My Top 5 Makes of 2020

[@SharonSews]

I had guessed two of them before I watched your video 😀. I enjoy seeing the favorites from last year. Until I moved to Texas, I did not understand how you could be too warm in a sleeveless garment in the summer. However I now understand, that it also has to do with the fabric. ☀️. I am in the process of finalizing my 2020 makes a video which I’m going to upload later today. And dang it Jen, now that conjunction junction song is going to go through head all day long🤦🏽‍♀️

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

😂😂😂 YOU'RE WELCOME. At least it's not the theme to Gilligan's Island or Green Acres! Or 99 Bottles of Beer! ugh my husband tortures me with those suggestions every time I tell him I've got an ear worm. Loved the 2020 makes, love you! ❤️😘⭐️

[@SharonSews]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom oh great, now I have more annoying songs in my brain 😂🤣😜

[@thedahliasewciety]

Oh you are so sweet! I feel so lucky to have you as my sewing buddy! My favourite (apart from the Amazing Eva dresses) is the simplicity dress you made and I love mine too! I'm just figuring out my next fabric for my second one!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Back-atcha, my sweet friend! Same! I'm also looking thru my stash and thinking 'what can I use to make another one with sleeves?' Like I need another one! 😂😂😂 But hey, you find something that works, you stick with it. I've just discovered Patterns Fantastique - do you know about them? They used to be in Melbourne but now are in Saigon. Gorgeous designs. 😘❤️🌺🌴

[@lavadajenkins2955]

Hey Jen. I think my favorite pattern from 2020 that I made is the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse. I made three with a different sleeve for each.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That's a really cute one. Looks easy to wear, too. I think I've sneaked a peek at yours on IG - ❤️

[@ccpperrett7522]

I always love my visits with you Jen. I was thinking of your pink/white maxie dress in a sear sucker would be light and comfortable. As a child in the late nineteen fifties/sixties, it seems sear sucker was THE fabric. Maybe it was just thosr care free days that makes it such a favorite in my mind. As far as makes go this year, I didn't make many things for myself. I sewed a functional smock for my mom and a dress. Mom is 85. I ordered some pretty floral fabric for the dress but was disappointed in the fabric; it just didn't seem very soft to me. So I lined it. It turned out so much nicer than I expected, and my mother loves it.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That is wonderful about your dress! Sometimes lining makes all the difference. And seersucker - I love that fabric. I'm always drawn to it. You're right, that would be an excellent choice for the maxi dress (why didn't I think of that? 😂). Thanks for the suggestion! And I love my visits with you too ❤️

[@crumpetsteaandsewing]

Hi Jen! Wow! Those are some gorgeous vintage patterns.! I chuckled when you started talking about school hose rock! lol I remember that show vividly! I love that peppermint magazine maxi dress. I’m thinking of doing that for the maxi dress challenge this year. I love how flowy it looks! I like your black dress as well! What awesome makes you have here! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks T! I had no idea that they were essentially all vintage but that Simplicity dress - yeah, way to plan out your videos, Jen 😂😂😂 I think I may try that Peppermint maxi too - someone suggested seersucker and I think that's just brilliant - light and airy and perfect for summer. I loved your favorite makes too - especially your ability to put a skirt and top together to look like a dress. And you and I love those cottons - ❤️

[@joools1953]

I'm so glad you had issues with the Eva pattern instructions. I hadn't sewn for years (? 10, ?15) but sewed a lot when I was younger. Got back into sewing after I retired and my first make was Eva. I had such issues with it. I almost gave up. I'm off to look at your video about this dress next.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I was really critical of it and Indie patterns in general - but I'm really getting an education with them. I'm glad I wasn't the only one. It did turn out to be 2 beautiful dresses, though!

