Every year, for the past 7 years (since 2016), I’ve shared my ‘Top Nine’ (posts that got the most engagement) on Instagram, but I’ve never shared it here. I don’t know why that is! But I decided it would be a fun to share and reflect here where I can link to things much easier.
I was looking through my past Top Nine posts, and in some of them I mention how many things I made throughout the year. I think my most prolific year was 2019 when I made 53 things! Every year since then, I have made much less. I think it’s a combination of life changes, chilling out a little (not wanting to make everything), and becoming a lot more intentional with the things I do want to make.
This year I made 21 things total, and I feel really good about that! It felt like the right amount of sewing with so many things going on, and I’m actually kind of amazed that I was able to sew what I did.
Here’s the breakdown:
Tops: 10
Bottoms: 2
Jackets/Cardigans: 4
Dresses: 1
Selfless Sewing: 4
Total: 21
2023 Instagram Top Nine (from top left to bottom right)
Pona Jacket with lining by Helen’s Closet | Blog Post | Pattern
Free-Range Slacks by Sew House Seven | Blog Post | Pattern
Nusch Blouse by Bertina Paris | Blog Post | Pattern
Simplicity 5801 | Blog Post
Vintage McCalls 7939 | Blog Post
Saturday Shorts by EA Sews | Blog Post | Pattern
Olya Shirt by Paper Theory | Blog Post | Pattern
Tello Jacket by Pauline Alice (Circa 2021) |Blog Post | Pattern
Roscoe Blouse by True Bias | Blog Post | Pattern
My favorite things from this year are my Pona Jacket, my green Free-Range Slacks, and my most recent Roscoe Blouse. These are things that really just feel me and get worn a lot. They instantly make me feel put together, and they go with lots of things in my wardrobe.
The thing that I’m most proud of this year actually didn’t even make it in my Top Nine. I was amazed when my sleeveless Bonn Dress turned out so nice and I’m still over the moon about it. I’m so excited for summer so that I can wear it again, because it just makes me very happy every time I see it.
Final Thoughts | I still really enjoy sewing, but I’ve definitely slowed down a lot over the years. I still get very excited when I’m inspired to try something new or find something that really feels like it fits into my wardrobe. I’ve made such a great community of friends here online, and I plan to continue sharing what I make here in 2024.
I’m so glad you’re here following along, and I hope the things I share can inspire or encourage you in some way. Just like this quote by Hilary Mantel, “The question is not who influences you, but which people give you the courage.”
Wishing you a wonderful New Year with loved ones and good things to come in 2024! Happy sewing! xoxo
I love to read your summary and why you enjoy certain projects. You have courage in pushing forward despite illness, visitors, children needing attention, and husband time. You have found a way to live an adventurous, well rounded life while still enjoying your sewing. You are awesome!
Thanks Grandma! 💕 I think sewing will have to be my creative outlet for a long time to keep my brain from melting. Haha