An Amazing Start to 2014!

It was an AmaZing Sunday afternoon at the start of 2014 and the weather was just perfect. On the sunny island of Singapore, this was one of those unusually cool and windy days. Our family visited one of our favorite places, the Gardens By the Bay.

But this time, something else is different.

Excitement was brewing as we met the Darlings for tea at Pollen. Yes, yes, yes! I got to meet, hug and enjoy the company of Veronica Darling, her very humorous husbie and the adorable baby Darling! I’ve missed Veronica since her visit three years ago and it’s SO good to catch up again! What’s more! She wore the Green Party dress she made from an abstract print fabric I sent her last year! She is as gorgeous as always! I also made a fresh discovery. I now know that I am as thrilled as can be when a sewist friend creates something out of my fabric stash!

Some pictures of the food we shared at tea…yum!

We had a fabulous time visiting the Flower Dome and Cloud Forests at the Gardens and how my kids adore Baby Darling! I’m really excited as we will be visiting the Darlings in June! Can’t wait to catch up again!

And how I can talk about 2014 without thinking back on 2013?

My sewing target for 2013 was an outfit a month and in reality, I managed to sew 15 outfits. One of the new things I wanted to try was to be a pattern tester and was privileged enough to have tested the Emery dress pattern by Christine Haynes and the Goldstream Peacoat by Thread Theory. We also had a reunion with the Sew Weekly girls. I am grateful and seriously happy that I managed to sew consistently despite the lack of time.

I might be the very last person to do this list (by Gillian) since most sewists posted theirs earlier this month. Nonetheless, here are my Top 5 Hits: Favourite Creations, most worn and most loved by me for 2013

5. Colette Pattern’s Laurel blouse

I made two versions and got lots of wear out of them. 2014 versions are on my “to do” list.

4. Burdastyle 09/2012 #108

One of the toughest projects I’ve tackled. There’s a strong sense of satisfaction from completing the project. Though I’ve only wore the dress once so far.

3. Sewaholic’s Renfrew

It’s not something I can wear all the time but definitely something I will continue to wear on winter vacations. One of my fave garment is this 100% wool sweater dress. Such an easy project to sew too!

2. Christine Haynes’ Emery dress

I’ve made three Emery dresses so far, two in 2013 and one for the Lunar New Year! My second dress for the Lunar New Year uses its skirt pieces too. Definitely, one of my fave patterns of all times!

1. By Hand London’s Anna

Love this to bits! Wore it too many times. Hubby said it’s his fave dress! Need more versions, one of which is Veronica Darling’s romper!

And here are my Top 5 Goals for the New Year

1. Winter dresses from vintage patterns

I love vintage patterns and have been sewing the spring/summer versions all these time. But, with our longer stay in the UK/ Europe next year, I want to sew some winter dresses from the 40s and 50s.

2. Attempt the bound buttonholes and welt pockets.

3. Sew some projects I’ve always wanted to try from Japanese sewing books, Drape Drape and Pattern Magic series and make them wearable.