Friday, January 1, 2021

Welcome to 2021!

 Hello everyone!

Happy New Year to you all!

I didn't mean for SIX months to go by without a peep here on my blog, yet a lot of things fell by the wayside as I journeyed through the ups and downs of last year.  For me, I experienced a definite shaking of my world, routine, family, job, emotions, etc. like everyone else.  I decided to put my focus on maintaining my health, well-being, and sanity.  That looked like a lot of prayer, Bible reading, and personal reflection.  It is what sustained me during a lot of the crazyness of the year.  And it is what continues to give me peace even now.  

I also got a promotion at my part-time job that required A LOT more time and involvement from me.  I did not anticipate all the work that this new role would entail, and between all of these things, I decided to take a break from blogging.  In October I tested positive for COVID due to an exposure at the preschool I work at.  It started as a stuffy nose and congestion, then progressed to pretty much all of the symptoms listed for the virus (loss of taste, nausea, extreme drowsiness).  The only symptom I didn't have was a fever.  I proceeded to quarantine, yet had already exposed my family unknowingly for two days, and they all developed symptoms too.  Thankfully, we all made it through, recovered well, and only had a lingering cough at night for about a month.

In terms of sewing, I have continued to sew because it is what I love to do.  I did not complete my Make Nine Outerwear challenge for last year, but it is still an aspirational goal that I would like to continue.  I have made a lot of garments for my wardrobe, and am really learning to coordinate colors in ways that I will use and wear them.  I have actually finished two or three capsules in the time I have been away; however, I did decide to break my RTW fast when I started working.  I bought some dress slacks for work because I didn't have the time to finish some, and felt like it was worth it to avoid stressing myself out.  Since then I realize I still like the pants I make better (LOL), and have continued to work at sewing pants.  I have used my trusty Ginger jeans pattern to sew three more pairs!! I love that pattern!!

Turning to my goals for 2021, I have decided to take the year to participate in different sewing challenges and sewalongs.  Because I usually plan a lot for years in the past, it has been a stretch to participate in the various sewalongs that come up without putting a lot of undue pressure on myself, or abandoning my own personal goals.  This year I want to leave myself free for what pops up, while also hoping to connect more with the sewing community.  At the end of December I started doing some research on year-long sewalongs to follow, and didn't come up with any.  So, I am open to what comes! If you know of any great sewalongs to share, please let me know.  In the meantime, I will be popping on to share things I have made for each month.

As crafting continues to surge, I hope you are finding ways to make time for handmades.  A little time here, and a little time there adds up and brings so much joy in the process.  Here's to a year of hopefulness, and a space for mindful making!

Stay sew-filled!




8 comments:

  1. Happy New Year, Vanessa! 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, and I am so happy to hear that you and your family are doing well. Those challenges will continue into 2021, but I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to your posts in 2021!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I agree with you! I am glad you are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. May we all keep pressing to better days!

      Delete
  2. I look forward to seeing your sewing next year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I look forward to the same for you!

      Delete
  3. I am glad to read your post. 2020 was a very stressful year. So sorry that you and family got the Covid 19 virus and recovered from it. I look forward to seeing your new makes and more blog post. Happy New Year to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, and Happy New Year to you as well!

      Delete
  4. Oh Vanessa! I'm so sorry for you all and SO glad you're all well now.

    Year long sewalongs/annual challenges that I'm aware of are:
    SWAP hosted by Artisan Square
    Make 9 challenge
    Sew your view

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! I will definitely check those out!

      Delete

Let me know what you think!