2013

Looking back on this year of thrifting and sewing and blogging, I found myself putting together a list of some of the best or most memorable things. With the end of year reflections and Top-5's I've been seeing around blogland this week, I thought I'd join in and share mine.

Favorite Me-Made Wardrobe Addition:

This would have to be my Anthropologie inspired Laurel v. 5 top.

This top gets worn all the time, whether I'm going to work or just running errands on the weekends. I love the cotton-silk fabric and the cute pink spots.

Favorite Dress:

I made a good number of dresses this year (10 blogged, 12 total), but my favorite has to be the Floral Wedding Guest Dress I made to wear for Tom's brother's wedding in June.

This is more of a special occasion piece than an everyday dress, but it still won this category for me. The fit is not perfect but it is still such a fun dress to wear. I love the rayon bemberg lined full gathered skirt -- it's just perfect for twirling and frolicking.

Biggest Sewing Fail:

My biggest "meh" project this year was the Pilgrim Peony (wearable muslin) that I never quite finished.

I surprised myself whipping up this project on a whim and really liking the futuristic/mod collar I came up with. By the time I'd blogged about it, I was mere moments from tucking the unfinished blob into the closet to revisit later. I suppose I just lost momentum and have not touched it since. I have a feeling it's going to be sitting in the closet for a while.

Best Pattern:

This for me, as I'm sure you're all shocked to hear, would have to be the Laurel top & dress pattern by Colette Patterns. When the pattern was first released, my initial reaction was "...eh." It didn't seem too remarkable to me, but I decided to try it and participate in the contest Colette held, and then I was totally hooked.

I ended up making a total of 10 Laurel variations this year (including a top and a dress made for friends). My favorite and most worn dress version has to be my Back to School Laurel. It came out a bit short but is still a really versatile piece in my wardrobe. I even wore it on Christmas (with tights) when we had everyone over for family dinner.

Favorite Thrifted Find:

My favorite piece found during my thrift store and estate sale travels this year has been the short sleeved camel colored Bobbie Brooks cashmere sweater I found at a thrift store. It was a great price, is in excellent condition, and has made a useful addition to my wardrobe. It also happens to look great paired with my leopard print belt.

I don't think a person can have too many camel colored separates. They're a great neutral to pair with any other color or style.

Project(s) I'm Most Excited To Sew Next Year:

This one needs to be split into 2 categories: Dresses & Separates. The dress I'm really looking forward to trying out in 2014 is the Hazel dress by Victory Patterns.

And the separate I've been dying to sew for months but am determined and excited to do in 2014 is Tilly's Mathilde blouse. I've even got the pieces printed out, taped together, and cut, so all I need to do is pick my fabric and get to work!


In addition to ringing in the new year, there will be a little extra bit of celebrating going on in these parts as Sewin' Steady's 2nd birthday is coming up in just a few days. I'm considering giving the blog a makeover, will definitely be announcing some exciting news, and also doing a giveaway to celebrate. You won't want to miss it!

Season's Greetings!

 

And very happy holidays to you all!

I hope everyone has had a great month (almost) since I last checked in. Though there has not been a lot of blogging in these parts lately, there has been some sewing and thrifting. For my latest sewing project, I whipped up a dress to wear to the rehearsal + dinner for my sister's upcoming wedding. The pattern is M5845, the bodice of which Neeno loves and which I used for a previous wedding guest dress. On this latest version, I used a Navy cotton sateen from my fabric stash and dark purple/blue rayon bemberg lining from JoAnns. 

I modified the shape of the back opening by changing from the sharp, square cut-out edges to more of a scoop. I also raised the center back by about an inch, to help cover my bra, since the opening is a rather low scoop. The only other real change I made to what the pattern prescribes is to sew the darts inside of the garment, rather then having them on display on the outside of the dress. It's a more classy look this way, if you ask me.

I do love the shape of this bodice, but decided to use a sleeveless NL6000 for my upcoming floral wedding guest dress, rather than repeat the scoop back style again. This will be the dress I wear to the actual ceremony and reception. I've had luck with this pattern before as well, and since there's just one long front piece to NL6000 and two back pieces, instead of separate bodice and skirt pieces, I think it will work better with the floral sateen I've picked out -- more uninterrupted floral pattern! This fabric has a painted kind of look, which has a vintage feel to me, and is a rather bold print for my wardrobe! Here's a peek. 

That's all for now on the sewing front, though my thrifted finds the past few weeks have also had a significant sewing theme. In fact, I don't think I've found a single fashion accessory and not more than one article of clothing in my travels, but lots of notions, some bias tape, and some fun fabric. I found a teal sweater type of knit that I'm considering using for a Hazel dress (Victory patterns, not Colette), and a thin soft cotton/poly blend floral fabric. I love the color combination of the two together!

A quick peek at the fabric before I run off to wrap presents and get into the holiday spirit!