2018 Sewing Review & 2019 #MakeNine Plans

Ah, here we go again - it's time for the annual #MakeNine plans and promises! Back in January 2018, I decided to tackle my fabric stash instead of doing #MakeNine the classic way with 9 different patterns. Obviously, I didn't cut into all 9 fabrics like I planned to. I'm just too much of a "sew-on-a-whim" kind of person...Hopefully, things will change for the better in 2019. First of all, I definitely want to work on some unfinished business from 2018. I just have to! In addition to that, I am going to really focus on things that I NEED rather than patterns / fabrics that have caught my attention.

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So, here's my 2018 scorecard and my sewing plan for 2019:

2018 sewing review

• White swim fabric

• Black swim fabric

Did I use it?Nope, but read on to find out what my plans for these are in 2019...

• Red cotton in casino print

Did I use it?Nope. I still want to make a rockabilly inspired bustier top with this at some point but at this stage of my trying to refine my wardrobe, a fancy print like this is not a NEED at the moment. This is moving way to the bottom of the to-make list.

• Burgundy rayon

Did I use it?Hell yeah! I made the V2241 with it and I am waiting for the right occasion to take photos of this dress in. I planned to wear it for NYE dinner but it ended up raining all afternoon and I really didn't want to be dragging a wet train on a bus. Keep your eyes peeled!

• White line/poly mix

• Red gingham polycotton (small squares)

Did I make it?Yes. I made a dress with B6212 using these fabrics for Chinese New Year in 2018. I talked about it in my blog post here and also posted a video review of the pattern on Youtube!

• Red gingham polycotton (large squares)

Did I use it?Yes! It took a while because I worked on my wedding dress and then took a long break from sewing after that, but I finished it in early December. Unfortunately, no photos for now since there's a finite number of hours on the weekend and I spend the daylight hours on the weekdays at work.

• Salmon pink linen

Did I use it?Not yet. I am not quite sure what I want to do with this linen right now. I'll probably have to mull over it. You can share some ideas with me if you have some!

• Novelty red polycotton in Southeast Asian inspired print

Did I use it?Sadly, no. I am still tossing between making the Butterick B6019 or the Lamour dress with this pattern.

Summary: 4/9 fabrics used

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2019 #MakeNine Plans

I have some pretty concrete plans for 2019. There will be a whole ton of changes happening to me personally in 2019 so I really just want to take it easy on myself and stay focused. I want to set goals that are achievable, so some of the things I am planning to make are small projects (i.e. likely completed in a weekend). But hey, raise your hand if you want tutorials for the little projects marked with an asterisk (*)! And for the sake of fun, there's a wild card! Honestly, it's because I can't think of what else I NEED right now...

1. Retro bikini set with Butterick 6358 (B6358)

   This is one of the unfinished business from 2018! I'll be making one in black & white contrast design. Fingers crossed I can get this done in the first quarter of 2019 (or any time before my next island getaway)!

2. Backpack

   I haven't quite decided on a design but I bought a book on making bags plus some thick poly-canvas for making bags during my trip to Taiwan in Sept 2018. I am in dire need of a bag. My secondhand $5 backpack is beyond repair and at this point, I don't own a single backpack at all!

3. Arccos undies by Sophie Hines

   I haven't bought new panties in at least 2 years and if you could see the state of my panties right now... hahaha. So, this is pretty straightforward. I NEED NEW PANTIES.

4. Fifi pyjamas by Tilly & Buttons

   I like the idea of owning and wearing cute pyjamas. The babydoll pyjamas and the blue floral pyjamas I made back in 2017 are REALLY STARTING TO WEAR OUT. I guess it's no surprise since I have been wearing them on a regular basis in the last 2 years. I am toying with the idea of making not 1 but 2 of these! Probably one in a casual cotton flannelette and another in a super luxe hemp-silk using the remnant pieces I have from sewing my wedding dress.

5. Reusable eco-friendly produce bags*

   I have been toying with the idea of making some reusable drawstring produce bags for myself for ages but have been putting it off for some reason. After making a couple of them as a birthday present for a friend, I'm inspired! Why have I put it off for so long?

6. Vintage-inspired gingham apron

   It doesn't hurt to look cute when you're cooking, does it? Currently, I cook without an apron and I hate how my t-shirts turn grimey after a couple of minutes in front of the stove. Hopefully this will solve the problem. I'll be drafting my own pattern, using images from vintage sewing patterns and magazines as sources of inspiration!

7. White bustier top with Simplicity 8130 (S8130)

   I had a white bustier which was a secondhand piece (this one), but I just never really liked the way it sits on my body. I had recently sold it off on a secondhand marketplace and decided that it's time to make my own with this pattern! Looking forward to learning about inserting boning and creating a wardrobe staple with this project. Perhaps I will make it in time to wear with my gingham circle skirt for Chinese New Year!

8. T-shirt yarn bag*

   I have a handful of t-shirts that are stretched out and really not worth donating. So, I have plans to make yarn out of those shirts and crochet a bag with it.

9. WILD CARD

   Woohoo!

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Looking forward to the new sewing and non-sewing adventures in 2019!!!