On August 31, 2011 I turned over a new leaf 
I gave up buying Ready-to-Wear clothing for one year and vowed to make my clothes instead.
Today I’m celebrating because I not only set out to do what I intended, but I completed an experience that brought me great pleasure and satisfaction. I must have needed a challenge!
I was spending huge amounts of money on clothes and was constantly shopping. I bought way too many clothes that looked alike, and had entirely too many clothes that were barely worn.
One day I snapped, gave up shopping, began sewing my clothes and started a blog… What a day.
WHAT A YEAR!
I often read about how one must give up one thing to gain something else, and I think that was certainly the case for me this year.
I gave up the constant search for something to wear and acquired a collection of clothes I love. 
Perhaps I had suppressed my fondness for ruffles, bold prints, and bright colors over the years because it came out in full force. 
When I gave up the time I devoted to shopping, I became creative again and improved my sewing skills too.
I started and ended the year making a skirt with many more in between.
Eventually I realized skirts can be made from just about any type of fabric as well as easily re-styled. This discovery led me to explore the refashion scene. 
I believe my sentimental favorite is the tunic I made with my grandmother’s +100-year-old sheet.
Inspiration came easily for it was everywhere.
Ultimately the past year was broader than just a challenge or sewing experience. It evolved into a journey of personal discovery and led to friendships across the globe. I gave up buying Ready-to-Wear and gained much, much more than the 64 garments hanging in the tree.
I had fun too!
I began my year of sewing with quilting cotton and ended with this beautiful Oscar de la Renta silk brocade from Mood Fabrics. Now t h a t ‘ s progress!
I couldn’t pass up one more peplum or a skirt once I saw this beautiful shade of pink silk dupioni!
Top Butterick 5615 - Skirt McCalls 3830
Now that I’m finished with my year-long challenge, it’s time to celebrate and I’m headed to the Mediterranean with my childhood friends! When my friends contacted us in March, we quickly accepted the invitation because I had already saved so much money from sewing rather than spending it on clothes.
Thank you all so very much for supporting my efforts this past year! Many of your sewing projects and blogs have been incredibly inspirational to me. The kind comments and helpful tips you have generously posted mean more to me than you can possibly imagine.
NOW…… what’s that quote by Norman Vincent Peale?
“It’s always too soon to quit!”
B O N V O Y A G E
and I’ll see you in late September!!
Congratulations – you are such a delight on the sewing blog scene I hope you never return full force to RTW. I would miss you!
Have a fabulous holiday… I hope you find some souvenir fabrics to bring home! x
Thank you, Lizzy! I look forward to a break and seeing my friends I haven’t seen in 3+ years, but I’ll be back
Enjoy your trip! You deserve it. What an inspiration you are. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Many thanks, Angela – look forward to seeing your Vogue 1316 when I return!
Thanks. I will make sure to finish before you return!
I loved seeing all of your new projects. Have a wonderful trip.
Many thanks, Pam
This is such a achievement it deserves such a wonderful celebration. You are truely inspiration and I cannot wait to see your next steps. Enjoy your vacation…I suspect you’ll be the most elegant traveller!
Thank you so much – much of the inspiration came from my readers. I truly appreciate your support
And we appreciate you sharing your adventures with us.
A fantastic journey that has been an inspiration to me! I’m considering the same type of challenge for 2013. I have followed your progress on PR.
Hi Mollie! Please let me know if you take on the challenge. It ‘s one of the best things I ‘ve ever done for myself. Many thanks for writing
How bittersweet it is to know you have come to the end of your year long challenge. I can’t imagine the pride and satisfaction you are feeling. I hope that you realize how greatly you have inspired so many of us. Safe travels and I know I speak for many when I say we look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Many thanks for this lovely comment, Julie! I find the online sewing community to be truly inspirational and I look forward to returning soon!
Your clothes are beautiful! You are definitely an inspiration to myself and I am sure many others. I cannot wait to get my sewing machine.
Thank you Jelisa! Good luck with your sewing
Congratulations! I only discovered your blog a few weeks ago and really enjoyed paging through the older posts. What a great thing to do. The clothes are beautiful.
