Without further ado, let's get my Top 5 disasters out of the way:
1. Gingham Hillbilly Top
This wrap top was a poor fit on me because I didn't really understand how the pieces fitted together till I was sewing it. I still like the idea and might make it again though.
Astoundingly, epically, ugly. Banished from my wardrobe months ago. That colour! Those sleeves! Madness!
I never wear it, the fit is rubbish. Will probably charity shop it in the New Year when I'm reviewing my wardrobe.
I have rarely worn this blouse. I like the look of it but I don't like the feel of the manmade fabric too much. I'll try and get it back into wardrobe rotation next year - or charity shop it.
5. Attempts at Alma
No pictures for this one - you'll just have to imagine the 2 muslins that don't fit and the look of rage and frustration on my face.
(Interesting that all my failures are blouses - I will be reflecting on this in a future post)
Top 5 Successes
I only finished it last month but it's already in regular rotation and gets worn 2-3 times a week. The buttons never really stay closed properly but I don't mind too much.
Although this was technically a wearable muslin, it turned out to be a great sucess because the fabric (an old duvet cover) and pattern worked well together and I got some lovely comments about how well it suited me. I made the dress again because I was so happy with how it turned out and will likely make another in the future again. The fit and finish aren't quite as good as I'd like, but it doesn't affect how much I wear this.
A really easy and fun make, I wore this a lot in the summer.
This was the first skirt I made from a vintage pattern and it quickly became my go-to skirt pattern this year.
Another simple skirt that was frequently worn this year, a real success.
Just 'cos I'm a rule breaker - and I couldn't not include this cape. I love wearing it.
So that's my highs and lows of the year - I don't think any of my successes are particularly exciting but they are frequently worn, and that's what I was aiming for. I'll be back at the weekend with some reflections and goals for 2013,
K x
I love love all your successes! I noticed all your failures are tops, maybe you just need to keep making cute skirts instead! ;)
ReplyDelete:-) Skirts I can do, one day I'll make the perfectly fitting top...
Deletelove them all! even some of the failed blouses! :P my fav is that 99% awesome dress! :D i love this reflections process! will need to go through my wardrobe too in the new year!
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of looking forward to the clear out, but will probably regret that
Delete:-)
Love your top 5 winners, especially the dress and the one seam skirt. I still really like the nice surprise blouse in your fail section, though I know what you mean about using the wrong fabric. If you ever fancy selling the pattern (Butterick 9206) I'll be at the front of the queue! x
ReplyDeleteI really should give it another go, maybe I'll try again in better fabric. I'm happy to lend you the pattern if you would like? Email me your address if you'd like to borrow it - I know you'd make a fab version that'd put me to shame! :)
DeleteYou should definitely give it another go, it's such a darling pattern. And oooh yes, I 'd love to borrow it, thank you! Will email you. X
DeleteI love your successes, especially the 99% dress and the cape is wondrous. Your misses aren't so bad either but it's how you feel about them that makes them a miss, isn't it? I had a few this year too!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you make in 2013.
xxx
Yeah it's weird how some things just don't get worn for no apparent reason.
DeleteI love the hits especially the 99% awesome dress and the wondrous cape! x
ReplyDeleteHa, I know you're a Cape fan too of course.
DeleteOoohh I adore the cardigan! Definately going on my to-knit list. Also love the 99% awesome dress :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, I wear it all the time. It's a good basic but with nice features like the pleats and pockets.
DeleteThe Awesome Dress, cardigan, and cape are my favourites!
ReplyDeleteThank you :-)
DeleteI love the picnic skirt. It's so ebullient on you. Merry Christmas, I hope you have a great break, and plot and scheme wonderful projects for next year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and I love your use of ebullient :-)
DeleteI love all of your hits and while your misses look good to me, I know what you mean - sometimes you can't just put your finger on what's not right about a make, and you should give them to the charity shop - I'm sure someone else will be able to wear them and love you, and it frees up space in your wardrobe for more hits!
ReplyDeleteI know, I'm going to have to try and wear them a bit more, or get rid. Sometimes you don't know why items don't get worn!
