2021 Make Nine
It has been awhile since I made a Make Nine goal! Actually the last time was in 2018 and the two years previous 2017 and 2016. What better time to start another goal then 2021?
It’s a makers take on a New Year’s Resolutions or as I like to say…”A goal I’m probably not going to finish” and it originally grew out of the Instagram Best 9 trend.
#1 Matilda
I purchased the Matilda during the launch sale (in 2017) and why I haven’t sewn one yet. I don’t know. Just another pattern that never got made I guess.
I decided to remedy that after leaving the fabric (pictured above) out in plain sight for a few weeks. Okay…so honesty, I just procrastinated putting it away after another purge session. (Talked about HERE)
Thinking over the details of the design, top stitching is a feature of the dress. I was originally mulling over the idea of using a thread to match the blue (in the print) but now I think that could end up looking crafty. I am going to test drive an orange because I want a little pop for the topstitching but a tasteful one and orange might be the answer.
That is…if there is enough fabric to even make it. There are only 3 yards of this print and the pattern calls for 4 3/8 yards. Can I make it work? Not really sure, but I’m wondering if using different fabrics for the facings and being super resourceful while laying out the pieces might save me.
If not, I can always find another fabric option.
#2 Magazine Jumpsuit.
I wasn’t sure what to title this goal. I saved this clipping so long ago, I don’t know who designed it or what magazine it was from. Using just “jumpsuit” made it feel as if it a recycle from previous years. Which really isn’t my intention.
My intention with this is to recreate this jumpsuit style. I am going to make the straps wider along with (hopefully) installing a bra-strap holder. The biggest change will be the fabric. I don’t have anything similar to the fabric used in my stash. …and as you know, I’m trying to make a difference in the size of the stash so purchasing fabric is out of the question.
#3 Strapped Skirt
TaMera’s uniform at school is all black with minimal gray and white. I thought it’d be cute to create a version of the skirt above in black denim. (Already in the stash!) Planning on having all the straps to be adjustable and maybe make the back a little fuller with elastic to allow the garment to fit her body better. The length will be longer and maybe if I’m super adventurous add shorts underneath and make it into a skort!
#4 Rowan Curve Bodysuit.
Megan Nielsen had their best sale of the year over Black Friday weekend and I knew exactly what pattern I wanted! The Rowan Curve Bodysuit.
A few years ago, Megan Nielsen extended and adjusted their pattern range to be more body inclusive. Highly respect them for doing it and I can’t say enough how much I love the fact they worked so hard to do it! Nothing but respect for the team.
I am going to make a few (but at least one!) over the next year. Mostly for TaMera but I’d also like to sew up a few for Kimberly but I don’t know how difficult they are to fit. So we shall see how it goes!
#5 70s Orange Fall Number
I was going through my saved pins and came across this dress! Which reminded me of this textile. (below) I’m not sure what pattern yet…but I have quite a few different patterns with this similar silhouette, both vintage and modern designs.
With the front zipper this zipper reminds me of my vintage Step ‘n’ Go dress. (Blogged HERE) The idea is you just step into the dress and go on your way. This dress also gives me that same vibe which is fabulous since that was my go-to dress for a few years. (I’ve since changed shape but still keep it in my closet for nostalgia reasons.)
Whoa. I just noticed the hem on the dress above! That is such a lovely deep hem! I’m guessing five-six inches deep meaning this dress was high quality. With the design of the fabric, I don’t think I’ll be able to give it that deep of a hem.
This textile, which I’m pretty sure is a tablecloth is pretty stiff, scratchy and thin. I’ll have to make sure to line the pieces so the dress is softer on the skin.
#6 Steampunk Inspired Jacket
This is one of the first patterns I ever purchased. (Briefly talked about HERE) I think this year is the time to finally create version A; the blue jacket but make it into a dress.
I’m conflicted on which fabric to use though (would love a stripe!) and will continue to dig through the stash. But an idea is to create a fabric using the jeans I have waiting to be recycled creating a textile from sewing the different legs and pieces together. Most of them are just worn out in between the legs and have pieces of useable fabric. Why is that not a fantastic idea? Keep reading…
#7 Scrap Denim Quilt
The reason I’m not sure about using the denim pant-legs for the jacket-dress is because of a scrap denim quilt I also have in my mind.
I was wondering…if we use French seams for sewing could I also use if for a lightweight quilt? Still binding the outside edges but I’m thinking it as more of a picnic type blanket idea. The ones used outdoors on the grass for reading or out in a park with sandwiches neatly packed away in a vintage picnic basket.
Of course, denim isn’t what French seams are intended for (You use them more for sheer/lightweight fabrics) but would it work? Or not? Or…maybe the correct answer would be flat felled seams. Really bringing the past life of the denim as jeans into another visible aspect?
The pattern I think would be the Concerto because there are plenty of dark washed jeans and the fewer lighter washed jeans could be used as the accents pieces toward the left?
# 8 Lou Box Dress 2
I called this a magic dress when I tested the pattern by SewDIY and I still stand by that statement. (Blog post here) But I had forgotten all the reasons why… I was thinking it was just because it looked good on me and on Kimberly and TaMera. (Three very different body shapes) Which is true but it’s also so easy to wear! I had forgotten because when I moved to Kansas City I gave it to TaMera (We had been sharing it before I moved) but I recently wore it again and was reminded of the magic of it.
I was concerned when I made it originally that the thicker knit wouldn’t work but the pattern ended up lending itself really well to the thicker knit. My plan is to make a few with some of the thicker vintage knits from my Grandmother.
#9 Skirt
I haven’t included any vague or broad options in my list until now. Skirt came to be because it’s been awhile since I’ve sewn any kind of skirt and it feels like it’s time to make one again. I don’t have any inspiration about the silhouette or color. (The photo above was snagged from my fashion Pinterest board to use as a placeholder.) This might become a great basic piece or a statement skirt or it could even be a button-up skirt like in the 2018 list or a Zinnia skirt from the 2016 list. Who knows what 2021’s skirt will be! ;)
I’m actually really optimistic about this list. I didn’t make it in a day for “another blog post” and really let myself be inspired by the different images, patterns and fabrics. Although let’s be real…#7 might be more of a pipe dream project and #9…should be an easy checkmark after I get inspired.
In years past, I’ve made very few off the lists but for me it’s more about sitting down and creating a plan. Thinking of dream makes and not necessarily finishing them. Sometimes just writing down your thoughts and ideas should be counted as a win. But…on that note, I have already taped together the Rowan Bodysuit pattern and am thinking about starting to cut squares for #7 already this evening!
-’- Jewel
