Reflections on My Third Year of Sewing

Readers, my annual reflection posts are my way of looking back at the previous year, seeing what I've accomplished, and trying to make sense of it all. 

They occur at this time of year because it was this very week, three short(ish) years ago, that I purchased my first sewing machine (a much more successful purchase than my last sewing machine, but more about that later) -- an event which would change the direction of my life, though all I'd originally intended was to shorten a pair of jeans.  Imagine if I'd just spent the twelve bucks to have them hemmed at the dry cleaners.  You wouldn't be reading this blog today and Lord knows what I wouldn't be doing.  Sewing, for starters!

So what was my third year of sewing all about?  Friends, you tell me; it all seems a bit random, frankly.  If I've learned anything about myself in my first half century, it's that my life is just not ever going to follow a straight course; I've zigged and zagged more times than a vintage Kenmore 158.1040!



I sewed a lot this year, and like anyone who sews constantly, I've had both successes and not-such-successes.

As in past years, I made shirts.





But this year I also made boxers, with many of you sewing along with me.





I also made more pants.  These were the not-such-successes.  With the exception of my recent denim jeans, I don't wear them.  Too loud...



Too boring...



 Just right!



And then there was Cathy, whose year started out with a bang and (pardon the vulgarity) seems to have ended with one too.









Other highlights of my third year of sewing include MPB Day...



My (endless) BurdaStyle sew-along (Remember the tale of Leah and Pia?)...



...and a well-documented decluttering project so thorough that the only thing that surpassed it was the recluttering. 

What was I thinking?

Friends, I'm exhausted just thinking about the last year and the next one looks even worse better: the SIL dress, more maternity photo shoots, boned bathing suits, Pinterest posts, Vogue articles....

I think I need to take a nap or have a glass of wine.  Or both.



Oh, before I forget: whatever became of the scratched 'n rusty Elna Lotus? Well $66 worth of return postage later (which the seller paid for) it is in my possession once again!  She (the seller) gave me an incomplete address, so the Elna flew all the way to British Columbia only to be returned to NYC.  The (pissed and exhausted) seller now says I should keep it, but adds:  I have seen several of these machines in ruffer [sic] condition and in some cases not working and they sell around what I was asking.  Just my luck I get someone as anal as you that purchased it.

Like I always say, Caveat Venditor!

Now what?

In closing, I hope you've enjoyed this look back on my third year of sewing.  And I thank YOU so much for allowing me to share my ongoing sewing adventures with you.

Have a great weekend, everybody!