TOP NINE: BEST OF 2024

Oh, 2024… You were a year of really high highs and some really low lows. I am writing this blog post with my kitten Amelie (the undisputed high point of the year!) curled up on my lap, helping me focus only on all of the good this year: buying our new place in San Francisco, partying at our wedding celebration ceremony in Oxford, drinking and dancing the night away at various weddings and events and gigs with friends, relocating to America after what felt like an eternity of waiting, expanding our little family to include Amelie the kitten, and — of course — sewing so many fun and challenging projects. While so much is still in flux, I am approaching the New Year by concentrating on my own happiness and the opportunity to put down some roots in San Francisco with Simon. And one major source of joy over the last five years (!!!) has been my sewing journey and sharing it with you all. So let’s look back on all the good 😊

To start with, my Top Nine sewing makes for 2024 (based on Instagram likes) were…

1. A Sew Over It Betty skater dress in a sunshiny Borgo De Nor deadstock cotton poplin
2. A Vogue 9328 panelled dress in a soft and drapey Mind the MAKER viscose crêpe
3. A By Hand London Hannah wrap dress in a deadstock Italian cotton pique
4. A Cashmerette Canton moto jacket in a supple faux leather
5. A FibreMood Leah boilersuit in a utilitarian Mind The MAKER cotton stretch twill
6. A Vikisews Bryce fitted blazer co-ord set in a pastel floral matelassé
7. A Charm Patterns Maria dirndl-style dress in a sweet Fabric Godmother cotton lawn
8. A Vintage Vogue 1244 skater dress [currently unblogged] in a botanical Rifle Paper Company cotton/rayon blend
9. A Thread Theory Fairfield men’s button-up shirt in a zany cotton poplin

I was really happy to be continuing my brand ambassadorship for Lady McElroy and expanding my collaboration with Minerva (check out my profile) by joining the Minerva Kit Team. The leather moto jacket kit I made was such a challenging project and I felt so accomplished and proud of myself when I finished it! I have an upcoming collaboration with a new fabric company which is coming in January, and I am already so excited to share with you all what I make. I met so many lovely local sewists at the Bay Area Frocktails party; Simon came as my date (wearing the metallic brocade blazer I made him) and even won a prize in the sewing raffle, which he very kindly handed over to me. I was beyond thrilled when the beautiful Sandeep of Sister Mintaka selected me to walk the catwalk in one of her fabrics at the Stitch Festival; I was so nervous beforehand, but it was so much fun and I couldn’t stop smiling!

Make Nine 2025 Plans

I managed to make three out of my 2024 Make Nine plans, but I am really happy with the other, unplanned garments I made… So we are chalking it up as a win overall. I just like the idea of making a plan for the fabrics in my stash and not feeling too beholden to making them within a strict timeline! Maybe this is the year I finally complete all of my Make Nine projects, but the smart money is on “not”. Never mind. I have picked out the following garments for my Make Nine 2025:

1. Self-Drafted A-Line Mini Dress in a gingham deadstock waffle crêpe
   
2. By Hand London Jackie Trousers in a plain stretch crêpe
   
3. True Bias Shelby Dress in a leopard rayon jacquard
   
4. Closet Core Patterns Blanca Flightsuit in a metallic denim
   
5. Forget-Me-Not Patterns Valerie Dress in a Dashwood Studios rayon
   
6. Deer & Doe Fougère Jacket in a cotton twill/jacquard scraps combination
   
7. Fabric Godmother Peony Dress in a deadstock viscose crêpe
   
8. New Craft House Ava Bra & Brazilian Briefs in deadstock stretch mesh
   
9. Deer & Doe Eucalyptus Playsuit in a Fabric Godmother cotton/linen blend

I have some major personal hopes for myself for 2025, but in terms of sewing, I am hoping for a year of continuing to make garments that make my heart sing. I spend a lot of time really ruminating on what I want to make with a piece of fabric, refining the fit of my patterns, and making sure my finishes are as close to perfect as can be; I think that contributes to my successful garments outweighing the number of “misses” I make. This does mean that I am a fairly infrequent blogger though! Thanks for sticking with me despite this and thank you for being such a special part of my 2024.

Wishing you all a sparkling New Year!
Love, Rose x