So, what happened in my life during the year 2011? Definitely a lot, but since this blog is supposed to be a sewing blog, I’m going to talk about everything sewing-related.
- One of the most important decision that I made was to close my etsy shop. There are so many things that I want to learn, and I feel that making things for the shop had taken too much of my time. I used to make easy and quick clothes that don’t need too much fitting, but this year I’ve learned to take more time for my projects for better results.
- I’ve started to use a vintage pattern drafting book in 2010 to draft several clothes. In 2011, I finally bought a vintage pattern on etsy and made a dress with it. I began to use more vintage patterns now.
- Made my first bathing suit!
- It was my dream to be able to make anything that I wear, including lingerie, but I was afraid to start. It seemed so difficult and complicated. But I finally gathered my courage to make my first set. Addicted ever since!
- It seems that 2011 is the year of firsts! I joined my first sew-along for Men’s shirt at Male Pattern Boldness using Negroni pattern from Colette. I made muslin and altered it to fit my husband’s body. After the sew-along, I have used this pattern numerous times to make shirts for him.
- Since joining the sew-along, I got interested to learn more about alteration for better fitting. I bought Fit for Real People and later Pants for Real People for this purpose.
- Another sew-along at Male Pattern Boldness, this time is for Men’s jeans. I learned to install jeans button, rivets, and made button fly! My husband got himself a total of four pants out of this pattern. Thank you Peter for these sew-alongs!
- I found my waist! I always feel self-conscious about my body because of my scoliosis and asymmetrical hip. I always wore loose dresses to cover this imperfection. But sewing has made me learn to know my body better and I began to see that my imperfection is just a part of me, nothing to hide about. I began to make more fitted dresses and separates. But most of all, I love myself better now.
- I didn’t make too many projects with Japanese pattern books anymore. I used to make lots of clothing from them, the loose line was perfect for me. They are also easy and quick to sew with little or no alteration needed. I think my style has changed now. I’m 40 this year, so I want to look like a grown-up. Err… perhaps a little too late to say that?! Anyway, nothing is too late for anything!
- And of course, I got to see the blouse variation that I made for Burdastyle Sewing Handbook! Actually I made the project last year, but it is nice to finally see them printed in such a beautiful book this year.
I think 2011 has been a very good year for me. I can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring! Happy New Year!
What a year! Everything is lovely, but the lingerie is downright outstanding.
What a great list! I’m planning to push my sewing skills in 2012. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Novita!
First of all, I want to tell you how much I look forward to your posts! And secondly – with regards to being afraid of working with almost everything you want to wear (re: lingerie), I feel for you here! I’m trying to get over this hurdle at the moment!
Anyway, please keep it coming with your posts as I love reading them! Hope you have a wonderful 2012, and keep inspiring us!
Wow, when I see your sewn items, my own sewing adventure seems like a joke
I hope I’ll get better and faster in 2012 
you are so inspiring! there seems to be nothing you can’t sew. men’s clothes, swimwear, and lingerie is so intimidating, but yours turns out so beautifully. i hope you have a wonderful 2012!
Look at all of that! It seems that I sewed along several times with you…the Negroni, and the jeans. I admired them then and still do now. Your lingerie is so lovely and delicate! Thanks for sharing your 2011 projects!
You are so inspiring, I love your amazing collection of vibrant clothes.
What an amazing collection!!
What a fabulous range of things you made. Wishing you a very happy 2012
Wow – thank you for sharing your inspiring makes!
I feel like running to my sewing machine right now ^^
What a fantastic collection! I can’t tell you how much I envy your skill
You’ve made so many beautiful things this past year – and it’s great to see your year of sewing and ‘firsts’ like this! Happy New Year!
Wow, you’ve made so many great garments this year. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to seeing more beautiful creations in 2012.
What a lucky family you have. You are such an awesome seamstress. Happy New Years to you and your family. I am very excited to see what’s up your sleeve for 2012. Thanks for sharing your great ideas and bloggywisdom. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful makes! I’m always thoroughly impressed by the beauty and quality of your garments (oh, and I’m very much looking forward to making your variation of the BurdaStyle blouse!).
I love everything you’ve created! What a great year and I look forward to following along in 2012!!
What a treat to see all these projects collected in one place! I get so much happiness out of seeing your posts pop up into my RSS reader because your attention to detail is so fabulous. That cockrach for Sidra is incredible! And, of course, all of the clothes are wonderful but the lingerie sets just blow my mind! Happy New Year!
You came to my attention during MPB’s Men’s Shirt Sew-Along, I’ve been silently following for a while now. That was also my first Sew-Along, and I loved the way it was set up on Flickr. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2012. I’m sure it’ll be great!
I loved everything you made. I am happy to see you feel better wearing fitted clothes. They look great on you. And whatever flaws your body may have, I don’t see any of them! Looking forward to another sewing year
So inspiring! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Happy New Year to you and your family! It’s been wonderful seeing your progress this year, can’t wait to see what next year will bring for you
I am so impressed with all your makes! I especially love all the things you make for your husband and Sidra. You are so kind to sew for your family! Happy new year!
Wonderful post! I love seeing all of your projects in one spot.
Happy New Year to you and your family (is it New Year already on your side of the earth?).
I really enjoyed discovering your blog: the clarity of your photos, the interesting fabric, the little bites of Japan….thanks!
What an amazing year of sewing!! Happy New Year!! can’t wait to see what you make in 2012.