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Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

My 2013 sewing and knitting in review

December 18, 2013 by Tasha 24 Comments

While I’ve barely had time to even think about blogging in the last few weeks, I didn’t want to see 2013 draw to a close without doing a roundup of my sewing and knitting projects from the year. I did one last year, and it was interesting reading the goals I set for myself this year, some of which I accomplished (namely, focusing on separates, as you’ll see).

I think the best part of what I accomplished this year was that I managed to sew a bunch of things that, by and large, I’m really happy with! I tried to only start projects because I really wanted to work on them, which meant I was pretty pleased with the results in the end. This isn’t exactly the same with knitting since some projects take a phenomenal amount of time and I need breaks between working on them, where sewing is much faster. But on the knitting front, I’m very happy with the few sweaters I did finish this year.

Let’s see how my year went!

By Gum, By Golly's 2013 vintage sewing & knitting projects

Ahh, photo montages, AKA “see all the ways you figure out what to do with your hands in photographs.”

Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

My 2013 garment sewing and knitting projects in chronological order

Sewaholic Alma and Simplicity 2211Sewaholic Alma #1 and Simplicity 2211 #1–I started off 2013 sewing an outfit, and it ended up inadvertently being a bit of a theme for a decent portion of the year. I’m not quite sure what possessed me to sew with this color palette, as pale pink isn’t something I wear a lot. While I love the vintage fabric on the skirt and the little convertible pocket flaps I added (with a semi-tute on Lucky Lucille), I didn’t wear this skirt a lot, even though I love it. The Alma blouse is the same, only because of the color. But it couldn’t have gone together better and I ended up riffing on the pattern later in the year.

McCall 4820McCall 4820 #1–This was the first of three versions of this blouse I sewed this year, and I’ll continue to keep on sewing it as it’s now my favorite blouse pattern after some tweaks. The first version has the original pointed waistcoat shaping which I removed in later versions, as I prefer to tuck in my blouses.

Hollywod 402 dress, modified to pinafore skirtHollywood 402–The pattern was actually for a dress, but I really wanted an 8-gore skirt and didn’t have a pattern for one, so I used this vintage dress pattern and drafted a waistband. This was the first time I lined anything! And since I couldn’t leave well enough alone, I also added pinafore straps, too. Frankly I’ve never worn it with the straps, but I wear the skirt all the time! It’s one of my favorites.

Simplicity trousersSimplicity 3688–I sewed these corduroy trousers for Sew Grateful week, and was very pleased with them. I wore them all the time last winter, but this fall and winter I’ve been on a big jeans kick, so they’ve sat unloved for awhile. I’m thinking next year I may try and make some cute summer shorts from the same pattern.

What I didn’t mention when I debuted the trousers is that the navy cardigan I was wearing them with, Olivette, is one I knit a couple of years ago, but didn’t wear a lot because I’d modified it to have box pleat sleeve caps and I decided I didn’t like that. So over winter I unpicked the set-in sleeves, ripped back the sleeve caps, did the math to re-knit the caps, and then set them in again. Now I’m much happier with it!

Curlicute cardiganCurlicute cardigan–I don’t feel like I knit that much this year (even though I went on a knitting binge at the end of the year), and there was a huge gap between this sweater and the next one. I modified the gauge and knit this with a few inches of negative ease. I love the fit, and it’s a regular wardrobe staple.

Hollywood 1678 battle jacketHollywood 1678 battle jacket–If ever I had a sewing pièce de résistance, this is it. Who am I kidding, it’ll probably always be this! This was my project for Sew for Victory, during which I did a lot of details posts about sewing my first jacket (all tagged here). It was lined with rayon bemberg, had secret embroidery in the lining, handworked buttonholes, and I look at it and can’t even believe I had the patience for all the tailoring elements I put into it. I have to sadly admit I haven’t worn it much as it’s kind of the weight that works for about 4 days where I live, before I get too cold and want something longer. But I do love it so and it’s a huge sewing triumph for me.

McCall 6617 dressMcCall’s 6617 wrap dress–I love this dress! Again with the light pink though. In fairness it was stash fabric that I wanted to use up to test out the pattern in my first go. And I love how it turned out. I planned at least two more that never materialized (including one with kind of a patchwork skirt), but I still have the fabric and plan to make them next year!

McCall 4820 and Simplicity 2211McCall 4820 #2 and Simplicity 2211 #2–Both of these are repeats, though they look completely different than the first versions. The blouse was made from a vintage feedsack, and the skirt is lined, and I made a belt and Western-inspired belt loops for it. Unfortunately the skirt is a little bit too big, so I’ve been debating if it’s worth unpicking the waistband and lining and taking it in a bit. I hate that kind of thing, so I haven’t done it yet.

