I’ve lost my sewjo and I want it back!

I started my sewing journey back in the spring of 2020 and was very enthusiastic about it for about a year and a half. It was new and exciting and I was learning so much.

But then, as usual, I put too much pressure on myself to have a handmade wardrobe and I completely froze up and abandoned it. The last time I sewed something was in the fall of 2021!

And I really miss it! I miss the creativity I feel when I sew. I miss the sense of accomplishment at having made something that I’m excited to wear.

So, I’ve decided to set myself a little sewing challenge to hopefully help me get my sewjo back and the “Make Nine” challenge seems like a good one!

What is the Make Nine Sewing Challenge?

The challenge was created by Ro of Home Row Handcraft back in 2015. She was inspired by the “Best Nine” hashtag in Instagram in which people posted their favorite nine photos from the previous year. However, she wanted to look ahead at the things she could create and the “Make Nine” challenge was born. The premise is simple: choose 9 projects that you want to complete in a year.

My Goals for the Make Nine Challenge

1. Make items that are “missing” in my wardrobe.

Looking at you, pants! I’ve been wearing pants/jeans a lot more this year. But I find myself reaching for the same few pairs over and over. I would love to have a little variety.

I plan to make 2 pairs of pants for the challenge and I’d love to try making a pair of jeans. Great fitting jeans seem to be the most elusive type of RTW garments, so hopefully being in control of the fit will help. I’m not including them as one of my 9 projects, but if I have the motivation, I’ll try sewing a pair.

2. To make a “new” quilt coat.

I made a quilt coat in 2021. I started with a vintage pattern but ended up tweaking the crap out of it. And I love it. It’s perfectly oversized and cozy. It’s even reversible.

So, what’s the problem? The base color of the quilt that I used is too warm-toned. Now that my hair is grey and very cool-toned, I don’t feel great when I wear the coat.

I have been thinking lately about dying the coat that I’ve already made but part of me feels like that’s a disservice to the quilter who originally made the quilt and that it might be best to sell it to someone who can appreciate it’s beauty. The jury’s still out.

3. Use the fabric that I already own.

I have a pretty significant fabric stash which is what happens when you get excited about some fabric that you find but then have no motivation to use it!

My plan is to go through my fabric to see what would work well the patterns I’ve chosen and either make a plan to use them, or let them go to someone else.

However, I’m not limiting myself to just the things that I already own. If none of the fabrics I have feel like a good fit for a certain pattern, I will look for something else, preferable vintage or deadstock.

The Make Nine Projects that I’ve chosen

I have a folder on my computer for saving patterns that I’d like to make. Even though I haven’t been sewing, I’ve been dreaming of sewing and have been window shopping for patterns.

For organizational purposes, I’ve decided to divide my Make Nine projects into categories. I’ll focus mostly on pants during the winter as I feel really good about the rest of my winter capsule. Dresses will be the focal point as it warms up. And I’ll be saving anything heavier for next fall such as an oversized coat.

Make Nine Pants Projects:

I was at Joann’s Fabrics back in the fall and found this simplicity pattern. There are 4 pattern variations: 3 pant versions and 1 shorts version. I will make a full length version for winter and possibly a shorts version in summer (not a part of my Make Nine). If I like how this project turns out, I’ll use this pattern for a pair of jeans at some point.

I love the look of a pleated trouser. I have a pair of vintage linen ones that I love for warmer weather and would like to have a pair or 2 for the colder months. I’m really liking the single pleat and wide leg of the Bella Loves Patterns Billy Trouser and I’m excited to make (and wear) them!

Warm Weather Dress Projects:

I used to wear a lot of dresses but have moved away from them for the past year. I think the main reason is because we got a puppy and for a while, he would try to bite anything that was flowy. He’s approaching his first birthday now and he doesn’t grab after things as much so I’m excited to get back to wearing them again.

Although it wasn’t planned, I love the versatility of the 3 patterns that I chose.

I plan to make the Clarissa Dress in the spring as the longer sleeves will be nice while the days are still a little chilly.

There are different versions for the Etta dress but I think I’ll make the sleeveless wrap version which will be great on it’s own during the summer but then will pair nicely with a turtleneck (under) or sweater (over) and tights in the colder months.

The Clementine Dress is a free pattern and I think it will make for a beautiful summer dress. I love the look of the one shoulder and the fun side cutout. This would be prefect for a summer cookout or a wedding!

Cold Weather Dress Project:

I’m planning to only make one of these dresses as a part of my 9 projects. I love the idea of the Nikko dress in a cozy knit fabric. I would probably add sleeves for extra warmth.

But I’m also loving the idea of the Mabel Dress in a merino wool fabric. It’s the perfect dress for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book!

Make Nine T-shirt Project:

I have been wanting a white tee for a while and even though I’ve found a few options online, I haven’t gone ahead and bought one. Pretty sure it’s because I’ve always had this Sage Tee in the back of my mind. I love an oversized fit and anything that’s unisex so I think this will be the perfect pattern.

Coat Projects:

This cardigan coat has been on my radar ever since I made my original quilt coat. It was one of the patterns that I had been considering. I’ll use it to make another quilt coat. There are a lot of different versions and I’m unsure of which one I’ll use.

I have been looking in the secondhand market for a long, oversized coat in charcoal, navy or dark green all winter. I haven’t been having much luck so I figure it’s time I try to make my own! I’m saving this as one of the last projects in my “make nine”. I’m feeling a little rusty about my sewing skills right now and want to make sure I have some practice before tackling a big coat. I’ve chosen 3 patterns that are similar and I’m not sure which one I’ll choose.

Final Notes:

• I love the idea of slow sewing. Of starting a project and taking a little while to complete it. While some of these projects could be completed quickly, I plan to really focus on my technique and take a mindful approach to every garment.

• I love having a minimalist wardrobe. And I have a hard time getting rid of things that I make. Sewing items quickly doesn’t fit well with either of these.

• I’m not going to feel like a failure if I don’t complete all 9 projects. I want to get back to doing something that I really enjoy. That’s all.

Have you done a sewing challenge before? If so, did you enjoy it!

If you enjoyed this post, please like and share it so we can get more people interested in slow fashion and slow sewing ♥️

And don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more sewing content!