I felt like I hit a bit of a stumbling block with my sewing this year; I felt pretty productive in terms of actually making garments when I was in the right mindset to do so, but for the majority of the time, turmoil and anxiety simply got the better of me. The times I tried to keep sewing regardless led to some utter disappointments and total sewing fails! I felt like I haven’t been posting much on here or sharing my makes Instagram, mainly because that platform has nosedived pretty spectacularly for a whole host of reasons. I used to love searching for pattern hashtags for sewing inspiration and now… well, yep, it just isn’t the same as it once was. All this to say, I want to make sure I to post here regularly to document my sewing during 2026, especially as it is a great reference to remind me of what I have sewn, my adjustments and my thoughts 😊 I have got a couple of completed projects in my drafts, so I will get those published ASAP and happily leave 2025 in the past!
To start with, my Top Nine sewing makes for 2025 (based on Instagram likes) were…
- A Megan Nielsen Matilda co-ord in a juicy linen-look cotton
- A Friday Pattern Co Donny shirt in a groovy floral linen
- A Know Me 2016 puff-fleeve dress in a luxurious Minerva Exclusive double crêpe silk
- A Vintage Vogue 1244 skater dress in a botanical Rifle Paper Company cotton/rayon blend
- A Jennifer Lauren Handmade Pippi pinafore dress in an adorable brocade
- A Cashmerette Montrose shell top in a black linen with a white lace bow appliqué
- A Cloth Habit Harriet underwired bra in an embroidered bee bra tulle
- A (hacked) New Look 6547 exercise skort in a graphic Minerva Exclusive activewear lycra knit
- A Deer & Doe Fougère shacket in a pattern-blocked jacquard and green cotton twill
Reflections
I was so happy to be continuing my brand ambassadorship for both Lady McElroy and with Minerva (check out my profile) in 2025. I also collaborated with Longan Craft in January, which was a really enjoyable make that I have worn so much this year! I also have a project to share in collaboration with Cha’Coud patterns, who very kindly provided me with a free PDF pattern of my choosing — I went for a shirt with tonnes of hyper-femme details (ruffles, lace insertion, cover buttons, plus in a cute floral print!), so I can’t wait to share this soon. Lyrical Fabrics, a San Francisco-based online fabric store with an incredible selection of fabrics, sent me a beautiful cut of viscose; I have earmarked this for a project in January and I am planning on making a slip dress. Watch this space!
This year, I had to say RIP to my beloved overlocker, who survived the journey across the ocean in 2024 but conked out beyond repair this autumn 😔 I have since replaced her with a new Babylock overlocker and I am slowly getting used to the change.
My absolute highlight this year has been learning how to sew bras. I have really caught the bra sewing bug! Since my class, I have made three other bras using the Cloth Habit Harriet bra, and I am going to be toile-ing some new bra patterns in the new year. My stash of bra fabrics has grown quite sizeable fairly quickly, especially as Stephie’s Lingerie, Emerald Erin and Madalynne all sell such gorgeous bra laces that I just am immune to resisting. I hope to be sharing more of my bra sewing and lingerie sewing in 2026 😊
Make Nine 2026 Plans
I completed 2 projects from my Make Nine plan… This seems to be the running theme 😅 I think I get distracted too easily by other projects to really reliably stick to the plans I make in January, but I do enjoy imagining what I want to work on this year. I have picked out the following garments for my Make Nine 2026:
- Closet Core Patterns Blanca Flightsuit in a cotton denim twill.
This pattern was on my Make Nine for last year and I ran out of time. I really need this in my wardrobe, as I wear my other boilersuit frequently. - Rubies Bra Sahaara Bralette in a stretch lace.
This is a particularly exciting project, as I suggested the name of the lace to Emerald Erin and she used it! So now I have to do it justice 😊 - Helen’s Closet Wildwood Jacket in a quilted puffer fabric.
Again, this fills a gap in my wardrobe for the times in San Francisco that are a bit too chilly for a leather jacket but not so cold to warrant a thick wool coat. If this works out, I am interested in trying to quilt another version using some of my scraps. - Helen’s Closet Falconer Pants in a cotton twill.
Are barrel legs still in? Either way, I fancy making a pair. I have been swotting up on the Top Down, Centre Out fitting method for trousers and want to give it a go on something with a more relaxed fit initially. - Simplicity 9475 in a viscose lawn.
This is a bit more of an elevated basic dress, so I am hoping to wear this out to cocktail bars and nice dinners. I will need to toile the bodice to get the right fit and make sure to stabilise the hell out of the neckline. - Closet Core Carolyn Pyjamas in a cotton broadcloth.
I feel like these pyjamas will be perfect for lounging in on lazy Sundays. - Tilly & the Buttons Nell Blouse in an embroidered cotton voile.
Ideally, I want to hack this slightly to use bridal loops for fastening instead of buttonholes, so I can use some pearl shank buttons in my stash. I think this will look quite vintage when it is done, although I will need to consider seam finishing a little bit… - Charm Patterns Foundations Slip in a EcoVero viscose.
I am loving this warm chestnut brown and the spin on the polka dot. This fabric is so slinky, it just demands something bias-cut. I can imagine this slip dress layered over a mocha-coloured top to make this appropriate for the cooler months. - Simplicity 8615 in a cotton denim.
I really enjoy sewing for Simon and we have a running list of projects he would like. He is insisting on a pair of dungarees in a banana print, and who am I to stand in the way of such dreams?
I feel like this year is already off to a good start for sewing — this morning, I finished sewing the buttons onto a new linen Deer & Doe Fougère shirt for myself and I am really chuffed with how it looks. I hope to get through even more of my fabric stash and have some new sewing challenges in 2026, as well as posting here more frequently! Thank you for reading and for being such a special part of my 2025.
Wishing you all a sparkling New Year!
Love, Rose x
