I will be honest with you all, I have been struggling to look back over this year and ‘review’ it. At the end of 2019 I left my secure job in retail to focus on my kids and build my sewing lessons business. I know everyone is in the same boat and this year hasn’t produced the results many of us were hoping for. But the more I have thought about it the more I am feeling okay about it.
I have grew so much this year in terms of my sewing and blogging, and spending so much time at home is the reason for that.
YouTube
One of my biggest achievements this year is my YouTube channel. I have enjoyed branching into this area of blogging and reaching a new audience. I still have a lot of plans for this space and hope to add more exciting content in 2021.
My Wardrobe
I can now say after this year I have a ‘complete’ me made wardrobe. I will never be a minimalist in terms of my wardrobe, fashion has been a big passion of mine since an early age so its no surprise I have a love for clothes.
For a long time there were garments I felt that were missing, but I can now look in my wardrobe and choose the exact garment I feel like wearing that day. I still need to focus on trousers, but I think this will be a never ending quest for me and I will have more time for it now.
I tackled some pretty big projects this year, including a coat for Darren (my husband), swimwear, a bra and a proper bag (more on the last 2 coming next week).
This is a also going to free me up to focus on some of those big makes, more coats and blazers, and more couture techniques.
Blogging and Collaborations
I have had the opportunity to blog for some amazing companies this year, including Lamazi Fabrics, Good Fabric Store, The Rag Shop and Minerva. Not only have I had the chance to work with some amazing fabrics, I have built relationships with all the shop owners and I love them all! Thank you for trusting me to turn your beautiful fabrics into a garment.
Pattern Testing
This has also been a year full of pattern testing for some amazing brands, including Homer and Howell’s, Helens Closet, Bella Loves Patterns and Friday Pattern Company. Again, this has given me the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented designers. The support I have received from all of them has been incredible.
Teaching
Although I was only able to teach for a few months of the year, the time away from teaching just reinforced how much I love it. I missed it so much, I love witnessing that look of pure joy when one of my students completes a project. I cannot wait to get back to it, whenever that will be in the new year. My focus is 100% on this now and how I can continue to grow the lessons that I offer.
So leaving this year I am feeling positive. I have grew and developed my skills and this will only help as I more forward and focus on teaching. The time spent with my kids since leaving retail has been priceless and following this path will allow me to watch them grow.
I hope you can all find some positives from this year. However small they are this is all you need to focus on.
Happy New Year everyone, and here’s to an amazing 2021!
Sharlene xx
S.O. Sew Dressmaking 