In 2016 I blogged about 21 different makes. I actually made a lot more garments than that but haven’t gotten around to blogging about them yet. Overall I tried to keep my Top/Bottom 5 to the ones I blogged about, but there is one that I haven’t blogged about yet but added. I had high hopes for that one and am just totally disappointed. So, without further ado:
1. That’s Sew Amy – Lounge Pants These are #1 because I have literally worn them so much there is a hole in the butt! I would wear these every single day if I could. They are the most comfortable pair of pants that have ever existed! I really need to make another pair but haven’t because I just rather wear these particular ones. I actually drafted the pattern myself and am so proud of the perfect fit. I’m hoping to release this pattern one day, you know, when I learn how to do all of that.
2. Patterns For Pirates – Slim Fit Raglan I wear the basic black raglan at least once a week. I really like the Veronica Mars one too but sometimes feel like it kinda looks like a pajama top. I never wear the sweater version because it’s too small (guess I should have put it in the bottom 5). This pattern sews up very quickly and with the right fabric is a dream to wear.
3. 5 Out Of 4 Patterns – Riptide Shorties I wore these nonstop to the pool. In the post you’ll also see the string bikini I made and while I wear the top with the shorties all the time, I don’t wear the bottoms I made too often. I always grab the shorties. These swim bottoms are super flattering and cover just the right spots. They are even reversible! Highly recommend this pattern for swim bottoms or just booty shorts.
4. McCalls 6707 – Maze Shorts What’s funny about this one is that I made a top to go with these shorts but rarely wear the top with them. I always seemed to wear these shorts with just a black tank top all summer. This pattern is by Fashion Star and I’ve made it twice – both times I loved the garments and both times it was out of a stretch sateen. I’ll be making more for sure! Probably even the actual pants instead of hacking them into shorts.
5. Patterns For Pirates – Peg Legs Who doesn’t love a good pair of leggings?! As I get older I’m all about the comfort, I won’t lie… you’ll probably see me in moo-moos and sweat pants everyday (see #1). I feel like leggings are fashionable though, right? I love prints mostly and pair them with a nice basic top and you’re ready to go! Only downfall is that there aren’t any pockets. Guess I need to make a hack for that!
1. Patterns For Pirates – Sunshine Dress I know it looks good in the picture but I have never worn this. I’ve put it on a few times but then take it off. I think the biggest issues are that there isn’t much room for walking in the skirt part, I feel like I have to shuffle my feet and the fabric clings to the wrong places. I have plans for the fabric because I would adore it as a t-shirt, just not a dress. So I’m going to remake this into a P4P Sweet Tee. I really don’t know if I’ll retry this pattern or one of the other versions though.
2. Tilly and the Buttons – Marigold Jumpsuit I just got done complaining about this one last week, so I’m not going to go back into that. I think one day I will try to lower the neckline and see if I can salvage this. If not, I may just wear a blazer over the top. I don’t know yet, still kinda mad at this one.
3. Colette – Parfait Obviously one big reason I don’t wear this often is because it’s a dress I made for the 4th of July BUT I just am not 100% happy with the fit. I feel like maybe this just isn’t right for my body type, or shoulders, or something. I actually bought more fabric to make another but think I’ll pass. I don’t want to make something else I’ll never wear.
4. Mousehouse Creations – Julia Cardigan This one just doesn’t look flattering on me, so I never wear it. Maybe because it’s not black?! I feel like it makes me look like a turtle when I’m wearing it. I realize that probably makes zero sense since it’s not even green, but yeah, turtle-y.
5. Sewaholic – Nicola This one I haven’t blogged about. I had such high hopes for this one. I adore anything from Sewaholic (side note: where the hell have they gone?!?!? I know Tasia transferred the company but what are the new owners doing?! And why did she walk away?!!?) The pictures look super cute and I couldn’t pass it up since my son is named Nikolai (we were going to go with Nikola, like Nikola Tesla, but Nikola is more of a girls name now). Anyways, not flattering on me and I threw this one aside.
It’s interesting to go back and see what you really did wear and what you didn’t. It’s hard to say why something wasn’t picked. Usually it’s just the fit, or some weird hangup about the garment. I have a bad issue with sewing things that are pretty but in real life I won’t ever wear. I’m assuming that when I get a new job I may be wearing more dresses, and I love sewing dresses, but I rarely wear them. I do wear them for special occasions but often never know what shoes to wear. I can’t chase the toddler around in heels either. Oh the excuses!
In 2017 my goal is to focus more on making items I’ll wear every day and pull out of the closet all the time. I really need to evaluate what looks good on my body type and start there. I also want to work on fit. I get to caught up in hurrying and not enjoying the whole process.
Did you reflect on what you’ve made this year? Did you wear most of your garments? What are you plans for next year?
LOL@turtle, I’m definitely not seeing it! I hope you try it again in a solid because I think the shape looks really nice on you. I miss Sewaholic too. Here’s to some comfy, flattering makes for 2017!