This year yet has to draw to a close, but I wanted to look back on 2011 and recount the changes and challenges that have happened so far.
Sewing Year End Review
- this year I got more into drafting and designing my own patterns
- I didn’t make the same pattern over and over again
- I sewed a lot more separates this year, which I end up wearing often
- I didn’t have enough time to sew as much as I’d like to, but hopefully that can change next year
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Sewing Goals for Next Year
- include outfit posts more often so I can figure out how much of my sewing I actually wear
- sew more separates
- design and draft more patterns
- sew from as many different patterns as possible
- sew more projects
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Favorite project:
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Personal Changes
This year was the first time I’ve ever gone to Fashion Week. It was very inspiring to see mainstream fashion and surprising to see how small the runways really are.
Earlier this year I was laid off. I’ve since then found something stable and fulfilling, but that transitional time period was definitely stressful.
Later this year my four year relationship ended, forcing myself to look at myself objectively. At a time where it seems all of my friends have already gotten engaged or married it definitely can be difficult, but I’ve learned a lot about myself and have learned to be happy and comfortable in my own skin.
In terms of other personal projects, I’m working on another iPhone app that I hope to finish by early next year. I’ve kept up with jiu jitsu as much as I can, and it’s taught me discipline both on and off the mat.
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In October of last year my mother was diagnosed with Stage III cancer. She and my father lived with my briefly for the first half of this year while she was going through chemo, and I have a chance to see everything firsthand. My parents have always been blessed with good health, and it was shocking to see her go through this difficult experience. She’s fine now, but what happened made me realize how short life is. It puts everything into perspective and forced me to not take my day to day life for granted.
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I’m immensely grateful to have my family still around me this year. I’ve also reconnected with many people this year who I haven’t spoken to in years. For some of them our friendships have picked up where they left off, and for others it’s a continuous process of getting to know each other all over again. I’m very thankful to my friends and family for supporting me in difficult and turbulent times in my life.
I’m also glad to have a creative outlet that’s practical. Sewing is both technical and creative, and sewing from vintage patterns makes me realize there’s a world of history that modern fashion and modern times have sometimes overlooked.
2011 has taught me a lot and hopefully I can continue to grow and and evolve both in sewing and in my personal life.
Wow, you have been through a lot in one year. I hope your mother is in remission and healthy for years to come. You have completed a lot in one year. Very impressive. I look foward to seeing your projects in the coming year. Happy Holidays and New Year!
Thank you! It was good to meet you this year as well.
Hopefully more sewing meetups in the future?
Hey Janice, I m glad that ur mom is ok. It’s a great feeling to have her back, healthy. I wasn’t so lucky and just recently lost my dad to cancer. Trying to get things in order these days.
In any case, happy holidays and keep on sewing.
Thank you for this beautiful and touching post. Sheesh, what a year. I’ve had a similar one, and I’m finding myself grateful for the people I have in my life and looking forward to a more stable 2012. It’s been wonderful following your journey this year, sewing-wise. Love that you’re drafting your own patterns, planning ahead and have such great style. Happy holidays to you.
(Have I told you yet how lovely your lace dress is?? I bet you were the best-dressed person there.)
Hey, I didn’t realize you read my sewing blog, Vlad. I’m sorry to hear about your dad
Are you on fb? Happy holidays to you too.
Thank you Ali, happy holidays to you too. That’s alright, whatever doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger. Sewing is only on the outside but I think what’s on the inside is made of steel.
(Thank you! I’ve worn lace to holidays two years in a row now, so hopefully I’ll have something different next year.)
You’ve sure been through a lot of adversity this year, so I hope 2012 is a stable, healthy and happy one for you and your loved ones. I’ve really enjoyed discovering your blog this year and I look forward to your plans for next year. You’ve got an excellent sense of style and I’d wear every one of your makes so far ;o)
Hi Janice–I’ve just loved following all your projects this year. Glad to hear your mom is on the road to recovery. Sending all my warm wishes for a lovely 2012!!!
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