My Make Nine: Review of 2022 & Plans for 2023

I'm going to fill you in on whether or not I was successful in completing my Make Nine for 2022 and how I have pivoted for 2023! I hope you'll join me 😊
CHANNELS MENTIONED:
‪@TodayinJensSewingRoom‬
‪@AndraMakes‬
‪@pinkysfarm461‬
‪@85thAndWade‬
‪@knottygnome‬
‪@theyorkshiresewgirl‬
‪@sewingnerdconfessions7695‬
WAIWT (what am I wearing today?):
Bellbird Top (#-8!) The Sewing Revival - thesewingreviv...
My current measurements for reference:
B: 50.5”
W: 46”
H: 53”
Height: 5’1”
Sewing Machine: Brother CS5055PRW amzn.to/3D41NLf (affiliate link)
Serger: Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S400 & Janome MOD-8933
This video contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, I'll receive a commission. I only promote those products that I have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.
Amazon Favorites (affiliate link): amzn.to/3BhH4CT
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Take a peek at my stashes in Trello -
PATTERNS: trello.com/b/S...
FABRIC: trello.com/b/N...
DYE: trello.com/b/F...
Reach out to me via email: [e-mail]

[@marybeell6364]

I've been impressed for several years by all the folks that join the make nine challenge. Who cares if they make all nine?! This past year I've not sewn any garments other than a shirt and vest combo for my hubby. This year I'm going to sew myself a wardrobe! I'm tired of wearing clothes that don't fit and I've given myself permission to sew even if my housework doesn't get done, cause when I don't sew it still isn't getting done. I feel happier when I sew so I'm going to sew!! I'm planning my make nine projects this week.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Yay! Sewing should always take precedence over housework (in my world anyway haha!). You deserve to be happy Mary!!

[@vanessajones3508]

I make sewing plans. I made a make 9 plan. I made 11 items. I look in my closet to see what I need. If I need something for the home, I will make it. Last year, I made some kitchen appliance covers. I also made one dress for dress a girl. I was very pleased with the things I made last year. There are somethings that I did not get to last year. I put them on my make 9 for this year. I actually have 16 things I want to make this year. Keep sewing. 😊

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

That's so wonderful that you were happy with the things you made this past year. That's what is most important about this hobby! I may not have completed my Make Nine but I did complete a lot, so I'm happy with my progress. I like to change my mind and sew what I'm feeling like sewing in the moment!!

[@BambooSticks11]

I follow a sewist on Instagram who does make nine but with fabric instead of patterns. I think it’s less stress to choose fabrics instead of patterns because new patterns come out every season. I’m always looking at new patterns though I have hundreds. You are right, no need to feel bad about not finishing 9 projects when you made other items. It is a hobby and should be fun. You are allowed to change your mind about projects. ❤

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Doing Make Nine with fabric sounds like a great idea! I don't know that it would be any less stressful though - there is always new fabric to buy as well haha!! Happy New Year!!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Excellent choice! I love the Bellbird on you. I think you have a very healthy attitude towards the Make 9.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Christine!!! 💕

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Michel I love the top. You are looking so well, healthy well. Keep up what ever you are doing.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Oh thank you so much!! That's so kind of you to say 😀

[@carolgardiner7983]

I noticed right away you are wearing your new top. Gorgeous!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Carol!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

First thing I noticed - you look amazing - just glowing. Then I saw the top and knew it immediately - the Trish fabric! Gorgeous! Is your inspo board that mirror you got when we were thrifting? I really like it - so tailored and ready to be filled up with all manner of clutter 😂. I'm with you - it's a hobby not a job, so make what you want. And that last top (bottom right) is my fav. xoxoxox

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Aww - thanks Jen! You make me blush ☺️. No, I'm saving that mirror to do some painting on!! I need an outdoor space to do it though so that will probably not happen till we move. I can't wait to live closer!!

[@tammystack2208]

I should never do a make nine. I know myself, and would probably not finish. My biggest accomplishment for 2022 was that I almost (about 99% of the time) finished every project before starting a new one. And it's better for me to have only ONE project in the wings. Otherwise I have piles of fabric that get moved about, then finally stuffed in a tote out of frustration. 😏 my brain works on getting things ready and how to be the most efficient so I can hit the ground running, so to speak. Best wishes on your tops makes. Love the new top on you. A fine "collaboration" with Trish.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I'm the same way - I consider myself a "monogamous" sewist haha! I only like to work on one project at a time. I only have 2 WIPs. I'll get to them eventually but I'm not excited about finishing them, so we'll see.... I'm glad you like the new top - it's going to be one of my faves 😀

[@lavadajenkins2955]

Great makes list. I haven't tried for make nine and probably won't. Stresses me to think I have to do something. I love the top you are wearing.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I definitely think the Make Nine challenge is better for certain personality types. I think of it as a guideline or rough draft of things I want to get done. There is no promise, so no negative feelings if I don't get it done. I love this top - the fabric is so pretty and colorful!! 😀

[@socarole66]

You did such a good job on your make nine last year and you have some amazing plans for this year 👏🏼. Love the pattern plan on the board, that's genius! I found it hard to take my eyes off that GORGEOUS top you made from Trish's fabric, all of your colours in one garment ❤. Fab video x

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Aww thanks so much Carole!

