My Top Makes of 2023 ✨｜Sewing & Knitting
Hello, and Happy New Year! ✨🥳 At the end of the year, I really like to reflect on what I'm proud of, what was hard, and what brought me joy, including not only big personal achievements or challenges but also my top sewing and knitting projects and even, this year, a massive sewing fail!
I hope you enjoy!
Wedding photos and videos by: Camille Poublang
Website: www.poublangcamille.com/
Wedding dress sketch, pattern design, and invaluable help by Camille de Saint Léger 🌸 Her website: www.camilledesaintleger.com/ On Instagram: instagram.com/camilledesa...
You can also find me here:
Instagram: / sarah__naomi_
P A T T E R N S M E N T I O N E D:
🪡True Bias Lora Dress: truebias.com/products/lora-dress
🪡 Sew Over It Oona Dress: sewoverit.com/product/oona-dr...
🪡 Helen's Closet Donovan Skirt: helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
🪡 Cornwall Cabled Raglan Sweater by Two of Wands: www.twoofwands.com/patterns/c...
🪡 Just Patterns Iman Skirt: just-patterns.com/products/im...
🪡 Helen’s Closet Brooks Jeans: helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
🪡 McCalls M7497 Dress: simplicity.com/mccalls/pdm7947
✏️ Read all about how I made the McCalls M7947 dress on my Minerva profile here:
www.minerva.com/people/1000213
F A B R I C M E N T I O N E D
The washed linen slub fabric I made the McCalls M7947 dress with (affiliate link):
tidd.ly/3YRrknj
B O O K S M E N T I O N E D:
📗 The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Motherhood Sheila Heti: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Piranesi by Susanna Clarke: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Book of Delights by Ross Gay: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Infamous by Lex Croucher: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Ms Ice Cream Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Anthropocene Reviewed de John Green: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 Everyone in This Room Will Someday be Dead by Emily Austin: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
📗 The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon: www.shakespeareandcompany.com...
* Some of these links are affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at NO EXTRA cost to you. Thank you for supporting this channel!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:24 My year in review
13:09 My top 5 makes of 2023
20:07 A big sewing fail!
22:32 Honorable mentions
24:38 Final thoughts
Oh, you made me cry too. Love your videos ❣
Beautiful makes and what an eventful year! Also, I just stumbled upon your videos and I really appreciate your calm voice and way, such a breath of fresh air here, on youtube. Lovely content. Subrscribed and can't wait to see more and get inspired for my own sewing. 🙂
Thank you so much, what a kind message! I'm so glad you enjoy these videos and welcome! 😊
You make such lovely clothes, Sarah! I love how your wedding dress turned out, and you looked beautiful. Always a pleasure to see your projects and you've inspired me to buy the Lora dress 😊 Also so glad to hear that you had a great time in Taipei! I had such a similar experience - complete strangers showed so much kindness and willingness to help. I remember a couple times having to ask for directions and when people didn't understand, they'd bring their phones out to open a translating app so that they could better understand. I was so touched by their kindness and felt so safe there travelling solo as a woman.
I'm so glad that you had a similar experience! The kindness of strangers in a foreign country is such a pleasure, it renews my faith in the goodness of others, and Taipei definitely gave that faith a big boost!
I admit that I didn't watch your series of making your wedding dress, I am too scared I would want to do that too (and I am single 😂) but it looks so gorgeous, I am sure someone else could wear it again, the hem takes quite a beating but that it to be expected but it is not so noticable that it couldnt be worn again, nobody will botice it. Or you could dye it and use for more formal events? Even if you kept it as a decoration on a manequin, it is too precious to be sitting in a closet forever. Looking forward to the video about sewing stretch velvet. Happy New Year and many successful projects to come
Thank you so much and no worries, I understand your trepidation. I have a hard time now seeing other wedding dresses and not making them too - there are so many different beautiful styles and fabrics to choose from!
Your makes are beautiful & so thoughtfully curated Sarah. Really looking forward to your full wedding video. My proudest sewing related win this past year was taking an online fitting class. It taught me a lot & not just about getting the best fit but also to not be so critical of myself & enjoy the process. Very liberating for me. I made my daughter a Taika dress from Named. It was perfect for her figure & I enjoyed making something that gave her joy. Thank-you for sharing your creativity here on You Tube, it is very inspiring.
