As I mentioned earlier this week, the end of the year is a good time for reflection. I was thinking back to the fact that during 2020, I made monthly reviews of my sewing projects; it was even part of my 2020 resolutions. 

In 2021, I didn’t prioritize these little reviews that I actually really liked for several reasons:

• they boost self-confidence, because each month, you see yourself making progress;
• they are a way to remember the sewing projects completed (fabrics used, pattern modifications...)

So, I decided to select "my" best sewing project for each month of 2021; which will make 12 in total (if I don’t cheat 😅). 

This might give you new ideas for your 2022 sewing projects.

Let’s start with the first 6 months of 2021. 

January

During the lockdown, Artesane created masterclasses (you’ll find quite a few articles about them on my blog: sweatshirt, slippers, underwear...) and I had a big crush on the paperbag skirt masterclass created by Charlotte Jaubert. 

I selected a Japanese fabric from the brand Echino with a nice structure, a linen and cotton blend so the pleats would hold well and stay in place all day. 

I chose this sewing project because I love the fabric/pattern combination that highlights the design and especially because I wear it regularly and always with real pleasure. I find it very important to make clothes that we really like, feel good in, and wear often. 

If you want to find all the details about this project and maybe sew your own version, it’s here. 

February

In February, the children’s clothing brand Tape à l'oeil offered us the pattern for the Overall dungarees. Many of you sewed it with me 😊. For my part, I sewed a size 2 years version for my godson in a cotton poplin with pretty ladybugs, I chose vintage buttons with green daisies for decoration, added machine embroidery stitches on the pockets, and added red piping on the side pockets. Maximum cuteness meter, you have to enjoy it while he’s little 😊

I chose this project because it really made me happy to sew for Martin and I went all out on the details of these dungarees!

If you want to know more about Overall it’s here

March

In March, I repeated with the Artesane masterclass to make their sweatshirt sweatshirt. I chose to make the puff sleeve version, which allowed me to dive back into pattern making. 

It’s a somewhat "loose" model, which is different from my usual style. Generally, I prefer to wear fitted clothes, close to the body. 

It’s a very nice and simple model to sew, so if you want to try sewing knitwear in 2022, I recommend it. 

I chose this model because it pushed me out of my comfort zone style-wise and forced me to revisit my pattern making notes. 

If you want to know more about the sweatshirt it’s here

April

Big challenge in April and also big pressure, because my partner had high expectations for his fitted jeans. 

I had already made pants for myself with a fly but never for my partner, and even more so a real jeans with all its details (topstitching, various pockets, placing rivets in the right spots...). I chose this project because it was a real learning experience. I had to dive into my books to learn more about jeans, how to sew them best, which thread to use, how to adjust the fit... It still took me a toile to get this result... but I’m super proud!

In the end, this year, I sewed three jeans for him (including the toile). And he’s asking for more, so I think you’ll hear more about denim on the blog 😊. 

To learn more about this project, it’s here. 

May

As I said above, it’s important for me to sew clothes that I will wear (and not that will clutter my wardrobe). So my wanted t-shirts and I have a love story. Thanks Vanessa Pouzet for this pattern that I sew at least once a year 😊. With its square neckline, it’s just perfect!

In May, I offered you my retro patterned version in a cotton jersey with pretty cherries and I had fun offering it to you in a casual version and a retro version. 

I chose this project because it’s my little happy sewing project, quick (I sew everything on the serger except the collar assembly on the sewing machine), and it fits me well. 

If you want to know more about this pretty t-shirt pattern it’s here

June

In June, the brand La petite Frambise and Cindy’s wardrobe teamed up to offer us (at the time for free) the pattern for the Athéna dress.

It was offered to be sewn in viscose but I wanted it in cotton poplin and above all, I wanted to modify the waistline height, which was way too low for my bust. So I was able to use my pattern making knowledge again to make these modifications. And I’m happy with the result! 

I chose this project because it was nice to be able to rework this pattern and offer a poplin version. 

If you want to know more, it’s here

Here are my 6 favorite sewing projects month by month (no cheating), for the first half of 2021.

It’s not on purpose but all the fabrics come from the shop. Some are sold out but if you like this kind of fabric, it’s kind of the shop’s signature style so don’t hesitate to take a look. 

And you, what were your favorite sewing projects of the year?

See you next week for the rest.