Make Nine - It’s been awhile…
Gosh, time has flown by. Apologies for being MIA, life has definitely been full, the non-creative type full. But I am back, with a little more balance and realism of what one person can do.
Welcome to 2022, where did 2021 go? I must admit my crafting last year was nearly non-existent. My main goal for 2022 is to find the creative balance I need so much, not only for my own mental health but also to satisfy my very creative brain. Carving out non-specific crafting time each day (knitting, sewing, weaving, embroidery, painting… it can all be a bit overwhelming) is the first step, how I spend this time will depend on what I need.
So here we are make nine, an attempt to create nine garments for the year. I must admit there are always more than nine garments on the “to do” list. These nine garments have been chosen to develop, test and refine specific techniques, and also as garment creation is very utilitarian for me, to fill a very specific need within my wardrobe.
All patterns are linked below (name and image) so please check out these wonderful designers!
One of the first Deer and Doe Patterns released, I was very lucky to get my hands on a copy at launch. This pattern is in French and is no longer available. An unlined jacket I plan on bagging the jacket to create a lined version. This jacket has a similar silhouette to the beautiful wool button mini dress by Lein Studio which I hope to replicate in the future, using Pavot as a base.
Key skill - bagging a coat
(Image from Deer and Doe)
I love this dress, it is the ultimate summer garden dress. I must admit I do not wear dresses enough. I was a tom boy growing up, and as an engineer by day, my experience of wearing dresses to work has always been meet with a sideways look. This dress is simple, and is to challenge me to step out of my comfort zone. I intend on sewing the bra friendly version with the hope of omitting the tie waistband and am looking forward to the simplicity of gathers.
Key skill - Stepping out of my comfort zone
(Image from Untitled Thoughts)
Knitting has become a very important healer for my mental health. While sewing fills a utilitarian purpose, knitting is more of me, and a space where I can settle into the methodical nature of the stitches. I tend to always have a pair of socks and a jumper on a set of needles. Coming from Auckland to now living in Christchurch, my need and appreciation for woolens has grown. I fell in love with this sweater instantly, the pattern looks deceptively intricate, while simple in nature. The boxy fit gives a snuggly and causal feel. This sweater has an intricate sleeve design in comparison to the simplicity of the main pattern. The sleeve construction is out in the open and will require some patience and attention to execute well. Along with shaping and ease, this pattern will challenge my construction skills and finishing.
Key skill - Intricate and visible sleeve design
(Image from My Favourite Things)
I have been craving to make a bodysuit for many years. I have a long torso, and although I lengthen all my tops, there are always cases where a gap may form between my top and pants. Bodysuits are not only fantastic for coverage, they are a great layering piece, particularly in winter. The Nathalie bodysuit has been drafted for a longer torso (which I greatly appreciate) and also has a beautiful variation with back ruffles. I find the scoop back feminine and adds an element of interest to the simple silhouette. I hope to make both the standard and ruffle back version, with the challenge confirming/adjusting the torso length for my body.
Key skill - Torso length adjustment (if required)
(Image from Untitled Thoughts)
I am having a love hate relationship with pants right now. My body has changed significantly around my upper thigh/quad and glute region, so much so that my tried and true jean patterns just do not fit around the thigh/glute/pelvic region. This coupled with being petite, with very high hip bones (and long torso), fit has been a frustrating struggle. I have chosen the dawn jeans as they are high waist, allowing me to play around with the hip and pelvic fit. And are simple (simple in terms of pattern lines) around the upper leg/glute region, allowing me to figure out if a wide leg and/or large butt adjustment will be required. My relationship with pants does not need to be dictated by my body changes, instead, I am going to embrace implementing pattern manipulation skills I know so well.
Key skill - Wide leg and/or full butt adjustment
(Image from Megan Nielsen)
I am always in need of more sports bras. I train for rowing between one and two times a day in peak season, and at least six times a week in the off. A number of my sports bras are getting on in age and need to be phased out, so this make is more to fill an ongoing need. I really like both of the back options and it will depend on my mood at the time I am picking. Using my coverstitch is always a joy, and refining how I best use the machine requires more time and practice.
Key skill - Coverstitch practice
(Image from Green Style Patterns)
I am beyond guilty of have a very small selection of bras, and very worn ones at that. I am small in size and have always gone for padded bras to give more volume. In creating my own bras I have started to find my own comfort and identity, even wearing bralettes with my head held high. I have had this pattern since its release and love that it is non-padded but with an underwire. Another form of stepping out of my comfort zone, but also learning how to use a wire in construction.
Key skill - Underwire application
(Image from Madalynne Intimates)
If you follow my personal Instagram you may have noticed this on my make nine 2019. I have some beautiful Liberty Tania Lawn put aside for this make. With finishing my doctoral thesis I never found the time to embark on this make, hopefully 2022 will be the year. I admit the Papercut block and I have a torrent relationship, and to make this playsuit well is going to involve a muslin and a number of pattern adjustments (and maybe a second muslin). But its super cute, and even with the daunting task ahead, I still want to make it (even three years on).
Key skill - Pattern adjustments
(Image from Papercut Patterns)
I love Deer and Doe patterns! Bruyere has been on my “to make” list for many years, I even have some beautiful fabric set aside. I will likely make the sleeveless version as this will allow for more flexibility in my wardrobe. This shirt has multiple darts, pleats, button holes and lovely collar construction. Clean execution will be required for a good fit. I somehow can see this becoming a tried and true pattern in the future (as most Deer and Doe patterns do for me).
Key skill - Construction execution
(Image from Deer and Doe)
