I wrote a blog post back during the summer to access how I was getting on with my “make nine” plans. To finish off the year… I haven’t got much further 😣

I had finished my Rumana coat and self drafted dress and had 4 other projects “in progress”. They are still in progress to be honest. I have started my ginger jeans, I’m at the back pocket stage which is okay. I have made jeans this year, the Palo jeans from Breaking the Pattern. I have fabric for a few pairs of dawn jeans in the new year. So I am happy with that I have tackled this garment, and will definitely be making more.

I knitted a hat but it was too small. I might rip it out and redo it, but to honest I am happy I just managed to get the stitches right. I haven’t started my lingerie kit but will try it out soon, and I have fallen out of love with my mila dungarees. I never got around to the crotchet pattern either, I did get a little further with 2 of my blankets though.
I made the Trend Patterns twist dress. I made the original version in a burnt orange viscose from Minerva Crafts for their maker team blog. Keep an eye on my Instagram feed for when the blog will be published.

I then hacked the pattern to add sleeves and made it in a dreamy Mind the Maker viscose twill from Sister Mintaka. This dress is one of my favourites of the year.

I am still planning to try it in a green stretch velvet but with the side twist and sleeves. I am really happy I managed to add sleeves to the original pattern. And this fabric was a dream to work with.

I made 3 versions of my self drafted dress in the end. The pattern still needs a few tweaks but this is one I have big plans for. The shape is so flattering and I feel really comfortable when I’m wearing it.



Thinking about this challenge has allowed me to reflect on the progress I have made with my sewing this year. I didn’t complete my list but I have made so many garments this year that I love. I will get around the finishing/starting the rest of the items I have bought. And I am okay with this.
I didn’t anticipate where my sewing journey would take me this year. I only ever dreamed that I could make this my full time job (along with being a mum!) but that is where I am now.
I have started to compile a list of things I want to make in 2020, focusing on really upping my sewing game and trying some couture sewing techniques. There won’t be 9 on the list, and they are pretty big projects that I will need to take my time over. And you can expect a lot more pattern drafting!
Did you take part in the Make Nine challenge this year? How did you get on?
Sharlene xx