At the end of the year, I like to look back on my year of sewing to see what worked, what didn’t and how much I’ve learned. Here’s my 2021 sewing year in review:

Best: The original Jarrah Sweater (Megan Nielsen patterns, up to 58 inch hip). I wear this sweater all the time. Like, most evenings and a weekend day. And a school day. Seriously. This sweater is so cozy but still looks nice.

Honourable mention: The Hunter Coat (Fibre mood, to a 57 inch hip). This jacket was such an accomplishment and I love wearing it. I’m so glad I took the time to make this.

Honourable mention: The Fringe Top (Chalk and Notch, up to a 59 inch hip). I wore this top aaaallll summer long. This garment began a shift back to my style before kids: put together, a bit feminine, and easy.

Worst: Multiple Ashton tops (Helen’s closet, up to 58 inch full bust, B and D cup options). I wanted so badly for this pattern to work for me, but non of the three I made worked out. What I learned: I need a curved hem at the hip and a really flowy fabric for this one. I’ll try it again this summer.

Will try again: The Nora Tank (by Sew Bake Make, up to a 51 inch hip) this was a classic wrong fabric, wrong pattern combo that just didn’t work out. I do want something in pink gingham and I do want to make this pattern. I’ll try both (probably not together) again this summer

Old favourite award: The Charlie Caftan (by Closet Core Patterns, up to 63 inch hip). I made this when pregnant with my son (now two) and it’s easily my most worn summer garment. After taking out the waist ties and taking out some volume this spring, it fits perfectly again.

Perseverance award: The Bucket Hat (pattern no longer available. Sorry!) I made this bucket hat three times before I was happy with it. I wouldn’t usually have cared so much but I think there was something about feeling thwarted by such a simple project that really motivated me to get it right. Anyway. I love this hat now and it permanently lives in my warm weather purse just in case of sun.