Hello everyone! Well, we have come to the final week of 2016! As a new blogger, it has been a fun first year for me. I have learned quite a bit about blogging, and there is MUCH more I’ve yet to learn. I’ve managed to remain consistent by posting once a week (every Wednesday) for the entire year, and I’m very proud of that. During the Beginner’s Sewing Course, I posted twice a week, because the videos were released on Fridays.
First, I must thank God, who is my source of life. It is He who has blessed me with these gifted hands. Next, I want to thank my husband, who is my #1 fan. He is the one who encouraged me to start the blog. It is because of him that I am able to have such beautiful photos. He’s the one who pulled out his camera and watched YouTube tutorials on how to use it so he could become better. He continues to improve. He’s the one who is so patient with me, even when I KNOW I get on his nerves sometimes during photo shoots. He genuinely enjoys doing this with me. We’re a team! Finally, I want to thank all of you for your amazing encouragement! Your comments and feedback have motivated me to continue. Reading your comments makes my heart smile and fills me with gratitude that others are interested in what I share. Being able to share my gift, inspire my sew sisters, and help beginners learn to sew are such blessings to me. Going into 2017, I look forward to another great year of blogging and sharing my passion with you. Thank you so much for following and enjoying this journey with me.
Today we’re going to take a look back at my creations over this year. On months where you see less than 4 photos, it’s because I posted old items that I made in 2015. I chose not to share those in this review since this is about all the items I have actually sewn in 2016. I hope you will enjoy this 2016 Year in Review. I wish
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
2016 – A Year in Review
- Total # of Items Sewn = 58 (This count does not include t-shirt dresses for Haiti Project or garments made for Beginner’s Sewing Course.)
- Burda Patterns = 4
- Butterick Patterns = 3
- McCall’s Patterns = 15
- New Look Patterns = 2
- Simplicity Patterns = 21
- Vogue Patterns = 9
- PDFPatterns = 1
- Self Drafted = 1
- Unknown UFO Pattern = 1
22 Dresses, 2 Pants, 9 Tops, 5 Coats/Jackets, 6 Skirts, 2 Cardigans, 1 Pajamas, 5 Jumpsuits, 2 Tunics, 2 Hats, 3 Robes
You may be surprised to learn that only 36 of these garments that I’ve sewn this year remain in my closet. The others have been given away. My closet isn’t as full as you would think with all the sewing that I do. There are a few others that I will be giving away as well.
JANUARY
(1) McCall’s 7296 (2) McCall’s 6886 (3) Burda 7043 (4) Vogue 8884 (5) Vogue 8787
FEBRUARY
(1) Vogue 8745 & McCall’s 7293 (2) Butterick 5182 (3) McCall’s 7256 (4) Simplicity 1016 & PDF Hat Pattern
MARCH
(1) Simplicity 1883 & Simplicity 6066 (2) Simplicity 1883 & Simplicity 1322 (3) McCall’s 6996
(1) Butterick 6316 (2) Simplicity 8059 & Simplicity 1104 (3) Simplicity 8094
APRIL
(1) Simplicity 8084 (2) Vogue 1245 (3) McCall’s 7158 (4) Simplicity 1114
MAY
Simplicity 8124
JUNE
(1) Simplicity 8089 & McCall’s 7386 (2) Simplicity 8013 (3) Simplicity 1372 & Butterick 5466 (4) McCall’s 7402 (5) Vogue 8948
JULY
(1) McCall’s 7319 (2) Simplicity 1104 (3) McCall’s 6558 (4) McCall’s 7405
AUGUST
(1) New Look 6178 (2) Simplicity 3823 (3) Burda 7053 (4) Vogue 1506 (5) Vogue 9116
SEPTEMBER
(1) McCall’s 7412 (2) Simplicity 1881 (3) Simplicity 1613
OCTOBER
(1) McCall’s 6969 (2) Completed UFO Top – Lost Pattern & Self Drafted Skirt (3) McCall’s 7122 (4) Burda 6851 (5) McCall’s 7430 & Simplicity 1324
NOVEMBER
(1) New Look 6469 (2)Vogue 8670 & Simplicity 8036 (3) No Pattern (4) Vogue 1329
DECEMBER
(1) Simplicity 1562 (2) Burda 7137
BEGINNER’S SEWING COURSE
If you are new to sewing and didn’t get a chance to check out this free course, here’s a look at the projects we made during the learning process. It’s never too late though! You can still access the video tutorials here on my blog or my YouTube Channel. Enjoy and Happy Sewing!