[@Frugalisama]

I love them all but i think my favourite has to be the assymetric one, not a style I would normally choose but it looks great on you & I love the fabric ❤️ I'm not sure what my favourite make is this year, it's like choosing a favourite child but will have to make a decision for my round up on Sunday!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Sam! 😊 I can't wait to see your favourite - I know what you mean, picking a favorite child. My girls used to ask me for things sometimes, and I'd say no. She'd ask why her sister got one, and I just say "because I love her more than you." Then she'd scoff and I'd say "what kind of a question is that? You got one too! Of course I love you as much as her!" It's a big joke in our family now. The other one is telling one that she's my favourite, then telling the next one she's my favourite, etc. Gotta get creative when you're losing your mind with 5 little girls -

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Hi Jen! Been enjoying some of your past videos and noticed that you really like Hawaiian prints and long dresses. Have you ever made Simplicity Jiffy pattern 7520? It's a mid-70's vintage muumuu pattern with ties at the shoulder. I made it when I was 19 yrs. old when I worked in a fabric store - my first job. Made it with a lush green 100% cotton Hawaiian/tropical print, and it was my absolute favorite garment!!! I still think about this dress and wish I still had it (but wouldn't be able to wear it now). It was gorgeous, fit beautifully, and so very comfortable! You mentioned in your video that one of your favs from 2020 was a very comfortable long dress that you could throw on at the end of a long day. Well, this is a pattern you might want to try. The pattern cover has a photo of a blond gal wearing the long dress made with a red & white floral Hawaiian print. Aloha! 🌺

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I thought of this pattern right away when you mentioned it - then looked it up and I was right! I don't have it but I do have Simplicity 7464, which is another Muu muu with straps that cross in the back. I have made that one and I'm actually wearing another muumuu right now that's a Victoria Jones pattern from Hawaii Fabric Mart. I need to try 7520. I'll see if I can get hold of it and some beautiful HFM rayon! Thanks!

[@edinacole6382]

I put elastic in the waistband of many things. Sometimes even when the waist is perfect I have discomfort so now I have elastic to everything even if it’s just a few inches

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Excellent idea. Most of mine have elastic waists anyway - so comfy!

[@margaretedge8482]

I’ve been watching you on u tube tv and decided to came on the phone and subscribe and post how much I enjoy you. I love sewing have 2 daughters and sewed for them when they were little. Now they are grandma’s too🥰.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy you've stopped by my sewing room and what a treat - you've got great grandkids! That's amazing, especially since you're only 29, right? 😉

[@socarole66]

Hi Jen. My favourite of yours was the white skirt and wow it looks good with the red spotted T. My most successful makes of 2020 were New look cropped trousers 6517. I couldn’t get enough of them and made about 5 in the end 🤣. Can’t wait until the Spring when I can wear them again. We will miss seeing that Hawaiian fabric on the manikin when you have finished it 😉😂. X

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yep, that white skirt. Those are the cutest pants! I like the waistband. And I'll have to wear the Hawaiian dress often since it's in every video lately 🙄😂

[@conniebuchner4715]

I love all your favorite. I went out and bought S8640 this summer. Now to decide what fabric to use! 🥰 Happy New Year!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Me too, Connie - looking thru my stash for something I can use to make it with sleeves. Like I need another one - 😂 - it's a fantastic pattern!

[@claudianowakowski]

I love the tropical dress that you wear for relaxing. I have to make one of your very favourite dresses. It looks so comfortable.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Oh man, Claudia, it is fabulous. You should definitely make one. It's easy.

[@karenegeberg6007]

The Bristol top from The Sewing Workshop! Made a kiwi green French terry one and a grape sweatshirt fleece one. My favorites!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I really like the look of that yoke! Not wild about the hem but that's why we sew - it would be easy to just hem it straight across. I may have to try that one - thanks Karen!

[@ozicats]

Hi Jen I discovered your youtube videos a few das ago and since then I have been catching up with some of them. So although it is now Jan 2024 I did enjoy your 2020 favourites. I was particularly interested in your comments on the Simplicity 7454 sundress which is very pretty by the way. I am in Australia and we had a very hot day yesterday which made me go searching through my boxes of patterns for a simple sundress. One of the ones I pulled out is a vintage pattern from 1999 - Kwik Sew 2787. It has a mini or maxi version and two different types of straps similar to yours but does not cross over on the back. You can have it with a back zip of just as a pull over version. I normally wear sleeves because my arms aren't what they used to be but I've decided not to worry and am planning to make up the mini version with the wide straps. I doubt you are thinking of summer at the moment since you're in the US but you might like to have a look for next summer. Maree

