I know. It’s February, what’s going on with setting up a make nine at this point?
I didn’t feel like setting any goals or targets for the year in January. There’s been all sorts going on that have made it hard to find positivity or to plan longer term. But I feel brighter now; is it the turn in the weather, the longer day light hours, the return of the Sewing Bee? Who knows.
Anyway, I found my make nine challenge last year to be really useful. It was great to turn to when I was between projects, undecided about what to make next but in the mood to sew. And it encouraged me to use some of the fabric and patterns I already had.
So I decided to pull together a Make Nine for this year. Again, I have paired patterns I already know with the fabrics I intend to make them out of so there is no further thought required!
The eagle eyed among you may notice that some of these items may already have appeared on my Instagram feed, but bear with me; blogging is fitting in when there’s time these days. I’ll get there!
So, the patterns I’ve chosen are as follows.
Making my own activewear has been on my to do list for a long time now, so this is going to be the year I tackle that one! I have some activewear lycra from My Fabrics.com in an incredibly subtle sparkly white to combine with some plain black and have been having fun locating suppliers for bra straps etc.
Republique du Chiffon Yvonne playsuit
I couldn’t resist this pattern. Technically, I’m probably pushing the mutton dressed as lamb look but I don’t much care. We’re off to Florida this summer and, in a lightweight rayon like this flamingo print that’s been in my stash for a couple of years, I’m hoping that it will be cute and help keep the sun off my shoulders for a while. I have to admit that the note on the hard copy pattern instructing me as to what seam allowance to add to which bits does not have me leaping to make it, but I’m going to beat it!
Yep, already finished this one and blogged it. And I’m pretty proud of it. Check out my post here for all the details.
I’m continuing my search for the perfect woven tank to get me through the heat of Florida in August with this Grainline tank. I’ve not tried this one before but it meets my criteria of being sleeveless but high necked (given I can burn to a crisp in this country in April!) I love how it looks in a crisp cotton but thought I would try it first in this pale green viscose.
This pattern has grown on me slowly over some time. Suddenly, though, it’s become a must sew. I picked up this crepe from Fabworks and I’m picturing it made up in culotte length, paired with a cool, white tank, breezing out for dinner in the Florida heat. And then I might just make myself a pair of shorts too….
Closet Case Patterns Ginger jeans
These were on last year’s list. And I made two pairs, which I’m very proud of. BUT they don’t fit right. The second pair’s better than the first, but they could be a lot better. So back onto the list they go, to be made up as the mid rise with a skinny leg. I think?
Get me, picking a big 4 pattern! There’s just something about this one; it’s appealed for a long time, and then it was the pattern gift on a magazine I picked up so it’s been sitting on my noticeboard, quietly beckoning me. There are a few georgette / crepe type fabrics in my stash, but as I have 6 metres of this particular star print number sitting there thanks to a prize giveaway, it seems like a good place to start.
I really love a sweatshirt. Anyone looking at my Instagram would see that I have quite a few in my wardrobe. But hey, there’s always room for more. I like this one for its interesting bust darts and its set in sleeve. I’m trying out a little embroidered embellishment on some gorgeous green fleece backed sweatshirting; watch this space!
It seems my love for a good pair of dungarees is never ending! This pattern in particular has been on the radar for quite a while, especially after seeing Joanne’s black pair last summer; utterly gorgeous! I’ve succumbed to some tencel twill from Bobbins and Bolts in a beautiful navy blue and I’m really excited to make these!
So, there you have it. A selection of pattern and fabric matches which will hopefully help me improve my wardrobe and the state of my fabric stash in one fell swoop!
Are you joining in this year?
Becca x
Red W Sews 