It’s been a good year! Definitely not the easiest year of my life (in fact, it’s been exhausting), but I had some professional successes that have made me proud — an article in the New Yorker, a book deal, some published articles, and students who’ve had exciting successes. Personally, there’s the pregnancy, of course, but also seeing my daughter growing into a joyful, very silly, thoughtful person, and watching my husband flourish in his job. Most important, my family is healthy, financially OK, and continuing to grow together. If I can say the same at the end of 2020, that’s all I need.
Sewing-wise, it has also been a fun year of growth. I have learned a lot, especially about technique and finishing, even though it still often seems to me as though I’m a rank beginner. When I returned to sewing a year and a half ago, I think I thought I knew a lot more than I did. I had no idea that I have a lifetime’s worth of knowledge to gain! Nevertheless, sewing has been a source of uncomplicated happiness for me, one I sorely needed. It’s wonderful to have something to think about and do that has nothing to do with work, and never will.
For that reason, I really have no interest in setting goals or evaluating progress or anything like that. There’s enough of that happening in my work life, believe me! I prefer to just make what I like, when I like. No curating closets or setting intentions for me.
It is fun, though, to think about what I made back in 2019. So, let me think, what were my biggest wins?
Tilly and the Buttons Etta
I just think this looks really good, and it’s great for a lot of different settings. Of course, it doesn’t even come close to fitting me right now, but hopefully it will postpartum!
Ellis skirt
I wear this all the time, and it’s held up great! I’d like to make some more.
Saraste top
Love this one, both the shape and the bugs!
Tilly and the Buttons Freya
Immediately after I made this, I wore it quite seldom. It just feels too short for me! But I’ve recently rediscovered it, and it turns out that, worn with leggings, it’s a great maternity dress. I’ve actually just made another (longer this time) in a black sweater knit, and I’m definitely thinking about making some more, since, unlike most dresses that can be worn both pre- and postpartum, it doesn’t make me look or feel like a shapeless blob person. Plus these are super easy to make, especially if you don’t bother with hemming!
Deer & Doe Givre (Maternity)
This one is as-yet-unblogged, but it’s already been worn quite a bit since I made it a few weeks ago. During my last pregnancy, I pretty much wore just whatever — mostly my pre-pregnancy knit dresses over leggings. This time around, I just rebel at the notion of doing that. It makes me feel like an enormous cruise ship or something. I really like this dress because it makes me feel like my old self, just with the extra room I need. Plus, it’s quite easy to make. I already have another one planned.
The one thing I will say about this pattern: The side-ruching is created with clear elastic, but the pattern does not say where to put the elastic relative to the seamline. Inside the seam allowance? Outside? I went with just slightly outside the seam, but looking at some of my RTW maternity clothes, I think perhaps it should be inside the seamline. I’ll try that next time, but regardless, it would’ve been nice if they’d been clear about that.
Vogue 1595
Looking back through the blog, it seems I never posted this dress, completed in February. That’s odd, because it’s definitely one of my favorite things I’ve made. The shape is surprisingly flattering and it’s incredibly comfortable. It’s polished, super easy to wear, and makes me feel like a professional. Highly recommend this one!
Bonus: Cricut fun
I got a Cricut Maker for Christmas in 2018, and while I was initially not 100% sure I’d use it enough to justify the cost, I totally do. It’s shockingly simple to use, with an interface that’s more or less seamless. Cricut-branded vinyl and supplies are ridiculously, unjustifiably expensive, but much cheaper, generic alternatives are widely available online. I’ve had a lot of fun making t-shirts and, more recently, baby onesies for myself and loved ones.
I’ll end here for now! Here’s to a fun and productive 2020.