2015 Hits & Misses at Sew Not Perfect

How can it already be the final day of 2015?  I'll be enjoying the day with my family and my husband's family, and probably going to bed early.  But I took time to think over the best and worst (in my own view) of 2015.  Soon I'll be sharing some of what I hope to focus on in 2016.

A photo posted by Bethany (@sewnotperfectbethany) on Dec 26, 2015 at 9:26am PST

My favorite hit from the year - personally - was jumping in with Periscope broadcasts and especially the #honestcraftroomies scope hop.  It's been a lot of fun to broadcast, and I have ideas to scope more regularly and hopefully helpfully in 2016.  I've also loved making so many new social media friends through Periscope.  ((You can follow me on Periscope at this link))

This year I had some great opportunities.  I produced my best tutorial (Bow Headband Tutorial with knit fabric) in July and it is by far the most popular post on my blog.  Sew Can She and Fabricworm both featured it and I had the opportunity to sew several headbands in the Homestead line by Emily Isabella for Birch Fabrics.

I don't know how I was so fortunate to be selected as a Jennuine Design Pattern Brand representative, but I was, and I absolutely love every pattern she has designed and put out.  I can't wait to see what else Jenn designs and puts out.  The Jennuine Design Moto Jacket is my favorite thing I made for my boys this year - maybe my favorite of all.

I also loved this Fawn Lily Tunic & Dress pattern that I sewed for my daughter using Carolyn Hulse's Happy Home line.  The pattern is by Rock the Stitch for Willow & Co and can be found on both Upcraft Club and Craftsy.  I entered it at the State Fair and received second place.  I haven't blogged about it yet, but I love the construction.  I added a lining underneath since the fabric was so light.  Next time, I'd take the time to handstitch the lining closed instead of top stitching around the sleeves.  I think if I'd done that, I may have earned that blue ribbon, too.  So, I guess this was mostly a "hit" but a bit of a miss.

A photo posted by Bethany (@sewnotperfectbethany) on Sep 1, 2015 at 4:23am PDT

A photo posted by Bethany (@sewnotperfectbethany) on Sep 1, 2015 at 4:18am PDT

I also sewed several hand bags that I am really pleased with.  The Jenna Tote by SOTAK Handmade and working with leather or the first time were probably my favorites.  You can see more of my bags on my Instagram account.

A photo posted by Bethany (@sewnotperfectbethany) on Dec 26, 2015 at 9:47am PST

I also loved sewing for myself more this year.  I still pull out my M is for Moto Jogger Pants whenever they are clean, and look forward to making a capri version soon.

As far as Misses - besides the one I mentioned above about not hand sewing the Fawn Lily Tunic sleeves - the biggest would be the Sew Your Pattern Stash venture.  I started out great and was lots of fun.  The link up participation was fair, but not great.  There were several of you who were active in the Facebook group and link party.  I loved doing the interviews to go along with each topic.  But that only last two months.  Then my laptop was destroyed, I got derailed, and it never really recovered.  A few of my interviews didn't get returned.  Not to mention that I realized I didn't like a lot of the patterns I owned and that my pattern buying and sewing preferences has really evolved since I started sewing and bought many of my pdf patterns.  I'm not sure if it can be revived for 2016 - but I'd be willing to have feedback if people are interested in giving it another go.

My other big miss is time management in general.  That doesn't show on my blog so obviously, but it shows up more in what doesn't get to my blog (things I sew but don't get around to posting about) and probably my house (in that things fall apart because I binge sew and don't clean until I get it done).  I'd really like to work on that this year.  Regular sewing, regular blogging and regular cleaning!