I’m so impressed with you. Mrs Fierce 50. I just completed project 1 circle skirt and I’m going through your blog. Your look and style are FABULOUS! Yellow is my favorite color and every time I see you post in a yellow outfit I’m saying ” yesss girl” Great job! Thank you for teaching me how to sew. I look forward to learning some more.
Heeey Sharon! Ooooh, I’m so glad to hear you completed the circle skirt. Congratulations sew sister! Thank you so much for the compliments and visiting with me here. I LOVE that you’re learning to sew with me.
Wow.
I have just reviewed 2016’s output. You have made some gorgeous clothes and the fit has been spot on. So jealous as I have heaps of fit issues but a ‘short fuse’. Ha, ha.
Hello Anita,
I just wanted to say “Happy New Year” to you and your family. I am so looking forward to seeing what you sew next. You are truly an extended sister. I can feel the warmth and passion for sewing in your words. I know you heard me say this before, but I am truly grateful for how you’re taking out the time to actually go through the process of these sewing lessons. It takes a lot of time to do that. And, thank your husband for shooting those great poses of you. That’s a blessing in itself. You are God sent for sure. I just can’t help but to get excited when I come on your website. I hope you have a blessed year my extended sister in Christ.
Jo Anna 🙂
Hello my sister Jo Anna! Thank you so much for your kinds words. My heart and passion is with encouraging women. God has given me this platform to do that and I’m beyond grateful. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. If God says the same, I plan to share a lot more in 2017. Happy New Year to you and your family too.
Gorgeous!!! Everything is beautiful!! Thank you for being a awesome inspiration! I enjoyed seeing your creations and learning from you this year!! Excited for next year!! Blessings Ms. Anita!!!
Thank you Brittany!
What fabulous garments, and what a gorgeous family all of you are! I love reading your blog, not just for your fashion and style, but for your energy and shine inside! Blessings to all of you, and best wishes for 2017!
Oh Donna, thank you so much! If you are seeing beyond the fashion, then I’m on the right track. I wish you knew how grateful I am to hear that comment. I appreciate you. Happy New Year to you and your family.
What draws me to your wonderful blog is first your gorgeous color choices, but your wonderful fit. Where did you learn to fit like this?
Hey Pat! Thank you so much! Honestly, the fit is something I learn as I go. I’ve had quite a few misfits and each time I learn from it and move on. Now let me tell you that I sew with a lot of knits and they are EASY to fit. They stretch over the body, making it less work to achieve a perfect fit. When sewing with woven fabrics I have to be more attentive to the amount of ease I allow into the garment to get that perfect fit.
Beautiful work! Whats more awesome is that you interact and respond :). Im slowly building up the nerve to sew a beginner big project.I’m self taught and been sewing about 2 years and some things seem impossible. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation and the free course ;).
Hi Tashiea! I love that you’re looking forward to your first “big” project. In order to get better in our craft we MUST challenge ourselves. What seems impossible to you now, will one day be a mastered skill. I know exactly what you mean though. I’m learning to draft my own patterns, something I didn’t even consider a year ago. I’ve purchased books and classes and I’m really looking forward to trying it. Sometimes all we need is a taste of it. I wish you the best in your sewing journey!
So proud and grateful you’re sharing your gift and fulfilling an assignment from almighty God. For indeed “when you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!” ~ your tag/brand stands on its own and is a testament of you. Thanks for your time and encouragement to sew sisters and the social media audience. Your pictures are always spot on and you take the time to comment and uplift others. Anita you did that lady, a year of beautiful fashion! Congrats! (Kudos to your hubby, what a great support teammate) .
Thank you so much my beautiful sew sister! I appreciate your support so much!
OMG! you had a fantastic year. Fantasticcccc!
