2025 is here, and I’m so excited to kick it off by taking on the Make Nine challenge. I’ve been dreaming up a mix of cozy hand-knit sweaters and stylish me-made wardrobe staples. In this post, I’m sharing my Make Nine list, the inspiration behind my project choices, and how they align with my creative goals for the year. I hope this inspires you to join the challenge or start your own creative journey in 2025!
Some of these projects are ones that I have had in my Ravelry queue or saved on my Pinterest boards for years. These patterns were inspired by the research I did about the Make Nine Challenge. Instead of focusing just on certain patterns, I spent some more time thinking about general pieces my wardrobe was missing.
What is the Make Nine Challenge?
Wondering how the Make Nine Challenge Started?
✨ A Slow and Gentle Challenge for Makers
Some of these ideas might change throughout the year as new patterns are released. I have already purchased materials for some of these makes but I’m exploding with ideas for others.
I look forward to sharing my 2025 inspiration with you!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
I am not associated with any of the designers mentioned in this post.
The Inspiration Behind My 2025 Make Nine
My 2025 mood board
I draw most of my creative inspiration from nature. In the summer months, I’m an avid gardener. I love cultivating soil, working with my hands, and watching the growth of tiny little seeds I sowed weeks before. The colors in my wardrobe reflect the colors of the flowers I usually grow. Sometimes I’ll grow a bright pink variety of Strawflower but most of the time I favor more subdued colors.
I plan to use yarns and fabrics with muted tones of both warm and cool colors. Natural fibers are my preference so I plan to intentionally choose materials based on these.
I want to close gaps in my wardrobe by creating staple pieces I have been dreaming about for years. None of these plans are set in stone and I might not even get to some, but I plan to use them as the backbone for what I want to make this year.
Here are the nine pieces I want to make in 2025…
1. A Textured Cardigan
photo credit: Petite Knit and Sari Nordlund
I can admit that I didn’t love either of these patterns when they were released in 2024. I thought they were beautiful but never saw myself making them. As they kept popping up in my feeds, the desire to make one myself continued to grow. Now I can’t get the idea of a textured cardigan out of my head!
2. A Pinafore Dress
photo credit: MADSWICK Studio
A pinafore dress is one dress that I’ve wanted to add to my wardrobe for years now. Madswick Studio’s Gingko Pinafore can be worn 4 different ways so I know that I will wear it in all seasons. I plan to make my first in an army green linen cotton blend so that it will keep me warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
3. A Striped Sweater
photo credit: Kutovakika and Petite Knit
I have been a lover of stripes for a long, long time. I’ve had my eyes on knitting up striped sweater for years now. I love that these patterns offer so many color combinations.
4. Flannel Pajamas
photo credit: Closet Core Patterns
Flannel pajamas are a wardrobe staple I have always wanted but never had. I’d love to make a summer version in cotton at some point in the future, too!
5. A Christy Dawn-Inspired Dress
photo credit: Miranda Riley Designs
Clothing brands like Christy Dawn create timeless designs that are elegant and classic. When I saw this dress pattern I knew I had to make it into my own version of the Christy Dawn ‘Dawn Dress’. The Aronia House Dress pattern has many options so I know I’ll be making many more in the coming years.
6. A Colorwork Sweater
photo credit: the petite knitter & Sari Nordlund
2024 was the year I learned how to knit colorwork. I’ve made a pair of socks and some hot water bottle covers. I feel confident enough that I’m ready to venture out into a larger piece. I received Arctic Knits for Christmas and am so inspired by thepetiteknitter’s use of natural colors and arctic-themed motifs in her patterns. I love the idea of bringing more nature-inspired motifs into my wardrobe.
7. A Scandinavian-Inspired Slipover
photo credit: Gregoria Fibers & Petite Knit
Slipovers are the perfect transitional piece for any wardrobe. The idea of wearing them over dresses reassures me that I will have a stylish way to give me a bit of extra warmth in the cooler months. I plan to make a slipover in a more neutral beige so that I can wear it over many dresses and blouses.
8. A Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
photo credit: Gold & Skye Patterns
I own a few maxi-length dresses but they are RTW and made of polyester. I look forward to making one of my own that is made of cotton or a linen blend. I can see myself making many variations of one that will become staples in my spring and summer wardrobe.
9. A Shirred Dress
photo credit: Silversaga Patterns
I knew I had to make the Elenora Dress the second I saw it. This dress has classic silhouette that is fitted yet modest. I imagine this dress in so many different fabrics so I know purchasing the pattern was a worthwhile investment.
Curating pieces for a me-made wardrobe inspires me in so many ways. I hope that my 2025 picks inspire you, too.
What about making your own clothing inspires you? I’d love to know. ✨
Looking for fabric for your next project?
