Well, in the press 2016 is shaping up to be one of the worst years ever. But personally my year hasn't been all that bad at all. I completed the first half of grad school (1 more semester to go!), had lots to celebrate, and even got away for a few trips. Sure, there's not much money to spare when it all goes to tuition, I worked time and a half all summer, and there were some personal hardships, but overall I am declaring 2016 a success. I also managed to get some sewing done, in spite of it all. And while it may not look like it, I also knit a TON in class, which helps me sit still and concentrate. Here is my roundup of 2016 projects...
Tops
Pants
Outerwear
Dresses
Small Things
Gifts
As you can see, it turned out to be a pretty productive year after all. While there were long pauses during the semester, I had some nice little breaks after finals that allowed me to really dive in and work on things for days. I put a decent amount of time in to pants making, and experimented with some self-drafted versions as well as new patterns - Barb and Misty pants from Style Arc, and the Emerson pants from True Bias. Speaking of patterns, here's a roundup of the pattern companies I used this year:
I love BurdaStyle because their patterns are both affordable and expertly drafted. Plus, they have a huge selection, meaning I can usually find what I need if I have a specific style in mind. The only drawback are the directions, which I don't recommend for a complete beginner.
I also worked with some great indie patterns this year. I love the drafting and directions for both Megan Nielsen and Sewaholic Patterns - both are companies I would recommend. I also tried my first Style Arc patterns this year and really liked them! Style Arc has really innovative patterns and the fit works really well on a wide range of people.
Unfortunately, I also sewed up some duds from the indies this year. Both the Colette Sencha Blouse and By Hand London Anna Dress got bad reviews from me, and I most likely won't be sewing much more from these companies. It has become clear to me that many "pattern" makers do not have the formal training and expertise to create solid products. Both By Hand London and Colette re-released patterns this year due to fitting issues, and I don't think those were the only lemons in the bunch.
These sentiments are reflected in my most popular posts from this year.
Here's where you can find them:
Finally, I joined Instagram in earnest this year and have definitely become a bit obsessed. Look for me at @MadeByMegBlog if we don't already follow each other!
Happy new year to everyone and here's to another happy year of sewing!
Tops
- Lavender Mandy Boat Tee
- Savage Coco Popover Top
- BurdaStyle Funnel Neck Top in Black and Mustard
- Red Wool Sweater
- Megan Nielsen Reef Tank in Blue
- Megan Nielsen Reef Tank in Black
- Striped Summer Tee
- Blue Plaid Top
- Pocket T-Shirt
- Raglan Bow Blouse
- Colette Sencha Blouse
- Plaid Granville Shirt
- Chambray Granville Shirt
- Gingham Granville Shirt
Pants
- Pull-On Tweed Pants
- Emerson Pants
- Style Arc Barb Pants
- Black Ginger Pants
- More Style Arc Pants
- More Pants
Outerwear
- Green Knit Sweater
- Striped Sweater
- Style Arc Genevieve Sweater Coat
- Vintage Simplicity Jacket
Dresses
Small Things
As you can see, it turned out to be a pretty productive year after all. While there were long pauses during the semester, I had some nice little breaks after finals that allowed me to really dive in and work on things for days. I put a decent amount of time in to pants making, and experimented with some self-drafted versions as well as new patterns - Barb and Misty pants from Style Arc, and the Emerson pants from True Bias. Speaking of patterns, here's a roundup of the pattern companies I used this year:
I also worked with some great indie patterns this year. I love the drafting and directions for both Megan Nielsen and Sewaholic Patterns - both are companies I would recommend. I also tried my first Style Arc patterns this year and really liked them! Style Arc has really innovative patterns and the fit works really well on a wide range of people.
Unfortunately, I also sewed up some duds from the indies this year. Both the Colette Sencha Blouse and By Hand London Anna Dress got bad reviews from me, and I most likely won't be sewing much more from these companies. It has become clear to me that many "pattern" makers do not have the formal training and expertise to create solid products. Both By Hand London and Colette re-released patterns this year due to fitting issues, and I don't think those were the only lemons in the bunch.
These sentiments are reflected in my most popular posts from this year.
- Making Multiples: Sewaholic Granville
- Vintage Simplicity Jacket
- Anna Dress: Good Idea, Bad Pattern
- 5 Years Later: Sewing the Sencha Blouse Again
- Pattern Magic
Finally, I joined Instagram in earnest this year and have definitely become a bit obsessed. Look for me at @MadeByMegBlog if we don't already follow each other!
Happy new year to everyone and here's to another happy year of sewing!
What a great sewing year! Love so many of the tops and all the outerwear. Mmmm. I made zero outerwear items this year:(
ReplyDeleteHappy 2017!!
wow you got a lot done for a grad student :) so many great things and you are my pants sewing idol! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAn impressive wardrobe for last year. Best of luck for 2017...hope you keep the momentum going in both seeing and grad school. Abbey (sews)
ReplyDelete