2016 Sewing Review!

2:30 PM

Let's start with my favorites! One of the reasons that I returned to sewing is because I couldn't justify spending boatloads of money on clothes after I left the workforce in 2005. I looked at everything that I love and was out of my price range and said, "I can make that!" I almost always take some sort of inspiration or detail from luxury brands. But other times, I look at a garment and want that exact piece, so I create as close of a version as possible for a fraction of the cost of the original. So here are my favorite "Designer Doppelgängers" from this year!
The TIBI Off-the-Shoulder Tunic is what created one of the biggest trends of the last year!
When I was review the spring runway collections and saw this gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2016 dress, it was just too easy to not replicate!
I was on a serious grommet and eyelet binge this year. So when I ran across Australian design house Ellery's Utopian Dress, it was another that I knew I had to have. The best thing about sewing is that you get to make adjustments and modifications to make things work for you!
Dramatic sleeves, the bigger, the better were a major trend this year. And the queen of the sleeve is Roksanda Ilincic and her gorgeous Truffant Blouse. And I paired my version with my version of TIBI's Slit Detailed Pants.

Also this year, I made my share of jumpsuits!
From l to r: 

Last year, I gave myself permission to repeat an item if I love it. 
And that's exactly what I did with Simplicity 1887! This is my favorite short's pattern and I'll probably start again on it for Summer '17!
And I also enjoyed Simplicity 8058. Okay, enjoy maybe an understatement. I wore the red pants last week and questioned myself on why I haven't made more versions? 

Here are this year's coats, jackets and a vest!

My tops:
McCall's 7155 Orange Top
Simplicity 6061 Vintage Ruffle Top
Vogue 7604 Pussy Bow Blouse
McCall's 2353 White Button Down
Vogue 9151 Striped Lace Up Top
Vogue 9204 Black Sheer Blouse 
Simplicity 3835 Black & White Gingham Off-the-Shoulder Top

Skirts:
Vogue 8882 Red & White Floral Skirt
McCall's 5430 Black & White Gingham Wrap Skirt
New Look 6418 Faux Suede Skirt

Dresses:

These are my favorite ensembles for this year!


Well, this was my 2016 Sewing Year! And I'm already working on 2017! Happy New Year!

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45 comments

  1. You are a very talented and prolific seamstress and an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. What an amazing year! Beautiful work as always.

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  3. Beautiful Erica! Absolutely beautiful! You've had an amazing year and I'm so looking forward to seeing all your fabulousness in 2017. Be blessed my sew sister! Happy New Year!

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  4. Congratulations on another fabulous year of sewing & influencing!

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  5. This represents such a well thought out chic wardrobe. Congratulations! Karen

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  6. It was wonderful watching your sewing year. Very inspirational!

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  7. You've made so many amazing garments!!! I especially love the flared pants and the black top with the bell sleeves. :)

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  8. Sewing style icon! Thanks for showing how fab & fashionable home made clothing can be. Inspirational!

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  9. So much fun ! Thank you so much for your wonderful blog, it's A plus! Happy New Year!

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  10. FAN-TAS-TIC! WOW!!!! Happy New Year, Erica! Cheers to another year of gorgeous looking garments!

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  11. Beautiful wardrobe! You are very talented, I am just wondering how much time do you spend sewing! I manage to make 5 or 6 pieces an entire year :) Happy New Year!!

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    1. I sew or do something sewing-related every single day. Sewing is just as important as any other daily task (i.e. cooking, cleaning, etc...) to me. And people around me respect that! Thanks Mokara!

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  12. Love them all! Keep sewing! Happy New Year.

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  13. Amazingly beautiful creations! Thank you so much for sharing and continuing to inspire!

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  14. Happy New Year and Awesome creations.

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  15. Wow, I'm in awe of your work even though I've been following your blog for years, LOL. Thank you for setting the bar high and continuing to be an inspiration! I love your projects as well as the effort you put into your presentation....it's like looking through a fashion magazine 👌.

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  16. You are so prolific - amazing. I have loved everything you have made. I look forward to what you will be up to for 2017!

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  17. Omg scrolling I thought the photo in the olive jumpsuit was Michaela! Love it!

    You rocked 2016! I love the "knock offs" but mostly that you just do you! Happy 2017!

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  18. Completely gorgeous, inspiring and everything of such high quality! I don't comment often but I read your posts all the time. So looking forward to all your 2017 makes!!

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  19. Congratulations! You are so skilled! Fantastic!

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  20. Mind Blown! You made all this? Definitely nothing like the stuff my mom "made" ....you need a new best friend?? LOL!! Very talented!

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  21. Wow what a fantastic year, it's great to see so many of your creations together like this - it really highlights the huge variety of things you make, yet everything is true to your style. Your blog is so inspirational, I'm looking forward to reading more in 2017.

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    1. I love a well-balanced wardrobe! Pieces for all occasions! Thanks so much Allison!

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  22. Just found your blog and can I say WOW! You are beautiful and a fabulous seamstress and inspiration. I only dream of looking that good in clothes. Thank you for sharing your talent.

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  23. I'm so inspired by your work. I'm a beginner sewer, but you've encouraged me to continue reading and learning! Thank you

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