It's New Years Eve here in Oz, and all around the world, bloggers are preparing cute cocktails, decorative bunting, sparkly outfits and end of year posts to share with the their readers. So here now is my very own 2013 boast post!
Despite only starting this blog in May, I'm so happy and grateful to you all for where this blog has ended up! In 8 months I've gathered a nice little group of readers who are all so nice and friendly!
And I'm really proud of most of the garments I've made, but once they are made, what happens with them? Did I actually enjoy the dresses I made? Lets have a look!
My favourites
Well I kind of love everything I make, but the ones that get the most wear are the ones which I've felt most comfortable wearing
The Barbara Dress - The ode to Biba and Barbara Hulanicki. I get a lot of wear out of this one. It's ideal for work, its comfortable and very chic! The only thing I wish I could have changed was the length - I've decided this this could have been longer, to just below the knees, but I love it either way!
I still wear it to work, but I just can't reach up for things!!
The Bliss of Mrs Blossom - I love this dress so much! I plan to copy the design and get it up on Spoonflower so I can make more things from this fantastic print. And that means you can buy it too!
The flops
Oh yes, there were flops! These didn't quite work out as planned or I don't get much joy out of wearing them
Goldie - Goldie was a flop from the minute I sewed the first seam, but I stuck through it and finished it well enough for 1 wear, out for a friends birthday. It kind of fell apart after that and after I'd salvaged the zipper, poor old Goldie ended up in the bin.
I'm still looking for a nice gold brocade to make a proper Goldie. Hopefully I'll find it in the new year!
Tuffin - OK, well Tuffin wasn't really a flop, but when I wear it, I doesn't feel right. I think I may need to adjust the fit slightly, perhaps with better darts or something. I still wear it though!
The most painful one was the Pattie Suit. It took a really long time to get the fit right on the jacket sleeves.
But now that I've got the pattern that I originally wanted to use for it, another suit may just be on the list for next year!
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The most fun to sew however were the Pyjamas for the Tofino Pyjama Party! I found a 60s pyjama pattern and whipped up a flannelette set. Their pretty darn cute, and so is my cat!
You can see all of my projects anytime by clicking on the All Projects button at the top of the page (Orange button)
But now for 2014! I don't really make resolutions, cause they've just become a bit blah for me. However I would rather make a list of things to do.
Sewing wise, here is my 2014 to do list;
- Make a pair of pants. Yes pants. exciting right? Well other then the pyjama bottoms I've never make a pair of trousers. I might start with a sassy pair of straight leg trousers or maybe a flared pair?
- Make a Work Wardrobe. Allie is challenging herself to make a weekender wardrobe this year and I've decided to join in, though with a work wardrobe. So that means matching jacket, dress, skirt, pants, blouse and coat!
- Participate in Me made May
- Sew more basics in order to buy less/ buy Ethical. After this years factory collapse in Bangladesh, Pip from Meet me at Mikes has declared 2014 a year of ethical fashion. I'm really badly addicted to ASOS and Glassons so its going to be tricky to spend that little bit extra to buy from ethical brands and also lovely vintage items. Despite loving 60s clothes, I don't actually get to buy much of it. Usually cause the price tag is scary or they just don't fit, so I'll need to stop being a tight-ass in that area!
- And lastly - Wear my sewn garments with pride! I sometimes get a little bit worried when wearing my handmade stuff, that someone will notice and pick me out for it. It's so silly because I really don't care what nasty crap people have to say about me, but working in a corporate environment, I do get some really weird comments sometimes, but once I admit that I made it myself, those comments turn into compliments. I don't go to work trying to look ridiculous. But I want to be able to wear my frou frou lace dresses or minis without fear of raised eyebrows.
Do you have a 2014 To-do list? Or even a resolution if you are a fan of these?
I'm off now to make choc dipped banana pops for tonight's NYE party with the boyfriends family!
Enjoy your NYE party and of course thank you for making 2013 such a fun a rewarding year! Lets all have an equally amazing 2014!
Happy New Year readers!
Cat xoxo
I remember #1 (your Stevie Nicks look :) and most of these other wonderful outfits you produced this year, dear Catherine, along with your spot on Sixties modeling poses. What a year you've had. In my opinion you have every reason to feel proud when wearing your handmade dresses, to work or anywhere else. You are quite talented at what you do.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to meet you and get to know you this year, dear Catherine, and I wish you all the best in 2014!