DeleteEven your 'disasters' look pretty good :) But your hits are truly spectacular.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteI just love your one-seam dress and the cardigan!
ReplyDeleteI've looked at the Violet blouse pattern and considered buying it, but it looks quite boxy and I know that blouses like that don't suit me as I have no bust or waist. I need to wear blouses that have darts in them to make me not look like a boy in a skirt.
You're right it's really boxy, the best versions I've seen have put darts in them. Only after making it twice do I know it doesn't suit me!
DeleteIt does go to show how subjective our issues with fit and projects can be, as I think that second Violet looks very nice on you! I want to sew that someday but I'll have to do some research on it I think. I loooove your cape. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Cape wasn't hard at all, it's a great pattern. Will have to revisit that violet blouse again I think!
DeleteThanks for sharing your 2012 'hits and misses' - love the shape and colour of the Manu cardi on you. All your success are brilliant and I can see why they are becoming favourites in your wardrobe...but I am sure you had more than 5 (or the sneaky 6) success during the year...J
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith :-) Yes it was hard to choose 6 as there were other things I really liked but chose the ones I wear the most.
DeleteHmmm... Maybe it's the boxiness of the blouses that isn't appealing to you? (Although I like your recent Grainline Scout tee, which is boxy too, so my theory might be crap!) All of your favourites are either more fitted in the bust, or seperates worn with a more form-fitting top! Regardless, thanks for playing along in the list-making!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Gillian , I don't like the boxy shape on me for smart wear but I like a relaxed shape with jeans for non work times, so think thats why I like the Scout Tee.
DeleteIt's been fun list making, thanks for suggesting!
I love all of your successes, too! They're really sweet and very you (that cape!! ack!! love it!!). I'm really looking forward to seeing what you make in 2013!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sonja! :-)
DeleteI love your successes! That 99% dress is fabulous on you, and the picnic blanket skirt is so fun! :-)
ReplyDeleteShame the blouses didn't work out. Although I'm thinking along the same lines as Gillian above - perhaps the shapes of them aren't working for you?
Looking forward to seeing what you make in 2013! :-)
It's being lovely following your adventures this year.. My fav it's the 99% dress.. It's stunning.
ReplyDeleteYou are rocking that cape!
ReplyDeleteI am wondering why the blouse is your achilles heel? It may be worth studying the blouse in your wardrobe you do wear and making lots of measurements...Are there any blouses you wear alot?
It totally is my achilles heel! Unfortunately I'm having difficulties making the more fitted top that I like as I need to make broad upper back adjustments that I haven't quite cracked.
Deletei adore dress number 2 and skirt number 4 in the successes!! you are ridiculously clever!! looking forward to hearing about what you make in the new year.xx happy christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sian, happy Christmas to you too! X
DeleteI love your fails almost as much as your wins!
ReplyDelete:-) Thanks!
DeleteWow, I have to disagree! ALL your successes are VERY exciting! But for me the most exciting of all is that cape - SWOON!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail, I do love that Cape.
DeleteI love all your successes and wish I could come up with an excuse to make a cape - our climate just doesn't justify it unfortunately :(
ReplyDeleteInteresting with the misses that you too feature the Violet blouse - perhaps it is the pattern, I haven't seen too many of these that work now that I have gone looking. Perhaps the secret for you to a winning top might be a jersey one?
I think you're right Liz, I'm determined to sew some jersey this coming year.
DeleteSo you are skirt girl, not a blouse one!%)) I like your duvet dress!%))
ReplyDeleteOk that's settled, I'm making a violet blouse!! Yours are absolutely adorable. Even the one you said was a fail I loved. I don't think I could pull off those sleeves either though, but I am obsessed with the short sleeve one. And i'd never seen that pattern before so thank you for posting about it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat 99% awesome dress is more like 150% awesome. ha it fits you perfectly! Seriously nice work. I can't believe you don't like the fit because I really think it looks perfect on you. I can't believe it was from an old duvet cover too, that makes it even sweeter!