Oh boy was this the worst year for not following anything I'd put down in my list at the start of the year. I kind of knew this would happen, that's why I never actually published the list.
This was the year of fewer projects (a few big games came out this year which took a good chunk of my sewing time away) but perhaps higher in quality? I can pick any of these outfits out of my wardrobe and wear them (which is actually quite unusual).
Halloween was a lot this year, with 2 outfits which I will not do again. And this was the year of wigs! I now own 2, and really wish I had red hair.
So, let's have a look at what I did acomplish.
1) 14th century ensemble
My first projects of the year, and ones that took the longest. I strayed into the 14th century for the first time and managed to get 2 kirtles and an overgown out of it. This was kind of on my list, but it did morph into something similar but not exactly what I had planned or listed.
2) 1820s/1830s stays
I completely forgot I did these this year. I used Redthreaded's pattern and it was a joy to work with. I didn't cord them because I've been there, done that, and CBA. I also made them fan lacing, which was an experience.
2.5) 1820s day dress alterations
I had an event where I wanted to wear the 1820s day dress I made in 2020 (?), but due to my weight loss in 2021 it was too big. So I spent a weekend or two moving the hooks and eyes at the back in a little bit. It didn't fix the problem entirely, but I didn't have time to pick the whole thing apart. I also unattached the skirt as it'd been too long and shortened it. I also made new false sleeves. I really like this ensemble now. No pics yet of the new and improved version apart from my stupid face below (still love the chemisette).
 |
| If those curls look crunchy, it's because they are |
2) Edwardian corset
Technically I started this in 2021, but finally got around to finishing it this year. I had to alter it because it was a bit too big, and it unfortunately still is, a wee bit, but it'll do.
3) Graduation ensemble
Ah yes, 2022 is the year I graduated with my PhD, and I really wanted to make an outfit. I began working on a pencil skirt, a blouse of my own design, and a circle skirt (I couldn't make up my mind about the skirt style, so made both). This also technically came under my to do list for this year of making clothes for myself since nothing really fits anymore.
The pencil skirt was a disaster to me and didn't suit me at all so lies, to this day, unfinished. The blouse I'd designed had long sleeves, and when it became clear that my graduation day was going to be the hottest on UK records I abandoned that project (with only one sleeve and some buttons left to go) and just bought a short sleeved one I'd had my eye on from a UK vintage reproduction company. I did manage to pattern a circle skirt out of the heaviest scuba I've ever seen and wore that.
 |
| Is that sleeve pulling the shoulder strap? Yes, of course it is. |
4.) 1890s skirt
This was part of my larger idea to create a practical ensemble for each historical period. I was finding a lot of events near me this year but that I couldn't really go to because I either had nothing at all or nothing practical for that era. So I decided to start with the 1890s. A very practical skirt and blouse. I might continue with my practical wardrobe idea into next year.
5.) Lamia
An impulsive project that just came together really nicely just in time for Halloween. Everything kind of slotted into place regarding the materials. I had a lot of fun patterning this bodice. The trim was a nightmare.
6.) Delphic Oracle
This was my intended Halloween costume for this year (and was on the list), and I decided to make it, even though I'd started Lamia, just in case I ran out of time for that cosplay before Halloween. There really wasn't much sewing involved since Greek clothes in antiquity aren't really sewn at all. But it was fun figuring out how to manoevre the fabric into the right shape.
And then I moved house...
Yes, at the end of November/beginning of December, as I was practically done patterning my next project (a genderbent vintage Dream of the Endless 1940s housecoat) I got told by my landlord that my house needed repairs/rennovation, and so they were moving me to another property whilst they did it. So my entire sewing room and 5 years worth of sewing crap had to be put into boxes and moved.
So I suppose the first thing I'm going to do in 2023 is selectively unpack the sewing room with everything I'll need for the things I need to sew for an event I'm attending in May.
There's no list for 2023, for the first time ever. Due to the move I've just not been inclined to make one, not that I ever really keep to it anyway....
