Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Frosting Diet: 2013 Recap!

Can you believe that it was one whole year ago that I put myself on a Frosting Diet?  How time flies when you are sewing awesome and fun things!

Here's what I sewed in 2013.

2013 Sewing Round Up!

Um, perhaps I need to learn a few new poses for 2014.

So, how did I do with the basic tenets I set out as part of the Frosting Diet?

Well, I sewed with a variety of awesome fabrics, I sewed exactly what I wanted, letting my mojo guide me, and I didn't sew basics. As far as going the extra mile with interesting details, techniques and finishes, I think I nailed it. In fact, I really challenged myself this year.


I stretched myself

Some of the interesting details, challenging techniques and a few new-to-me things I tried this year:
I also worked on using my serger more and using it smarter, particularly on my knit projects. And I ended the year spending the better part of two days working on welt pockets. Really, I think I infused most of my projects with great details and techniques that challenged me.

I also think I aced taking some fashion risks, especially near the end of the year.


Yep...

and yep.

And I definitely sewed some luxury items.




And that's the 2013 round up!

Just to be clear, I don't view this as a one year project that's over. I was really happy with all of my sewing this year - with my fabric choices, with what I sewed, and with all the things I learned. I feel like I really laid the ground work for future frosting. And look at some of the fabrics that I look forward to sewing up.


My Hot Sauce Haul


Ewok Fur

I did a huge amount of learning - new and better techniques, more patient sewing, using hardware and hand sewing where it was best used. I also learned that I am at the point where I am ready to learn and do more drafting.

One of the things I liked best about this year is that I spent a lot of time in the company of other sewists! It really made me want to up my game. You learn so much just from being around others, don't you think?  

Anyway, they say that the right diet for you is the one you can stick to for life. For me it looks like it's Frosting Forever! Happy sewing in 2014, everyone!

16 comments:

Clio said...

Wow, you have a really defined style-- you can really see it with all your projects side-by-side! What a fun year! Happy 2014!

Clio said...

You really managed to make a bunch of "non basic" projects very wearable! And what beautiful results you had. I'm also very impressed by your technical abilities. You did some pretty serious sewing shit and it shows.

Clio said...

You are a wonderful sewer. I loved every bit of that butter cream frosting you whipped up last year.

Clio said...

What a great selection of garments - all of them gorgeous. Who says frosting is superfluous to a wearable wardrobe? You've really done well in meeting your goats, Clio! And here's an espresso toast (being morning and all) to a great new sewing year of frosting!

Clio said...

Do I? I'm really kind of shocked to hear you say that. I mean, I know what I like, but I've always thought of it as pretty random. Hmmmmm. I must think on this.

Clio said...

Thanks! For some reason, I feel like this was a real leap forward kind of year for me with my sewing. Wearability was, sort of, part of the goal. I'm not really into stunt dressing, but I just don't see why I shouldn't give myself the freedom to overdress even on an average day. So, perhaps my version of cake could be called "wearable frosting".

Clio said...

Thank you Faye! What an awesome endorsement!

Clio said...

Thanks!!! Espresso goes great with sweets; what an appropriate bev choice!

Clio said...

You made such beautiful things! I have yet to tackle the dreaded spaghetti straps. I love the leopard skin lining! I hope to up my game and learn more techniques this year too, It's so fun to sew really special things!

Clio said...

Thanks! I know it's a love it/hate it tool, but I can't live without my loop turner. It makes the job SO much easier for me.

Clio said...

What a beautiful haul for the year! Your commitment to frosting is admirable, and you have the fabulous wardrobe to prove it. LOVE your side split red satin top. Super sexy!

Clio said...

Lots of beautiful sewing, and your fashion risks were inspirational - long love the frosting diet!

Clio said...

Ha! Thanks. That would be fun! And, yes, I totally agreed with you and Suzanne that there is an overabundance of modesty in the sewing pattern world. I totally get (and applaud) that there are differences in what is appropriate and makes different women feel beautiful. But I think those of us who like a little sex appeal are, at times, under-served.



FYI - I didn't necessarily do a whole post about each of those techniques/features (some yes, some no) - my links are to the projects that featured them or to posts where I referenced the technique/tutorial that I used, for my own future reference.

Clio said...

Wow, a great year of sewing! And I love the pops of red - one of my favorite colors to wear. I'm getting ready to tackle that Butterick diaper bag you made. We shall see!

Clio said...

You've done so many complicated projects - you'll do fine with the bag!

Clio said...

Happy new year! You've made amazing things!