2017 Make Nine

A massive welcome to 2017, I have big plans for you!

Instagram has come up trumps, once again, in the form of a nice achievable challenge for this year – 2017 Make Nine. The idea being that you identify nine items that you would like to make during 2017. Easy, right?! Instagrammer rochelle_new came up with the idea and I have to say, I really like it. While I think that sewing nine items in a year is completely achievable, what I like about it the most is that it has allowed me to really think about what I want to make this plan it out, rather than just flit about. I was given the Maker’s Workbook by Creative Industries for Christmas last year too, and that will also help me plan and keep track of projects.

I have decided to continue to build up my handmade wardrobe this year, adding wearable pieces for both work and play. I am pretty sure of my own sense of style and what suits me, so here are the pieces I have chosen:

1) Rise turtleneck by PaperCut Patterns

I have found myself wearing more turtlenecks this winter just as a real wardrobe staple and a stylish solution to being cold! This fab pattern comes with two variations, a looser top and a more fitted version. I have ticked this one off the list in early January – I made the rise version, which is the more fitted of the two, in a purple and white striped jersey from Girl Charlee, and I just love it! It’s great with jeans or under a Cleo dress. I can definitely see more of these in my future.

2) Ginger jeans by Closet Case Files

I have already made a couple of pairs of the lower rise Ginger jeans and I absolutely love them. I decided that I would like to try out the high waisted version, as my only issue with the low rise ones, is that they are a little too low and I have to wear a belt with them to prevent a nineties-style visible butt crack issue!! Anyway, I have already ticked this one off the list too! I made these up in one day – I had three sewing machines on the go at once (one for normal stitching, one for top stitching and one for overlocking). I used an indigo stretch denim from Fabricland with a pretty floral cotton from John Lewis for the pockets and a contrast mustard Gutterman thread for topstitching.The fit was pretty much spot on out of the packet, I just reduced the seam allowance below the knee slightly as they were a little too skinny.

3) Cleo dress by Tilly and the Buttons

My next make will be another Cleo dungaree dress. I have already made one in stretch denim and have some lovely fine needlecord from myfabrics.co.uk in a dark grey with a star pattern that will be perfect for this quick and easy make.

4) Audrey dress from Simply Sewing Magazine

I fell in love with the free pattern that came with Simply Sewing’s December issue. This dress is very similar to a Kate Spade dress that I bought four years ago on a trip to New York and is right up my street. I have already bought some lovely plain navy and mushroom fabric for this one from Fabricland and can’t wait to get started!

5) Lazu trousers from Thread Theory

I have been on the hunt for the perfect cropped trousers for a while now and I think I can call off the dogs, as these look just right! I spotted them on The Foldline’s latest vlog and they are just what I am looking for. There are two variations but I am definitely going to start with the cropped version. I am going to hunt down some navy crepe de chine for these. I love the buckle detail and will definitely be including this.

6 Albion coat by Colette Patterns

I really feel that my handmade wardrobe should include a coat and 2017 is the year, my friends!

I bought the PDF of this pattern years ago and have never got around to making it. I think I will probably go with a navy wool blend with a fun contrast lining. I just need to find the perfect fabric and then will aim to get this one made up in time for the Spring.

7) Rosa shirtdress by Tilly and the Buttons

This is another pattern that I bought when it first came out but haven’t actually made yet. I haven’t even printed out the PDF but the end of last year got busy and I figured I wouldn’t really get much wear out of this in the Winter so I think I will get this sewed ready for Spring. I think I will try and find a good fairly thick stretch cotton for this shirtdress and will definitely have pretty contrast collar band and may even add the piped seam option. I haven’t decided on the colour yet but will see what fabric catches my eye.

8) Silk cami by Sew Over It

I made a couple of these last year and I just love them! I think they are great wardrobe staples and look fab dressed down with jeans or dressed up with a skirt. I will definitely be making more of these this year. I’ve got some lovely Liberty cotton lawn and a soft periwinkle blue rayon that would be perfect.

9) Moneta dress by Colette Patterns

I already have three Moneta’s in my wardrobe but I really feel like I need another! This is a super flattering dress and is perfect for work. I have already bought the fabric for my next Moneta – a gorgeous charcoal grey ponte from Sewn.

So, while I am sure these won’t be the only items I made this year, it is a definitely a good start. Right, I’m off to cut out another Cleo…