My 2024 of Sewing : The Best & Worst of the Year

[@SewnontheTyne]

Such a lovely video and it was so nice to hear about the special friendships you've formed from Sew Toon xxxx

[@SewLikeDotty]

Many more have been created too 💖

[@jennetthamilton971]

2024 has had way more negatives than positives for me this year. My husband and I plan to burn out 2024 calendar on New Year's Eve. We both plan on a healthier lifestyle for 2025. I am very excited to alter wedding dresses for the daughters of 3 former coworkers and another for a young former coworker. I had really wanted to be part of so many of the sewing challenges last year, but just didn't manage to. Hopefully next year will be the year to join in. While cleaning up my sewing room yesterday i made a mental note of fabric to use immediately. I really want to make up a few versions of the toaster sweater. You have so many beautiful fabrics, it's always fun to see how you use them. I really feel watching all of the wonderful vloggers is great for introverts or people who live alone, or maybe due to an injury or illness aren't able to be out and about. It's definitely a way to be connected with a person or community, even if it's not in person. I know how much I appreciate a heart or a like from a vlogger when I make a comment. It's nice to know my comment is acknowledged. It's that all important connection. I'm sending out positive vibes for 2025!

[@SewLikeDotty]

2025 is going to be your year you’re feeling so positive about it - it’s such a lovely community x

[@deirdrebyrne1450]

Lovely vlog Alison, your makes are fabulous. I love the Judy dress you’re wearing, the fabric is beautiful and really suits you. Also love your Fleur dress and fabric. You look wonderful, the longer wavy hair suits you so well. Wishing you, Karl and Anira a very happy new year 🎉❤

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you! You too!

[@sew_with_mel]

Morning Alison, I’m so please I found your channel after taking part in a gift to November..I love your upbeat but real vlog. I was 60 in January (I still can’t believe it) and think it’s now or never..last night I cut out an animal print jersey for a Madeit Hug Hoodie. The highlight of my sewing year was running our first Sewfizzteacated which is an afternoon tea sewing event similar to Frocktails but less formal. We raised £1,200 for my sewing project at The Lighthouse. I had a brilliant team and it was team work..like you Alison I have met so many wonderful people through sewing. Thats how I met the lovely Yvette from Stash hub and we run meet ups for Surrey sewers. I’m planning on going to the London stitch so maybe I’ll see you there.. you’re very welcome to come to Sewfizzteacated next year 18th October. I’m so late to the Fleur party…just got the pattern and now deciding on fabric….

[@SewLikeDotty]

Awe Sewfizzteacated looked amazing congratulations on raising such a fabulous amount of money We’re aiming for the London knitting and stitching show I think x

[@denisedagnone4115]

Love your vlog your hair looks amazing . Happy new year 💗🇦🇺

[@dianecrews6130]

You look absolutely beautiful exclamation mark hair, makeup, and clothing

[@SewLikeDotty]

Oh thank you 🤩

[@beachblu6953]

Really enjoy your vlogs 🎉we all have problems and it’s nice to keep that out. Liked vlogmas gave me something to watch everyday and see how everyone is just busy 😊 happy new year 🥳

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you so much 😊 that’s sew true. Have a lovely New Year x

[@jooconnor6863]

Dear Alison. You are a fabulous vlogger and I always enjoy watching despite our styles being vastly different.

[@SewLikeDotty]

Oh thank you - that’s so kind of you to say. Different is what makes the world 🌍 go around 💕

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

I can see why the Judy dress is your favourite. The sleeves are the best, the button placket on the back is adorable and the shaping to the front bodice is a little extra bit of style. You’ve got me waxing lyrical about it too 🤣🫶🏻😍

[@SewLikeDotty]

Just love it that curved waist is 😻😻😻

[@michturner179]

Loved your different dresses Alison…beautiful fabric choices…..and I must say your hair looks fabulous ❤😊

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you so much - velour heatless curler it’s changed by hair curling life

[@Helen_kittycat_crafts]

My year has been all about discovery.my son has complex autism and i have managed to navigate him to 16 so this year was about discovering some me time.i started a yt channel i started painting and journalling and i wanted to start sewing.dont ever underestimate the part YOU play in the sewing community,you were so welcoming to me X i absolutely adore the navy dress with the leopards on.all the best for 2025 alison i will be jotting my questions down for you later haha xx

[@SewLikeDotty]

Oh Helen give yourself a huge well done I live in a household of neurodiverse people so understand maybe some of the challenges you might have faced I’m so glad our community is so positive for you too x

[@janetwilliams7705]

I love the dress you are wearing. Happy New Year!