Thank you so much for your kind message! I agree, learning how to fit your own body can be at first daunting but then liberating, and what a very useful skill to have!
I really enjoy your calm, creative You Tubes!...... Makes me want to get out my sewing machine again. The scenes from your travels adds another element of interest. Thank you so much!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
So inspiring! I tend to have too many hobbies than I have time for now. New mum. I rotate between gardening/baking and sewing. It’s been very warm weather recently so I’ve had to prioritise the garden. But I want to sew a bunch of baby rompers! I love watching your content. Vicariously living through your sewing projects. Keep it up!
Thank you so much and congratulations on becoming a new mom! Gardening can be such a rewarding endeavor, and what a cozy combo of activities!
Your wedding gown was gorgeous! And you are so pretty too! I so enjoy your videos, please keep making them,,,Nancy W from Indiana,USA.
Thank you 😊
As always, I love your videos and sense of style. My struggle with sewing is trying to understand what style works well on my body. I don't know if I am overly critical or just have yet to find what clicks, but watching videos like yours help a lot, especially when you talk about certain styles working or not with your body. I hope your 2024 is full of fulfilling creativity, fun trips, and lots of good reading!
Thank you! Figuring out one's style is such a journey and I'm so glad these videos help you on yours 😊
I love your projects, you always take so much care with everything you make, it's inspiring! My biggest/proudest make this year is a self drafted coat based on my bodice block. Fitted in the top and a-line bottom. My overall win is to refine my pattern drafting and not be scared to tackle it (except trousers lol).
Thank you so much! And wow, a self-drafted coat! That is very impressive 😊
Ooooo I love that true bias dress! It’s so stunning on you! So fun to see this round up
Thank you so much!
❤ thanks for sharing, I have a new appreciation for you and you channel.
Oh! 🥰 Thank you!
Your makes look great! The jeans are not too tight and you should be proud!!
Oh, thank you so much!
🥂
♥
I always enjoy your videos; I love how thoughtful you are and you have such a sweet spirit about you. Thank you for sharing the look back on your year, you looked radiant in your beautiful wedding dress. I’m new to sewing garments and I recently sewed up a toile (Butterick B5300); just wanting a classic shaped short sleeved blouse. But for some reason it is enormous, it fits more like a laboratory coat 😂. I did realise it was going to be way too big early on but thought I should just keep going for the practice of sewing a standing collar and setting in sleeves (ugh). My most successful make was a simple tote with inside and outside pockets in quilting cotton. I do want to try more garments but I’m going to stay away from the Big 4 patterns now because I heard that their sizing can be really ‘off’ and I don’t have the experience to deal with that yet! Happy New Year and congratulations on your marriage Sarah, I look forward to more lovely videos from you 😊
Thank you so much for your kind words! I also approach Big 4 patterns with much wariness and I haven't tried any of their very fitted patterns yet 😂 And handy tote with plenty of pockets is such a great make!
Happy New Year! I enjoyed this video very much and appreciate your honesty and inspiration. I am so looking forward to your wedding video.
Thank you 😊
Wow! You really had a big year in 2023. Loved hearing more about it! I made a note of your book tips, and I hope to be able to read more this year. I also teach at a university, and I must say that what you said about teaching sounded familiar :) Loved your makes, Sarah. Your wedding dress was stunning, and I loved your Lora dress, too. Keep the sewing inspiration coming. :)
Thank you for such a kind message! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
You are so lovely. I’m about to move to France and am bit nervous. I admire all your makes and courage to make the decisions that are best for you.
Thank you so much for your kind words 😊 And how exciting that you're moving to France soon, you can do it!
