Peter's Best and Worst of 2012!

Gracious me, is it that time already?

Friends, 2012 is already something of a blur, but going back through the archives, I do recall a great deal of it, especially since November.  If I've forgotten anything key, please remind me.

As in 2011, there was a great deal of decluttering and near equal amounts of recluttering.  At least I'm consistent.

Farewell Pfaff...

Hello feathers!

Beautiful still-naked vintage sewing mannequin.

I am happy to report that I purchased only two sewing machines in 2012 -- a Singer 66 with lotus decals that I converted to a hand crank, and an Elna Lotus (Do I sense a theme here?), whose poor cosmetic condition resulted in my getting a full refund from the seller.  In truth, while both machines work fine, neither is giving me a great deal of pleasure at the moment.  (Note to self: No more sewing machines.)





So let's see, how about the Best Purchase of 2012?

It's a toss-up between my handy dandy June Tailor Board, which I find very useful, particularly for shirts, and my vintage Singer all-metal buttonholer (which I also use primarily for shirts).  I recommend both if you think you'll use them.  (You can buy the board through Nancy Zieman here.)





Worst Purchase of 2012?

That would be the Elna Lotus.  No more midnight eBay trolling!

NEXT!

It was a very big year for cousin Cathy, both fashion-wise and with the arrival of her baby daughter, Simplicity.  Which leads us to...

Best Cathy Outfit of 2012

I like everything I make for Cathy.  But I think my favorite is her faux fur coat and sparkly pantsuit ensemble back in February -- so glam.  Gosh, it seems like an eternity ago!



In case you've forgotten them, you can see Cathy's other 2012 ensembles here, here, and here.





Rumor has it that in early 2013, Cathy will be debuting a somewhat altered look.  Blepharoplasty?  New lip line?  Stay tuned.



Best Garments of 2012 

I sewed a lot for myself and Michael this year.  One favorite project?  I have two.  I love Michael's linen shirt I made from a border print (I ended up with the matching shorts).  I also love the flannel shirt I made him last month.







Other favorite projects include my knit tee, red polka-dot shirt, and Sea Island cotton boxers.

Biggest Sewing Challenge of 2012

Cathy's faux fur coat was painstaking (I wore a face mask so I wouldn't inhale fur dust), but I think my navy blue linen blazer was the most challenging project I took on in 2012.  It had all kinds of details I'd never done before, like an inside double welt pocket, and I was very happy with the results.





Yes, my toile pants were probably more of a crowd pleaser, but ultimately they were just jeans.

Worst Sewing Project

Readers, this year was pretty much dud free sewing-wise, or am I remembering through rose-colored glasses?  Sure, I squeezed a tank top I'll never wear out of some striped knit remnants and made up a pair of boxers with too shallow a fly shield, but these were hardly fiascos.  Either I'm sewing better...or I'm sewing more cautiously.  Or both.

Funnest Day of 2012

Hands down, this was MPB Day.  What a blast we had, despite nearly walking into a crime scene.  Hey, it's New York!



Friends, you've been a big part of this year for me and I'm so grateful for your continued support and encouragement.  We'll probably see each other at least once before Tuesday, but I want to wish all of you a very happy and healthy 2013. 

My very best to you and yours!