Peter's Best and Worst of 2011!

Friends, I'm not a big fan of year-end wrap-ups.  I mean, are our memories so short that we need to be reminded of what just happened?  I had something else to say about this, but I forgot it...

Let's talk about sewing!

I don't know how it happened, but at year's end I find myself facing this again.  Readers, this is my SEWING TABLE, and if you're wondering how I get any sewing done there, you're not the only one.  



Speaking of sewing tables, I applied my first coat of Polycrylic to my Featherweight table today.  It's looking good.  I'll be applying at least two more; it doesn't take very long and it isn't messy.  I wasn't able to get started on this yesterday as the weather was too cold.



OK, so best and worst.  This has been such a full year that it's hard to choose, but I'll give it a try.

Worst Garment of 2011

Readers, this shirt/dentist uniform made from McCall's 3087, a shirt pattern from 1954, was a dud.



There's really nothing wrong with the construction of it and the fit is probably what was intended for the period, but the gray flannel-y fabric is boring and I never wear it.  Maybe I'll dig it out of the closet and throw it on later today for old time's sake.  A brooch might help.



First Runner Up

This is, thankfully, an early version of a garment that ended up fine -- the BurdaStyle Sew-Along dress I labored over for most of September.  NOTE: If you're adding a contrast underlay, keep it close to your outer fabric or you'll look like a pinwheel. 



Best Garments of 2011

Not very exciting, but I think the best garment I sewed for myself in 2011 are these white jeans.  Not only are they nicely finished, but I also wear them all the time -- probably more than you're supposed to wear white jeans if you want them to stay white. 



First Runner Up



Even less interesting than jeans are pajamas, but I love my shorty pj's, made from three different seersuckers: gray, lavender, and pale brown.  They, too, get a lot of use, which for things I sew for myself, matters.

Little Known Fact: Your pajamas will last longer if you take them off right before going to bed.  You'll also sleep better.

Second Runner Up

I probably won't wear these leopard pants as much as my white jeans, but they were an end-of-year surprise: a bit of a joke that turned out well.  Maybe there's a New Year's Day invitation in today's mail and I can wear them to a glamorous party.  If not, then just around the house.



Best Cathy Outfit 2011

This is the most challenging category, readers, since many of us have strong opinions about my cousin's wardrobe.   I must say I am partial to Cathy's 1944 outfit, though I think her days as a dirty (bordering on filthy) blonde are numbered.



First Runner Up

Much more popular among the people who care about such things was Cathy's strapless Fifties cocktail dress.  Vintage enthusiasts seemed to love this outfit.  Given Cathy's Esther Williams shoulders, however, I prefer a more covered-up look.



Did you know?  Cathy secretly hopes to play Baroness Schraeder in the television remake of The Sound of Music starring Susan Boyle.

Best Garment Made for Somebody Else in 2011

If truth be told, other than Michael and Cathy, who has her own category, I don't think I sewed for anyone else -- at least, I tried not to.  I've asked Michael, who's right here with me now, and he chose the vintage cotton short-sleeve shirt I recently made him from McCall's 3995.  I agree.



Best Purchase of 2011

Hands down, my first Singer Featherweight, which I purchased last March.  I'd resisted Featherweights because they seemed too cult-y, but I guess I've joined the cult.  I've since purchased a second -- it's good to have a back-up!



Little Known Fact (and no joke): According to my friend Rain, who knows about such things, those prized white Featherweights, while rarer than black ones, are mechanically inferior.  Singer started cutting corners during their years of production.

First Runner Up

I own many -- and I mean many -- sewing books.  I love this one.  

 

Worst Purchase of 2011

This is tough.  This box of used wigs (my second boxful) wasn't all that, though I haven't given up on them yet.  I don't buy much, and when I do buy things, they're rarely expensive enough for me to cry over (much).  Does that sound like a cop-out?





Did you know?  Used wigs make great feather dusters provided you dust them first.

Best Daily Ditch of 2011

Now this is a category with real competition.  You can see most -- though not all -- of the items I said good-bye to this year here.   I think my favorite, in terms of space taken up and time wasted trying to clean, is this vintage American Tourister luggage.  Old luggage is usually smelly, but some is smellier than others.  This was putrid.



First Runner Up

The less said about this Eighties-era nightmare serger, the better.  Good riddance.



***

And that, my friends, is that!  I may or may not pop in tomorrow with a Featherweight table update, but if not, I want to wish all of you a very happy and healthy 2012. 

Your enthusiastic support day after day has helped to make this past year a very special one for me.  My very best to you and yours.

I think Mae West says it best...