What I would like to make in 2018

I am big on annual reviews but I am trying to bring some focus into my sewing and knitting in the next few months and it is useful to have a look back in time to see where my sewing adventure has taken me.

It is probably fair to say that my sewing focus in 2017 has been the humble t-shirt. Once I tamed the overlocker beast, sewing t-shirt was a pleasure. I have also mastered the double needle, which gives t-shirts a neat finish. I have not worn a shop bought t-shirt in months. I don't have a big wardrobe and I am not a fashionable dresser but I have enough tops to rotate between washes, which is all I need.

I have three firm favourites for t-shirts:

• Concord t-shirt by Cashmerette
• Rivage raglan top by Blank Slate Patterns
• Sailor top by Fancy Tiger Crafts

They are sufficiently different to avoid boredom. Both Concord and Rivage patterns are written with curves and tummy fat in mind. The Sailor top is for standard sizes but very forgiving. I like the Concord for its versatility. The pattern has three neckline and three sleeve length variations. I am firmly in the scooped neck camp but may make a couple of crew neck tops next year. I made five short sleeved Concords and two long sleeved ones. I was really pleased when I discovered the Rivage raglan t-shirt because everyone needs a raglan tee and they are fun to colour block. I have made four long sleeved versions so far. My favourite is a cotton velvety purple number. I have also made my own pattern from my favourite baggy t-shirt.

A sewing milestone has been making my own bra. I have made two versions of the Pin-up Girls classic full band bra so far and I will make more. I want to perfect the fit before I move onto a different pattern. I definitely want to make an wired version and have removed some underwires from an ancient bra to do so. I have the Pin-up Girls Shelley full band bra pattern waiting also. This is constructed slightly differently and has lace panels. 

I have not sewn many clothes with woven fabric. My favourite (and only) pattern for a woven top is the Sorbetto by Collette. If you look back at my sewing posts, there has been a lot of tinkering with this pattern to make it fit just the way I want it to fit. The pattern has a few variations that I might try out and there is opportunity to make this top into something a little more playful. I have three Sorbetto's in rotation but I don't wear them as often as I should because they need ironing.

I have made a summer dress last year. I rarely wear dresses, mostly because I cycle to work daily. The pattern I used was the Upton dress pattern by Cashmerette. Just like the Concord t-shirt, it has many variations and recently, a pattern extension with four types of sleeves was added. I might make a scooped neck version with sleeves next year.

In between sewing t-shirts, I have worked on three quilts in 2017. I have finished Sam's quilt early in 2017 and have made Annie's quilt over the summer. I have finished hand quilting my own quilt and hope to stitch the binding in place this week. I'll share it soon.

Knitting has taken a bit of a back seat. Two pairs of socks and a finished jumper (started in 2016) is all I have to show. Crochet is still my least favourite craft but I have finished a v-stitch blanket that I love love love.

I am pleased with my makes but I would like to shake up my routine a bit. Making t-shirts is quick and satisfying but ultimately, a t-shirt is a t-shirt. Patterns for sewing woven fabrics are a bit more involved because they are not stretchy. It is largely a question of time. There just is not enough of it in a day. Bringing up four children with very different needs is not trivial and my working day often extends into the evenings and weekends so I can spend a couple of hours with the kids after school.

My clothes sewing plans for 2018 are ambitious. I'll have to decide what my favourites are because I won't have any more time than last year.

1. Make a vintage coat with a Peter Pan collar. I have a vintage pattern but need to either loose weight or grade the largest size up. Either is challenging but I should probably have a go at both. In any case, the coat is going to be bright yellow.
2. Make a warm cape. This I imagine will be particularly useful for cosying up while camping. You may call it a fitted blanket. It needn't be a sophisticated cape, just something plain and simple. I have the Seamwork Camden in mind but I also like the Sew Over It Chic cape 
3. Make an attempt at sewing jeans. Cashmerette have released a pattern that caters for my size and shape, the Ames jeans and I think I might have a go and make a wearable toile. The pattern is for straight legs. I prefer boot cut jeans but I imagine it is easier to start off with a pattern that fits on the hips and adapt the legs. I am not sure if it is worth the effort, I buy my jeans at GAP and they usually fit well. 
4. Make a shirt dress. I have pattern and the fabric, too. I just never got around to making it in 2017. There are two patterns I am considering for the shirt dress, both by Cashmerette. The Harrison shirt dress appeals to me because of its double princess seams. The Lenox shirt dress is also nice but I have a feeling it might be less flattering for my shape. 
5. Make a skirt. Any skirt will do. I might make a denim skirt to practice sewing with denim. I seem to own the Cressida skirt pattern, which fits the brief. It is a bit flared but not full circle, which should make it practical enough to cycle with. Other contenders are the Colette Ginger skirt and the Colette Beignet skirt.
6. Sew a cardigan. I have only ever knitted cardigans but it is taking forever. I have the Seamwork Oslo cardigan in mind.
7. Develop my bra sewing skills.

If all fails, I can always make more t-shirts. My comfort sewing will be another quilt. It is James' turn to choose fabrics and a pattern. I want to make a quilt with circles to stretch my skills. I hope to pick up my knitting needles, too.

Do you have any plans for making things? Do tell, please. Have a lovely rest of the week. xx