What a Year! -2019 Sewing Recap and a Coupon!

2019 was a year of healing and growth for me and sewing was central to all of it.  Yes, I know at it’s core, sewing is only building something with fabric but it really can be and usually is so much more.  I carefully documented all of my makes this year (more about documenting makes in a future post) because I needed to see my efforts and growth consolidated in one place.

My goal last year with my sewing was to help strengthen and heal my hands without occupational therapy.  As some of you know, I have nerve damage from complications of Lyme disease treatment so atrophy, numbness, pain, diminished fine motor and tremors are new challenges in my life and in my sewing. Every single one of us has challenges and I’ve had the pleasure of watching others use sewing as a way to overcome challenges and I too will tell anyone that sewing keeps me sane, but I knew it could also help me physically.

​Although sewing is much more challenging than it’s ever been it is no less fulfilling and arguably even more.  It’s exciting to see that every project gets a little easier and a little faster so visible progress has not only been good for my body but good for my soul. I still have the challenges but through adaptation (a few new sewing tools and techniques), practice and renewed confidence I’m not discouraged but empowered.  And on top of it all I did so much more than I expected and filled my closet with some happy new clothes! So on to the recap:

Total Number of Projects: 49 (46 garments and 3 “other” projects)
Most Proud of: “Occupational Therapy Shirt” (this was the first project of the year and started it all)
Most Worn: New Look 6413 navy print dress
Most Used Pattern: Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s Closet (I made it 6 times)
Gifts aka "unselfish sewing": 14
Most Fun to Make: Robes for my girlfriends
Fail: Workout wear (I found some great patterns but I wasn’t happy with my fabric choices)
New Patterns: 14 “new to me” patterns

Friends, it was a lot of sewing this year and I’m looking eagerly into 2020 and don’t expect to make as many projects but to make fewer things with more details.  What are your plans this year? And what did you make in 2019 that was special?

And to help you with your 2020 sewing goals, get 20% off all PDF patterns in the store with code: NEWDECADE today through January 5th, 2020.

Thanks for reading!
Happy 2020!

Diane