used quilting cotton for piping and the zips with a square finish continually get stuck. So it’s time for a hard wearing alternative.

4. Draft Pants Block

I want to draft my own pair of pants so that I don’t have to spend countless hours modifying commercial patterns that never seem to fit me. I do have a jeans and elastic waisted Tried-And-True patterns, but they aren’t quite right, so I’m looking for that great fitting pair of pants.

5. Alabama Chanin inpired TShirt

I did a sample of Alabama Chanin style of stitching in 2020, so now it’s time to actually make a garment showcasing this technique. I will first work on a great fitting tshirt, as I know the hand sewing can be quite time consuming and I want to make sure the finished product will fit well. I will rewatch the Natalie Chanin courses on Craftsy just to get the process right. Oh and to enjoy her soft, gentle voice.

6.  Cloth Habit – Watson Bra (Reviews)

The Watson Bra is again on my Make Nine. I need to replace some of my current bras and I’m resisting the temptation to buy replacement ones, just so I’ll remember to get on with this project. I know finding materials is going to be a bit of a challenge, so I can see some online shopping in my future.

7.  Stitch Upon a Time – Bunzies (Reviews)

Just like the Watson Bra the Bunzie undies have been on my list for a few years. But with plans to make some knit TShirts with the Alabama Chanin technique, I’m sure there will be some fabric scraps I can use to make some undies, or I can add to a knit fabric online order.

8. Itch to Stitch – Lisbon Cardigan (Reviews)

I love a cardigan with buttons, and I have never made one before. I liked the Blackwood Cardigan from Helen’s Closet Patterns, but I really prefer one with buttons. I have looked at quite a few reviews and I’m excited to try it out myself.

9. Draft Bodice Block

As well as a pants block, I want to tackle drafting a bodice block. I will then use this to create a basic shell top to test fit, and then …. who knows what I’ll do with it. Another one I’m excited about.

I’m so glad to have a list of sewing projects to focus on over the coming year. Where I’ll start I don’t know, but I’m going to try my best to get them all done this year!