Dec
2020…it has been a challenging year for everyone. If anything good has come out of it, it has forced me to slow down. Because the kids’ extracurriculars have been canceled and I am not rushing from one place to the next, I have been given the gift of Time. This has allowed us to craft more, bake more, and sew more – together. All five of us being in my tiny house all of the time has been challenging – but has also brought us closer. If I bring anything into 2021 with me, I want to remember to savor the time I have with my kids (they are growing up so fast). And I also want to make sure I make more time to create – sewing, crafting, and baking are all on the agenda for 2021!
I heard from a lot of you that you have been sewing more this year, too! I wanted to get inspired and wondered what everyone was sewing, so I put together a list of our most popular patterns this year!
The Top 10 Patterns of 2020
10. Circle Cardie
As anyone on the RP team knows, the Circle Cardie is my go-to! I have several and I love them. They are great to layer and go with anything from jeans to leggings to skirts. Sew this in a vibrant color and it is an instant pick-me-up. I sewed this outfit based on Pantone’s Color(s) of 2021 – Bright Yellow and Gray.
9. Car Mat
One of our best-selling patterns for holiday, the Car Mat Pattern makes for an awesome gift for the kids in your life. It’s an easy sew and can be customized as much (or as little) as you want. The best part is that it rolls up for easy storage. I love that this allows my kids to play together, while letting their imaginations soar!
8. Strappy Cami
The Strappy Cami is clearly a staple for WFH. Wear it under your favorite cardigan with a pair of leggings. Or quickly throw on a blazer for a last-minute zoom meeting. This subscriber-exclusive pattern is a fan favorite.
7. Basic Underwear
Our underwear bundle includes hipster, bikini, full coverage brief and thong patterns. With sizes from XXS to 5XL, you can find the perfect fit for your body. We’ve heard from you that it is a perfect way to use up larger scraps of fabric (I love that idea!)
6. Boutique Doll Set
The Boutique Doll set includes patterns for a collection of fun felt dolls and a matching vintage suitcase. I love the idea of customizing the dolls to look like friends and family that you can’t be with this year! And the vintage suitcase is a great way to safely store the dolls and accessories.
5. Sun Hat
While it’s been a cold and rainy winter in the UK, it is warm and sunny in my home country of New Zealand. Our Sun Hat Pattern is the perfect accessory for cold days to keep warm, or sunny days to keep the sun off your face. It has both wide or narrow brim options, and can be personalized with optional lining, top stitching and bias binding finishes. My co-founder Janine just made one for her daughter that fits the Emily in Paris aesthetic perfectly!
4. Drawstring Pouch
We launched the Drawstring Pouch pattern in early December and it quickly shot up to our 4th most popular pattern of the year! I love that this bag makes the perfect gift (all year around), and that you can fill it with anything from make-up to sweets to toys. I have seen some of the cutest fabric selections on your posts in our Facebook group!
3. Laura
Speaking of chic comfort – the Laura Dress pattern is ideal for work from home life. This simple cocoon style can be made into a dress or top. Throw on with a pair of leggings and a long necklace and look pulled together (even when you don’t feel it).
2. Zoe Zip Pouch
At a time when we want to connect with people more than ever, the Zoe Zip Pouch is the perfect gift to let someone know that you are thinking about them! We made this pattern in 5 different sizes (and its beautifully finished and fully lined). Make a few for the teachers who have gone above and beyond, your favorite healthcare worker, or your close family or friends. I am not surprised that this quick sew hit our list at #2!
1. Doll’s House Quiet Book
Thousands of people have filled lockdown in making the fun, personalized Doll’s House Quiet Book. I’ve loved seeing all of the unique projects posted in our FB group – everyone has really made it their own. A true labor of love, this project can easily become a family heirloom. The bundle includes an Add-On that includes fun scenes like a farmyard and playground. Get the kids away from the screens for a bit for some old-school imaginative play.
It has been so much looking at your favorite patterns this year! I wanted to throw in a quick bonus with one of my favorites! The Meghan Wrap Dress is my absolute favorite this year. I even hacked the pattern to make my Christmas dress this year (Meghan Wrap + Very Vintage Blouse Mash up – blog coming soon!) Available in both adult and child sizes, this is the perfect dress for a mommy and me moment to kick off the new year!
As we wrap up this year, I wish you and your family a happy & healthy 2021 filled with plenty of sewing!