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you! You too!

[@karolmolpus9536]

Great chatty vlog. I have a very tiny family too. 2024 was rough. Excited for 2025 Happy New Year 🎈 🎊

[@SewLikeDotty]

Happy new year - hope 2025 is amazing for you x

[@karolmolpus9536]

Yes, a little look into everyone’s life and what they chose to make ❤

[@SewLikeDotty]

Great is t it

[@ElaineR66]

Thanks for being real, Alison ❤ Really enjoy your vlogs. My sewing is pretty basic compared to yours but I’m hoping to just dive in and make myself a dress VERY SOON 😉. It’s a confidence thing, or lack of I should say, but what’s the worst that can happen? (I keep saying this to myself over and over and over!) Looking forward to your next vlog 😊

[@SewLikeDotty]

You can do it Elaine I think everyone feels like that then eventually you just think right that’s it I’m doing it x

[@emma__sews]

Also you do look lovely today. 😊

[@SewLikeDotty]

Awe thanks Emma x

[@maz9917]

Morning Alison, lovely chatty vlog. KZbin has been my connection with sewing this year. My head has just not been in the right place to give myself the sewing time. The next couple of months will be pretty much the same although not so worrying so keep up the mental health support please 🤣. Hopefully see you a5 Sewtoon soon. X.

[@SewLikeDotty]

You’ve had a lot to deal with Maz I’m here on line but I’m also just a message away too - I’m not there in 8th I’m travelling to Babylock but I’m there on 22nd - hopefully see you then x

[@emma__sews]

I've just ordered the Belle dress from Style Arc in the sale, can't wait to get this sewn up. Maybe as part of the #fabricroulette challenge

[@SewLikeDotty]

Ooo can’t wait to see your version

[@sharonnewport7257]

Good morning Alison just love your channel and your bright upbeat vibe. Have a wonderful day and Happy New Year to you and your family ❤🎉

[@SewLikeDotty]

Oh thanks Sharon that’s so kind of you to say. Happy New year 🎉

[@emma__sews]

Love that John Louden fabric ❤

[@SewLikeDotty]

It’s lush isn’t it

[@wendybingham]

Lovely vlog Alison. Happy New Year to you and Carl.

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you Wendy You too!

[@Donna-iq8lr]

I’m so glad I’ve found your channel - really enjoy watching your vlogs. I didn’t get much sewing done this past year - busy with our youngest getting married and our eldest having a baby. And we spend most of our summer up north at our cottage so not a lot of sewing gets done. I live in Canada so when the warm weather comes we’re outside! But I’m currently making up some sewing plans - I just bought the Belle dress pattern and I’m tempted by the Judy - I love the flowy dress vibe as well. We are going to Greece in April so I’ve got the perfect excuse to make some spring dresses while ignoring our Canadian winter outside!

[@SewLikeDotty]

Ooo what a lovely 2024 you had and now Greece to look forward to. Belle and Judy are lovely dresses

[@jackief7849]

Hi Alison, great vlog, made me think about Spring (let hope we get spring weather). I never know what to think about making first, so you have put that seed in place, thank you. xx

[@SewLikeDotty]

I’m dreaming of Spring 🌷

[@shelleykearney4864]

Hi Alison you look particularly lovely today. Thank you for all your vlogs I’ve really enjoyed them. You mention Aliexpress - I looked at them but it’s quite confusing could you mention any particular sellers by name that you have found good value. I understand if you don’t wish to. However Happy New Year 🎉 lots of love Shelley

[@SewLikeDotty]

Hi Shelley I just search liberty prints it comes up with different all the time. Sometimes you click to order and it will say seller doesn’t ship to you but generally someone else has it available

[@Tagtraum_]

I really like the fabric you’re wearing. It’s so pretty.

