Top 5 2014!

Normally when I post photos in swimwear, I have a post planned right after to knock those photos from the top of my blog. I guess I was too keen to post my new togs this time and have been bogged down this past week, unable to photograph a couple of items and unable to sew much more than Xmas gifts. So really, it seems like a good time to talk about some of my Top 5s for 2014, which is again being hosted by Crafting a Rainbow.

Top 5 Hits

Denim Pencil Skirt

This skirt has been worn so much since it was made. I - love - this - skirt. It is perfection. I plan to make another, which is why I kept hold of my second double ended zipper. The only change I'll make to my next is that I'll probably use denim with a little stretch for additional comfort after a big meal and I'll add a coat hook and eye to the top of the zipper again, which I added only a month or so ago, as it prevents any zipper slippage during wear.

Swimmers

In this country its essential to have good swimmers if you want to frolick in the rough Sydney beach waves with the kids. I'm so, so pleased with these new swimmers. Every so often, when sewing, we achieve the exact outcome we were planning. This is one of those times. They fit perfectly and I LOVE them.

Confetti dress

This is one of my more recent makes, but it definitely one of the most complimented ever. I hope to make another just like it, but that depends on finding the right knit fabric. Ideally, I'd like another in an ITY knit. Fingers crossed that fabric crosses my path.

Shirts/Shirtdresses - Archer, Alder, Vogue 1387

I couldn't pick just one shirt or shirtdress, so I picked my favourite three. I really love making and wearing shirts. They are also so well suited to Liberty, which is obviously one of my favourite fabrics to sew with. More of these will come in the new year.

High neck, self drafted tank

I've made a few of these self drafted tanks now and I wear them frequently. I love the style, which seems to be quite on trend at the moment. They are also perfectly suited to work (no gaping when leaning over) and to my existing wardrobe. 

Top 5 Misses

These are a little harder to pick. The more years I sew and get to know my style, the fewer misses I create, but never fear, there still are some emerging from my sewing cave.

Burda Cocoon Cardigan - The Snuggie Edition.

Biggest FAIL ever! Nuf said. It's in the bin.

Style Arc Elle Pants

I has such high hopes that these pants would be versatile everyday pants, but they just aren't nice to wear. I don't like the poly feel of the Style Arc bengaline fabric and I don't really like the plain style with no detail. I think I've worn these only once. I don't even know where they are.

Valerie Top

This is a fabric fail. One wash and it has pretty much ruined. I believe it was my machine, but still to make something and only get one wear out of it is crapola and in my opinion, a fail of time.

Sew Dolly Clacket - Simplicity 2591

Another fabric fail. This time quilting cotton. I only used it as I had it sitting in my stash. I don't like the feel of the fabric so have already passed this dress on to a new home.

Two completely unworn dresses :(

I'm very sad to report that two dresses made this year are still yet to be worn, and I'm not sure they will be worn. The first is a Dandelion dress that just doesn't feel right to wear. I might try and see before I repurpose or pass it on. The second hurts more as I worked really hard to get the detail spot on with this denim shirtdress - flat felled seams and all! Unfortunately I feel I hemmed it a little too short and the collar, which I drafted my own collar stand, just doesn't sit right as it's a little too large for my neck. I'm also not a fan of my contrast facing choice. Oh well, gotta lose some right?

Top 5 Highlights, Reflections, Goals.

I'm not sure I can separate these and fill all three categories, so I'll mash them together here.
 - Highlight - my new kitchen and renovation, which I will photograph one day to share with you. It has been life changing and worth every cent
 - Reflection - I think it's important not to get caught up in the hype of whats trending in blogland with patterns, styles and fabric. Be real about your own self, what you need and what you really think you will be comfortable in. Also, before shopping for new patterns, check your stash. Often just a few changes to an existing pattern will achieve a similar result to many new styles around these days.
 - Goal - I will sew a French style jacket next year
 - Goal - I will make my husband a shirt

If you've made it to the end here, I'd like to say thanks. Not just for reading this post, but for reading my blog this year, contributing comments and just being there to say 'hi'. I really enjoy keeping my blog, almost as much as I love sewing. I'm sure I won't be around too much more before Christmas. Like all of us, things are kinda manic around here, but I do have holidays starting shortly. Yay!! I look forward to reading your Top 5s. I find them a great insight into what works and what doesn't after a garment has been blogged.