Thank you Shady! Its be a pleasure having you as a reader offering your insights and memories!
DeleteHappy New Year, lady! Great work this year. I'm jealous of all your followers after 8 months! How do you do it?!
ReplyDeleteI too will be participating in Me Made May this year - so exciting! I finally have enough pieces to do it with! Another similarity: pants are on my list as well. Might start drafting them tomorrow.
Thank you lovely! I really hope she holds me may made. It would be a shame if she canned it!
DeleteGlad that 2013 has been great for you, and you should be really proud of all the amazing things that you have created since you started your blog this year. It was nice to see them all again and how fantastic that you've got goals set for 2014. I hope that you achieve them all and that this coming year is just as fab.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Thank you dear Lucy! I hope 2014 has been kind to you so far!
DeleteYour blog is the greatest! That Pattie Suit, I can't even handle its awesomeness, happy new year lady :)
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Lonnie! Happy New year to you also!
DeleteHappy new year - love your boasts, I think your Barbara is my fave, but they are all gorgeous and so true to your style! And forgeddabout talentless jerks at work, I'm sure there's a huge amount of underlying envy going on there! X
ReplyDeletehaha! thank you miss! They are all talentless Jerks! haha xo
DeleteOnly 8 months? It would take me years to make such incredibly gorgeous clothes and don't be so hard on yourself, your "flops" are beauties!
ReplyDeleteLove the snap of your and your handsome cat.
Great resolutions especially ditching the unethical labels. The only time they can be bought is from a charity shop where at least someone benefits other than the heartless owners.
No NYE celebrations or resolutions for me. I'll be tucked up in bed sober by 9 ready for a 3am get up! Happy New Year! xxx
Oh thank you Vix! You've also helped me be a little less fearless about my 60s love and getting all gussied up. I love seeing your outfits every week and all the amazing vintage finds you pick up!
DeleteHaving been a young woman in the 1960s it is fascinating to see so many dresses I knew on here - well the style anyway. The Tuffin does look very 60s, there was that loose look around and to me it is very much of the time.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! its so good to have some kind of confirmation from someone who was there! And thank you for confirming the Tuffin dress shape! Have a happy 2014 Maureen!
DeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog this year and you should be rightly proud of your achievements. Don't worry about what people at work think, wear what you like! I work in a very corporate environment too and I wear what I want, no matter how short ;) I like that you've made a new year to do list, I always do the same. Top of my sewing list next year is to tackle a suit. Wishing you a very Happy New Year Cat! x
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah! I've enjoyed reading your blog also! I cant wait to see the suit! Should we try to do it together do you think?
DeleteOh my goodness what incredible makes! I think they all look fab - and as for the dresses that are 'too short' for work - just whack some tights on.... see? Work appropriate in a flash!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you get up to in 2014 xx
Thank you! I have a huge draw full of tights which are out every day in winter, but in summer, i have to take the risk! Happy 2014 to you!
DeleteYou made so many gorgeous garments, I am kind of jealous :-) Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And happy new year to you also!
DeleteAs someone who graduated high school in 1964, just want to say I am glad I found your blog. I thought was the only one who still preferred the styles we wore then - shifts, simple A-line skimmers a la Jackie Kennedy, A-line skirts, etc. - classic and timeless, in my opinion. Looking forward to reading about what you make in 2014. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! thank you so much! I really was born in the wrong time, and so do many of us young people who love the 60s! Thank you for visiting my blog! i hope i can faithfully recreate the 60s again in 2014!
DeleteMeow!!! Cutie!
ReplyDeleteO, my, I have had some flops in my time, and many frocks I never finished, much to my shame!
I think the only plan for this year is to GET MY DAMNED SEWING MOJO BACK! I've pulled out a frock I got stuck on last year, and I've made some progress on it, huzzah!
Pants aren't too bad; I've made a lot for G, but I always need to refer to my notes to get the zip in!!!
You are an awesome addition to our little blog world, I am so happy to have found you! Keep it up, sweetie!
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Well Helga i hope i can help you get you sewing mojo back! Even if i have to go back in time Austin Powers style top 1969 if i have to...
DeleteThank you for welcoming me into the blogging world ( should I say coven?) Its a wonderful place to be!
I still just LOVE the Barbara dress so much!! I think I would wear that every day :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Its so beautiful but if i start wearing it everyday people might be a bit worried about the smell... haha!
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