Since 2025 was my first time trying to plan my sewing and knitting according the “Make Nine” method, I didn’t accomplish quite as many projects from it as I might have liked. I don’t think I thought everything through very well. However, l did get a few of my goal projects completed, in addition to many items that were not on my Make Nine last year. This year, I aimed to plan only projects for which I already have either the pattern, the materials, or both. There are a couple of exceptions, of course, but I tried! My other goal in planning was to consider what items I actually want and need in my wardrobe going forward, as well as what styles I actually feel good wearing
The Patterns:
On my 2026 Make Nine grid, you can see that I have 3 purchased vintage patterns, 1 more modern purchased pattern, 1 free Mood sewing pattern, and 3 knitwear patterns (1 purchased, and 2 free patterns). These are all patterns I have either already purchased or have downloaded in the past and plan to actually use this year.
Starting with the knitwear:
The Florence Sweater by Elenor Mortensen was sort of a Christmas present to myself, as I needed to purchase both the pattern and a considerable amount of yarn to make it. However, I have been wanting another colorwork sweater in my wardrobe, but one that was lighter weight than last year’s “Winter in the Apennines” sweater. I won’t go into much detail about this current project right here as I will be writing more specifically about it in a post about my WIPs and recent Finished Objects later on.
The Barley Field Cardigan by Jojo Knitwear is a free pattern from Hobbii that I have been eyeing for some time. I am not sure what color I would make this in, although at the moment I am thinking a nice, heathered beige or oatmeal would be best. I had a sweater in that color that I thrifted a few years ago but finally had to be retired at the end of last season because it was just so worn out. (It also was acrylic, which I prefer not to wear very often.) So, I no longer have a good beige cardigan in a medium weight, and that would be a great staple garment for every season but summer.
Finally, the Step-by-Step Cardigan by Florence Miller is a popular “pay what you want” pattern that I could see using a variety of ways. I could make a solid color cardigan, probably in navy blue, to be another staple garment. But I could also have more fun and add a bit of bright colorwork to make a truly unique statement piece. We shall see!
Sewing for Summer:
As you can see, I have primarily spring/summer dress projects planned again this year. I would like to change that in future because I truly do need more winter skirt and dress options. But I neither have the patterns nor the fabric for such projects at this time.
I DO, however, have fabric for the McCalls 3286 blouse, and I definitely want to get that sewn soon because it will be a great layering piece for all seasons. The jumper part of the pattern is one I will have to wait on since I don’t have any suitable fabric for it just now. It is also an item that can serve as both a warm weather and cold weather garment if made in a versatile weight fabric, since it can be worn alone in hot seasons and layered under and over when it’s cold outside.
For both McCall’s M6696 and Simplicity 9942 (for my daughter), I have a significant amount of yardage of a lightly stretchy white cotton with a tiny red floral print. These projects are also high on the priority list since I have what I need to make them. For the McCall’s dress, I do plan to make the fuller skirt version, and probably will add the short sleeve option for this fabric to keep it more in the style of a mid-century shirtdress.
The last two projects on my list are the Mood “Aster Pants” and McCalls 5397, which I will be making out of a print that has bright yellow lemons on a light blue gingham background. It is very summery and a wee bit kitschy, so I am sure I will be saving it for closer to summer when I want to fully embrace the 1950s outdoor tea party vibe. As for the pants, I want to make them out of either linen or a cotton gauze for a lightweight, comfy beach pant style. However, I can also envision these being done in a more dressy style if made from a suiting fabric as suggested in the pattern. I don’t know if where I will find the fabric for these, but I will have to keep my eye out and see what I can manage.
And that’s my Make Nine plan for 2026! What are you planning to make this year? I would love to read about it! Pop a comment below to share!
