2016 reviews: my favourites

Review time! I had a bunch of options for post categories - favourite patterns, biggest accomplishments, stuff I learned, everything I've got rid of this year - and any or all of those could have some value. But I don't want to beat this thing to death, so I'm doing favourites, least favourites, and a 2017 resolutions post. I'm going to start with my favourites, listed chronologically so that I don't spend too much time trying to get everything in the exact right order. 

Cake Patterns Tiramisu Dress

Having said that, this Tiramisu is probably my overall favourite garment of the year. This is my go-to dress - there is nowhere I can't wear it. I've been to dance events, gin bars, family parties, swanky restaurants, hair appointments, supermarkets, and never have I been over or under dressed in this. And it's incredibly comfortable. This is the winning dress, right here. I was all set to buy a couple more patterns from Cake, but searching for reviews turned up way more negative feedback than positive, so I refrained. Shame. 

Cropped sweater from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual

From the leftovers of my Tiramisu, I made this Gertie cropped sweater which is my most-worn item of the year, without a doubt. This is in large part due to the fabric - because it's grey and black it goes with almost everything else I own, but as it's also a (simple) print it makes the outfits overall look more interesting. Finding fabric this versatile has been the main roadblock in my attempts to make more tops this year, and I need to work on that. 

By Hand London Anna dress

Admittedly I've not got much wear out of my burlesque dress, but it absolutely deserves to be on the list. Whenever I see it in my wardrobe it makes me smile. Being Amber Moon for a night made a huge difference to me, and that's at least partly down to the fact that I made the dress myself. The sewing isn't perfect - it's not even good, really, since I made it in a blind panic - but I do not care. I had an effing AMAZING time in this dress, and getting out of this dress. 

Closet Case Files Sallie jumpsuit

This was SO GREAT in the summer. Comfortable, practical, and pretty. It was just as good for lounging around in as it was for going dancing. My second attempt didn't work quite so well, but I may make another next summer and it's definitely sold me on the whole jumpsuit thing. 

Sew Over It tulip skirt

This is the tulip skirt I wore the most this year, but it's kind of a stand-in for all tulip skirts. There's really nothing more I can say - I've made eleven tulip skirts this year (not all blogged) plus used it to make two dresses, clearly I love it and it's the best. I won't be bashing them out next year like I was this year since my skirt wardrobe is now quite extensive, but I imagine it will remain my favourite thing to do with a remnant. 

By Hand London Anna/Butterick 4443 dress

This mash-up is the most expensive thing I've made (Cloud Nine barkcloth at £25 per metre - eep) and I'm so glad it was worth it. I want to keep it as a special occasion dress, but I've broken it out for weddings, anniversaries and particularly swanky dinners. I love the colour, I think the bodice and skirt work really well together, and I'm proud of having bias bound every single one of my seams. 

By Hand London Anna/random gathered skirt dress

Honestly, when I made this particular mash-up it was a bit of a bodge (since I'd been planning to make a straight Anna without realising how much I'd underestimated the fabric requirements) and I thought it might not work, but I wore it to death. If I'd had the time and fabric to make two or three more I would have, and it's at the top of my list for next summer. I much prefer to have my shoulders and legs covered in the summer because my skin is so pale, but having so much movement in the skirt from the side slit made walking feel like an event, and I loved that. Yes, I know that's a completely twattish thing to say. 

Victory Patterns Trina dress

This thing is bonkers and I love it. I wore it a lot on holiday, and as a dressing gown around the house before it got too cold, but I wouldn't rule out wearing it as a dress next year. It's not going to be a pattern I make a lot, but I really liked the way it went together and might well make another one if I can find an affordable fabric.

Cashmerette Turner dress

This one is a bit recent to be putting on a "favourites of the year" list, but I get upset when I have to put it in the wash, and that's usually a sign of a good one. I feel much less upset about winter in this dress. 

Honourable mentions to a couple of things I really enjoyed making:

Deer and Doe Centauree dress

I haven't worn this much at all, but in terms of pure sewing experience this is my favourite thing I've ever made. It was a complete joy, and frankly I will probably do it again just for the hell of it. 

Simplicity 1647 jacket (for Mum)

I got to try a lot of new techniques making this jacket, and it was really great to be able to give a vaguely accomplished piece of sewing to someone else. It's given me a bit of a taste for it, and I am now seriously considering making some quite complicated things for my fuss-pants boyfriend next year. 

Up on Monday: the fails. Everyone loves failure!