2012: Top 5

Things have been quiet on the FO front lately, but I did finish 38 projects this year! Everyone else has done great Top 5 posts (thanks, Gillian!), and I thought it would be fun to look back at how I did in 2012.

HITS: (Clockwise from the top left)

Almost Goldilocks Dress: I worked hard on this one, and it came out just how I wanted it to - plus the fabric is super soft.

Sweet Chantilly Dress: How can I do a Top 5 Hits without this? It was one of my most popular posts, and even though I don't wear it often, when I do I always feel good.

Red Clovers: Sadly these are looking a little bit worn now.  They've been re-fitted at the side seams multiple times, and the fabric is not top notch.  I'm proud of them though anyway.

McCalls 6507: A newer make, and one that I have worn nearly once a week since I finished it.  

Check Mate Shirtdress: I wore this a ton during the summer - it was good for work, lightweight, and looked good with a cardigan.

MISSES: (Clockwise from the top left)

Mad Men Dress: I never wear this.  The armscye is a little too long, and it drives me crazy.

New Look 6097: Ugh.  Terrible quality fabric + bad pattern = yuck.

Artist Top: This has been sitting in my closet for ages.  The neckline feels a little too low for work, and it's not a style I wear on the weekends.

Black New Look 6107: Itchy fabric.  

Sorbetto: I like this top, but for some reason I always end up wearing something else.  Maybe I'll try to get it back into rotation in spring.

GOALS: 
I started my blog on New Year's Day 2012, with a finished project, a few blurry photos, and goals for the next year.  How did I do?:

1. Goal: Build up enough of a me-made wardrobe to participate in Self-Stitched September in a serious, nearly all of my outfit is me-made way.
   Outcome: I participated in Me-Made May, with at least one me-made item for each outfit.  Since this was four months earlier than I expected to be doing one of those challenges, I'd say I can check this one off the list.
2. Goal: Learn some patience. As in, make muslins, don't rush it, and put it down if I'm tired or thinking anything like "who's going to notice?"
   Outcome: Eh.  I made a few muslins, but I could certainly stand to take my time and step back from a project if I feel inclined to rush things.
3. Goal: Make a coat! (I have a vintage pattern I'm really excited about.)
   Outcome: Nope.
4. Goal: Make a good dent in my yarn stash. My fabric stash took a serious hit about six months ago, when I didn't have a machine for a while and then moved and had to make some tough choices. So, there isn't much fabric to stash-bust.
   Outcome: HAHAHAHA.  I knitted very few things this year, and my fabric stash has exploded.  Oopsies.

With all of this in mind, my goals for 2013:

1. Stop when things aren't going well.  All of my Top 5 Hits were projects I worked on over multiple days.  
2. Buy better fabric.  I'm not going to start making everything out of silk, but spending a couple extra dollars for the better quality fabric makes more sense than buying the cheap crap and never wearing the clothes.  BUT...
3. Don't buy fabric. My stash is enormous.  Aside from linings and interfacing, I really don't need more.
4. Make a coat!
5. Post more frequently (& sew more frequently).  My monthly post count really took a nosedive in November.  I didn't make much, so I didn't post much.  I'm going to try the "Sewing for 15 Minutes" approach from Tilly, and maybe that will help.  

I'm looking forward to 2013, since I know my sewing has improved drastically from when I started this blog last year.  I can't wait to see where I am a year from now! And, since my blogiversary is coming up tomorrow, stay tuned for a giveaway soon!