The Best (and Worst) of 2013!

 It's been another good sewing year.  But with all good projects, there are some duds.

The Worst

Fabric, fabric and fabric were the offenders in these projects.  For the first one, I tried to be overly authentic in my version of the runway garment for the Chado Ralph Rucci.  It was shown on the runway in suede, so I wanted suede too.  Bad decision.  This was the stiffest dress EVER!  It would've been so great had I made this in something like a stretch wool crepe, ponte knit or double knit.  

Number 2?  Just no...  I wore this to a fashion event.  Even though I received a lot of compliments, I just felt the print is not me.  I could live with the style of the dress had I used a solid crepe de chine in a bright color.  But this print?  Maybe it would've worked better in something like a skirt.

And the last one.  See... I'm really not a lace kinda girl.  If I'm going to do lace, I'd prefer to keep it simple in a basic color like black.  And a more "polished" looking lace like guipure.  This dress almost caused me to hate peplums after looking back on it.  

Things I Learned...

Self-Drafting

Self-drafting has always been something I've wanted to do.  I've been studying commercial pattern pieces  as I've sewn for years; understanding how all of those different shapes go into forming pieces of a garment.  But let me tell you that it's still something I'm struggling with learning.  There are certain aspects that I can't wrap my mind around.  And if I had a class in my area, I'd be currently enrolled!  But nevertheless, I'm going to keep trying and keep learning!

Most Worn Garment of 2013

Every year, there is always one garment that I wear to death.  Vogue 1248 is the piece that I've worn more times than I can even count.  These are just the documented times on the blog.  I had no idea when I made this cute little top that it would be in high rotation.  It's a great layering piece because it's sleeveless.  And fits perfectly under sweaters and jackets!

Other pieces I reached for is the leather and ponte sweatshirt.  The black sleeveless blazer was worn a lot.  And I haven't put down my bomber jacket since I finished it!

Most Controversial Garment!

I had to laugh aloud as I typed that!  This cotton/spandex machine-washable white maxi dress sparked the most ridiculous "controversy" over the occasion in which I would wear such a dress.  Sigh...  In case no one remembered, I wore it to eat at a Tex-Mex restaurant with my husband.

The Favorites!

These are the garments that I made this year that really made me proud that I can sew my own clothes!

Happy New Year!