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks for watching Maree! I think the wonderful thing about these sorts of sundresses is that they are basically a dime a dozen. I have a couple more almost identical to this one, some vintage, some like your Kwik Sew - and honestly they're so simple we could probably just draft one ourselves. As for thinking of summer - it's always summer here in Florida. I miss out on jeans and boots and leggings and sweaters - but I don't freeze anymore either! Every day is (almost every) a sundress day. It's been chilly for the past 2 weeks but is warming up, in your high 20's, low 30's by tomorrow! Definitely sundress weather in the winter ☀️🏝️

[@jacquihooper158]

Hi Jen I made that Simplicity dress pattern after watching your vlog. Unfortunately although the sleeveless muslin fit beautifully adding the sleeves made it a straight jacket. 🥺 All the reviews are for the sleeveless version so I will watch your make to see how it goes. My most successful make is the Love Notions Melody Dolman. I love love this pattern. Highly recommend.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I will keep that in mind when I make my next S8640 with sleeves - thanks! The Melody Dolman is such a great pattern - so versatile. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@alager27]

Hi Jen I love your makes, gorgeous! Im taking notes for future projects😉. This year “somehow” I found extra time to fall down the rabbit hole of indie patterns, I looooove the mersis dress from pattern fantastique, lovely! I bite the bullet and got the patternand I have made three different garments with that pattern and I cant stop hehe, also I found I loove the mccalls 7969, thanks so much for inspiring us and I wish a better year for you and everyone in this amazing community!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much - that Mersis Dress - beautiful! I don't like the dress but I love the top. I love the way they've done that princess seam into the armhold and using it with the pocket. I love architecture of dresses. That company has some beautiful things - I especially like the hack of the Aurora T-shirt into a dress.

[@jennetthamilton7942]

A few months ago I found a sheet in a thrift store that I thought would make a cute summer dress but then decided I really have enough fabric (as if you can ever have enough fabric). As I was in line waiting my turn to cash out I turned around and saw the lady behind me had the sheet. I said to her, oh I almost bought that sheet to make into a dress. She laughed and said that was exactly what she was going to do with it, even though she has lots of fabric at home. Great minds think alike. My favourite makes were actually masks. Not that I love wearing a facemask, but due to an injury I wasn't able to sew for about 6 months. I had to get my son to cut them out but being able to sew again was wonderful. It turns out sewing was good physical and mental therapy. More than a year after my injury I am back to sewing anything and everything.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

That is wonderful, Jennett! I'm so glad you're back to sewing and a normal life in general (well, today's normal). And you're right! Great minds! ❤️

[@carmensalome]

Yup those are my top favorites too. Can't wait to see your 2021 makes.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I can't wait to see your 2020 makes! ❤️😘🌴🏡

[@Heyreneesews]

My favorite 2020 make is the Kabuki top by Paper Theory. Those sleeves are tricky though.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Really cute, though! I love the seaming on that -

[@christinebeaudoin8703]

Conjunction junction what’s your function! Now I remember the phase😀

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

😂🚞

[@christinebeaudoin8703]

I was wondering on your favorite dress from Simplicity, what view and hem did you make? When I first saw this pattern I didn’t know how it would look. Your make however looks lovely, so maybe I’ll make it!

[@annigjestaples6015]

Great makes, I really love the white skirt and the "little black dress". You look good in all your makes. I also have to use elastic in the back of all my pants and skirts otherwise they just keep on slipping down! 😊

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You know the Levi's I talked about, the ones with the yoga waistband that I love? They're starting to fall down. I don't know whether to be happy I'm losing weight or sad that they don't fit! I wear them anyway - but now I'm committed to getting those Mountain View Jeans done. And good tip on using elastic in ALL the things - I need to do that!

