2014: A Year in Review

It the last day of the year and I thought it would be fun to look back and see what I've accomplished this year.

I kept track of every single thing I sewed in 2014 by writing it down in a notebook. I have not blogged it all, but that's okay. My total was 56 garments. Out of those, 36 were made for me. I did a lot of sewing for my little sisters and some for my mom this year too. 

All of the patterns I sewed were from Indie designers. I did not sew anything from the big pattern companies such as Simplicity or McCalls. I really prefer Indie patterns because they are just really thought out and have excellent instructions. The designers are always more than willing to help you out too! 

Now, here are my top 5 favorites from 2014:

1) Coco Top

This was also my most popular blog post of the year. I wear this top a lot - it is just so comfortable! It is also a really fun print, but not too over the top. It is definitely a keeper for my wardrobe. 

2) The Day Tripper Top

This is another top I wear consistently, especially in the winter. The sweater knit is so cozy and it is a great fit. The hidden side pockets are nice too. 

3) The Bebe Dress

I love this dress! I made it to wear on Easter, but I have worn it many times since then! It fits perfectly and the voile is so nice to wear. I really like the empire waist and the pattern is from my favorite designer, Kay Whitt. It was also the first dress I added a lining to. 

4) The Zoe Dress

This is a recently made dress, so I haven't had many chances to wear it, but it is definitely a favorite! I love the fit, the detail of the waistband and the pleated skirt. I'm wore it for Christmas and I'm planning on wearing it again to a Christmas dance. 

5) The City Girl Top

I made this top last month, and it is still unblogged with no pictures. I hope to blog about it soon! It is a pattern from See Kate Sew. I used turquoise sweater knit and a grey jersey knit. It has 3/4 length sleeves and a cowl collar. 

Now, here are my 5 least favorites from 2014. 

1) Pinafore Dress

I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked it when I made it, but I've worn it once, maybe twice. I just feel like the skirt is too full and draws attention to my waist area too much. It is definitely warm as the fabric is a wool blend. 

2) The Torii Tunic

This is a dress I had been wanting to make for a long time. I got the pattern a few years ago and had never had a chance to make it. It is from Kay Whitt. I like the pattern enough - the fit is great. The only part that puts this dress into the least favorites category is the fabric. It is so bright and so busy with all the prints. I have worn it once. It makes me feel really self-conscious when I wear it. What do you think? Keep it or not?

3) Pants to Skirt Refashion

This skirt has been taken out of my closet. I liked it well enough when I finished, but it is just too big. The pants I started with were too big to begin with. 

4) Oceanside Pants

I never blogged about these, but it is a new pattern from Melly Sews. It's a drawstring waist pants pattern and I made mine out of linen. The linen is a purplish color, so to begin with it is hard to match with tops. The main problem is that the back rise is way to low, so bending over and sitting is a problem. I wore these a couple times, but I think I will have to try again and alter the pattern to fit me better. 

5) Parisian Top

I wear this top occasionally, but it has a few issues. First, I did not sew the collar right because the directions were not clear. By the end of a day of wear it kind of sags down at the middle. I also don't like the black waistband. It's not the color but the fabric. It was very stretchy fabric, so it doesn't quite work as a band, but it's what I had in my stash at the time. I do think I'll keep this one for awhile yet and it's a pattern I'd like to make again. 

All in all, I had a great year! I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring, especially graduation!! One of my sewing goals for next year is to make myself a jacket. I would also like to make a dress to wear for my pinning ceremony.

Happy New Year to you all!!

  ~Elizabeth