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#SewingTop5 Hits

December 15, 2017

I love the idea of reflecting on a year of making. I’ve always been pretty crafty, but since I had to quit serious bookmaking activities (it was my full time job!) after an injury 8 years ago, I had a huge lull in my crafting productivity. In fact, I think I’d go months if not years without making anything. After deciding on a to try to sew more more in 2016, I was shocked at how much the hobby stuck, especially sewing clothes. 2017 was my first full year of garment sewing, so I decided to join in for Gillian’s #SewingTop5! Here are my top 5 hits from 2017.

Top 5 Hits

A flippin’ awesome Finlayson

This is absolutely my favorite project of the year. Every time Mal wears it I feel a mix of pride and regret that I didn’t make it for me. Good thing that’s an easy problem to fix and I’m plotting my own Charley Harper fabric hoodie soon.

Ginger Jeans Shorts

I was going to combine my Ginger jeans and shorts into one hit, but I’m playing by the rules and picking my favorite. The shorts won out because of the topstitching and flamingos. I’m clearly a fan of the Birch Charley Harper fabrics, with them showing up in my top two hits.

The Aldaia Dress

I love this pattern so much! I got a great fit out of the envelope with no adjustments, and can’t wait to make another with different views – I’m thinking a wrap front next time.

Plaid Fairfield button-up

The Fairfield is such a great pattern, and it fits Mal so well. I’m including this as a hit not only because it looks great on him, but because I really enjoyed taking my time with all the classic details of this pattern (collar, buttons, tower plackets, flat fell seams)!

Rose gold cork leather purse

This bag gets a ton of use, and it goes with everything. I’m definitely a fan of cork leather, with a few caveats that I’ll get into more with my Top 5 misses next week!

 

Filed Under: process, wrap up Tagged With: aldaia dress, fairfield button-up, finlayson sweater, ginger jeans, traverse bag

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On the way back from Skye we stopped at Blair Cast On the way back from Skye we stopped at Blair Castle where they had a great fashion exhibit from their collection. They also had a room of stunning needlework collected or created by one of the Duke’s daughters in the 1800s. 

With our extra day, we went to Lochcarron of Scotland for a fabric mill tour. We were going to spend the day exploring the Scottish Borders but found a giant bulge in the tire of our rental car so we anxiously drove back to drop it off, avoiding as many of the millions of potholes as possible. 

Then we headed to our stately hotel for our last day before heading home: a spa day complete with afternoon tea and yes another tasting menu.
We didn’t spend as much time in Skye as we thoug We didn’t spend as much time in Skye as we thought we would. Our hotel sucked and it was SO crowded. We drove to one hike and turned right around when we saw the crowd. But we did get some gorgeous views, a tour at Talisker, and an incredible tasting menu @scorrybreacrestaurant.
Photos from Oban: the drive was beautiful and we s Photos from Oban: the drive was beautiful and we stopped at Inveraray Castle. We went straight to Harris Tweed Oban where I got beautiful fabric. Then to our stylish B&B. The next day we headed to Skye but stopped at Glencoe for an easy walk around a beautiful little loch. 

The castle was a filming location for a Christmas episode of Downton Abbey, and there were photos everywhere. In the little cafe a woman asked if she could take a photo of the photo over our table and I said “sure, I love that show” and she looked at me dead serious and said “yeah of course!” Like duh.
Very full day in Edinburgh: National Museum of Sco Very full day in Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland and the Dr. Who exhibit, lunch in a building from the 1500s, Edinburgh Castle, shopping, Dovecot studios (textile gallery), and the Scotch Whiskey Experience. We logged almost 8 miles of walking then took a taxi back to our amazing hotel.
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I'm a graphic designer, small business owner, occasional knitter, and reluctant sewist. This is my sewing notebook. Read more

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