Thank you Mariela!
Wow!! An Amazing a year in review!! You have done some amazing work and have really been an inspiring person to many.
I will be purchasing my very first sewing machine in the beginning of the new year and I will be following your beginning sewing course…
Thank you for the Inspiration!!
Hi Octavia! I’m so very excited to hear you’ll be getting your first sewing machine soon. Welcome to the sewing community! Oh gosh, you’re gonna LOVE it! I’m also excited to hear you’ll be following the tutorials. Awesome! Enjoy the journey!
Great year of sewing and the review is super. Thank you!
Heeeey Geri! Thank you so much!
Anita, well done on your first years accomplishments! Onwards and upwards from here my dear. I’m looking forward to seeing what you produce for 2017. Oh and a big “WELL DONE!” to your husband for his great photography!Teamwork makes the dream work right? God is so good ???
Hey Bev! Yeeees, team work makes the dream work! Thank you so much for your compliments. I’m looking forward to 2017. God is good!
Anita, very inspiring collections throughout the year! You always style your looks great for your photos Thrilled to see how many Simplicity patterns you chose. Keep up your great work on your sewing and blogging. I always look forward to your posts
Heeeeeyyyy Deborah! Oh gosh, it’s such a treat to hear from you. Thank you so much for commenting. Thank you also for your words of encouragement–they mean a lot to me. Yes, I look forward to a great 2017.
Wow! You were really busy this year. Some of those post seemed like just yesterday, but they were months ago. I tel myself every year that I’m going to make at last one garment a month. But this year, I’m really really doing it, you inspired me.
Hey Art! It was fun for me to put this blog post together. Going down memory lane and finding out how many garments I’ve sewn this year was so rewarding. I’m very excited about your new venture for 2017. I can’t wait to see what you do with your podcast and your sewing.
Truly awesome and inspiring! I’m looking forward to learning more from you and increasing my skill set next year – God willing! Much Love xo
Thank you so much Mirline! I really appreciate your support. I notice you follow me on Instagram too. I am grateful that I can offer something of benefit to others. I look forward to a great 2017.
It has been a blessing to be able to learn from you Ms. Anita, I love your review of all the garments that you have created and being able to see your wonderful work on YouTube and your blog you are really gifted and I look forward in the New Year to continue to watch, learn and to be inspired by you God Bless you.
Excellent, inspiring blog. Love it!
Thank you so much Angela!
Hi Anita. Although I don’t sew, I enjoy your blog. God has given you an amazing gift. I love how you let people know where your gift comes from. You are such a blessing to others in the way that you give back. Your blog is a ministry. Blessings to you and your family in 2017 and beyond.
Tawanna! Yes, yes, yes! My blog is a ministry! Oh may it be so! May God reach those He needs to touch through this blog. If that happens, then I’m moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for your feedback and encouragement. I love you, sister!
Go Girl! I’m sooooo proud of you!!!
Thank you so much Stephanie! I appreciate you!
You’ve shown style, grace, classiness,and the joy of the Lord was written all over your face this past year. He shines through your smile. I look forward to seeing more of your makes in 2017. God bless you sister. You are WINNING!!!
Vicki, I am so grateful to hear that others are seeing His joy in me. It’s the greatest compliment of all. That is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you so much for following and noticing.
Amazing!!! Love the collection…. I am happy to have shared in your 2016, smiling all the way through the pics, as i remembered each and every one!…. You truly are such a talented seamstress, and an awesome inspiration…
Thank you so much Paulette! Yes, you have been so very supportive and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you for following and all your feedback.
2016, what a great collection!!! I have a desire to blog but don’t know how or where to start. I’ve enjoyed all of your blogs and look forward to peeking in 2017…..Happy New Year Anita!
Thank you so much Patricia! I became interested in blogging after viewing a short video by Mimi G, which led me to here Blogging 101 Course. She shares a lot of good information that helped me to get started. Here’s the link if you’re interested: http://mimigstyle.com/blogging-101/
A great review. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you Mrs. Chi!
What a wonderful sewing year Anita! Congratulations on your first year of blogging.
Thank you so much Faye!