It was about this time last year that I looked back on my Make 9 of 2019, I hadn’t been strict with sticking to my plans, however I still did better than my 2018 plans (always learning). The plans I set myself for 2020 I felt were much more realistic, finish some things, makes some useful items, with the odd new challenge thrown in. But then 2020 happened (!) I don’t know about you, but my productivity went haywire, fluctuating from being enthusiastic and super productive to can’t be arsed and just staring out the window/at the telly. So really to have achieved anything at all in 2020 is really good and looking back on what I created and achieved I’m pretty proud.
These were my make 9 projects for 2020…
1. Sewing some more practical tops (like my Agnes top), I’m lacking these in my wardrobe, maybe a blouse/shirt.
YES! I definitely achieved this. I bought an overlocker in February and it has definitely helped with my sewing productivity. I made a Tilly & the buttons Frankie t-shirt (the fabric wasn’t quite right – the black isn’t very soft – so I will amend it in future).
I was also pattern tester for a simple t-shirt the first garment pattern released by Studio Jepson (also a first for me, being a tester) I made 3 KLP tee’s (as it’s now known as), a very wearable toile, a final tee and then I also made a pyjama top from the pattern too. I also made 2 Misty Tops by Sew Altered Style. The toile I made to check the fit became a summer pyjama top and then I made a blue one from an old dress that was perfect for summer.
2. Zadie dress, I will conquer this project!
Sort of yes! I have completed the Zadie dress (except for hemming) the dress ended up way too big for me (a consistent issue I have with Tilly & the Buttons patterns). I’m not sure what I’ll do with it yet, so it is sat the pile of “not quite finished/don’t know what to do with items” it might be given to a friend…
3. I intend to do some form of creative patchwork with all my fabric scraps.
This I have done. I created a padded stool cover for the one I’ve been using at my over locker, much more comfortable and entirely make of off cuts (including the upholstery padding). I also make a plant pot cover – which I intend to make more of. Not to mention many, many face masks for family, friends & colleagues.
4. This year I will crochet my Granny Rocks jumper.
Well I made a very good start – half way there, then Iron lamb announced she was releasing the Granny go round jumper, and as a top down raglan jumper I just knew it would suit me much more than the boxier granny rocks. I bought the pattern the day it was released and I’m going to rip our the granny rocks and turn it in to a granny go round!
5. I will complete a crocheted blanket that was given to me partially complete years ago, I made good progress at one point, but then got very distracted!
YES! I did complete this, this project was pretty big in the end (far bigger than I initially intended), it provided me with some much needed focus during the first lockdown and I really enjoyed seeing it grow and got back into the swing of crochet – I don’t do it very often.
6. I’ll finish my monetta dress (first sewing project of 2020 maybe…?)
Yes! I finished this in February, but then felt it was too nice to wear during lockdown, but then I just got on with it and I’ve worn it loads. It’s very comfy. The fabric possibly wasn’t the best choice, it has gone a little bobbly in places. But it was essentially a toile and now that I know the fit is brilliant and I loved making it I will make another – I love the pockets!
7. I’d like to have made a start, at least, on my Glenfiddich Cardigan by the end of 2020.
If by ‘make a start’ I mean having done the tension square then that’s another big fat yes!
8. I will bring my Arboreal sweater out of hibernation & get it finished at some point in 2020!
Yes, I have brought my Arboreal sweater out of hibernation, I did much of it in January, then for some reason, I think because I had ripped back yarn then re-knitted it straight away, it was looking a bit shabby, I still wasn’t convinced it was going to fit either, the idea of starting again made me put it back in hibernation….until that weird time between Christmas and New year. I got it back out, which was only about 10 days ago as I write this and I just decided to get it done – I tied it on (basically the yoke and about 2’’ below the arm holes were complete) I decided it was a good enough fit and a really good soak and block would hopefully sort out the uneven stitches when it’s complete – I now only have the last third of each sleeve to complete – yey!
9.Herbert Cardigan for my boyfriend & his Christmas present for 2019 which he knew he’d get at some point in 2020.
Yes! This has been an odd sort of project – it should have been straight forward but I made so many silly mistakes, I had to have several pauses for other project while knitting it. However the cardigan was complete and worn on Christmas day 2020. The sleeves are a little long so I will be doing a little post production editing – but that’s the joy of handmade!
All in all, I’m impressed with my productivity (even if I do say so myself) in part because I know I made loads more items on top of these 9 too. Which I will write a blog post about… even if it’s just for prosperity of an unprecedented time.
I’ve really been deliberation over my make nine for 2021, the short list it long, and I want to try and focus on items that I already have the yarn/fabric and pattern for. As well as address gaps on my wardrobe that I know I’d get a lot of use from. However I also want to make sure what I set myself is achievable but also with exciting and challenging elements….
Thanks for reading… keep you eye out for my make 9 plans for 2021 in the next week or so 🙂
Nettynot Creates 