2014: A Year of Sewing in Review

Happy New Year to you all!

I have just been reflecting back on all the sewing I’ve done during 2014. A quick browse through my blog archives over the last year made me almost put me off writing this post – there was just so much sewing! Argghhh the hyperlinks! (Lame blogger joke.)

If 2013 was the year of baby sewing, then 2014 was one of much pattern testing and blog tours for me. (See collage above!)

My first leap into the world of pattern testing was in April, when I made the Lua Sleep Sack, a pattern designed by An of Straight Grain, (this and other Straight Grain patterns can be found here.)

July was a bumper sewing month for me, during which I began pattern testing for my friend and fellow Kiwi, Lydia of Little Kiwis Closet – first with the Street Smart Sweatshirt Collection, then the Hip Hop Harems, and more recently I tested the updated peekaboo pocket vest pattern, making this Bambi inspired version … oh and I also joined in with a few of Lydia’s blog tours; for the Scalloped Princess Dress, Woollen Vest and Playsuit, to be exact. … Plus during that month I wrapped up the Handmade Kid's Clothing Swap which I had hosted (maybe another this year, if there is enough interest?) … aaannd I went pretty hard out at the July Kid's Clothes Week (see below!!)

Having become hooked to pattern testing (gosh it makes you get stuff done) I also started testing for another Kiwi designer, Lisa from Big Little Handmade – and so far have tested her Pixie Shorts, Anna Cape and Fleur - 'a handmade doll' patterns. (These and other Big Little Patterns are available here.)

Sewing Fleur was enjoyable for many reasons, but especially because it was something a bit different and taught me new skills. Near the beginning of last year I expressed a desire to make more handmade, meaningful gifts. While I managed a couple, including Fleur and the things below; I’d really love to up my game in this area, this year.

It is quite satisfying being able to (provided you have the time and stash), make a gift, decorate your house (eg: new cushions, recovered furniture, wall hangings, bedding, bunting), and put clothes on yours and your children’s backs.

Speaking of clothing one’s self, apart from a pair of jeans, I didn’t buy any new clothing for myself or the kids all year. That is until I was doing some Christmas shopping at Kmart and I shouted myself a cute $12 T-shirt dress, which promptly shrunk to more of a T-shirt on it’s first (cold) wash!

Moral of the story? Generally speaking, if I want nice, good quality clothes that fit me well I either need to pay top dollar, OR make them myself … and I don’t know about you, but (I hope) 2015 is going to be a year of more sewing for meee!

In my head I thought I did a lot more ‘selfish sewing’ in 2014, but in reality, not quite so much. Still, two pairs of shorts some leggings, a dress, a kimono top and a sweatshirt (not pictured), is nothing to sneeze at! And this Summer I’ve basically been living in my handmade clothes (especially those shorts!)

What were your sewing highlights of 2014 and do you have any grand sewing plans for 2015?

Thanks for following along with me on my sewing journey, your encouraging comments and inspiration. I wish you a happy and safe 2015 with perfect machine tension, beautiful fabrics and perfect piles of handmade clothes.

Jen x