Many thanks, Jay!
I have SO enjoyed following your year, not least because you always seemed to be enjoying warm sunshine this summer as you modelled your creations and I was sat in my sewing room with the rain pouring down outside wondering whether it was really worth making a sleeveless top/dress!
Enjoy your holiday – France and Italy have some wonderful fabric/accessory shops , and I look forward to seeing what you make next
Thank you so much, Jane! I look forward to the holiday and will consider any fabric shops a true bonus
Congratulations! Happy Vacation!
Thank you!
Congratulations on fulfilling your goal, and enjoy your vacation.
Thank you, Pauline for the supportive comments you have provided through the year! Your sewing is amazing
I did the same thing! I love your trunk show and have a nice time in the Mediterranean.
Thank you so much, Claire
Enjoy your vacation and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us when you return!!
Beth
Thank you, Beth… and I can’t wait to see what you have come up with while I ‘m gone!
Fabulous trunk show–thanks so much for sharing with us! Hoping you will continue your blog because you are such an inspiration! I’m wondering if you actually wear all these clothes since you spend a lot of time sewing them? Looking forward to your continued journey of creativity!
________________________________
Other than the green jacket, I have worn everything a lot except for two garments; This and This. I wanted to make clothes that suited my lifestyle and I believe that’s what my efforts represent. Many thanks for your nice comment
I’ve really loved reading through your journey. You are an inspiration. Hope you keep blogging!
Thank you so much, Linda!
Sarah, what a wonderful affirmation to your new creative self! I’ve loved being able to stand on the sidelines and cheer you on as you’ve moved from garment to garment and I’m thrilled that not only has this year reaped you a closet full of beautiful clothing but also a new passion! Enjoy your vacation! Happy Anniversary! Can’t wait to see what you create this next year!
Thank you, Carolyn! You have been quite the inspiration to me both creatively and instructively
Those clothes, those clothes! You have fabulous taste and your execution is always inspirational, truly. Even if you begin to buy some RTW, please don’t leave the sewing blog scene. It would leave a huge hole. Have a great vacation and come home inspired.
Thank you so much Becky! See you in late September
You’ve acquired a most fabulous wardrobe to take along on your trip! Enjoy!
Many thanks, Erica!
Congratulations Sarah! You are an inspiration!
Thank you, Sarah! …… and what an inspiration YOU are!
Since you’ve hit the one year mark….does this mean that you won’t be sewing anymore?
Hi Sally – I plan to keep sewing
Congratulations on reaching your goal. I really enjoyed seeing all your designs. I can’t wait to see what fabric you bring back from your trip.
Hi Rose and thanks for writing! I have no idea if I’ll be able to do fabric shopping but I’m willing if at all possible
This is such an inspiration! I have just come across your blog, and while you are vacationing, I will be looking back through your past year’s accomplishments
Many thanks, Angela!
Sarah,
Congrats! What a beautiful collection of clothes you have amassed. Safe and happy travels!
Dorcas
I cannot thank you enough, Dorcas for the loyal support ,encouragement and inspiration you have given me this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Congratulations! Beautiful clothes for a beautiful woman.
What a sweet comment. Thank you, Caroline!
wow what a great summary of a great year! I have definitely enjoyed reading about your adventures and being inspired by all your beautiful clothes!
Many thanks for your support this year and good luck with your sewing!
Absolutely fantastic. What an inspiration you are. Only just come across your blog, so looking forward to seeing more of your creations.
Thank you so much
Congratulations – you’ve been inspirational to me and so many others! Because of you I signed up for the Craftsy Couture Dress class – and my sewing will never be the same again – only better!! Thank you, thank you!!
Have a fabulous trip (I know you’ll be the best-dressed one on it!) – see you again in late September….
Many thanks, Karen! Your sewing was great to begin with but your dresses will be over the top now
IT’S A GOODBYE VALENTINO TREE AND IT’S BEARING FRUIT!!!! i love it!!!
what an amazing year of sewing. love your color, your ruffles, your vive and your décolleté, bebe. bon voyage!
Many thanks dear Oona! Please behave yourself while I’m gone
Congratulations! I hope you continue to sew and post – it has been so nice watching your collection grow and living vicariously through your fabulous fabrics!
Thank you so much, Carrie! It’s been a fulfilling year
Have a great vacation. I agree with comments above, you are a great addition to the sewing/blogging scene. And you make clothes in bright colors, my kind of girl !!!!!
Thank you, Beth! Much of my inspiration has come from your beautiful sewing projects
I am so happy to discover your wonderful blog on your first anniversary. Your Vogue 8648 dress was the reason I signed up for Susan K. couture class. I’m still waiting for my pattern to arrive so I will have time to search around here. I know it will be fun! Happy Anniversary and thanks for the inspiration!
What a nice comment, Pam! Good luck with the Susan K class…….. it was an intense learning experience but very worth it !
Thanks for taking me along on your sewing journey! Loved reading your posts and seeing the pattern and fabric choices you made and the completed garment. Hope you have a wonderful trip and I look forward to the next chapter in your sewing journey.
Thank you, Janene for being part of my journey! I saw a different side to sewing this time around
Congratulations! I’m a new blog follower, but have been inspired by your sewing. What an amazing accomplishment and I hope you continue sewing with full force once you return from your vacation. Bon Voyage, sounds like a delightful time!
Many thanks, Susie! I’m ready for a vacation and will be back in a few weeks
I have greatly enjoyed reading your blog over the past year. You have some mad sewing skills and I love the way you use color. Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model as well as being fun to read. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Karen. This is such a nice comment – my sewing skills have room for improvement but one of the things I learned is that you do not have to be an expert to make cute clothes
Thanks for writing!
Wonderful! You did an awesome job! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on accomplishing a very challenging goal! Your vacation is well deserved, and I will miss reading your posts! I hope that your future plans are to continue writing about sewing and fashion!
Thank you, Janine! My future plans are to continue writing and sewing
I have LOVED your blog, and have followed you all year. You show how fun and fashionable sewing can be – and the quality of your garments looks like it FAR surpasses what passes off as RTW these days. Congrats, and enjoy your vacation!
Thank you, Tina – I actually surprised myself sewing this year! I was inspired by two people – Annabelle LaRoque (shoplaroque.com) and Amy Butler. I’m sure you know who Amy B is , but Annabelle is a young woman who after 6 months of sewing quit her pharmaceutical sales job and became a clothes designer in Columbia, SC.
I’m definitely ready for a vacation
Your journey has been so much fun to watch and so inspiring! I can’t wait to see whats up next!
Many thanks! Let’s go to Mary Jo’s sometime
This is SPECTACULAR!!! What an inspiration you are! I love this and appreciate that you shared your journey!!!
Thank you Marvita! I think you do some AMAZING sewing yourself and I look forward to seeing your future projects
Sarah, what a remarkable accomplishment! As all these comments attest, you’ve been such an inspiration to so many (I’M even taking up sewing again, for heavens sake!). Enjoy your well earned vacation. Hope you return rested and ready to keep up all informed on the next phase of your sewing and your life!
Many thanks for your supportive comments, Cheryl! I look forward to seeing some of your projects when I return!
Congratulations on a fabulous year!!!! You are such an inspiration. I was hoping that you might inspire us further with some home decorating ideas and tips! I really enjoy making window treatments, pillows, etc. and would love to see some of what your ideas might be. Just a thought….
Bon voyage!!!
Sally
Thank you, Sally!! While I’m going to focus on garments I may throw in a home dec here and there. My sewing room needs a total makeover………………
Bonne vacances!
Merci !
Congratulations on achieving your goal. I have found your blog not so long ago and enjoy seeing what you make. Hope you remain sewing.
Enjoy the holiday and bring back some nice fabrics.
Many thanks, Sigrid! I don’t know if fabric shopping will be available to me or not, but I’ll enjoy the holiday regardless!
I love the clothes tree ! Seriously well done on completing your year of handmade. You now have a fabulous wardrobe to take traveling. Have a wonderful holiday.
Many thanks, Lisa….. and thank you for encouraging me to take Susan K’s dress class!!
It was one of the smartest things I did this year
I’ve been looking forward to this final post of your year of sewing. It surpasses all expectations! I’d love to know more about that beautiful necklace that has been perfect with so many of your creations. Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you so much, Elaine! I love this chunky necklace made with irregular shaped pearls with a pendant front closure. It was handmade by a local jewelry designer and I wear it much more than I ever expected! Thank you for asking
What a cute post!!! And you just happen to have the perfect tree for your display!
Thanks, Sandy! It’s been a good tree…..
I started reading only a couple months ago, but I am a loyal reader already. What a fantastic “year-end” post – I find myself grinning in delight at your “Tree-trunk” show! Congratulations on a great accomplishment.
Thank you so much, June! My wonderful flowering cherry tree puts on a great show, huh?
Congratulations! love your blog and your creations. Have a great trip!
Many thanks!
Great Accomplishment, Sarah. I have enjoyed your blog. Have a perfect trip.
A. Maggie
Thank you, Maggie – it’s been a great experience!
Don’t stop – the interweb will be a smaller place without you
I won’t !
Congratulations. That is one possibly the most impressive and stylish me-made wardrobe on the net. I look forward to seeing more amazing things from you
What a nice comment, Valerie! Practice, patience and perseverance!
PS….. I love your blog tagline. Is it new or am I slow to notice?
The Valentino Tree photo will be a source of inspiration to many – thank-you for sharing your journey over the year! Enjoy the holiday and looking forward to seeing what the next year holds for you….
Thank you, Judith! ….. What a great name for my strong and reliable flowering cherry tree!
You go girl! What a great story and I couldn’t agree more. I find it painful to buy rtw clothes now!
Many thanks, CJGAL!
PS…. I’m originally from the bluegrass state
Another Kentucky belle! What part are you from?
What an amazing sewing adventure you have had. All you garments are gorgeous, great job. Enjoy your trip.
Many thanks, Lori. You have truly been a great source of inspiration and encouragement to me during the past year
Beautiful collection! I hope you continue to sew, you’re so good at it! Enjoy your trip!
Thank you, Myra for ALL of your supportive comments this year! I plan to keep sewing
Your first picture is too great. What a great year, and congratulations on the past year and all it means to you. I enjoy your garments and inspirations.
Thank you so much, Crystal……. I couldn’t resist the caption once I saw all of the clothes hanging in the tree
Bravo! Thank you so much for the wonderful trip of one year. Beautiful patterns, beautiful clothes, beautiful lady.
Many thanks for this very kind comment
Bravo! Thank you for my trip of the year by presenting beautiful pattern choices, beautiful fabrics, beautiful clothes by a beautiful lady. Have a wonderful trip.
Whoop-Whoop! I have enjoyed every step of the way. Thank you for sharing.
Many thanks for writing, Brenda !!
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
Hi Katy – It was a wonderfully challenging and fulfilling adventure
Many thanks for writing and following!
You’re an absolutely amazing woman! I’m not a blogger but have followed your blog religiously since I enjoy many of the same styles as you. I have thoroughly enjoyed your journey, thank you for sharing it with us; you are truly an inspiration in many ways. I hope you will continue on this adventure because my morning blog-reading and sewing inspiration will be a lonely place without you. Thank you.
What an incredible compliment, Lisa! It is inspirational to me to be inspirational to others. Many thanks for sharing your sentiments with me
Sara, I have loved reading your blog. You have inspired me to sew adult garments again! Have a wonderful trip.
Margaret c
Thank you, Margaret! I look forward to seeing your sewing projects
What a year is right! Congratulations, and have a wonderful holiday!
Many thanks, Andrea! I look forward to the trip!
Happy anniversary, Sara, & have a wonderful time on your trip! I’m so glad to hear you will continue your blog & look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations in the future!
Thank you so much, Joyce! I look forward to being back in touch in a few weeks
Congratulations on an awesome achievement! Have fun on your trip!
Many thanks, Amanda!
I look forward to seeing what you come up with in your second year! Sewing is a journey and so is blogging and I personally find it quite self satisfying to see how far I have come.
Thank you, Andrea and you are so right! I doubt I could have lived up to the challenge without the blog. It held me accountable and reminded me of my progress when the going got tough
I just wanted to leave another congratulations and say how in awe I am! Everything you make is so amazing!!! It encourages me to keep at it so maybe someday I can get my skills up to your level!
Thank you so much, Ann. Really my skills are not advanced. Very intermediate….. as I said earlier – practice, patience and perseverance! The last two don’t come easily to me
All I can do is join in the praise; you’ve done a wonderful job creating this beautiful ‘first couture-collection’ and letting us all participate in the ‘making of’ with all its ups and downs. It was a delight to follow your humorous, inspiring and encouraging blog. Enjoy your holiday and keep going. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much Annette for this lovely comment! I had no idea the online sewing community was such a source of support. It was key to my success!
I just found you and have yet to catch up on all the archives so please dont’ go just yet. YOU – yes you – have inspired me to start sewing for myself. I’ve been only sewing for my daughter and my home, but too afraid of making clothes for myself that look homemade. You have shown me that it is possible to make clothes that look great. So please don’t go now that your year is up – I need the inspiration :0)
Many thanks, Shannon for sharing this comment with me! I know EXACTLY how you feel and I started with the easiest patterns available. Frankly much of the RTW are made from super simple patterns. You can do it and I look forward to seeing your projects when I return
Awesome!! Congrats! Don’t you love it?
I do love it and I really love your Vogue 8668 – beautiful!!!!!!
Oh, how I would love to shop at your trunk show! You have made an outstanding, versatile wardrobe for yourself, Sarah, and we have all benefitted from your journey. Have a marvelous vacation — and hurry back!
Thank you, Cissie. What would I have done without your encouragement? Your clothes are the ones that belong on a blog. Might you consider starting one? Until soon
Congratulations on the completion of your journey! Have a great vacation and celebrate your accomplishment!
Thank you so much, Jan! I’ve appreciated your comments this year
I so admire what you have done that I am going to take it as a challenge and aim to make my own clothes (new and refashioned) for one year too – September 2012 to end August 2013. My sewing skills are limited and I also plan to make most of my own patterns!
Thank you for writing, Candy! I love it that you are going to take the challenge of sewing for a year! I doubt I could ever make my own patterns and am doubly impressed with your plans. Good luck and stay in touch!
I will! And enjoy the Mediterranean!
You’ve been so good in keeping with your challenge and you have such a wonderful design eye that I’ve love how you’ve shared you experience with us. Have a great break.
Thanks, Maria. You’ve been doing some heavy duty sewing yourself! Be back soon
Thanks, Maria! You’ve been doing some heavy duty sewing yourself! Be back soon
AWESOME blog and awesome sewing! You are an inspiration to us all. I KNOW women like you, and I always feel so ragged around them — like My Fair Lady. ( Women who buy very expensive clothes and look like a million dollars all the time, is what I mean by that remark.) I am fortunate in that I could probably buy whatever I wanted to in the way of clothing, BUT I won’t let go of the money. I feel like if I pay a lot for an item of clothing, then I would have to wear it for the rest of my life. Plus, I love to sew. YOU have shown us all that we can sew things just as fabulous as anything out there in RTW — in fact, even better because they FIT perfectly!
I hope you will start right back up when you return from your trip showing us even grander ideas. I see a book in your future — like Gertie’s — as you certainly are good at expressing yourself as well.
Congratulations on obtaining your goal!
Hugs, Joy
What a great comment, Joy! ….. but I’m not one of those women you would feel ragged around
Two things you said ring true in my life – when I buy expensive clothes I feel like I have to wear them for the rest of my life. This is so true .. I’m wearing expensive
RTW that should have been discarded long ago. Secondly .. sewing is better than RTW because one can fit oneself which was a complete eye-opener once I learned how to do so!
Many thanks for writing
What a wonderful ‘Tree of Knowledge’ ! A great way to display all your creations! Congratulations on a wonderful year… And thanks for sharing with us!
