Me in Dec: don’t think I’ll do another #makenine
Me in Jan: HERE’S MY #MAKENINE2022
Last year I did a Make Nine challenge for the first time and I selected a number of items I wanted to force myself to make - either because I'd promised them or because I needed to use up some older fabric in my stash. Ultimately I got a bit tired of the challenge because I went through the more fun projects first and then had to convince myself to get everything done by the end of the year.
I almost didn't put together a Make Nine for 2022, but I have all these projects floating around my mind and I'm so excited to get them all done so I figured I'd properly document them and use this as a way to keep myself on track - no dreaming up new plans until these are all done!!!
There are two brands that feature prominently in this collection - Spotlight and Papercut Patterns! I swear this isn't sponsored (please sponsor me... please?)
I’ve curated myself a little collection of garments I can’t wait to make and wear and share! What are they? Let’s have a look:
1. Papercut Patterns Nova Jacket
I previously made this pattern (formerly known as the Sapporo Coat) in the long version last year and it's now my favourite winter coat. I've always intended to make this in the shorter length for warmer weather but hadn't found the right fabric yet - something neutral but not boring!
This cotton was picked up from Spotlight and it's a cute gingham-with-a-twist. The jacket is lined, and I have a plain cotton/flax remnant in my stash which should be perfect since the outer cotton can be a little sheer and I don't want any lining to poke through.
2. Papercut Patterns Sequence Blouse
Again Papercut and again Spotlight, this time in a rayon I got on clearance when retail reopened here in Melbourne (there were SO many good bargains!). This top can be worn with the wrap in either the front or the back which is super versatile and it can also be made as a dress which I'll do at some point.
I've already made a toile of this with a long, puffy sleeve and I already know I need a bit more room around my shoulder blades to be able to wear the wrap in the front. Plus I had some issues with the ties so I'll be changing how this ties up in a subtle way.
Although this is a pretty recent release from McCalls, this has somehow ended up as the cult crowd favourite among sewists everywhere. I blame the pandemic and our communal desire for loose, comfortable clothing that also makes you look good! I've never seen this look bad on anyone so I have high hopes for this pattern.
I've heard that this pattern can run a little large and since I'm between two sizes I'm going to size down. I personally prefer my dresses to be not too oversized and drapey so this should (fingers crossed) work for me in View A.
Spotlight recently launched a range of fabrics designed by Australian Indigenous artists and my goodness - these are a stunning, captivating, vibrant collection. The one I've chosen is Wulpayi Jukurrpa (River Dreaming) by Pamela Napurrurla Walker. The rayon is really soft; hopefully not too soft so I still get some puff in those big sleeves.
4. Peppermint Magazine Milton Pinafore
Another instant hit when it appeared on the scene mid-2021, by Peppermint Magazine in collaboration with Just Patterns. I've been really enjoying the rise of pinafores and layered dresses recently; it's so great to have versatile pieces that can be worn in the huge range of weather we get down here in Melbourne. To make this pattern even more enticing, it's completely free!
My fabric for this one is a poly crepe from, you guessed it, Spotlight. I usually use non-poly fabrics but I'd been wishing for a good reason to get this as I love the print. My local Spotlight did a flash clearance of all their poly crepes and I picked up the rest of this bolt - enough for two, maybe three items!
5. Merchant and Mills Shepherd Skirt
I've been wanting to incorporate more midi skirts into my wardrobe, and a feature I love is pleats - but most of the patterns I was finding were either too full or too same-same. The overlapping pleats and button detail, plus pockets, is what sold me on this pattern.
I recently picked up this dreamy and light silk/linen blend fabric from Fabric Frenzy while visiting the Gold Coast. The little snippet doesn't show it off to it's full potential - it reminds me simultaneously of a Picasso painting and colours I saw all over buildings in Florence, Italy.
6. Common Stitch Sparrow Tee
Another fantastic free pattern, this time from Common Stitch. I nabbed a 1m remnant of this adorable cow print fabric from Nerida Hansen Fabrics (one of my all time favourite fabric stores) in a cotton jersey. I wanted a really simple relaxed garment for the slightly silly print and I love the wider neckline on the Sparrow Tee.
7. Nina Lee London Camden Skirt
The Camden comes in both a skirt and a pinafore (which of course I'm keen to make soon!). I've just decluttered a skirt I've had for a long time that just doesn't quite fit any more and the Camden is a really close match and I'm looking forward to recreating an old favourite.
I've chosen this dark plum stretch drill that I got on clearance from Lincraft sometime a few years ago. I used much of it to make a shift dress last year, but I think I should have just enough left for a skirt. May the fabric gods smile on me.
8. Vogue V1704
I'm going against the fabric recommendation for this pattern so I can use a warm viscose blend plaid I found as a remnant at Spotlight. I've been looking for a high-waisted pleated trouser with a slim leg and although the waistband on this pattern is a bit different from what I'll do in the end this is one of the closest I've found. And the shirt is super unique - it's definitely going on the list for the future!
9. Papercut Patterns Fall Turtleneck
The final pattern is the third by Papercut, the Fall Turtleneck. This pattern comes with two views - Rise which is more fitted, and Fall, which more relaxed with a dropped shoulder and tall slouchy neck.
Turtlenecks have become a staple for me the last couple of years but I've mostly worn plain ones underneath other items so this time I'm going for something a bit brighter in a cotton jersey from Spotlight. I've made the Fall turtleneck with the Rise neckline already and I found it really straightforward. I added cuffs to the sleeves and bottom hem and I might add them to the sleeves this time around as well.
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