Monday, November 14, 2011

It's my blogiversary!!!

2 years ago on this very day, I started sewing in earnest and tracking my thoughts/progress on this blog.  Over the past year, I've really seen myself grow both in sewing and blogging and I've met so many wonderful people along the way.  So I've decided to celebrate this last year's journey through a blogiversary week!  Over five days, I'll share some new projects, some reflections and of course, giveaways!

This first reflection post will be a sort of 'highlights' stroll down memory lane to rediscover the fun, the inspiration and the tough moments along the way.  I'm taking the format and categories I used for my first blogiversary post (this may become a tradition??) to share some of the highlights of this past year!


Project I am the most Proud Of:
Without a doubt the project I am most proud of and that I really see as a turning point in my sewing was my dress sewn from the 1933 Butterick reproduction pattern from EvaDress.  This was the second challenge I completed for the Sew Weekly and really highlighted: 1) how much I love early 30's patterns, 2) how much I love wool, and 3) that I can tackle any pattern no matter how difficult it looks! This one was actually fairly easy to sew up (another reason I love early 30's patterns--really great details that are brilliantly drafted).  I'm also super proud of this dress because I won the EvaDress contest for 'Best Use of Pattern in its Original Form' despite stiff competition.

Hardest Moment:
The hardest moment of this past year has to have been the March to May time period when I was working like crazy (hello two jobs), participating in the Sew Weekly and had just found out that we had to move!   Talk about crazy intense!  Luckily, things have slowed down a bit (I can hear David laughing about this one--maybe it's just that I've gotten better at getting things done with so much going on??? lol.)

Ideas that Didn't Pan Out:
Sewing whilst travelling! That's my answer to this one!  I had grand plans to finish a load of outfits when I was visiting my family and travelling around the states.  Let me just say that it sounds so much easier.  In the end, I made what I needed to and took some much needed time to relax and see family and friends!

Project I Would Most Like to Redo:
The two projects from this last year that I'd most like to redo (or finish in one case!) is the 1950's 'Patio Dress' and my 1940's 'Chocolate and Wine' dress.  The Patio Dress has some serious gathering issues and I'm actually not quite sure I like the colour combo.  Maybe a teal and white like the pattern envelope would be much nicer?  The 'Chocolate and Wine' dress I definitely want to finish and since it has long sleeves would be perfect for winter!  You may recall that I had a big hurdle with button loops on this dress.  I received so many helpful comments on my Sew Weekly post that I'm sure I can go back and confidently tackle those darn loops :)

Easiest Project:
The easiest project was also the most last minute project! It was this gathered 1950's style skirt which I made using Gertie's tutorial

Quickest Project:

The quickest project(s) was making two faux wrap blouses out of pillowcases! You can check out my tutorial here.  I had never thought of making something using a pillowcase--so it was fun to be a bit creative and now I am always on the lookout for fun fabrics to refashion!

Piece of Clothing I Wear the Most:


Ok, this is a toss up but I think I'm going to have to go with my 1940 hooded dress.  I absolutely LOVE this dress.  It's the perfect weight for Scotland (made out of medium-weight gabardine) and the great part is that I can wear it as a jacket/coat or as a dress! Though it was really funny coming through security on my way back to Scotland from the States when the security screener asked me to take off my coat!  Erm...it's a dress! At which point, he looked very sheepish and said, 'oh sorry'!!!

Most Surprising Project:

Without a doubt, the most surprising project was my 1943 'Raspberry Sorbet' McCall dress!  I very much underestimated this pattern!  It's one of my favourites and I hope to make more versions--the style looks understated on the pattern cover (at least for me...lol.) and I just love how classy the design looks!

Scariest Moment:  
No truly scary sewing moments this last year (thank goodness!) though I did get a bit of the stomach butterflies right before three big blogger meet-ups! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet several of my favourite bloggers/sewists in London, NYC and San Francisco!  More on those fabulous meet-ups in another post later this week!

Wow--it's fun to reflect on this past year of sewing!   Stay tuned later today as I revisit my very first dress!!
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38 comments

  1. I'm very happy for your anniversary, congratulations and thanks for being there giving tips and running giveaways for everyone to enjoy. I hope you have an awesome week!

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  2. Happy blogiversary, Debi! Looking forward to more wonderful projects in the future!

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  3. Happy Blogiversary! You've achieved an awful lot in a short space of time well done :)

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  4. Happy anniversary! Love your recap of the year, you are so productive! :-)

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  5. very very happy blogiversary! Hope there are many more to come :-) Your project most proud of is also my absolute favourite!

