After a more mindful and purposeful approach to your sewing? Why not consider the 'Make Nine' challenge?!
My focus in sewing throughout 2023 centred around the 'Make nine' (#makenine2023) challenge. This challenge promotes a deliberate and thoughtful approach to your sewing. The objective being to thoughtfully plan nine projects that you wish to complete throughout the year. A big part of the challenge is engaging with the sewing community, sharing your creations in a grid on social media.
Now, if you know me, you know I'm all about planning and being organised. So when I stumbled upon this sewing challenge at the beginning of the year, I couldn’t resist. I love having a goal to work towards, so how could I resist a sewing based one?!
I managed to complete nine planned projects, along with a few additional ones on the side. Flexibility played a key part, as I incorporated a couple of revisions to my original plans. The photograph on the left shows my initial intentions, and the photograph on the right shows my actual makes. I made the deliberate decision to replace a dress and a pair of pants, simply because I realised that these particular items didn't align with my current needs anymore. Instead, I found that a jumpsuit and tunic would better enhance my existing wardrobe.
My final 'Make Nine' included the following patterns, arranged from left to right and top to bottom:
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Collage Gather Top
Elizabeth Suzann - Harper Tunic
In the Folds - Collins Top
The New Craft House - Women's Everyday Waistcoat
Elizabeth Suzann - Clyde Jumpsuit (winter version)
Elizabeth Suzann - Clyde Jumpsuit (summer version)
Atelier Scammit - Jolie Mome Jumpsuit
Merchant & Mills - The Florence Top
Ford & Guy - Ruffle Jacket
Curious about the details of any of these patterns? Head over to the Reviews tab for an overview of my experiences with each of these patterns.
Make Nine 2024
I loved the motivation and focus that this challenge brought with it last year. Consequently, I've committed to another year, and I cannot wait to get stuck in.
Just like last year, my chosen makes for 2024 have been selected for various reasons:
I already have the sewing pattern - I aim to revisit a couple of patterns from my collection that I missed out on previously, with the goal of completing them before summer arrives in Munich.
I want to fill a gap in my wardrobe - Why buy when you can make, right? I hope to address those gaps in my wardrobe by creating handmade pieces that seamlessly align with my personal style.
I want to learn a new skill - Starting modestly with a basic knitted scarf, I'm excited about taking on the challenge of crafting a knitted vest.
I want to try a different independent pattern brand that I haven't used before - With aspirations of one day creating my own patterns, I enjoy any chance to research and explore offerings from different brands. This year I am giving Blackbird Fabrics, Workshop Patterns and Style Arc a go!
My selection of patterns for this year includes the following, arranged from left to right and top to bottom:
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - All Around Crew
Blackbird Fabrics - Bestie Bag
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Horizon Day Dress
Lauren Aston Designs - 'Simply the Vest' Sweater Vest
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Makers Over Shirt
Workshop Patterns - Hayley Dungarees
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Skipper Top and Dress
Style Arc - Bob Woven Pant
Jacket (TBC)
In case it wasn't already apparent, I am a big fan of Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. I have had a couple of their dress patterns for some time. Unfortunately however, I didn't get around to making them before winter set in here in Munich. I will be doing my best to have them made by summer this year.
Have you made any of these?
Things to keep in mind if you are considering taking up the challenge:
You can change your mind: I swapped out a dress and jumpsuit because as the year progressed I came across different patterns that better addressed the gaps in my wardrobe.
Don’t make for the sake of it: This should be a given!
You can personalise: Last year I focused on garments only. However, this year I am personalising things a bit, and including some accessories and evening a knitting project.
It doesn't matter if you don't make them all: It's absolutely OK if you don't check off every box on your sewing checklist. As the saying goes, the journey matters more than the destination. So, embrace the flexibility, and enjoy the process!
Please get in touch or leave me a comment. I would love to know if you are joining the 'Make Nine' challenge. What's on your list?
Thanks for reading.
Emma xx
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions contained on this site are my own. I am not affiliated with any brands, products, or organisations mentioned, and do not receive any sponsorship, payment, or other compensation for any of the content on this site.