Oh wow! What a Year. I’m super grateful for all the unforgettable and amazing experiences that I’ve collaborated on, whether it’s been testing for designers, blogging in return for fabric or being part of an amazing community on Instagram.
It’s been a rather busy one regarding testers as there has been 15 so far … I’ve had to turn away a few because let’s face it, I was burning the candle at both ends and running on empty. But it’s good I know my limits, well sort of – it’s been a steep learning curve!
I’ve been counting up the makes that I’ve made this year and there are over 60 – yes, I’m not sure how I’ve done that but somehow I’ve sewn over 60 garments this year and yes it’s still adding up as the year is not over yet – It’s only mid-December, we’ve still got over a fortnight to go.
I’m always taken aback about how many likes, comments and engagements I receive, I’m still absolutely humbled by the kindness of strangers, some of which, now really good friends that I’ve met IRL, some that I’d love to share a day with and meet. I keep looking at my stats on Instagram and still shake my head in utter disbelief that I’m over 4.1K. It’s been a lot of hard work on my part, but I’ve enjoyed it. Interacting with you, whether it’s been on IG, email, youtube has been one of the best parts of 2021 – it’s kept me going.
My YouTube channel has been organically growing since I picked it back up over a year ago and I enjoy thinking of ways to bring you content on that media. I must admit, it’s hard work doing the editing – but I’ve learnt lots, and still continue to. I often have ideas bubbling over in my head for months before I get the momentum and confidence to actually do it. I was particularly slow at taking up VlogMas due to the commitment thing, but I’m enjoying showing some parts of my day to viewers and subscribers alike.
I’ve not thought about my favourite make of 2021 – yet! I better get thinking though, time is running out. One of my favourites is the Davenport in the pink spotted viscose as part of collab with felicity fabrics and the other is one of my Wildergowns.
You may have noticed a shift with my makes. Earlier this year on my IG stories I shared a whole load of fabric pulled from my fabric stash which I put potential outfits together and asked on stories if it worked. I’ve kinda got a good eye for this and really do get a buzz out of it. This was the start of something huge for me – OH BOY … HUGE!
For me, dresses will always thrill me but I need to and I want to invest in separate pieces such as skirts, blouses, tops, cardigans and of course trousers. My make nine 2021 mirrored that as well, which must have been an underlying catalyst to start this shift from just sewing dresses.
Ok, I’ve not completed my 2021 Make Nine but it’s been my best year so far, In previous years I’ve only completed 1 of those! I’m on the fence about carrying over the makes I haven’t completed/sewn from my make nine 2021 to next year. I still want to make them but feel if there’s a fresh board for nine makes, it might spur me on. There’s still 5 makes on 2021 make nine but I’m taking four and a toile as a win!
I still want to add separates, particularly trousers. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen the fitting drama with the Megan Neilson Dawn Jeans. Like many others in the sewing community, the Dawn Curve hasn’t been straightforward. Before I even looked at the instructions I knew it wasn’t going to be straightforward as a pair of culottes (jeezo, I love culottes!) but I think that worked in my favour. I wasn’t overwhelmed – my brain was open to “ok, we can fix this in a rational state .. at some point in the future” (we still need to re-toile them with the adjustments – maybe 2022?!).
Looking at what I need in my me-made wardrobe, has maybe helped me with my fabric stash – ok I’ve been on a ban since the latter half of the year and am due to come off it in January but that hasn’t really made a huge dent in what I’ve got, perhaps this coming year it will, only time will tell. I am in a privileged position to have such a stash and I have to admit still feel overwhelmed with how many projects I have planned or with the actual stash. I have had very successful destahes in the past, most of which have allowed new fabrics into the stash, which beats the point of destashing, doesn’t it? But the ban has opened me to potential outfits from my already existing stash rather than shop, which is good. I’d like to keep pushing myself to use the stash and make new outfits. So I think that’s one pledge I can take into 2022. It’s quite a big pledge.
It’s been a good year for my confidence and sewing. I’ve learnt to really accept my body, whilst others might not – but that is their problem and not mine. I’ve just accepted what I have is me. Sure, I still have many moments in my head doubting if I can pull a certain outfit of but that’s half the battle.
I’ve put a slide show of some of the garments that I’ve made in 2021 for you to enjoy.
As Always – Thank you so much for taking the time to read.
Happy Sewing,
Sew Do It Emma 