I've been enjoying Sewstainability’s One Year Sewn blog series so much that I decided to shamelessly copy it. Each season, Vicky and I look back at the makes we made this time last year and assess what is and isn’t working in our wardrobes.

Here’s what I made last Spring…

Nina Lee Park Lane dress
Currently fits UK 6 - 20 (32" - 46" bust)
but soon to be updated to fit up to UK 28 / 54" bust
Fabric from Escape and Create

I'm very fickle, but this is still my favourite dress 14 months later, and you can read more about it here. I originally made it for Cambridge Frocktails and finished it just before the first UK lockdown began. My day-to-day style is pretty casual these days so I've not had much occasion for a slightly fancier frock, but this has been my go-to for Zoom parties and I wore it on Christmas day. I loved it so much, I made a second Park Lane a couple of months later - see below. I know that polyester is a contentious fabric and I spoke about it a bit more in my original blog post, but I love that this dress doesn't need ironing, and the fabric hasn't worn or faded at all.

Untitled Thoughts Chandler trousers
Fits UK 4 - 34 (34" - 58" hip)
Fabric from Sew Me Sunshine

I must confess: I actually just added these to my donation pile. I love the pattern on other people, but these just don't feel "me" and I've hardly worn them. I think it's more the fabric choice and the fact I probably made a size too big than the pattern itself. I'm just not sure I'm a blue leopard print person!

You can read my original blog post for Sew Me Sunshine about them here, about the later tweaks I made here, and see more photos here.

Wool and the Gang Wooly Young Thing cardigan
Fits UK 6 - 28 (no measurements given)
It Has Pockets pin available here

I know this is a one year sewn post, but I decided to include my first knitted garment too. Despite allegedly being a quick and easy project, this took me MONTHS and sadly I only wore it once before frogging the yarn to use in another project. I love a chunky knit, but I found the bulky seams really uncomfortable to wear. I re-knit the yarn as a Lauren Aston Drop It From the Top (Down) jumper but unfortunately the shaping was bizarre on me and gave me huge back fins!

I just don't think knitting is for me!

Nina Lee Carnaby dress
Fits UK 6 - 28 (32" - 54" bust)
Seamstress pin available here

This garment is a double re-fashion, which you can read about in more detail here. I've worn it quite a few times over the last year, although the neckline seems to have stretched out  (I'm assuming in the wash as it looks fine in earlier photos) and it's currently sitting in my mending/alterations/re-fashion pile. Again!

Biscuitjamas AKA
Hey June Handmade Union St tee (fits XXS - 3XL / 29" - 47" high bust)
Peppermint Magazine Spring shorts (fits UK 8 - 16 / 36" - 42" hip)

I'm a big fan of jersey pyjamas and these are on constant rotation in Spring and Summer, although I'm yet to wear them yet this year as it's been so chilly in the UK! I wrote a little about them in my me made pyjamas blog post. The fabric is available from Paige Joanna's Spoonflower store, and has worn and washed pretty well.

I Am Joy blouse
Fits UK  8 - 18 (32" - 40" bust)
Me Made pin available here
Fabric from Sew Me Sunshine

I re-fashioned this from a very hospital-gown-esque TATB Stevie dress! I hacked the pattern to narrow the shoulders and remove the bust darts for the version I made in December, and used the same pieces. Unfortunately, the fit is ever so slightly snug across the bust but I love the fabric so much I've held on to it!

Sew Over It Carrie trousers
Fits UK 6 - 30 (34" - 60" hip)
Fabric from Sew Me Sunshine

I don't have a lot of luck with me made trousers, but these are definitely my favourite pair! I didn't toile and they could really do with slightly more height in the rise, but they're still super comfy and I wear them loads. This was my first time sewing with linen, and I love how it softens and changes over time. I wrote a little more about them in my blog post for Sew Me Sunshine about sewing fancy basics, and you can see them from all angles here. I'm currently contemplating a second pair in this blue seersucker.

Another Nina Lee Park Lane dress
Currently fits UK 6 - 20 (32" - 46" bust)
but soon to be updated to fit up to UK 28 / 54" bust
Fabric from Stoff & Stil (PR product)

I told you I loved this pattern! I made this version to wear on my birthday last year, even though my plans consisted of "staying at home, watching Little Women and eating mail-order vegan brownies". I really love double gauze for warm weather, although I've found that this one has bobbled a fair amount on the inside. Also, both this and my double gauze I Am Joy blouse look and feel more snug that the same sized garments made in other fabrics, so that's definitely something I'll bear in mind for future gauze makes!

Elbe Textiles Serpentine hat
Fits 21" - 24" head circumference
Fabric from Laura's Beau

I made this as a wearable toile with leftover fabric from my tablecloth, hence the silly photo, with a thicker canvas in the inside of the brim to help it hold its shape. I have an absolutely tiny head and can never find hats that fit. The smallest size Serpentine was SO MUCH BETTER although it's still too tall for my head, which is easily alterable next time. For reference: I just bought an age six sun hat that fits me very well!

Total makes: 9
Still in wardrobe: 6

Not a particularly great rate especially given recent seasons, but as two of my absolute wardrobe staples (Park Lane and Carrie trousers) are in here, I'll still count that as a win!

Please feel free to join in if you'd like to! You can share your #OneYearSewn reviews via Instagram or on your blog. It's not a sewing challenge and there's no prizes, it's just a fun way to review our own wardrobes and give practical feedback on patterns and fabrics to other makers. I think we're all a little guilty of claiming that our latest make is our FAVOURITE EVER but I'm excited to hear about what really stands the test of time!

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