[@michellelemesurier3106]

Luving all of your Make Nine potentials 😊From a fellow everyday "leggings and top" wearer I am looking forward to seeing how these are going to look.. I need to level up from my boring sweat shirty type tops .. my plans over the next few months.. after some great gift certificate and Christmas funds I have purchased some great fabric for some Tempo and Cavalo leggings (Greenstyle) and a new matching Sundance Jacket (Greenstyle).. for feeling and looking a bit better on my morning walks 😀

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Your plans sounds great! I haven't made any Greenstyle patterns yet. I'll have to check them out. Making something to enjoy your walks sounds like fun :)

[@mzneti8467]

Love that Top. The colors are sooo You.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks MzNeti!! I love it so much too!!

[@4snkhouse]

I love your make 9 plans and look forward to seeing each one.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much!!

[@thebeehivebuzz9884]

You have a great plan! I've never done the make nine challenge. I'm still considering it for this year.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

It's a lot of fun to think about some things that you want to get done. I have a good feeling about completing it this year. But if I don't, I'm not going to sweat it. I hope you join in the fun!

[@janetlink9756]

I love that fabric so much that you made your Bellbird top out of. I'm sorry your perfect fit pants didn't work out. I get tired of leggings all the time. I am trying to get the whole look from top to bottoms. It's surely a challenge. I don't know why pants seem to be the hardest to fit. I think I have an expectation of how they should look and fit and it's hard to achieve that ideal.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I think that I would want to work harder on a perfect fit pair of pants if I was happier with my shape. I know we should be happy with the shape we have, but I'm just not. So leggings are just way more comfortable for my day to day. I have enough pants that fit me fine if I ever need to get more "dressed". I hope you are able to work it out! There are so many great tutorials on YT. I'm sure you can get some help to achieve the look you're going for!!

[@pinkysfarm461]

Michelle I feel the same way about the pants. I dont want to spend another penny or pattern on pants that I have to struggle to fit. It always feels like a waste of fabric. Im just sticking to ready to wear. Thanks for the shout out! Your blouse looks AMAZING!!!!!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I thought I was alone in not wanting to make pants!! Yet another reason for me to love you 💕. I LOVE my top so much Trish - THANK YOU THANK YOU for the gorgeous fabric!!

[@glendavizecky7581]

Go easy on yourself with the make 9. Look at what you accomplished during your ALZ month, that was amazing! Happy new year!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Glenda!! Yes, I got a LOT accomplished this year for sure! That's why I'm not upset about not finishing my Make Nine 😊. Thanks for stopping by!!

[@margaretmillar7866]

Your top is gorgeous. I’m like you in that I wear bottoms most of the time - in my case jeans. And like you I’m in need of tops to accompany them. I look forward to seeing your makes to inspire me to make more.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Margaret! I'm working on a new one today! Stay tuned 😊

[@knottygnome]

i like your approach to the make nine. you will have so many beautiful tops! happy new year.🎉

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I think so too - I'm ready to start pairing fabric - it's gonna be a fun project!!

[@carmensalome]

You have gotten a great organized start to your new year's sewing! The top you are wearing looks fabulous in that fabric.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I cleaned up and re-arranged my sewing room. I'm so ready to be productive this year!!

[@Lady9tails]

💜💜💜

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

💕

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Love your choices i don't do challenges l sew makes that i need have made the selina from style arc reallly comfortable the kennie the shirt is ok but didn't like the collar will change it next time there's lots more to sew

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I love challenges - they push me out of doing the same things over and over again haha! I'm hoping I like the collar on the Kennie - that's the whole reason I got it!!

[@stillstitchin]

I like all your patterns for your Make 9. I think making what you need to wear makes sense, and how wonderful that you already had patterns that you are inspired to sew. You can challenge your sewing, knitting, crocheting, dyeing as the mood strikes you. You accomplished a lot, last year!!! I’m not sure how you get so much done and work full-time.😊

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I'm not a great housekeeper and I rarely ever cook haha! So my time outside of work is mine to do with as I please!!