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  6. What a fab roundup Debi, you have gained so many skills since you started blogging and I'm absolutely in awe of your Sew Weekly participation...what an incredible achievement! I must admit, I think one of my all-time favourite Debi-makes is your raspberry sorbet dress, the style and colour are just perfect on you!

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  7. Yay for Debi! Very well done indeed. Having a blog is such a great way to remind yourself what you have achieved. In your case, ALOT!!
    Have a great week :)
    Px

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  8. wow, you have been so busy. It's great to have a run through of what you have achieved you must be feeling very proud of yourself! I love the raspberry dress!

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  9. You are an inspiration! Love the chocolate & wine dress - will look double stunning when it is finished (although I think it looks pretty hot now!)

    Happy Blogaversaire!

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  10. Happy blogiversary! I keep forgetting how short time you've sewn, you've come a long way in a short time. Both impressive and inspiring! Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts on your projects and your sewing =)

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  11. Happy Blogiversary! I look forward to reading the next year of sewing adventures. But before then I'll raise a glass of port to celebrate. Cheers!

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  12. Happy blogiversary! congratulations and long life to your blog!

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  13. Happy Blogiversary, Debi! I so enjoy reading about your sewing adventures, and can't wait to meet you once we plan our trip to Scotland next year. Wishing you many more happy and project-packed years of sewing and blogging!

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  14. A very happy blogiversary! I really enjoy reading your blog and am awed and inspired by all the amazing and beautiful garments you have made - I am really looking forward to seeing many more in the future!

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  15. Happy blogiversary! Thant's quite a line-up of amazing projects!

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  16. Congratulations! May many more years come!

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  17. Happy 2nd Blogiversary! What a marvellous week you've got planned! :) I am so happy you decided to take up sewing and document your progress here, Debi. You are truly an asset to the sewing community. Keep up the great work!

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  18. Happy bloganniversary .... I hope there will be many more.... Xx

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  19. yay! happy blogiversary! here's to hoping there are many, many more :)

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  20. Happy Blogiversary! Many happy more!

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  21. Congratulations on your milestone Debi! You've made some amazing projects and I love to see how you modernize them and incorporate them into your life with Ness accessories! xoxo

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  22. Happy blog birthday !!! I LOVE all of your projects and look forward to seeing more :-) You are often an inspiration to me. xxx

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  23. Happy, happy Blogiversary, Debi!

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  24. Happy blogiversary, Debi! Keep up the wonderful posts! Thank you for sharing so much with us - and thank you for being such a great blogger! :") May you be alltime happy in your sewing place!!

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  25. Happy Blog Birthday! I really enjoy seeing what you make. :-)

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  26. Happy Blogiversary! I'd never seen your 1943 Raspberry Sorbet dress before (how did I miss that?!) and it is an absolute stunner. I can't wait to read more about your reflections and new projects. It'll be a great week!

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  27. Happy blogiversary Debi, your blog is always such a ray of sunshine! x

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  28. Happy Blogiversary! I particularly love your Raspberry sorbet dress and also your hooded dress - loved your comment about the airport security too :)

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  29. Happy Blogiversary, what a lovely little round up of your projects - your Evadress still makes me swoon.

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  30. Happy blogoversary Debi. I love your Raspberry Sorbet dress!

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  31. Happy blogiversary! One of the best blogs going - what was life like before I knew My Happy Sewing Place? I can barely remember...

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  32. Thank you for continually brightening my day and inspiring me :) i must, must, must track down a copy of the hooded dress pattern - my absolute favourite thing you've made

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  33. Happy blogiversary to such a cool and insprational lady. Adore your 'work', My favourites here have to be the coat dress and the raspberry sorbet, but how could I possible choose theres also the mrs peacock outfit and the the 1933 eva dress is amazing. How do you choose what to wear each day with such a fab wardrode.

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  34. Happy Blogiversary to one of my favorite people on the planet! XOXOXOXO darling, well done!

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  35. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! I'm loving all of your blogiversary posts, but this one is my favourite so far :) The Raspberry McCalls dress is one of my favourites of yours, too! Very, very inspirational x

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  36. That McCall's dress is just divine on you, muy bueno for sure. I love the 1940's McCall's patterns the best. The style of the actual garments are great but I really get a kick out of the artwork and graphics on the front. The envelopes are like little pieces of sewing art my favorite to collect by far...Happy Bogiversary as well, I am very happy to have found your blog I am enjoying reading it.

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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