31 December 2007

Look Out Behind You!

This is the time of year when I like to take stock of what has happened over the past twelve months. It's a way of looking back to figure out how to go ahead in a more productive way. I strongly believe in learning from past failures and triumphs. Each experience in my life has taught some lesson, be it large or small, so I put a lot of stock into history. So, of course, I had to take a look back into my sewing year, too. Here are the highlights:

* I sewed up a personal best 150 projects (which included everything from simple tank tops to evening wear).

* I used up 282 m (308 yd) of fabric, which is also an achievement for me.

* I won the Timmel 2007 SWAP contest. I still can't believe I took the prize on this one because there were 30 other amazing entries.
* I won the Timmel 2007 Summer Contest. Again, all the entries were fabulous and I was so honoured to be chosen.

* I designed a full fall/winter wardrobe SWAP (all three phases). Of the 28 garments in this wardrobe, I have completed 17 and two are in progress.

* I also designed and completed a black/brown/cream fall/winter wardrobe SWAP (phase one). I will be posting about this soon.

* I improved my sewing skills, mainly due to reading everything I can get my hands on and by using so many vintage patterns (these patterns are a wealth of sewing info).

* I purchased a new sewing/embroidery machine.

* I purchased a serger (my first).


Not a bad year, if I say so myself! But, although I feel it is important to look to the past for knowledge and inspiration, I don't believe in dwelling on what has already been. So, I am looking forward to a productive 2008, full of challenges and learning opportunities. I also look forward to deepening friendships with the many wonderful people I have met through Stitcher's Guild and this blog.

Look out 2008...here I come!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! You are amazing!! I truly hope that my 2008 is a good as your 2007 sewing year! Congratulations!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Yeah, I am eating your dust on the number of articles sewn! *LOL* But you have had a VERY GOOD year! I am sooooo looking forward to what you sew in 2008 and to our friendship...maybe we will actually get to meet up face to face!

Cherie said...

Shannon, your record is enviable! And your garments just a bit different so they're fun to see!

Tamara said...

What an amazing achievement. I could only hope to sew even a quarter of what you did this past year. I cannot wait to see what you have in store this next year!

Anonymous said...

Wow! A major accomplishment. I would like to come even close to this in 2008. You are an inspiration. That's a lot of sewing girl!

Becky said...

Wow, that dress under the summer contest is gorgeous!! And I'm highly impressed by both the number of projects you finished and the amount of stash you used!

Also, thank you for the kind comment about my dress. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on an amazing sewing year! I usually just lurk, but I have to tell you that your blog is incredibly inspiring! Your work is always superb. Thanks so much!

Vicki said...

Wow, 150 items! And so many gorgeous big projects one included! Congratulations!!

Ann Made Studio said...

What a great sewing year you have had. All the best in 2008!

sisidaboom said...

HOLD ON A MINUTE. I have seen your summer dress before but never associated it with Marilyn Monroe over the subway grate. Is that a new photo? ooola la... And you are also a tremendous inspiration to me as well. I could never do 150 projects in one year. Congrats!

Sigrid said...

Happy new year Shannon.

I'm impressed by all you achieved last year, and that without a serger???
Look forward to your projects, and particularly to your swaps, as I find them so inspiring.

Lori said...

Shannon, your record is so impressive. I look forward to your projects in 2008

Linda said...

Happy New Year! What an awesome year you had. And we know that this next year can only get better.

Tany said...

You are definitely one of the most productive sewing enthusiasts I know of! Impressive! Congratulations on all the wonderful garments that you've made during 2007!