I’m a little late on reporting my Make Nine for 2019 now that it’s nearly the middle of February 2020, but here goes….
In 2019 I made up 4 of the 9 selected patterns, and changed one jeans pattern for another. Here’s my result:
1. Sinclair Patterns – Jemma Tunic (MADE)
I made the Jemma Tunic in a blue and white striped knit that I had in my stash for a few years. On the back there is a separate yoke and I spent quite a bit of time getting the stripes lined up. In the end I hand tacked the pieces together using a slip stitch to get them lined up, then I used that line of stitching as a guide while sewing on the machine. They are not completely perfect, but from a distance no one noticed unless I actually pointed it out. I had a few comments from fellow sewers that I could have changed the direction of the stripes so it wouldn’t need matching, but I prefer how this looks.
I also lucked out with the stripes matching on the cowl to the front of the top, which was totally unplanned for.
I always knew I’d use red buttons as a feature. These were just some cheap ones from Big W, and they are a bit on the orange side and a bit flimsy, but at least they are just a bit of decoration.
I have worn this top many, many times and I love it. I have worn it just on it’s own or with a long sleeved top underneath for extra warmth. I have a red crew necked TShirt that peeks out just a little at the base of my neck, which I love the look of. I plan on making more of these.
2. Helen’s Closet – Blackwood Cardigan (MADE)
I had heard so much about the Blackwood Cardigan that I was really excited to sew this up. I struggled to find some fabric, but eventually settled on a diagonal stripe fabric from The Fabric Store. I was then able to find some navy ribbing that matched perfectly in my fabric stash.
It was a quick and easy sew, and I loved the use of Wonder Tape (double sided tape) on the pockets to keep them in place before sewing rather than pins. So much so that I now use it in other areas of my sewing, such as zips, as it keeps everything nice a flat, and disappears after it’s first wash.
I made the longer length cardigan, as I thought it would be good to keep my butt warm, but I really don’t know if I like the length. Or more to the point is it the fabric. There is just something about it that doesn’t feel right. – is it a Grandpa’s Dressing Gown? or something else. Consequently I haven’t worn it much. I will definitely try it again in a fabric I’m more in love with.
3. Megan Nielsen – Dawn Jeans (REPLACED PATTERN)
In 2019 I wanted to create a straight leg jeans, after making skinny jeans previously. But in the end I decided to make the Seamwork – Tessa Jeans instead. This was 2-fold. First Dawn jeans only go up to size 20, whereas the Tessa goes to a 26. I sit around size 20 or 22 so wanted the extra sizing if needed. Secondly Seamwork were offering a $1 for a month trial giving you access to 2 free patterns. So for 50 cents I had a new pattern (along with the Jasmine top I’m yet to make up – just waiting for them to expand their sizing range which is currently 0 – 18, or being brave enough to scale it up).
I finished these in November, the very end of spring, so I’ve only worn them once. They are a very heavy denim from Spotlight, so I need to wait a little bit for the temperature to drop to get real use from them. But I must say I really do enjoy making jeans, all that contrasting topstitching just looks spectacular.
4. Life Sew Savory – Boys T-Shirt (NOT MADE)
Didn’t make any boys t-shirt’s this year. My son is an avid Minecraft fan and wants all his clothes to have Minecraft on it, so without access to Minecraft fabric this one got skipped.
5. Kwik Sew 3422 – Men’s Shirt (MADE X3)
I made up this shirt three times in 2019. All of them for my husband. He has lost a bit of weight over the last few years so was in need of some shirts that fit him better.
All of them used flat felled seams, which I love the look of, but can be quite fiddly to sew. I tried to source a felling foot for my Janome sewing machine but they don’t make one, so I did it the long way with sewing the seam, trimming one side then folding over upper side.
I had real trouble with the first one, a cream and brown stripe fabric (that generously had been given to me by a fellow Australian Sewing Guild member), but it must have had some polyester in it as it was so springy it just could not hold a pressed edge before topstitching the felled seam. This springness is great in the long term as the shirt doesn’t need ironing after washing, but it was definitely a challenge.
I learnt quiet a few different techniques in Janet Pray’s BluPrint Course – Sew Better, Sew Faster: Shirtmaking. I particularly liked the use of the burrito method, not just for the yoke, but for the collar stand and cuffs. It meant the final stitching was all done from the right side, making for a better finish.
I can’t wait to make more shirts for my husband. Only restriction is finding quality men’s shirting in Adelaide, Australia.
6. Grainline Studio – Archer Shirt (NOT MADE)
This wasn’t made and the only issue was that it only goes up to a size 18, and I really need a 20 or 22. I did buy another pattern instead – McCalls 7575 – and that was made up in January 2020, so can’t really include it in my #MakeNine2019, and I won’t cheat and add it to my #MakeNine2020.
7. Closet Case – Kelly Anorak (MADE)
Yay! I made the Kelly Anorak, and I love it. This was my favourite make from 2019.
I choose some great Navy Herringbone from The Fabric Store, as well as some Liberty Tana Lawn for the lining. Sourcing the press studs was a bit of a chore, and they still don’t feel secure (who knew you needed a particular tool for that size).
I wore this quite a bit during the 2019 Winter, and even through a few sprinkles of rain. Can’t wait for Winter to roll around again.
8. Cloth Habit – Watson Bra (NOT MADE)
I didn’t get around to making up the Watson Bra. I looked a few times for supplies but it all seemed a bit hard. I will try again in 2020.
9. Stitch Upon a Time – Bunzies (NOT MADE)
I only got as far as buying the pattern and having it printed at Officeworks. I think I’ll try again in 2020. I’ve heard quite a few times lately that people are using their knit scraps for undies so I’ll have to look at my stash and see if I can get inspired.
I’ll be participating again in the Make Nine Challenge in 2020, with a few of the items that I didn’t do in 2019.
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