As I sit looking out at our pond, this is what I see. It's peaceful but as I think and reflect over this past year, 2010 didn't start off the best for me but the good news is that it has ended very well. I think that I am finding that putting my hands to sewing has been a great outlet. This year I did something I have wanted to do for 20 years, sew a dress for myself. Sounds simple, right? What took me so long? Really, if I look at it, there were a number of things. First, owning a very poor working machine, the tension on my old sewing machine would never adjust right, so everything I sewed would fall apart after a few washings! I thought this was normal for a noncommercial machine until I went to a sewing store and saw a demo of a good working machine. Second, not having the knowledge of reading sewing patterns and understanding what to do with them. Where I live sewing lessons are not readily available. Third, I just got by with finding clothes at the thrift rather than sewing them. I do love the thrift for clothing but I really love making clothing that fits my body! And last, I guess there was some fear that I couldn't do it well, or I would spend too much time and money on something that looked homemade rather than handmade. Somehow all these things kept me from sewing. I feel like everything that stopped me before and kept me captive from creating something wonderful with my hands has gone away. No more roadblocks! No more excuses! And I can say it has been wonderful, really wonderful sewing vintage patterns on a new machine. It was worth every penny to have a machine that sews! And yes, I have done the work of teaching myself how to read a pattern and to sew with the help of books, the Internet and mostly just being patient with the process! In this next year I would like to encourage you to do something that you have always wanted to do but have been afraid or felt you couldn't. Look at what's blocking you and move passed it! I am so glad I sewed this year. It sounds kinda crazy but it has been rewarding for sure.
So here's to the goals for next year. I am writing them down. If you haven't made a list of your goals, I want to encourage you to think about what you want to do, sew, learn this year and write it down. Be daring!!
Here's only my sewing list. The first one may not seem like it belongs but it is necessary because I want everything I sew to fit for many years to come!
1. Reach my weight goal and then keep my weight within 3 pounds of that goal.
2. Sew a summer wardrobe, a few dresses maybe some shorts and a bathing suit!
3. Learn to adjust a pattern better, especially in the hip-line area.
4. Sew something from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's, then decide what I like best and what suits my body.
5. Get my sewing area organized. One thing I am doing is washing all my fabric as soon as I get it so it's ready to go!
6. Be choosy about the fabric I pick and learn more about fabric, drape & weight.
7. Learn more about refashioning clothes. Sometimes I really love the fabric of a piece but the style is lacking!
8. Put a zipper in without ripping it out at least once!
9. Sew a really advanced dress from the 40's!
10. Wear and enjoy my sewing project dresses for everyday!
Well, that's about all, I think it's going to be a fulfilling year! I am getting ready! I hope you are getting ready for 2011, make your list and sew something pretty this coming year! This is your year, make it a good one.
Happy New Year! And happy sewing to you all!
Gina
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