McCall 4820 and New York 1730McCall 4820 #3 and New York 1730–Yes, another McCall 4820 from vintage fabric, immediately after the last one! This skirt was a repeat, but from a pattern I sewed in 2012. That version is a little big so I tweaked it this time and now have a perfect fit. I kind of hate sewing pieces on the bias so I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t do it again…but I probably will.

Simplciity 4496 dirndl skirtSimplicity 4496 #1–This is a simple dirndl skirt that I added inseam pockets to, drafted from the Sewaholic Cambie pattern. The fabric is a cheapo cotton blend from my stash and the polka dots can literally be smeared with an iron, but I still love the skirt and wore it a lot. I even later turned it into an outfit, as you’ll see shortly.

Sewaholic Alma modified and Simplicity 4496Sewaholic Alma #3 and Simplicity 4496 #2–At the time I debuted this outfit, I didn’t divulge the blouse was a modified Sewaholic Alma because I was planning a tutorial on how I did it! Note that I also said it was Alma #3 but didn’t show you #2, that’s because I wasn’t planning to show it until the tutorial. Well, next year, I promise. 😉 The skirt was a repeat of the dirndl pattern, and I added embroidered pockets (with a shaped and lined pocket tutorial here).

Mrs. Depew beach bustier topMrs. Depew Patterns 1950s style beach bustier–As you can see, this turned my polka dot dirndl skirt into a set! I absolutely adore this top, and I plan to make more versions next year.

McCall 4854 Fall for Cotton blouseMcCall 4854–This was my Fall for Cotton project, and in spite of an overall pleasant appearance and handworked buttonholes (which I did a tutorial for here), it’s the item I’m the least pleased with (but finished because hey, you have to finish something for your own challenge, right?!). This was actually the last thing I sewed this year, as I focused on knitting in the fall and winter.

Hedy Tyrolean cardiganHedy Tyrolean cardigan–And here we meet the knitting phase. I knit most of this cardigan in the early part of the year but the second intarsia panel nearly did me in and caused me to put it down for several months. I’m so glad I finally finished it at the end of summer. (Technically I finished this before my Fall for Cotton blouse but didn’t show it on my blog until after.) I absolutely adore this piece! Months later I can look back and actually say the intarsia was worth all the trouble.

Dragonflies jumperDragonflies Jumper–Oh, I love this too! This was a major modification to the original design, which is a modern pattern that I gave a vintage look to. Recently I just won most favorited project from the designer’s knit-along on Ravelry! (Here’s my project page.)

Campus Classics PulloverCampus Classics pullover–And last we have this pullover, knit from a 1947 pattern. I showed all the steps along the way for how I modified the fit and size with my 1940s pullover project. I wear this all the time, too.

I also had a couple of sewing projects I didn’t include in my roundup: a refashion for Portia’s Refashioners 2013, which was a men’s flannel shirt refashioned into a skirt, and the not-shown Alma #2. (Pssst, I’m actually wearing it with that refashioned skirt!)

I also didn’t include knitted accessories… there was a pair of socks, a few gift knits, a hat for myself (not blogged yet since I just finished it recently), and work on some knitwear designs. I have another couple of small patterns I’ll probably be releasing sometime over winter or early spring. And of course there was my Victory beret, my first pattern release, in November. I couldn’t be more proud of that!


The end of the year plus events last month have had me thinking over my goals for next year, and I’m going to keep things pretty loose. We’re hoping to do more and see more, and that might mean a little less time for sewing and knitting and blogging. I’m not setting any goals, I’m not making any strict plans or resolutions. And I’m totally fine with that!

That being said, I am formulating some ideas for what I want my wardrobe to feel like next year, and looking back on what I created this year has helped me see what I like and where I’d like to change directions. It’ll be fun, casual, bright and colorful, and of course, all with a vintage twist. Sounds pretty me, right?!

We’ll see where the wind takes me next year!

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Filed Under: Knitting, Sewing, Vintage Wardrobe Tagged With: finished projects, vintage knitting, vintage sewing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fräulein K. says

    December 18, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    wow you sew and knitt a lot of wonderful clothes this year

    Reply
  2. Ginger says

    December 18, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Wow, what a productive year! So many fun colors and prints!

    Reply
  3. Weiszgirl says

    December 18, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Lovely! Everything is just lovely! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  4. Rochelle New says

    December 18, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    I really should do a post like this! I feel rather unaccomplished because I didn’t sew many things I truly love, even though I know I made a lot of things. I need to think quality (and practicality) over quantity in 2014!! It’s also awesome to see all the stuff you made, that I thought was from so much longer ago (clearly I don’t stalk you enough haha!), but really it was from last year! Where the hell does the time go?!