[@patriciabee4690]

I purchased the 8640 after watching your earlier video. Living in Canada it was very expensive but I think it’s going to be a tried and true.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hope you enjoy it - I sure do! If you need to take it in at all, try doing it in the center back seam. That tends to give it slightly more of a curvy shape. And now you've reminded me that I want to make yet another one with sleeves 😁

[@EbWhit91]

Always great seeing a vlog from you. I liked your top 5; my favorite was your March Madness Maxi--beautiful fabric. I also like the dress with the uneven hem. Thanks for all the links that I will peruse. I've determined to kick myself into gear in 2021 and get more sewing done. I made a dress for a Ginny doll--does that count? :-) Eileen.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Absolutely yes, it does count! Thanks Eileen! Have a look at Hawaii Fabric Mart even if it's only to window shop. Man do they ever have some beautiful stuff. Kinda inspires you to sew, you know?

[@gwendixon7490]

My favorite make of yours was the skirt!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

True - for all the trouble it gave me, I think I like it the best for being out in public (not relaxing at home). I need to find some more denim and make another one. There's just something about a little jeans skirt - looks a little more put together than shorts but still very casual. Great with a t-shirt!

[@FarrellFocus]

Great makes! Isn’t it fun? I loved your Tetris comment...gotta make it work...right?? Lol 💙

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks! Definitely making it work. That fabric is completely worth all the trouble. It's gorgeous -

[@clothandthemachine9734]

I love your makes😍 Those maxis are dreamy💙💚

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@deebuettner8017]

I saw somewhere that the person was making ReSewlutions. That's what I'm doing. I have a list of patterns I want to make up, and things I want to do in my sewing room.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea!

[@gwendixon7490]

I’m resolved to become a pattern tester for companies I don’t use. Question: what’s the leaf that flashes across at the beginning of your videos? Looks like MJ, LOL 🤪

[@marlenep2644]

😂😂😂 glad I'm not the only one whose mind went there!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea. And the leaves are just a transition I use in my editing program. What's MJ?

[@gwendixon7490]

Mary Jane aka pot

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

@@gwendixon7490 OOOOOOOOhhhhhh - yikes! Guess I'd better change that!

[@gwendixon7490]

LOL

[@ClaireWhoMakesThings]

Lovely Makes Jen. I love the white denim skirt.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You'd look great in that, Claire!

[@ClaireWhoMakesThings]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thank you, I have the Ness skirt by Tilly and the buttons, I might make that in white!

[@halesmoore]

That pink dress your wearing doesn't look like denim at all on camera, but I can imagine it would be hot to wear. All those summery makes and I'm sat here boosting the central heating❄️😃love your white skirt and the white blouse top at the end, simple silhouette but stylish.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It did not even occur to me that those makes were summery. Or from vintage patterns. Or all maxi's. I just went in and pulled out the things I wear the most often - now that I see what they are, there's a theme. Go figure! 🤷‍♀️ If it's any consolation, it was WAY too cold yesterday to be wearing that sundress 🥶 - I had a sweater on until I started filming under the lights. Then it warmed right up, especially as the heat kicked on and started blowing at me. That last top - I can't wait to have my own made from that super soft, silky sheet. I'm looking forward to the next set of sheets starting to wear out so I can make more stuff 😂❤️

[@sewbizzylizzy]

Hello Jen. I have seen that red dress on the mannequin in a couple videos. I have to ask, what pattern is it? It’s beautiful! I would love to see you in it. Love your channel. God bless, Elizabeth

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hi Elizabeth! Oh, that red dress. I really do need to finish that, don't I? It was supposed to be a Christmas dress for a party - it's red stretch velvet that I initially cut without a thought to the nap. So the front was going one way and the back another - duh, rookie mistake, what was I thinking? The pattern is McCalls 7871. Once I fixed the cut-it-out-the-wrong-direction problem, there was a problem with the way one of the pocket flaps is attaching. After seeing Karina @liftingpinsandneedles do a hoodie in stretch velvet with topstitching, I'm seeing the value there. I skipped the topstitching with this dress, going for a more formal look. But I think I'm going to go back in and do the topstitching. I have a feeling that will solve the problems I'm having. Gotta get that done - thanks for the push! ❤️

[@bab275]

