Top 5 Favourite Makes of 2020

With all the strange events that this year has brought, a positive has come in the form of more sewing time. Whilst I can't say that spending six months stuck at home is something that I'd like to repeat, it did give me a lot of sewing time! Some of the projects that I've made this year are things that I know I'll love and wear for years to come. Here are 5 favourite makes, although narrowing it down was a challenge!

I'm kind of cheating to start with because this is technically two makes, but I couldn't choose between my Lander Pants! Having had this pattern for a while, I finally made a pair at the start of 2020 and it's my new favourite pattern, definitely the best-fitting trouser pattern that I've ever used. The gingham Lander Pants pictured above turned out so well and I really love them.

I wanted to include my black Landers too because I've worn them so much this year. They're not quite as exciting as the gingham ones but I love the classic look of them and really enjoy wearing them. I haven't been able to wear my gingham ones quite as much as I made them towards the end of summer but I'm looking forward to wearing those next year.

This zip-neck top is special as it's made from one of my fabrics from Tokyo. I'm proud of how well this top turned out, the zip especially. It also feels very me, and alongside this jumper I'm pleased to have conquered zip-necks!

I wanted to include this top too as, like the red one, it feels very me. This top is a copy of a navy one that I made last year and I love how it turned out. The fabric is also really lovely and makes the top what it is.

I'm not much of a dress person but I really wanted to make myself a summer dress to wear this year. After watching the Sewing Bee I decided to make this black floral Shelby Dress. I'm so happy with how it looks and loved wearing it during the summer.

Finally, I had to include my black joggers because that's what I've really been wearing in 2020! Lockdown made me realise that I needed another pair of joggers and I enjoy wearing these so much. I especially like the cuff which I'd like to add onto another pair too.

I love all of these makes and also a lot of the others that I haven't added to this list. Next year I'd like to make even more pairs of trousers, definitely some more joggers and maybe even more Landers! If you're interested, here were my top 5 favourite makes in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

As always thank you for following along with my sewing this year, see you in 2021!

2020 Sew Down

Another year of sewing, another round-up of makes! This year more than ever sewing has provided a wonderful escape in light of current events and times of stress. I've enjoyed every project and have managed to make some clothes that I really love.

Proudest make: I've only ever included dressmaking projects in this category so far but this year my favourite make has been my English Paper Piecing quilt. I'm so proud of it and I love both the process of making it and also how it looks. It's not finished yet, but you can find my most recent update here and previous updates here, here and here.

Proudest make: In terms of dressmaking, my proudest make this year is probably my sherpa jacket. Because I made it right at the start of the year I'd forgotten that it was a 2020 make, I've worn it so much this year and I really love it. It looks so professional, I'm so proud of the lining and details like the zip.

Most worn make: It's hard to know which make from this year I've actually worn the most but my black joggers are definitely one of them. Despite making them towards the end of the year I have worn them so much.

Least worn make: I realised when choosing a make for this category that I've actually been really good at sewing items of clothing that I've worn a lot this year. I haven't really worn this top though, purely because the fabric isn't very 'me'. 

Most unexpected make: This has got to be making scrubs! Never did I expect to sew a pair of scrubs, but covid had other ideas. My mum joked the other day that this is by far her most worn item of clothing that I've ever made her! I did also make her another scrub top out of a lovely chambray fabric once we were able to go out and buy fabric again, although I haven't blogged that one.

Last year's favourite: Definitely my gingham Anima Pants, I love these so much and have worn them loads. Other makes from the past that I've worn lots this year include my grey joggers, this linden and this t-shirt.

Favourite make for others: I finally made my auntie an item of clothing this year and I'm so proud of it.   I really focused on the details of this blouse and I think she really likes it too. 

Most used pattern: I've made 3 pairs of Lander Pants this year - my black denim ones, gingham ones and a cream needlecord pair that I'm currently making. It's definitely been my favourite pattern of 2020 and I'm looking forward to using it again next year.

Favourite fabric shop: This is obviously a tricky category to answer this year as I haven't been able to visit a lot of fabric shops! I wanted to include an online fabric shop instead that I've enjoyed working with this year - my viscose skirt and black hoodie made with fabrics from Fabrics For All are some of my favourite makes this year.

Favourite fabric: I've loved making things from viscose fabric this year, especially my Shelby Dress. This black floral viscose fabric was exactly what I had in mind and I love how it looks.

Most exciting sewing event: This year I started selling hand-decorated sewing boxes on Etsy! It's been such a fun venture and I have loved making these and sending them off. You can find them here.