The end of 2015

While I am writing this, I can hear fireworks outside. 2015 really is almost over. For some of you in other parts of the world, it already is. In that case: Happy New Year! 
I am taking this last opportunity to round up my past year-in-sewing. I've never really been into writing posts like that, but I think there have been some real changes this year and some goals I achieved. So, for once, it feels right.

First of all, I took part in the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge for the second time. In 2014, I made most of my garments in the last months of the year but this time, I was a lot quicker. In fact, I met my target and then some but late summer. 
It was never really about the target though. For me, it is all about exploring styles and looks from the past. 

I struggled fairly extensively with 1930's patterns (here and here) and, in the end, achieved something I might claim as a success. Although I didn't wear it again after the photoshoot, I am not sure...

I also tried a pre-New Look 1940's pattern for the first time, using a reproduction pattern from EvaDress, which worked much better than I had expected.

And I finally had a go at the quintessential 1960's look (here and here), which actually comes from the second half of the decade. I loved that so much more than I had ever thought I would. I have worn both dresses a lot over the summer and I really should make more. 

Although I didn't get back to sewing from my vintage patterns after my summer vacation, I really enjoyed it and I am planning to take part in the 2016 Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge (as soon as it is officially announced).

2015 was also the year I finally got to make a dress I have been thinking about for a while. The wedding of our friends V and A gave me the perfect opportunity to make a heavily constructed party dress. In it, I used all kinds of tricks learned in sewing, pattern making, lingerie and corsetry. It was a great thing to work on, I loved the result and I got lots of compliments. 

And, last but not least, 2015 was the year not-so-sporty me really got into climbing. I can no longer claim I am not sporty. I got quite a bit better at climbing and started bouldering. 

I started to make my own sports clothes because now, there was a need. I think it won't surprise you to know the me-made options became favorites straight away.
The climbing has more impact on my sewing though: I lost fat in places I didn't know I had any and gained muscles in other places. I can still wear almost all of my clothes but I can feel and see my look shifting. So, at the end of the year, I am less certain about where I will go style-wise than I have been in years. I don't think it is a bad thing but it will take some time to figure out. 

All in all, 2015 was a pretty interesting sewing year and 2016 is promising even more developments...