    Here’s to another great year of sewing and knitting and internet stalking 😉 😉
    <3

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    December 18, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    That Dragonflies Jumper makes me smile! All the projects you created this year are a success, but that jumper is my favorite!

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    December 18, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    AMAZING line up!! You’ve made some awesome things this year! Carry on crafting in 2014!

    Reply
  7. Marie says

    December 18, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Wow Tasia, what a brilliant year you’ve had! The thing that strokes me most about your makes, other than how gorgeous they are, is how meticulously made and well fitting they are. Real quality over quantity, which is something I shall strive for in 2014!

    Reply
    • Marie says

      December 18, 2013 at 6:37 pm

      By the way, no idea why I just called you Tasia, when I know full well your name’s Tasha! Sorry!

      Reply
      • Tasha says

        December 20, 2013 at 2:45 pm

        Oh Marie don’t worry at all, that’s a good slip! And thank you! 😀

        Reply
  8. Liz says

    December 18, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Such a great collection of beautiful garments! They are all so well made, fitted and true to your style. Gorgeous!

    Reply
  9. Frocks and Frivolities says

    December 18, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    Wow! you were very productive this year. I wish I had such talent. I can sew a little but I don’t know if I could really pull off one of those, perhaps when my kids get a bit older I will be able to have more practice time…I am learning how to knit, but I’m afraid a cable knit sweater is still some time off, sigh. Awesome job, I am quite impressed!

    Reply
  10. Alexandra says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:44 am

    Wow! Amazing projects! I just found your blog and I love it! I’m a knitter but hoping to learn how to sew next year, so it’s great to find someone who does both so well, you’re such an inspiration. Love your cabled pullover and Tyrolean cardigan.

    Reply
  11. Jane says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:50 am

    What a fab line-up of projects Tasha! They’re all beautiful and you’ve really kept your own individual sense of style throughout. Here’s to another productive year in 2014. xxx
    ps. Still gutted I missed you when you were in London this year! x

    Reply
  12. Tamara says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    You had a GREAT year! I wish I gad the time/ mad skills that you have (& the wardrobe to go along with it). You should be really proud of yourself!

    Reply
  13. Rosesred says

    December 20, 2013 at 2:28 am

    What a beautiful collection of clothes. Your use of color and the attention to detail on these clothes like the embroidery continue to inspire me.

    Reply
  14. Annie says

    December 20, 2013 at 5:38 am

    What an industrious year you have had. Well done. You have inspired me for 2014.

    Reply
  15. Mim says

    December 20, 2013 at 8:00 am

    WOAH that is productive! I seriously don’t know how you had time to do all that – you must knit like the wind! And it’s all so beautifully put together and finished too.

    Reply
  16. Kate-Em says

    December 20, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Wow, you have made a marvellous collection of garments this year! I am impressed and inspired to try to do more myself next year.

    Reply
  17. Rebecca says

    December 20, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    What beautiful things you’ve made this year, thank you for such a great post! Because of you I have learned to knit and my sewing projects are more fun with attention to details like embroidery and fancy pockets. All your hard work on your blog and endless inspiration that I get from you is very much appreciated! 😉

    Reply
  18. melli says

    December 21, 2013 at 4:02 am

    Such an amazing lady and a great enrichment for the sewing online world 🙂

    Reply
  19. Siri Andersen says

    December 21, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    So many lovely makes, but I especially love the Victory battle-jacket!! It is so cool 🙂
    I wish you a peaceful, lovely holiday. A Merry Christmas to you 😉

    Reply
  20. Jessica Cangiano says

    December 22, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    What a thoroughly fantastic assortment of projects. I scrolled through these photos four times and still can’t pick a single favourite. Equal, and substantially massive, amounts of love go out to all of them, as do my congrats on a job well done on each and every one of them.

    The very merriest of holiday season wishes & tons of hugs,
    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
  21. Kitty Darling says

    December 30, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Love your work! I am a long term pinup and recent blogger and your blog is inspiring me! You do beautiful work and I can’t wait to see more!

    Reply

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  1. Akram's Ideas says:
    December 31, 2013 at 10:45 am

    […] Tasha from By Gum, By Golly , wrote a post about all her sewing and knitting projects of 2013. Anyways I thought this was a really good idea, […]

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Welcome! If you’re into vintage style, knitting, sewing, and general craftiness, well then grab your favorite drink because you’re in the right place! I’m Tasha. Read more...

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