Dare to sew your own underwear! In our sewing club we teach you how to sew a bralette and a panty. As a member of Sirena Elite you have access to exclusive tutorials, a free pattern per month and more benefits. Join by clicking here.
At the end of 2022, for the first time, I planned what I wanted to achieve in sewing for 2023. Although I like to plan, I had never made an annual plan aimed at sewing.
I was motivated by many things, including a challenge circulating on social media known as the «Make Nine Sewing Challenge.» This challenge originates from the hashtag «#best nine» on the social network Instagram. Through that #hashtag, people «post» the favorite photos of the year. In the particular case of sewing, the challenge began in 2015, initiated by Rochelle de homerowfiberco.com, with the goal of getting people to intentionally think about what they wanted to develop with regard to sewing. Most of the sewing community that participates in the challenge does so by identifying 9 patterns of clothing or accessories that they want to sew during the year. Mine was different, because I also incorporated more general sewing-related activities. The reality is, the plan helped me a lot as a guide.
I didn’t get 100% (as I like and usually demand of myself), but I didn’t do too badly either. As a summary, I share with you my achievements and results for 2023:
- Finish my projects started (UFOs) by upcycling - Done
- Make one dress per month for the "Dress a Girl" Project – Despite not having sewed them monthly, I managed to complete them, delivering 13 dresses. It is worth mentioning the collaboration I received from two good friends, who helped me complete the project.
- Making the jeans of the pattern "Legato Jeans" from the company "Love Notions" – I must admit that in this assignment I failed. I put it off and by the time December came, it was too late because the fabric I had didn't meet the necessary requirement for elasticity.
- Using My Embroidery Machine – Another failed attempt. I only used it to embroider an initial on the shirt of the "Jeffrey" pattern from Sirena. But hey, something is better than nothing!
- Participate in at least three Sirena Elite Club Challenges – In this one I got 67% because I only completed two.
- Sewing using the fabrics and patterns I kept from 2022 – I made it and almost with a result of A. I took out 89% based on the number of makes finished. I didn't make many new purchases during 2023 and that helped me a lot.
- Making the jacket of the pattern "Metro Blazer" from the company "Love Notions" – I finished it and I must humbly say that it turned out very well. Satisfied with the result!
- Sewing accessories – I managed to sew several accessories, including a bucket hat and several bags. Among them, a bag from the pattern "Madeline" to participate in the challenge of the Sirena Elite Club.
- Finish my projects from online classes. Even though I didn't finish all the planned projects, I proudly did finish all the classes.
Even though I haven’t finished everything, I feel more than satisfied with what I planned and achieved. Even though I didn’t have it among my «make nine», I ventured and did other things related to sewing that, without a doubt, helped to expand my knowledge. In addition, I took three workshops and a class at Tommie Hernandez Academy. Also, I took an online course with Whitney Luckenbill on how to fit and modify commercial sewing patterns. Ah, but if you ask me, what was my biggest accomplishment of 2023? Without thinking twice, it was fulfilling my dream of being able to collaborate and write a blog related to sewing. Sometimes, without much planning, things just happen. My thanks to Tommie for the opportunity!
With the latent spirit of planning and after experiencing such good results, at the end of 2023 I planned my «Make Nine» for 2024. This time I chose to create a visual board using «Canva», inspired by Tommie Hernandez’s Academy Fashion Marketing class. I strategically placed it in my sewing room to see every time I sit down to sew. In this way, it not only inspires me, but also focuses, keeping in mind what I have set out to achieve.
It is with pride and excitement that I present to you my #MakeNine2024:
- Learn new sewing techniques.
- Make a jean.
- Use decorative stitches and embroidery to incorporate them into my makes.
- Enroll and complete the Certification in Swimwear Design and Patterns.
- Sew a capsule wardrobe for work
- Participate again in the "Dress a Girl" project.
- Finalize my projects from the online sewing courses
- Sewing maximizing the patterns and fabrics I keep from previous years
- Venturing into quilting
I started 2024 with enthusiasm and a lot of strength. So much so, that I already have 3 of my goals in progress, #1, #4 and #8. Initially, #4 was just sewing a swimsuit, but my adventurous and daring spirit demanded even more from me. It turned into something bigger!
If you haven’t planned your sewing goals for 2024, there’s still time. Remember, «It’s never too late, if the joy is good.» Sewing time is time you invest in what you like. In other words, you invest in yourself. If you ask me, I would recommend starting with small goals. Also, if you notice, some of my goals are simple like #3, #8 and #9, others are intermediate, and others are goals that will take me months to complete. The truth is that it is not the degree of difficulty of your projects that matters, but the desire to launch yourself into conquest!
If you still don’t know where to start, I invite you to subscribe to the best Sewing Club, Sirena Elite. You will learn new sewing techniques and other arts and crafts. And the best part? You will share with people who, like you, are passionate about the art of sewing. Make that dream come true and don’t put it off any longer. By subscribing to the club, you get one free digital pattern per month and many other benefits. Join today and enjoy two weeks free by clicking here.
Until next time!
Article written by
Isabel Hernández
To make the perfect swimsuit you need the correct fabric and notions. That's why I made a list of the best online stores in the U.S. to help you start making your swimwear today.
Many people think that because a fabric stretches, it is ideal for making swimsuits. Aside from the recommended stretch (at least 50% stretch), it is recommended to use a nylon/spandex (elastane) blend fabric, or if it is polyester/spandex that has a high spandex content (15% or more). The terms spandex and Lycra basically mean the same thing, but Lycra is a brand name. This is a synthetic fiber created during World War II because there was a demand for a fiber that resembles rubber, as this material was widely used for products needed in the war. This revolutionary fiber is what helps the comfort of swimsuits and fitted clothing, since it can stretch up to 5 times its size and shrink back to its original state immediately.
Using absorbent fabrics such as cotton or cotton blends to make swimwear are not recommended for obvious reasons.
I have bought fabrics and supplies in many of these stores (but not in all), so I recommend that before ordering you enjoy seeing all the stores first and compare prices, shipping charges, etc. Do you want to recommend another store? Send the information to tommie@clonesirena.somosriu.com
Dare to sew your own swimwear! As a member of Sirena Elite you have access to exclusive tutorials, a free pattern per month and more benefits. Join by clicking here.
Dare to sew your own underwear! In our sewing club we teach you how to sew a bralette and a panty. As a member of Sirena Elite you have access to exclusive tutorials, a free pattern per month and more benefits. Join by clicking here.
Article written by
Tommie Hernández, Editor in Chief at Sirena Magazine