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thanks it’s a liberty print but I got it from Ali express

[@robynlaszlo6128]

This year have been experimenting with patterns that I haven't done before some successes and failures but that's sewing my favourite dress is the style arc Sydney dress with a few adjustments but will try the belle dress thanks for a great year more to come Happy New Year to you all❤🎉🎉🎉

[@SewLikeDotty]

Sounds fab it’s exciting to try new things x

[@leepayk-bann3489]

My year has been about using the fabric I already have. I purchased some more but they were for specific projects. Every time I went to shops just to look I realised I could make something for less. I ended up making 4 Vogue dresses, two Cocktail length and 1 spring dress and 1 maxi length. I made a stretch Mccalls which did not work out so well, four Pattern Emporium, 2 flops, 2 successes, two Jenna Shirts and a simplicity dress. I love the dresses you have made.

[@SewLikeDotty]

Wow they sound like amazing makes 💖

[@Rube1719zxy]

The dress you're wearing looks fab!

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you 😊

[@krimhildshutte2132]

I'm so curious about your upcoming Phyllis! Ive tried and failed. Until next year!

[@SewLikeDotty]

Not sure what you mean? Phyllis???

[@krimhildshutte2132]

@@SewLikeDotty The dress by Fibre Mond, the one with the pleats details in the front. Or did I geht you wrong?

[@Kate-wf6hh]

I don't tend to set goals. I just go with the flow and sew whatever has piqued my interest at the time - which is usually guided by what fabric I have fallen in love with!!!!! That does mean I do have a few gaps in my wardrobe of things I need but don't really feel like sewing, but hey ho! I have realised though that I am a separates girl. I rarely make dresses even though I like them as they just don't end up getting worn.

[@SewLikeDotty]

You’re creating beautiful things that work for you that’s what’s so perfect about sewing 🥰

[@niawilshaw3522]

I've had all the doings to make a Jasika blazer, in the most beautiful wool tweed that my husband bought me for Christmas 4 years ago 😐 I have a real block about cutting into the fabric and ruining it! I've made a toile and everything so I need to just bite the bullet and DO IT!!!!!

[@SewLikeDotty]

Ooo those moments are hard - go for it !!!

[@joangilmore3598]

Thankyou for another great vlog Alison. I love your dresses, I do similar , I make a few of the ones I know suit me and will get the most ware out of.Am determining to get to the Tesco social one of these days, unfortunately my husband isn’t in good health he has dimentia, but I will get there one day. Thankyou again for your vlogs I so look forward to them.😌xx.

[@SewLikeDotty]

That would be lovely Joan - maybe join one of the Sew Virtual sessions in the mean time we’re creating our own little community x

[@karolmolpus9536]

Do you buy fabric from anyone in particular? I have trouble finding fun fabric like you have! USA 🇺🇸 doesn’t have the wonderful fabric stores like years ago 😢

[@SewLikeDotty]

Hi Karol it varies I mostly use Pound fabrics Fabric Godmother Jenny Stitches Beyond The Pink door I use some others but I don’t think they ship internationally

[@elizabethevans5931]

Thanks for a great year. Is that John Louden fabric have a name…maybe I can find it on Etsy!

[@SewLikeDotty]

It’s lush isn’t Here’s a link to it - it’s sold out but the pic and info may help you find it elsewhere www.simplelifefabrics.co.uk/city-break-old-town-viscose-dress-fabric---per-half-metre

[@Jayemceetee]

AM Textiles have it in the UK

[@jennylee950]

Alison, everything you said in this vlog was spot on as far as I am concerned. Thank you for putting my thoughts into words. I don’t understand why you would put yourself under pressure by setting a make 9 goal 12 months out. I like to plan my next make while I am making my current make i.e. what do I feel like making next. No pressure, just what do I want to make.

[@SewLikeDotty]

I'm so glad! We’re all different so it’s finding what works for you x

[@sharonlewin6860]

Some lovely things there, Alison. I know you made the Lotta dress from TATB. Did you lengthen the bodice to accommodate your breasts? I hadn't rated that pattern but loved your version (and that is an issue I really find with RTW - not long enough to fit chest and sit where I want it to) xx

[@SewLikeDotty]

I just did it as the pattern I did used to lengthen the TATB block for lotta, Lyra and indigo but when I tried them on again I felt it was too low

[@sharonlewin6860]

@@SewLikeDotty thank you x

[@karolmolpus9536]

Carbs give me IBS! If I eat more fibre I get IBS. More Protein is helping! Your style is you, and beautiful.

[@SewLikeDotty]

It’s a juggling game for sure

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thanks Victoria x

[@denisedagnone4115]

Love your vlog your hair looks amazing . Happy new year 💗🇦🇺

[@SewLikeDotty]

Thank you! You too!