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Today I'm sharing everything I sewed in 2024, so if you want to peek into my handmade wardrobe and hear what worked, what didn't, and what I learned along the way, you're in the right place. I'll give you all the details about the patterns and fabrics I used, plus grade each project so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.
My Striped Callen Sweater
Let's start with my striped Callen sweater.
This pattern is such a gem because it looks like a sweater but feels like a sweatshirt. I made mine in a horizontally ribbed striped double knit from Denver Fabrics. The dramatic wide-cut three-quarter length sleeves and that faux button closure at the neckline really elevate it beyond a basic top.
I absolutely love wearing it with cigarette pants or black shorts—it's one of those pieces that makes you look put-together without trying.
The only downside is that the fabric feels a bit synthetic. I searched everywhere for a breton stripe merino knit but came up empty-handed. If I made this again, I'd definitely go for a heavy French terry instead. Overall, I'm giving it a B.
My Blue Floral Dara Blouse
Next up is my blue floral Dara blouse, which honestly might be my favorite make of the year. I especially love pairing it with overalls when I'm working from home.
The ditsy floral print just makes me happy every time I put it on.
This was such an easy sew, and I wore it constantly through spring and summer. It's definitely earned an A grade, and I'm already planning another one, maybe in a sweet little check print.
Here’s a link to the Dara pattern.
My Corduroy Ginger Skirt
For my third project, I tackled the [Ginger skirt in white corduroy]. Now, this pattern is one of our bestsellers for good reason—it's quick to sew and so versatile. I used version 3, which has a straight waistband, and cut it on the bias to create this really beautiful chevron effect with the wales of the corduroy.
The high waist and definite A-line shape are exactly what I look for in a skirt. My only complaint is that the thick corduroy makes the invisible zipper a little tricky at the waistband. I probably should have used a metal zipper instead.
Still, I wore this constantly in spring, though I kind of forgot about it in fall. Note to self: pair it with a brown or olive sweater! This one gets an A.
My Blue Floral Chantelle Dress
Moving on to my blue floral Chantelle dress in rayon challis. This dress has such a great 90s vibe with its princess seams and notched collar. It was perfect for hot weather, and I loved wearing it with red clog sandals.
There's just one thing that bugs me—I had to use smaller buttons than the pattern called for, but I forgot to adjust the button placement. So now the front feels a bit loose and flappy. The print is also quite bold compared to my usual style.
While I wore it tons in summer, I'm giving it a B because of those little details I'd change.
My Floral Sloan Dress
Next, let's talk about my floral Sloan dress. Oh, those bubble sleeves! I used a Sevenberry English Garden print, thinking it would be similar to the lawn I used for my Dara blouse.
Unfortunately, it ended up looking a bit like a pillowcase.
It's actually more of a quilting cotton, which wasn't the right choice for this dress. Even though the pattern itself is beautiful, I hardly wear this one. I'd love to try it again in a crisp black or cream poplin for date nights. This one gets a C, but I'm chalking it up as a learning experience about fabric choice.
Here’s a link to the Sloan dress pattern.
My Eyelet Fifer Tank Top
Now, let’s talk about the Fifer tank in eyelet. I absolutely love how I used the border of the eyelet to create the ruffle and along the hem—it's such a pretty detail.
The pattern has this really nice A-line silhouette with a scoop neck, and those bust darts give it a really flattering shape.
But here's what I learned—I really should have sized down. Being between sizes is tricky, and this one feels a bit large, which makes it more revealing than I'd like. I wore it a decent amount over summer, especially with dark denim. I'd definitely make it again, but with some fit adjustments. I'm giving this one a B.
Speaking of Fifer, I also made a dress version in this fantastic red gingham cotton I found at a discount store near my parents' house. I lengthened the pattern into a dress, keeping that beautiful ruffle detail at the neckline.
This was such an easy piece to throw on during hot weather or even as a cover-up at the beach. What I really discovered making this is how much I love wearing bright red—it's become one of my favorite colors to sew with. This one gets a solid B as well.
Here’s a link to the Fifer pattern.
My White Baker Dress
Now, the white Baker dress—this might be one of my favorite makes of the year. I used this beautiful lightweight linen and added eyelet trim and a special yoke.
I really took my time with this one, adding lots of vintage-inspired details, and I'm so proud of how it turned out. It actually inspired me to do more heirloom-type sewing in the future. The only tricky part was matching the yoke to the yoke lining because I used different fabrics. Next time, I might try using washaway stabilizer for that. This one gets an A grade because it turned out exactly how I wanted.
I loved the Baker pattern so much that I made a top version in cream fine cotton. This top might actually be my most-worn make of the year, which taught me something really important—pretty, detailed tops are absolutely worth the time investment because I reach for them constantly. Another A grade for this one.
Here’s a link to the Baker pattern.
My Reese Swimsuit
Now, let's talk about the Reese swimsuit. I used this gorgeous red and white stripe seersucker swimsuit fabric with a tan lining.
The pattern has this really modern, clean look with a wide scoop neck and a shelf bra with cups for support. I love how the puckered texture of the seersucker adds this interesting detail. The only downside? I made it way too late in the season and only wore it once! Note to self: start making summer clothes earlier and go swimming more often.
Still giving this one an A because the construction turned out exactly how I wanted.
My Ash Dresses
Next up are my Ash dresses. I made three of these gorgeous slip dresses in rayon challis. One's in a black floral print that I've had forever in my stash, and the other is this beautiful bright red floral.
What I absolutely love about these dresses is their body-skimming shape, and they're surprisingly quick to sew. The adjustable straps are such a thoughtful detail that makes them really wearable. I've been wearing these constantly in warm weather, and now that it's cooler, I'm layering the black one over knit tops. These are definitely getting an A grade from me.
My Gauze Benning Dress
Next is my statement piece of the year—the Benning dress in this amazing brown and cream checked gauze.
When I wore this to Stitchfest 2024, everyone kept asking to touch the fabric! It's incredibly light and floaty, and I added these ruffly sleeve details that really transformed the look.
While it's not an everyday dress, it absolutely deserves an A grade because it taught me such an important lesson—when you see a fabric you absolutely love, trust your instincts and go for it!
My Alice Tees
Now let's talk about my venture into basics with the Alice tees. I made three of these, and two of them were absolute wins. The first two I made with this wonderful 1x1 rib knit from Isee Fabrics– if you're a Seamwork member, you actually get a discount there.
These long-sleeve crew necks have become total wardrobe workhorses. I wear them with everything—jeans, A-line skirts, layered under dresses. They're getting an A grade because they prove that basics don't have to be boring to sew.
But then there's my third Alice tee in this gorgeous variegated organic cotton rib. The color and texture were beautiful, but here's where things got interesting—and by interesting, I mean challenging.
The fabric stretched out so much that the finished shirt ended up way bigger than the others, with a really funky neckline. I hardly wear it now and might repurpose it as a workout top. It gets a D grade, but it taught me an important lesson about knits. They can be unpredictable, and sometimes you need to adjust your sizing based on the fabric's recovery.
My Rib Knit Lisa Cardigan
And then there is my Lisa cardigan in this beautiful heavy rib knit. I actually made a whole video about this project because it was replacing a worn-out fast fashion sweater I loved.
I used this gorgeous heavy cotton rib knit with lighter tubular ribbing for the facing and cuffs. The V-neck detail turned out beautifully, and I love that I can wear it either layered or as a top on its own. It's been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe and definitely earns an A grade. Plus, it taught me that sewing sweaters can be really fun when you find the right fabric!
I hope you liked seeing what I made this year. If you like seeing my projects, be sure to check out these videos as well:
