Review Of My Year 2021
In many ways photography has been a way to escape from the daily uncertainties of another strange year.I have really enjoyed capturing my working life on camera, and planning ideas with mood boards galore.
Here are some of the images that resonated with you most on Instagram over the last year. They’ve reminded me of how much we have all achieved, even though 2021 was another topsy turvy time for many of us.
Here goes:
1.
Fabric shop shop-a-shopping in Soho at Broadwick Silks on Berwick Street, not that I’ve made it to London during these months, but I’ve loved being able to add beautiful fabrics to my stash online.
2.
My inspiration board for To Gather And Stitch. This hangs within sight of my desk as I type, every now and then things get added to it, I’m always updating it. Currently it has acquired a little sparkle, the magpie in me couldn’t resist!
3.
A treasured vintage sewing book full of dress pattern designs from the 1930s that belonged to a great aunt who went to art college too.
4.
A sketch for a Dior inspired dress, based on a study of my very own vintage Christian Dior dress. It was my first “Behind The Seams”. I’ve more “Inside Secret” posts planned for 2022.
5.
Remembering roses and sunny days… ramblings on a very pretty pink and white rose that I pass every day during the summer.
6.
Work in progress on a bridal gown in the studio - I was buried under fabrics for weeks as I caught up creating dresses for 2020’s postponed weddings at the same time as those planned for 2021 too. I must have sewn many miles with my foot to the floor, but it was wonderful and such a relief to see my brides walking down the aisle. Finally!
7.
The Couture Daughter’s Tote Bag was released as a freebie PDF pattern and tutorial. And I fathomed out how to automate it… eventually!
8.
Researching, editing, trimming edges, laying out, finding sparkle… work in progress on a Breakfast At Tiffany’s inspired mood board. Mood boards are my worry beads, and my way of calming a busy mind. There’s tutorial on my blog if you fancy making your own.
9.
A glimpse of one of my couture dresses in silk chiffon, with Nottingham lace cuffs and tiny pearl buttons. But then I couldn’t help dreaming a little… what if it was in a beautiful fine crepe, with suede boots and a floppy suede hat. So I sat at my PC and digitised the pattern, it’s ready for me to toile as soon as I get back to my studio.
And finally:
10.
Settling down with a cup of tea to plan and work on one of the first drafts of a PDF sewing pattern for To Gather And Stitch.
Thank you for your love, friendship and support this year. We have all been in the same storm, but navigating it in different ways, in our own corner of this small planet. At a time when I could have felt a little lost and isolated the community here has kept me going, and that means so much.
I haven’t made any resolutions for this year yet, as I sit and plan over the next few weeks I’m hoping that I’ll find calm and clarity. And much needed space for creativity. I hope we all do!
I hope 2022 brings you peace, prosperity and joy. And the opportunity to gather and stitch.
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