[@AndraMakes]

Your top is gorgeous! 🤩 I love that one of our collabs was part of your make nine in 2022! That was so fun! Looking forward to seeing your make nine in 2023! I’ll be sewing through the past nine decades again in 2023 for mine! 💜

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Andra! I loved our collab - that faux jumpsuit is one of my favorite makes!! Oh I'm excited that you're doing the same theme - it's such a fun one!!

[@jacquihooper158]

Hi Michelle a really achievable Make 9. Great selection of tops especially the Style Arc patterns, I love Style Arc the fit is fantastic on me and also their design style is similar to mine. I have made the Selina a few times now - I love it but check the length as on me it is a little short for leggings. Looking forward to seeing your plans coming to fruition. Happy New Year.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Hi Jacqui! Thanks for the tip on the Selina! I wouldn't have thought it would be short based on the line drawings - I'll be sure to measure the pattern pieces before I cut!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[@mayzienicholson9059]

Best of luck with your make nine :) I was wearing the Salina top from style arc yesterday, it is a beautiful top and a nice make as well. I divided the back of the top under the yoke and put a button detail in there because i had seen a ready to wear top that was exactly the same with that detail. your year was absolute crap so I'm glad you are not stressing about the make nines of the past lol. hope you have had a wonderful celebration time. Mayzie

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Hi Mayzie! I really think I'm going to enjoy that Selina top! Thanks for the feedback and I love the idea of the button detail. Happy New Year!!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Your new top is gorgeous!!! I love your plans. I really love a good every day top and I’m tempted by some of those Style Arc patterns. Thanks for the inspiration! 💞

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much Izzy!! Style Arc is my jam haha! I'll make sure to post the next time they have a good sale!!

[@DianesFM]

Your top turned out beautifully and looks lovely on. I've never done a make 9 but am considering doing so this year. The tops you picked are lovely... I tried the Maude and it was a complete disaster on me (and I love Style Arc!) One of my daughters said "send it to me - I want to try it" (it wasn't even "finished")... so off it went to Colorado - and she, too, would not wear it. I absolutely loved it in the picture but somehow it, and my figure, did not mesh (understatement) I hope it does well for you.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks Diane! As long as you don't put too much pressure on yourself about the Make Nine, I say go for it! It should be a guideline for some things you want to accomplish but not something to create stress over a deadline! Thanks for the info on the Maude. I'll make sure to do a muslin first!!

[@faithmathingsdal79]

FAB CHOICES! Loving all the Style Arc tops...can't really go wrong there. I did 6 of my 9 but honestly, I don't think I'll bother making another list this year. If anything, I'll carry over the same idea from 2022 in to 23...use what I have! Your shirt looks beautiful and I'm glad to see you back on youtube! x

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Using what you have is such a great plan! I organized all my fabric and it's overflowing my designated cubbies. Time to start using what I have!!

[@sewchilled22]

I think you had a great year with all your makes trying out new skill.. You make 9 this year sound really good and I am looking forward to seeing your makes.... I have not done the make 9 before and have decided that my target will be to make 9 finished garment from my existing stash of fabric and patterns before I am allowing myself to buy a new pattern within the year.... Its a very simple make 9 but a good start 😅

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Hi Teresa! That's a great start to a make nine challenge! Using up your stash is always rewarding 😊. Happy New Year!

[@Chericherry4]

I plan to make mostly tops also. I’m going to push myself to make at least one with a collar. I’m also going for woven fabrics, which make me feel more put together.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

As long as you have a pattern with good directions, collars are not as difficult as I always imagined them to be! Good luck with your makes this year!!

[@Chericherry4]

@@MichelleSewsAgain thank you!

[@janieceprieur7068]

Hi Michelle - Happy New Year! Love the top you are wearing. Just catching up on videos as I was gone on a trip. My 90 year old Mother and her friend wanted to do a Road Scholar Trip to Pasadena for the Rose Parade. I went along for two reasons - I was the driver (Drove from Bay Area to Southern CA) plus I wanted to go too. We got to decorate a float!! as well as have great seats for the Rose Parade. It was so much fun. Anyway, I have a "loose" make nine list. I think I made 1 item. I am not stressed about it either. I am looking forward to seeing your tops!! I too make mostly tops. I have no interest in making jeans. I eventually want to try a jumpsuit, leggings and maybe stretch pants (on my loose make 9). Who knows what 2023 will bring. Take Care!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Hi Janiece! Your trip sounds like a lot of fun! My high school marching band was invited to play in the Rose Parade (many moons ago, I wasn't in band but it was a big deal for the school). I like the idea of a "loose" make nine. That's kind of what mind is too 😊. Happy New Year!!

[@dianemontavon5670]

I prefer wovens for anything. Knits are too clingy to me.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I feel the same way! Except for leggings haha! As long as my top covers my bum and belly, I'm good to go!!