Yes, Virginia, I sewed this year: Sort-of self drafted turtleneck tops

Nothing like the end of year for some slapdash posting about the garments I made in 2020. To be honest, I didn’t sew or knit that much: between my concussion, other family member’s debilitating health concerns, a massive relapse and living in a society with people who value their desire for a monthly holiday over Disabled people’s right to live, my brain and body were in no state for any kind of demanding motor/mental task.

Please enjoy my truly atrocious COVID self-haircut.

Anyway, I made a few things, including these tops. Like many others, this project was born of a need for a specific garment in my wardrobe: a long sleeved turtleneck top, semi-fitted, with the collar close enough to keep me warm, but loose enough to allow room to breathe. Particular, I know! I looked and looked for patterns but didn’t find any that fit the bill, so turned to a TNT (tried ‘n’ true) t shirt pattern for a base.

Sewing window face masks

L-R: SSOL Smile Mask, Rebirth Garments face mask with window, Cricut mask with window.

Yes, I know. I’m probably the last person in the world to jump on the mask-sewing bandwagon. Why now? After a brief, hopeful period that Australia would go the same way as New Zealand in eliminating the virus, it seems that we are in a full-blown second wave, led by my state of Victoria.

It’s largely concentrated in Melbourne but there are some cases in regional Victoria where I live, and the state government has suggested wearing cloth masks were social distancing can’t be observed (mandated in Melbourne).

Outlander-inspired shawl and mitts; and a note on Ravelry

What does one do when one’s best friend is an avid Outlander fan, and her first overseas trip EVER to Scotland was postponed due to COVID-19? Knit her an Outlander-inspired shawl and mitten set that Claire Fraser would be proud to wear.

Sew Over It Molly Top and Maria Denmark self-drafted stretch skirt

Unlike some sewists, my sewing output isn’t that great to warrant multiple garments per post. So you know when I do have a few creations together, they are super-simple makes. These two fit that description: easy-to-sew wardrobe staples made entirely from scraps. They were sewn way back in March (or earlier), and only photographed recently!

Linen Burda Tie Up Pants

It might seem boring to some, but I really enjoy reading about people’s basic creations. I find it interesting to see what people wear everyday, as opposed to special garments which might only be worn once (which are of course, interesting in a different way!). With that said, today I’m sharing my second pair of black pants this year.

Tessuti Patterns Ruby Top

Hello! This project was largely a trial to see if a certain garment shape (cut out shoulder tank top) worked on me. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t, but I still ended up with a top I like and will wear over summer.

This was really one of those “what am I doing with my arms am I a robot” kinds of photoshoots.

Style Arc Elle / Airlie Pant

Hello! It’s been a while between projects. I have been sewing, albeit sparsely, but I’ve largely been doing alterations – too boring for even a quick Instagram snap. I’m glad to finally have a finished project to share with you, even if it is a (multiple) pattern repeat.

Named Inari again – Indie Pattern Month 2018

I didn’t have any particular plans to enter The Monthly Stitch’s Indie Pattern Month this year, despite my all-out efforts last time around (New To Me, Hack It, Indie Pattern Royalty). It was pleasant happenstance that one of their challenges – Around the World – perfectly aligned with my existing sewing plans.

Say hello to my little friend. And our new garden bench from KMart.

Three more Hemlocks

Just recently I was writing about sewing pattern repeats, and here I am sharing my fifth, sixth and seventh versions of the Grainline Hemlock Tee!* I wasn’t completely enamoured with it upon release, but it’s proven to be an easy to sew and easy to wear wardrobe staple.

Maria Denmark knit ponte skirt (self-drafted)

Even though I’ve been trying to keep up with my blog posts, I haven’t really been sewing as much lately as is usual for me. Sitting at the machine requires a lot more effort than I can muster most days, so my output has slowed considerably. This has led to a rethink of my sewing strategy: I can’t buy a lot of fabric with the guarantee that I will burn through it quickly, so I’ve been taking stock of what I already have and working out what to do with it.

Leopard print matches leopard print, right? That’s my In the Folds Peplum Top, BTW.