12 Selfish Sewing Projects for The New Year

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Need some sewing inspiration for the new year?  Check out these 12 trendy designs that are begging to be added to your closet!

This DIY skirt is still one of my favorite makes.

One of my projects for the new year is a dozen selfish sewing projects, which means that I can take about a month on each one to reach my goal!  Of course we all know that’s not how creativity works; I’ll probably brainstorm and shop fabrics and patterns for a couple months, and then whip out a handful of projects, scrap a couple, etc.  But writing down the silhouettes and designs that inspire me are a requisite first step.

1. Duster Cardigan – I’m loving big chunky sweaters this season but long, lean ones give the comfort of a blanket with the chic-ness of a blazer!  I’m gonna have to hop on this one soon though, to get any use out of it before the Arizona summer hits.  I’m a fan of the Carrie Cardigan and would just add some length and maybe pockets!
2. Ruffled Sheath Dress – Dresses are my all-time favorite thing to wear and sew!  I know ruffles are gonna keep coming on strong in 2018 and I can’t wait to make a few church dresses with this detail.  I love it on the sleeves but especially the asymmetrical ruffled skirt hem on this Butterick pattern!
3. I’ve been itching to make a maxi shirtdress for a while so that I can wear it open over a monochrome outfit like this one!  I love the Spring-like vibe of white and periwinkle here, but I’d probable make one in a neutral cream or gray so I could pair it with more things.  And, of course, also wear it closed as a dress!
   

   (source: Carolina Herrera)

4. Wide leg pants are everything and this year I can’t wait to whip some up!  I also love the matching separates look that I never got around to creating last year and just might copy this look exactly.  The Oceanside Pants would be great for this style.
   
   
   
   

   (source: Nordstrom)

5. I’m such a fan of comfy, casual joggers like this pair above.  I’d wear them every day if it was socially acceptable!  I made this pair in a cozy sweatshirt fabric a few years ago and am still obsessed with them.  This time around, though, I’d dress them up a bit.  Maybe in a velvet like this fun pair.  But nothing quite as crazy as these satin camo ones.  A solid-colored satin though??  Now you’re talking!  Still need to try the ever popular Hudson pants pattern.
   

   (source: Banana Republic)

6. Back again with the ruffle trend!  I’m excited to try inserting a circle-flounce into any regular old pattern.  I’ve been dreaming of it for a couple months!  I might not go quite as fancy as this blouse though – maybe a hack on the Coram top or dress?
   

   (source: Ted Baker)

   
   

7. Back to the sheath dress with ruffle detail – I know what I like, alright?  I love the look of this contrasting (but coordinating) floral combo, done best in a simple silhouette. This dress is Spring perfection!  Could also be done with the Butterick Pattern from number 2.
8. While I generally don’t like to make what everyone else on Instagram is making, I know I’m gonna cave when it comes to the Willamette shirt.  It’s just practically perfect in every way.  In fact, I see a dress hack also in my future!
   
   
   
   

   (Source: Temperley London)

9. I’m a huge fan of any style that looks fancier than it feels, like the look on the right above!  I’m sure this is actually achieved with a separate skirt and top but I envision a flowy knit dress with elastic waist and blouson top.  You could throw it on, feel like you’re wearing pajamas and go just about anywhere looking fabulous!  I think I’ll probably hack this out of the Bluezette Dress like this tie-dye favorite.
10. I’ve been looking everywhere for the perfect backpack/purse/diaperbag that costs less than $100 (this one from Sole Society is sold out) but to no avail.  I think I’ll just make one instead!  But the question is, what pattern to use??  The Range Backpack or the Retro Rucksack?
    

    (source: Roolee)

11. Jumpsuits, jumpsuits, jumpsuits!  I know they’re not for everyone but if you’ve given in to the magic, then you know what I’m talking about.  I’m excited to explore some new styles this year since I’ll be done nursing the babe soon.  This look with the waist tie is super cute! I’m intrigued by this McCalls pattern and also the Anza Jumpsuit.
    
    
    
    

    (source: South Beach Swimsuits)

12. I’m gonna make me a new swimsuit this summer!  I’ve only made one for myself in the past and I just loved it, even though there was definitely room for improvement.  This time I’ll up the support factor on top with molded bra cups and add some strategic princess seams &/or color blocking for fun!  I’m really loving this bright color scheme too.  I’ve scoured the internet and the only pattern similar to this that I’m willing to try is the Sophie Swimsuit, although I’ll be raising the leg opening since the lower vintage boyshort look doesn’t suit my body.I’d love to hear what patterns and projects have you itching to sew in 2018!  Give me some more ideas!