My First Year Dressmaking.

I have for many years been a sewing crafter, presents, toys, useful things for the house, curtains ect, so I know I have a creative side but I think it had a rather long holiday. I must have needed a new challenge, in steps dressmaking! I bought myself a few patterns as a Christmas present for myself last year and my first item for a New Years party.

I still love and wear this loads! I was elated to have finished something that I really could wear, I have never been known for following instructions well or even completing things I start! So one challenge I am still able to say I have conquered.

With the dressmaking bug in full flow I knew from day one that I wanted a wardrobe made of self stitch stuff. I think I have done well with 20 items of clothing just for myself! Every new items was a challenge I truly learnt something new. I feel that my main concerns for dressmaking is making too much, once I have had a beginning of season flurry of activity I don't really need to do to much more, my aim is not to have bursting at the seems wardrobe, so I will be working harder at this next year.So here are a few of this years makes :

I have found the on line community invaluable, I started off with Sew Weekly challenges of which I think I have joined in about a dozen or so. I have loved the sew along and challenges that brings a lovely crowd together I have been involved in :

I also created my own little button and flickr group as a show case for everyone that made or refashioned their own clothes. I was really pleased with the response and felt inspired to do more in the future.

So what have I learnt? how do I feel about 2011, well, I know that being apart of a community or group really inspires me. I also feel that my ethos of having practical clothing or my own style is something I still am having to work on, including the quantity.I feel that this has been a missing link in my life and why did it take me so long to find!! I feel that my creativity has been reborn and this is just the beginning, so 2012 here we come!!