The last day of the year! now for some riveting (haha) navel-gazing upon the creation and wearing of my clothing. Kicking off with my favourite outfit pictures from each month.
January
SO:
What have I made: Quantitatively, 72 things, including 22 things for others. This number is counting each underwear set of bra with two matching undies as one thing even though technically it’s three things! as well I made some beanie/dress/shirt outfits for preemies, and counted each set as one thing.
Knitted garments: 18
What am I wearing: I keep
my daily outfit blog updated pretty faithfully and really do analyse it… I tot up the numbers last day of the month, and update an excel spreadsheet on the last day of the year; but won’t subject you to that.. you’re welcome #statsfreak #whatcanisayilovenumbers
This year, 93.8% of clothing I wore was made by myself; this number includes underwear, socks and tights but not shoes. Qualitatively, things I wear that are not made by me are my Metalicus tops, that I’ve had for years and years and have no intention of throwing out just to appease my insane me-made sensibility, and scarves that have been given to me as gifts by family. Not throwing those out either, obviously!
I have not bought any ready to wear clothing for SIX years now!
My most worn items of clothing this year can pretty much be summed up in the following pics:
I took part in the vintage pattern pledge for the first time, and managed to make six things…
Favourite creations of the year: well, obviously I’m pretty pleased with
my 1yr1outfit efforts! although I might not wear them super-frequently I am very proud I managed to fulfil the challenge successfully.
Fails: I tried to grow indigo for a home-dyeing experiment… FAIL. Not a single seed even germinated *sob* I’m still getting over that one… I let my
blue sea change top go. Lesson learnt: panne velvet is awful stuff and good for… well, practically nothing, actually. My
purple silk tulip skirt was shaping up to be real goodie but got chewed up in the washing machine when it somehow snuck in with a load of denim jeans *sob* like your hand knit lace shawl versus a new puppy, obviously that’s not going to end well. I discovered
lingerie made from old recycled tights does not last nearly as long as lingerie made with new fabric SURPRISE….. NOT! and also my recurring epiphany that pleather/leather skirts are kinda stupid things and not comfortable at all. I don’t know why I keep on torturing myself by adding them to my wardrobe really, just a dumb glutton for punishment, I suppose. Not quite ready to give up on
my chocolate one just yet though, I’m going to give it another chance to prove itself next winter….
But anyway; overall, as far as my sewing/wardrobing efforts go I’m pretty happy with the year.
Most importantly of all! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reads my blog and takes the time to leave a comment, every kind word is very much appreciated. *mwah* I love that the sewing community are such a busy and happy bunch; creating like mad, inspiring and supporting each other always, wearing our creations happily and proudly, and sharing freely, openly and generously with each other.
Thank you so much! big hugs all round 🙂 and here’s to a wonderful 2016!
I’ve been following you for years…and am gob smacked by some of the things you have made!! Really!!
Like making the whole outfit from WA sourced gear…..!! Knitting socks!!….. Far too much be botheredness!!
Most of all, I love your pics, probably because I know the places well, and your explanations…ie your cardigans etc. Looking forward to this years efforts!
thank you so much Beryl! And I’m glad you enjoy the pictures 🙂
I’ve been following you for years too! You are such an inspiration. Happy new year!
You are really inspiring and i love your style! Thank you so much for all your efforts to give us lots to read and all the tutorials!
sorry, i did not use them up till now because i am just starting to make my own clothes…
I have a question regarding money: Do you keep track of your spendings with your sewing and knitting? And in your honest opinion are you saving money compared to buying ready-wear-clothing?
Best wishes from Austria and Happy New Year!!!
Barbara, yes I did keep close track on my spending in 2012; and without a doubt clothing you’ve made yourself is a lot cheaper than store bought clothing. Most importantly to me though, I love sewing and I love fashion, so combining the two loves to make all my own clothes is something that gives me an enormous amount of joy and satisfaction too 🙂
So many lovely things! I particularly like the long yellow skirt. Very elegant. I wish you a very happy and productive New Year.
Looking forward to lots more fabulousness in 2016. Thank you for putting this together, it was so interesting to revisit these wonderful outfits and to see your stats. Looking forward to catching up soon!
so much gorgeousness! looking forward to see all the beautiful things you’re going to sew in 2016!
You are very industrious and creative. I enjoy following your blog and also enjoy the stats. But the most inspiring (envy inducing) part of your posts is the fabulous weather you enjoy!….from a wet and windy UK
thank you very much Mrs T! Yes, Perth is very fortunate to get lots and lots of sunny days 🙂
Thanks for the round up. I get lots of inspiration from your makes, although I have neither the body or the climate for some. I am very impressed with the fact that you haven’t bought ready made for so long – but looking at your output why would you want to?
Looking forward to seeing what you make in 2016. Best wishes to you and yours.
My attempt to grow woad seeds was a big failure too – I’m going to try again next year. Such a beautiful selection of makes from this year, looking forward to seeing what gorgeous things you make in 2016
You’ve had a very stylish year – lovely!
Fabulous makes! Like Kim, I have neither the body nor the climate for most of them but I enjoy looking anyway. You have a terrific output! My RTW fast was doomed to failure as I just don’t have the output.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Carolyn! Your creativity, your skills and sense of humor are an inspiration! I rarely leave a comment (which I should remedy), but I’m always glad when there’s a new posting on your blog – that never fails to mean new good stuff to look at, read and learn from.
Great retrospect! Really! And I didn’t know you make pictures of your clothes every single day! And statistics! That is all very impressive to me. As well as the beautiful things you made. I’ve read so many interesting things on your blog this year and I feel like I have learned a lot. You keep blogging about creating interesting and fun 🙂
Wow, that is an impressive amount of sewing! And knitting, too. Thanks for sharing the things you make, I really do see this as one of the most inspiring sewing blogs that I read. And happy new year!
