2009: The Year in Review

I think I can honestly say that this year was the best year of sewing I've ever had!  I sewed more (over 100 yards according to my side bar) and I sewed better, which is exactly what I had hoped the year would bring.  I just finished 2 pairs of Burda pants (which put me over the mark), and will post on those later this week...

By far, the biggest highlight of the year for me was my trip to New York.  4 days of instruction from Susan Khalje and Kenneth King did amazing things for the construction of my garments.  My couture Chanel jacket turned out great, I'd never be able to do that on my own, without instruction and explanation from the experts!  I've got another fantastic boucle in my stash now, acquired in NYC during the trip, and I will do it all over again by the end of 2010.  The class also taught me patience for hand-sewing, and as a side effect, I know have much greather confidence (and speed) in that area.  Getting to meet LindsayT, Joanne, Laura and Ann also made 2009 a very special sewing year, and I'm so grateful for their friendships.  It's wonderful to be able to fire off an email with a particular rant or rave, and know that someone else will totally appreciate and understand.  Thank you, ladies... and we will figure out a "reunion" is some way, shape, or form! LindsayT summed the entire experience up here, far better than I ever could have!

My favorite garment of the year?  Hmmm, that's a tough one.  The Chanel Jacket was a landmark, but I know the next one will be even better.  The Homecoming Dress is my favorite formal dress to date (there's only been 3 or 4), but I got many positive comments on my Stunning Silk Dress.  The most commented on garment of the year was my Empire Jacket, but if I have to pick just one, I think it would have to be the Leather Vest.  I've never worked with leather before, and sewing on a vintage machine was also a first.  Working with leather is a challenge, but it came together so nicely, and the process of making such an edgy garment on such an old machine made construction even more fun.  "What would the original owner of the machine think about this vest?" kept running through my mind...  especially during the fun photo shoot DH organized.  I love my photographer!

In September, my black bamboo knit dress was selected to be part of the Top Ten PR Challenge Fashion Show at the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan.  I modeled my dress in front of judges Sandra Betzina, Kenneth King, and Pati Palmer, and met Deepika and other PR members backstage.  It was exciting and fun, along with the classes I attended that day.  I didn't win anything, but being in the company of some of those amazing garments really was an honor.

In the blog world, I gathered 90 followers.  Whoa.  90?  That is such a compliment, and reaching the 100 mark in 2010 is a very exciting idea for me.  I think a giveaway will be in order!

I'm not quite sure what could top this year.  Christmas brought me some Jalie and Hot Patterns, which are new to me, so I'll keep working on expanding my sewing experiences.  DH's Christmas Shirt turned out great, and Little Miss Princess loves to dress up, so sewing for my family will continue.  I'd love to meet up with my NY sewing buddies, and would love to meet more of you.  Dawn, Angie, Bunny, Michelle, Somerset... someday, right?  Fine tuning some embroidery details/editing would mean keeping/expanding the embroidery business, so that's a must!  When the weather warms up, I'm going to give swimwear a shot, and would love to work with leather again.  It might be a cop-out, but as long as I'm sewing quality garments and continuing to improve, I'll be happy.

Here's hoping that 2010 brings good sewing projects your way, along with health and prosperity to you and those you love.  Happy New Year!!!