2017 Round-up

I’ve had a great deal of fun this year pushing myself to try many new patterns. Here is a small collection of my favourite projects that I completed in 2017. My love for independent patterns continues. I prefer the style and fit of indi patterns over the big 4. Also my sense of style has evolved this year and I have become more confident to dress in something other than jeans and t-shirts. Going from left to right, top to bottom here are my top 9…..

• Top row: We moved house in Febuary and with the craziness of being surrounded by boxes I lost my sewing mojo. To get it back I made my third – Sew Over It ‘Vintage Shirt Dress’ in grey floral cotton that I had picked up cheaply online. I really like the vintage style but with a modern feminine twist.
• I’m drawn to the style of a box pleated midi length skirt and I created 2 more this year. This skirt is the – Simple Sew ‘Grace Skirt’ in a science formula themed cotton from www.elephantinmyhandbag.com. I have a weakness for quirky patterned fabric and this skirt is perfect for work as a secondary school teacher. I added hot pink spotted pockets, and a pocket just finishes a garment!
• I finally jumped on the – Tilly and the Buttons ‘Cleo’ dress and I love it!! Why did I wait so long to make this I don’t know why. I made it in black corduroy which I thought was a safe style to begin with. The fit was large over my hips and I had to take it in quite a bit. I team it with my Agnes tops and already want to make a demin version next.
• Middle row: I got an overlocker this year and wow I now couldn’t live without it. I made 2 – Tilly and the Buttons ‘Agnes’ dress hacks, this green one being my first. I’m getting more confident attaching the neckline band, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow.
• I created my sequin body – Sew Over It ‘Betty dress’ for a black tie wedding I attended in the summer. I don’t own any formal dresses so when I got the invite I knew I wanted to make something to wear. I looked around for cocktail dress patterns but I wasn’t impressed with the slimline shapes on offer. One night I thought why not use a pattern I already have. The fabric was from Birmingham Rag market and was a real bargain. Sewing with sequins was nerve racking but with a lot of google searches for advice and with a jeans needle it came together better than I imagined.
• Another – Simple Sew ‘Grace’ skirt in a funfair themed cotton that I picked up from my local fabric shop in my local town, Sew Me Me. As soon as I saw the fabric I just wanted to make something with it. I am a sucker for a print.
• Bottom row: My first Tilly and the Buttons pattern was the -Bettine. I bought this pattern for my sister in law as a present and after she made it up I knew I wanted to make one. It was a fantastic easy sew and I love the relaxed feel to the dress. It’s a shame I made it in the autumn, I’m looking forward to wearing it in the summer.
• As soon as I saw the Sew Over It ‘Penny’ dress I fell in love. It is a style I enjoy, vintage but with a modern twist. The button placket completely confused me but I got there in the end. The bodice does feel too high so I have added 4cm on to my next Penny. This fabric was another bargain from the Birmingham Rag Market £1 a metre!!
• My favourite ‘Agnes’ from Tilly and the Buttons. Fabric again from my local shop – Sew Me Me, it’s so soft and cosy to wear.

So that is my 2017 favourites all together in one place. I’m excited about my plans for 2018 already!