Wowzers! Without wishing to get too political/emotional 2016 seems to have universally sucked for so many reasons.
It's been a challenging year personally too. I've travelled as far as Seoul in South Korea, and less impressively to London and Brighton, to support Charlotte through her transition. Worrying about her surgeries and keeping it together during her often gruelling recovery hasn't exactly been a walk in the park. Her latest recovery is ongoing.
At the same time I've also been getting to grips with a new job (which isn't so new anymore) and to top it all off, we challenged ourselves further by ploughing ahead with some serious house DIY. We transformed one of our spare bedrooms, as well as our own bedroom, which I've yet to blog about.
So despite the temptation to call 2016 a write-off in terms of sewing and blogging, I must remember the above and be kind to myself. So, what have I achieved?
2016 MAKES
I stitched seven makes this year, excluding gifts for kiddies. With the exception of Hayden, they're all hits so I can't really complain...
#VINTAGEPLEDGE 2016
I may not have fulfilled my own #VintagePledge this year, but you guys have been as prolific as ever! To recognise your efforts Kerry and I have organised nine awesome prizes across six different categories, as part of our End-of-Year competition. Make sure you enter your makes by the end of today (31 December 2016) to be in with a chance of winning!
We also had a whole load of fun during #VPJuly with a wonderful line-up of guest bloggers and yet more prizes during our month-long Instagram challenge.
WHAT'S NEXT?
At the risk of not sounding ambitious, I'd like an easy ride in 2017. I feel like I really need a breather after this year...like I need to look after myself better and make time for the small things in life that excite me. These include sewing (of course), hanging out with friends (stitchy pals and others) and travelling /holidaying for fun (not for surgery)!
I'm really looking forward to getting back in the sewing seat with SO many ideas swooshing around my head. To break myself back in gently, and to make a much-needed dent in my fabric stash, I've lined up some simple yet super cute projects...
As for the #VintagePledge in 2017, I truthfully don't know what the plan is yet. I feel I need to scale it back as it's as time-intensive as it is enjoyable. Trouble is, I've loved seeing it grow over the last three years and your contributions have been SO inspiring! I may keep it simple with just an Instagram challenge in July while I gather my strength for something bigger in 2018. Either way, I'll keep you posted!
How has 2016 treated you? What are your hopes for 2017?
You've had a busy and eventful year, but have still managed to make some lovely things. Best wishes for a wonderful 2017 for you and Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 2017! This year has been such a pain... Too much pain... Hopefully we'll all have a better memories to share in 365 days! Best to you and Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteMarie, that Fraser sweater, looking at it again, is really something special. It is super flattering! All the best in the new year :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Charlotte an amazing 2017! Happy sewing too Marie! x
ReplyDeleteIt's been a horrible year in lots of ways, Marie, and I'm delighted to see the back of it but you've achieved so much!
ReplyDeleteMarie, some years are harder than others, hopefully, the upcoming year will be less stressful on you both. I think it helps when you know there is light at the end of the tunnel. All the best for both you and Charlotte in the coming year!
ReplyDelete7 fabulous makes looks pretty good to me, even without everything else you've had going on in the year. Wishing you and Charlotte a fabulous 2017!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you and Charlotte have been going through a bit of a hard time. 2016 was a bit rubbish for everyone I think. Your spare room makeover is gorgeous. It must make coming home so much easier when everything looks nice. 7 makes is pretty damn good and your pattern choices for this year are lovely. All the best to you and Charlotte for 2017. Xx
ReplyDeleteAll your clothes look super cute. Best Wishes to you and Charlotte for the next year. Jo x
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Charlotte great 2017! Now that I'm back from my blogging break I'm so excited to plunge into a new Vintage Pledge!
ReplyDeleteHi Marie, happy New Year! I read your post before on another device but I thought I should come back and reply.
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you and Charlotte all the best in 2017. I hope things will get a lot easier for you both this coming year.
And as for the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge: I think it's a great thing and I have really enjoyed it from the start but I completely understand if you want to take a break.
Just a suggestion though: Would it be possible to make a Pinterest board for 2017 anyway? I would be happy to help out by serving as admin and I think a lot of VSPP participants from last year might be planning to continue in the new year. Having the Pinterest board would make for a a bit of continuity, a "light" version of the real VSPP-experience ;)
Happy 2017 to you and yours, Marie! I also had a rough 2016, and I'm happy the new year is here!
ReplyDeleteI think your 2017 sewing goals reflect a need for clothes that make your life easier. It's wonderful to put on a dress and go out the door!
Like you, I'm also making the Toasters; I want warm tops that have more style than a lot of my current sweatshirts (comfy as they are).
Tell me — Does Charlotte have any sewing requests for the new year? I'm curious!
Very impressive!
ReplyDeleteI love this! As a longtime businessman and emerging blogger, I am impress with your designs and work.