If you’re a sewist and you use Instagram, you’ll know the #MakeNine Challenge (@makeninechallenge) hosted by Rochelle of @homerowfiberco.

((If you don’t, where have you been?? Go and check it out immediately!))

The idea of #MakeNine is to sit down at the start of the year and choose nine projects to make over the next 12 months. The challenge encourages a slower and more intentional approach to making, prioritising quality over quantity and resisting the lure of Instagram and Pinterest which can leave you with a projects list that you couldn’t possibly complete in a whole lifetime.

It’s a great concept, but some makers are pushing it further – and we love it!

In December @judithrosalind proposed #12fabrics12months where all of the upcoming year’s projects are based on fabric you already own. Be honest – how many of us makers actually need to buy any new fabric in 2020?

View this post on Instagram

I've decided on a different approach to the #makenine challenge. I like @makeninechallenge Rochelle's approach, with the idea being to slow down your making and to be more intentional about what you make, and I've been mostly following this for 18 – 24 months. I like that there are no rules… so I'm making up my own. Looking at my fabric collection I've decided this year to allocate a fabric to each month, thereby using what I have already. Some of the fabrics are difficult to photograph so not all colours are true. I have a good idea which garments I wish to make, but this may change. #12fabrics12months January..moss green cord from @stoffstil for #landerpants February.. black tencel twill from M&M… trousers… still to be decided March… denim… kindly gifted by @jeannot.justsewme maybe a #mmwhittaker April.. spring flowers vintage fabric from @stitchmeayear friend destash… destined to be a #kalleshirt May.. from @scottishlinen…a duster coat or Haori June.. silver linen seconds from @scottishlinen…#teahousedress or #rochesterdress July… hemp silk seconds from @scottishlinen…hmmm, lots of ideas August… vintage from #sewingweekender… summer nightwear September.. mushroom silk from @mrs.f_72 destash….an #olyashirt (Stop press… this might jump forward 6 months!) October..tan wool from @fabricfocus… trousers or skirt November… red velvet from Canadian aunt destash….cloak with hood? Ha ha… probably not December.. black viscose crushed satin from John Lewis sale…#bhlannadress I've achieved 6 of my #makenine from last year. And I may join in #makethreein3 #JudithRosalind #SewOver50 #Sewcialists #SewingIsForEveryone #SewersOfInstagram #Memade #SewOver60 #SewScottish #SewJudithRosalind #SewSustainably #Reuse #Repair #Upcycle #SewScraps #SewRemnants

A post shared by @ judithrosalind on

And Joy Margot from @PinkCoatClub renamed the #MakeNine the #MakeAndMendNine, setting out nine projects which can be new makes or repairs.

So, we’re in! Fancy joining our team in the #MakeAndMendNine / #ShopYourStash challenge for 2020? All you have to do is choose nine projects that you want to complete in 2020, using only fabrics that you already have, including repairs if you like.

Tag us on social media @stitchedupuk, alongside the hashtags #MakeAndMendNine / #ShopYourStash and show us your list!

 

#MakeAndMendNine / #ShopYourStash Challenge

 

Our team’s choices for 2020…

Bryony

  1. Patchwork cushion cover from scraps
  2. Repair ripped seam on pink top
  3. Repair jacket pockets
  4. Bomber jacket made from sofa cover (self-drafted pattern)
  5. Orange top (copied from one I already own)
  6. Bright floral top (pattern TBC)
  7. Dungarees (copy of existing pair) using organic cotton canvas from the Organic Textile Company
  8. Jeans using lovely organic denim from OTC (self-drafted pattern or I’ll run out of time/enthusiasm and use Anna Allen’s Phillipa Pants.
  9. Bag made with rescued sofa leather (self-drafted)

Caitlin

  1. Patch hole in a dress
  2. Upcycle jeans to cover a stain
  3. Hand embroidery on a denim jacket
  4. Upcycling jumper to cover a stain
  5. Wide Leg Pants from Peppermint Magazine
  6. Pair of trousers (copy pattern from a pair I already own)
  7. Mending a cushion cover chewed by a pet
  8. Undies set using Made My Wardrobe‘s Josie Bra and Pants pattern
  9. Dungarees (using Made My Wardrobe’s Greta Dungarees)

Jo

  1. Sirdar 1576 blanket (x2)
  2. Rico 632 cardigan
  3. Kate Atherley Socks
  4. Jan Beadle scarf (weaving pack)
  5. Quilt – English Paper Piecing (pattern TBC)
  6. Quilt – (machine stitch pattern TBC)
  7. Mittens (pattern TBC)
  8. Cushion cover (self-drafted pattern)

Sarah

  1. Watson Bra by Cloth Habit
  2. Oversized jumper (find fabric from stash)
  3. Finish red dungarees adapted from In the Folds Wide Leg Pants pattern.
  4. Pom Pom Crop Jumper
  5. Tie Jumpsuit with organic linen from Offset Warehouse
  6. Needle punch kit bought before Christmas
  7. Finish knitting stripey socks
  8. Finish Peplum Top from In the Folds, which I cut out at least two years ago!
  9. Mend floral jumpsuit

Will we stick to it? Who knows! But it feels good to have a plan…

What’s your #MakeAndMendNine for 2020? Let us know!

Stitched Up x