I've made the Peppermint Maxi version in linen and I love it! Give it a try. Also, my bra straps don't show!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Beverly I definitely will give it a try. I like the elastic back and straight straps. I may borrow the Simplicity pockets, though, or steal some from a 1970's Laura Ashley pattern (similar dress) that are circular. There's just something about a maxi sundress -

[@bab275]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Here's a link to my instagram post about it, although I'm sure youve seen many others. You and I have similar coloring, so maybe you'd like to see how it looks in the color I chose: instagram.com/p/CDPbkpUjo92/

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

@@bab275 OMG I LOVE THAT!!!! I could have 10 dresses in my closet that color and I'd wear them all to death. My first S8640 was that color. It's gorgeous, especially on you!

[@bab275]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thanks! I can only wear it in summer here, but I imagine you'd get more use out of it.

[@deebuettner8017]

Try the Compose Robe from Love Notions.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'll check it out! Thanks Dee!

[@zainylainy1]

I love Kristen from dalia sewsociety, too. I call her my wannabe daughter. I love all the same things she loves.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

She's one of my favorites too.

[@dortega787]

Good video Jen🤩🤩🤩

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Diana!

[@christinebeaudoin8703]

I remember conjunction function!!! 😉

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Schoolhouse rock!

[@krisl.4962]

You always choose just the right combination of pattern and fabric for yourself! I know you’ll say otherwise, and I understand a too-heavy fabric with your heat and humidity:) BUT, you look so nice in everything you make! You have a style, and keep within that style even with an “outside the box” pattern. I LOVE your sheet nightgown! I didn’t have a favorite make of my own in 2020. I’ve been working on new baby gifts, both sewn and knitted, as well as a hooded blanket for big brother :)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You knit? My hat is off. I tried it once and gave up - straight needles forming loops? Made little sense to me - seems like they should have hooks so the yarn doesn't slide off. But crochet just doesn't look the same. Do you watch Sian @kittenishbehaviour? She has this gorgeous knitted afghan on her sofa, clearly done with oversized yarn and probably knitted by hand rather than with needles. I want one of those. I need to ask her about it. Thank you so much for all your wonderful compliments! I struggle so much and often have fails. But comments like yours keep me going!

[@krisl.4962]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Thanks Jen! 2 of my book club friends and I decided to take a refresher class at a local yarn shop in 2006, and we've been knitting together ever since! I know how to crochet, but for some reason knitting is easier for me. No, I haven't seen Sian, but I'll go look her up, thanks!

[@maryellenscholand1001]

Love every one.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

❤️

[@sbrickett]

Sitting in front of the fire this morning, it’s cold outside! I’m so ready for summer!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

And yet . . . I bet it's a beautiful fire! I always love that when I visit my parents in the winter. My dad makes the best ones.

[@sbrickett]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom , yes it is, I love a good fire. We have a Woodstock soapstone wood heater that heats our whole house, but I still wish for summer. Hey, I want to tell you about my friend Sherry, at Practical Stitches. It’s a new channel, she’s just starting out but is having some trouble with confidence and motivation. I thought I would try to help her out by mentioning her channel. I don’t know if it will help, but she truly does need help. She used to have a sewing business a few years ago, but now she works outside the home. I hope she can grow her channel a little to help her confidence. If this offends you, please forgive and delete this comment. Thanks

[@marilynmetz226]

I enjoyed your video. With all due respect... there is no such thing as "most favorite." Favorite means "preferred before all others." No need to add "most."

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you, Marilyn! Yours is my most favorite comment on this video. 😂😂😂 Seriously though, one grammar cop to another, I should've caught that. Figures of speech, I guess. Is it also driving you crazy that people use the singular verb with plural nouns these days? Ugh! "The horses is out in the backyard." I'm always saying "are. ARE. It's ARE out in the backyard. Didn't you take English in elementary school?" I come from southern Ohio where grammar is optional. My dad is the worst!

[@marilynmetz226]

Yes! And I can't stand "I seen a fox."

[@autumn88310]

Can’t hear you clearly

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

So sorry! I didn't find any problems, not sure why you're having trouble -