Saturday, December 21, 2013

Top Five of 2013: The Hits

Gah!  This is so HARD!  I took a look through my 2013 Sewing FOs page to come up with a list, and even when I was trying to hone it down, I still had more than ten items I consider hits.  I think that's a great thing - I made a lot of stuff I really like this year!  It would have been even harder to keep my numbers down if I'd included knitting too!

And even though Gillian said we could change the numbers, I'm going to cheat a bit in order to fit (almost) into the "five" parameter, by listing three items under one heading.  So here we go!

1.  Coats!

Coat 1

Coat 2

Coat 3
One of my goals this year was to make a coat, and I ended up making three!  The pattern I had in mind when I set the goal was the one I used for Coat 3, but along the way I fell in love with the Burda pattern I used for Coats 1 & 2.  I think it's interesting that all three coats are Burda patterns.  I do love their outerwear patterns!

I love all three of these coats, and each one gave me a feeling of accomplishment.  I know I can refine my skills even further, but I think I've made a pretty good start on coat-making. 

The coral coat got worn constantly this spring.  The floral coat was only worn a few times - this one feels fancy to me so I keep it for special occasions.  And even though the wool coat is quite new, I have been able to wear it a couple times already.

2.  Photo Transfer Pouch


Every time I scroll through my FO list (which I do, regularly!) this little pouch I made for my friend Sally makes me smile.  I'd like to make more of these one day.  I think they make a fantastic gift, but I wouldn't mind having one myself!

3.  Floral Stripe T-Shirt Dress


I made this pattern a bunch of times over the last year, but this one is my all-time favorite.  Every time I put it on, I feel cute.  This fabric just makes me smile!

4.  Fair Isle Hazel


I made three Hazel dresses this summer, but this one is hands down my favorite.  I adore this fabric - so glad I got enough to make another item with it!

The Hazel pattern was a surprise to me.  I really didn't think it would work on my body, but it ended up being a pretty flattering shape for me after I made some fitting adjustments.  A lesson to branch out and try new things from time to time.

5.  Pink Victoria Blazer


It's hot pink.

That makes me happy.


Conclusion:
Dresses, coats and bags - apparently these are my favorite things!  Throw in shoes and lipstick, and I think you've pretty much defined me :-)

32 comments:

  1. I have an almost identical dress with stripes and florals, and I love it too! Comfy, simple, but cute. And it matches with so many colours that I never get bored of wearing it!
    Your coats are beautiful! i might just have to make outerwear one of my goals for 2014!

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    1. I noticed that when I was looking through your FOs! Great minds, eh?

      I was so intimidated by coats before I made my first one. But I learned it's just sewing! Not too much different from all the other stuff!

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  2. You make such amazing stuff I bet it was really hard to whittle it down to five! These are awesome Gail :D As always, I'm in awe of your skill and prolificness (is that a word? haha) :)

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  3. That was one mighty successful year ~ not sure how you can top it in 2014, but it will be fun trying ... J

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    1. Thanks, Judith! I've got some ideas I'll be sharing in my "Goals" post later, so maybe I will top it!

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  4. I love how you've squeezed them under headings (I had to do the same). I agree with you that you have so many great makes this year I feel like every time I turn around you've made something stylish and well fitting. Your coats are a standout.

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, Kirsty! I feel the same about your makes!

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  5. these are all great! i'm glad you managed to get all those coats in, they are all gorgeous!

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  6. You had a very productive year with lots of great pieces. Too bad you had to choose only 5 :)

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    1. Thanks, Rhonda! I felt like I made fewer garments than last year, but I took more time over them, which is a good thing!

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  7. Fun!! I do love that striped/floral fabric!! Nice hit list! :)

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    1. Thanks, Mrs. Smith! That is one of my two all-time favorite knit fabrics. I wish they'd get it in again! (Girl Charlee)

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  8. Well done on all of them especially the coats!

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  9. The coats really are gorgeous. I especially love coat 3! And I think your version of Hazel is my favorite I've seen - the fabric choice is spot-on.

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  10. Oh my, you have made some incredible garments. I especially love your coats!

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  11. You've made some gorgeous things this year Gail. I think the grey coat is my favourite (I'm seriously considering making myself a navy one) followed by the floral stripe dress.

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    1. Thank you, Sam! Ooooh, this coat pattern would look great in navy! I hope you decide to do it!

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  12. Not being able to pick just five hits is a wonderful thing! Your coats really are fabulous!

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I was pretty chuffed to look back and see that I really liked so much of what I made!

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  13. What a great sewing year! All your hits are beautiful, but that photo-transfer pouch is so clever! I want one too :)

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  14. Ooh, I love all of these! So glad you're so pleased with all three coats-- they look fantastic, and they're absolutely gorgeous on you!

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  15. I'm still in love with that hot pink Victoria blazer. Curious, I have broad shoulders, too, did you have to do an adjustment for that? I have the pattern, just haven't attempted it yet.

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    1. Me too! Can't wait til it's the season to wear it again.

      I didn't adjust anything on this one - I went with a size 4, which corresponded to my bust measurement. This fabric has zero stretch, so I knew it would be more work than I wanted to do to ease in a broad back adjustment. (My broadness is in the back as well as the shoulders.) Since the jacket is always open at the front, I think it works OK for the back.

      But I also think the design is meant to be slightly less fitted than this, so if you want that look, you could certainly extend the shoulder line out a bit. For my part, I'd probably only do that (or go up a size) if I had a drapier fabric though.

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