I love reading your blog and also love your sense of humor! My favorite item that you have made this year is the cow skirt. I have thought about your “cow out standing in his field” anytime I wrote the word “outstanding”.
I had no idea the Carolyn pjs were named for you–that’s a big honor!
Also amazing is that you have done the RTW fast for 6 years now! WOW!
Everything you make is of the highest standard, the highest quality, never a bit of wonkiness or “thrown-together”-ness about it.
You are one of my favorite bloggers! Happy New Year!
thanks Kyle! and actually I pledged to be a lifelong Wardrobe Refashioner, not the rtw fast! the Wardrobe Refashion site is gone now but it was pretty popular back in the day. I should put the button back in my sidebar. I guess comes to the same thing in the end, though, abstaining from buying, and making as much as you can!
It’s been a great year!
Fantastic year-end post! As a numbers person too, it’s always interesting to me to read about your statistics. Thank you always, for sharing so much about what you make and how you make it. I’ve learned so very much from you. You are such a dear, sweet friend. Hugs back to you! And wishing you and your family a most Happy New Year! AND look forward to seeing what new goodness you’ll be making in 2016! 🙂
Thank you for another year of first rate blogging! Your projects demonstrate live, and in color, a different approach to clothing. I’m glad we get to see glimpses of how much skill and effort is involved. To pretend that it’s all rainbows and unicorns would be disservice to home sewists and industry professionals alike. But you also show us how the creative process, from textile to finished product, is a highly rewarding adventure.
Among the things you list, I particularly like the watercolor silk dress, but every project has had something instructive and delightful about it. Even the “misses”.
Happy New Year.
thank you so much for those lovely words, sankati!
All of your garments are so beautiful. And you are so prolific too! I look forward to seeing your creations for 2016…Happy New Year!
Your dreamy shots by the sea make me jealous most of the time, but I can live with that. All your makes encourage me to sew and knit more and more. Thanks for the inspiration and for your generous tutorials. Happy new crafting year to you!
thank you so much Helene! for those lovely words 🙂
What a great retrospective. I was not aware you had a daily OOTD blog! I will go back and revisit. Thank you for your posts throughout the year. You are a great inspiration!
p.s. It is really unfair that you have that lovely beach to use as your photo “prop”! 😉 And that scene stealer of a “pup” too!
Happy New Year to you and I look forward to seeing your creations!
I don’t usually comment but I’ve been reading your blog for years. I find it truly inspiring. You have such a great defined style, beautiful photos and an enjoyable writing style. Looking forward to reading all about your makes this coming year.
I love to see your shore side photos – they are so beautiful and calming. what a fantastic productive year you have had. And since you wear mostly solids was surprised to see your floral silk dress make your top list – I think it is absolutely lovely! Happy New Year and I look forward to your new creations in 2016, Beth
Happy New year Carolyn, I love your blog it’s so inspiring and fun. I am really looking forward to what your 2016 wardrobe will look like
thank you so much Anna! 🙂
Six years with no ready-to-wear? You are a STAR!!!
Thanks for sharing the possibilities – I am always googly-eyed over your shoe-making too. I thought elves made them. I look forward to seeing what springs from your mind and busy hands in this new year.
I love your first photo with your dog howling good-bye to the previous year.
Well done, Carolyn! Thank you for sharing your impressive sewing. I love reading your blog.
Inspiring! RTW clothing has never fit me right, so I’ve been slowly trying to build a made-by-me wardrobe. You and your blog are truly inspiring!
Happy New Year! 6 years and no clothes purchases! Well done.
thank you very much Vicki! 🙂
It’s been wonderful to follow along on your sewing adventures this year and look forward to what you’ll make in 2016! You always inspire and encourage me to strike out and look at details and garments differently so for that I THANK you! I may not always leave a comment but I AM always following your adventures!
Thanks for another year of beautiful garments and informative sewing technique. Happy New Year!
You’re welcome Pamela, and thank YOU! 🙂
So many beautiful things! What a great year you’ve had, happy 2016!
Happy new year! Yours is by far my favorite sewing blog, looking forward to another year of amazing posts!
Loss of purple silk tulip skirt…..ouch !! I can feel your pain. However Carolyn I believe you continue to inspire and motivate those of us who are aware of your creative journey that you so willingly share with us. You share so much information and life is to short to try and figure it out in your own. May you and your family have a blessed 2016.
I love you Carolyn … in a blog way! you are inspirational. I am really starting to have a complete wearable wardrobe but I don’t have the stats. My goal this year is inspired by you – to make my own bra. Finished my online craftsy class and waiting for my stash to arrive in the post. So excited…. here’s to more gorgeous makes for 2016. Jo x
You are in a league all your own Carolyn. And you look so good, too. I almost fell over when I found out your kids are grown!
Yours was one of the first blogs I started to follow and I still look forward to seeing your posts in my blog reader. Thank you for your inspiration and information! happy new year!
Happy New Year Carolyn and I am in awe of your productivity in 2015. You inspire us all and your willingness to share the techniques as well is greatly appreciated.
That pale pink skirt is so breathtaking every time I see it *swoon*
Congratulations on your year!
Fabulous garments – and the photos are like skimming through a travel brochure! Much appreciated from this cold, snowy, Canadian Winter!
Well, thank YOU for keeping this blog. I really enjoy reading it, and seeing all the beautiful things you make 🙂
Love your favorite pics from 2015. Apart from the fab clothing, the colour and composition is always so pleasing. 🙂