So interesting! Thanks for posting.❤
Lovely heartfelt vlog. Bonne Année
Hi Sarah, thank you for sharing your wonderful makes! I am very amazed by your style and talent. 😊 A little, kindly meant tip: Don't stir honey into boiling water, but only after the tea has cooled down a little. The heat destroys the precious enzymes in the honey. Get well soon! 🍀
Thank you for your kind comment and for the honey tip! I had no idea 😂
What a lovely compilation of both experiences and creative projects! I’m really looking forward to watching the video about your wedding. My daughter got married this summer as well and her dress was a bit similar to your’s, though shop bought. My most proud make was my ”mother of the bride” dress in a gorgeous retrostyle floral Italian viscose with a matching bag! The pattern was the Esme dress from the book ”Everyday Style” by Lotta Jansdotter but I added a flounce/frill at the bottom av de skirt and also the sleeves. The bag was made from a thrifted girls skirt in a matching colour satin fabric. Wishing you too a lovely 2024! 💖
Congratulations to your daughter! And how special to have been able to make your own dress for the event, what an occasion to sew for!
You are so inspiring, from your sewing to your reading and travels. I think that can be called gratitude
Oh, I'm so glad! Thank you for your kind words 😊
Such lovely makes! I really enjoy your channel! Keep up the good work! It’s good you’re looking after your mental health, teaching unmotivated students would truly draining.
Thank you so much! 😊
Great makes! Congrats on your wedding. ❤🥰
Thank you!! 😊
I’m always here for the sewing content but I loved the first half of this video too 😀
I'm so glad! 😊
Great video! Thanks for the recommendations as well as the sewing inspo. I just finished two disastrous projects (mostly due to the fabric choice) so am feeling uninspired and down re my sewing ability so this video was very timely. I may try a Donovan skirt next.
Oh no! Fabric choice mistakes are the worst! I hope you recover soon and I do highly recommend the Donovan skirt for a sewing motivation boost 😊
Congratulations ! Prayers for a lovely,long life together.
Thank you 😊
Hello, thanks for sharing. I absolutely love the dress you made for your birthday it suits you so well. Happy New Year to you too!
Thank you so much! 😊
What a beautiful wedding dress!
Thank you!
Your wedding dress is gorgeous! I've wanted to make mine since 2016 but lost my fiance so I don't know I'll ever get to but my friend is doing a vow renewal and I'm begging her to let me make her dress haha. Great job!
Congratulations and wishing you every happiness- the wedding dress looks absolutely stunning. 👍
Thank you so much!
I can’t believe it! I have been watching your videos for quite a while and you are one of my favorite creators. I am from Connecticut too. Thank you for all of your wonderful videos!
Oh! Thank you so much 😊
Hi and happy new year ❤I’ve been following you for a while and I really like your esthetic and how you make your garments ,your style is impeccable ❤ I’m also very impressed of you making your own wedding dress ,it is stunning .I’m waiting impatiently to see the end product .
Thank you! And for the final wedding dress video... it's almost ready! 😉
I really enjoy living vicariously through you! Both living in France and sewing beautifully! Happy New Year from Juneau, Alaska, USA
Thank you so much!
I love your videos, always inspiring. I have been sewing now for just over a year and have made 3 summer dresses. Currently working on the Amelia jacket (SewOverIt) just now - battling with the second chunky metal zip. Looking forward to seeing your makes for 2024.
Thank you and good luck with that zip!
At the very end of 2023 I sewed my very first garment! A dress pattern I got off etsy. I'm gearing up to start my next dress and your video was so inspirational and encouraging!!
Bravo! 🎉
I love the inspiration of other people’s achievements. Thanks! Just wondering, have you tried pulling a close fitting skirt over your head to put it on? since your waist is so small? (wish I had that problem). 😅
I'm glad you enjoyed it! And for your question, no, my shoulders are a bit wider than my hips and I'd probably get stuck 😂
For the True Bias Lora dress, is there a long fabric panel behind the front button opening? I love the dress style and would love to make it myself. But, my larger bust tends to pull at button ups like this and I prefer to have a fabric piece behind the button placate to cover any potential gaps ✨
Yes! I just checked the pattern, and yes, there is a button shield behind all of the buttons along the front (bodice and skirt).
I wonder if you would entertain the idea of repurposing the wedding dress by trimming the tulle and dyeing?
Trimming it maybe, but dyeing it, no! I am in love with how this tulle catches the light and it would just break my heart to dye it another color 😂 Thank you for the suggestion though!