December New Year's Resolution

And here's my final project in my year-long sewing series! I used the Yoke Dress pattern by Salme Patterns, and I LOVE it. The pattern is simple and beautiful and I used a lovely soft gray wool from JoAnns. The yoke is a sparkly organza -actually it's a bit scratchy but it looks so pretty I couldn't resist it! It's a dress I could wear for New Year's Eve and with babysitters in town (my lovely parents) I think I'm actually going to get the chance to wear this next week to celebrate the new year!

Go on over to the Fiskars site to read more about it by clicking HERE.

This dress completes a year of sewing projects (in actual fact, I've completed more than just these 12) but I have to say that I've learnt so much!! I feel pretty confident at giving most patterns a go, having picked up some great tips and techniques along the way. Hats off to the independent pattern designers who offer fantastic support, tutorials, advice and photos on their blogs/websites. Having sewn so many independently designed patterns, I'm pretty reluctant to go back to sewing commercial patterns. They seem so badly written to me.

Now, of course I don't want to let all my new-found sewing skills go to waste, so I'm excited to tell you that I'm already planning not one, but TWO new crafting/sewing series for Fiskars during 2013. First, I plan on sewing one item of children's clothing each month which I'm pretty excited about. Kids' clothes are particularly fun to make because they are so small! Cutting out the fabric usually takes no time and there are so many great independent designers that I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some fun new patterns.
Second, I'm going to make one handmade gift a month ~ not using sewing skills but general crafting techniques. I plan to try new things and I hope to learn plenty of new skills along the way.

I hope you'll stick with me ~ I wonder where we'll end up next?!?!?

In the meantime, happy and healthy 2013 to you all!