Tree of knowledge or Tree of clothes?
Whatever it is I am so appreciative of your comments this year! You humored me which I needed to fulfill my challenge! Many thanks for your support and can’t wait to see what you make with your new machine!!
What a brilliant sewing year, it has been a pleasure to read your blog and I have looked forward to your posting SO much. Enjoy a wonderful holiday, please buy a swim suit! See you at the end of September.
Thank you so much, Heather! Would you believe a swimsuit is at the top of my list?
I can’ t remember when exactly I stumbled across your blog…probably from a Pattern Review…but I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your creations come to life. Thanks so much for taking the time to detail your journey for all of us to enjoy and be inspired by…have a great trip and I’m looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you so much, Lisa and sorry to be late in responding. I did zero blogging while away! The journey of sewing and blogging was great fun for me thanks in a large part to the support of readers
So impressive and very inspirational! I love your style. It always made me smile when you’d talk about getting your sewing machine out of the car on your vacations
Thanks for sharing your journey. AMAZING!!
Hi Robyn,
Thank you so much for this comment and sorry to be late in responding. I did zero blogging and sewing on this vacation!
What a finale!
If I wasn’t heading to Charleston I would have rushed over to your backyard. Have a well deserved cruise.
Love Libby
Thank you, Libby! The backyard was more colorful than it’s been in ages that day. The cruise was great but it’s great to be back home too.
Thank you for a wonderful year of sewing and blogs. You have motivated me to start sewing clothes again. I will say that I have NOT had the success you have had, but I think I have bought every pattern you have made! I love your style and you certainly know how to fit. I hope you will continue to sew and blog. Your clothes are amazing!
Hi Jan,
Many thanks for this lovely comment. Up until this year my success rate for sewing my clothes was pretty low. It wasn’t until I forced myself to make muslins, take classes and complete projects that I really began to see a difference in my sewing. Don’t give up!!
Yay, happy anniversary! What a fun year you’ve had! Have a wonderful trip!
Many thanks, Ginger! Sorry to be late in responding but I did zero blogging while away! It was a wonderful trip
What an inspirational post this is. Hope you have a wonderful vacation and I look forward to another year of following your creations. There will be another right??!!
Thank you so much Allison, and sorry to be late in responding. I did zero blogging while away! Yes – there will be another!!
Congratulations on your fantastic year!! I am a big big fan of your chic creations and all the ruffles
Hope that you have a wonderful trip.
Hi Wakako! Thank you so much for your comment. I wore lots of the ruffles on vacation and am now inspired to make more. It was a fun trip
wow, what a great year. congratulations
Many thanks, Rachel! Sorry to be late in responding. I did zero blogging while away!
Hi there. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the wonderful creations you’ve made over the last year & I hope you continue. You have discovered the dressmaker’s secret – beautful one-of-a-kind clothing that fits perfectly at a fraction of the cost! No w I would really like to see you make the New Look 6130 peplum top as I think it would look fabulous on you!
Enjoy your holiday & I hope to see more beautiful sewing from you with your holiday treasures upon your return!
I’ve only recently found your blog, but read it from beginning to end, and was completely inspired. (That word has been used so many times in these comments because it’s so true). I was specifically inspired to really pay more attention to the quality RTW that I really like, and to use that information in my sewing. You also inspired a trip to Mood…
Thank you so much and sorry to be late in responding. I did zero blogging while away! I draw my inspiration from high quality RTW and then apply what I can to sewing patterns. You will love Mood Fabrics!
Wonderful collection, beautifully done. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and sharing your journey since March. Looking forward to your return. Coco
Thank you, Coco for you kind and encouraging comments during my journey! I never knew blogging would be so fun!
Congratulations! I have so enjoyed your journey. You have proved it can be done – and still not compromise on style. Have a fantastic break x
Many thanks for your comment, Phil! The vacation was great and I’m happy to be back
Just found your blog via a friend. Congratulations on your RTW-free year. Not only do you look sensational in your custom-tailored clothing, but your sense of accomplishment is absolutely inspirational and richly deserved. Kudos!
Hi Liza and thank you for this lovely comment! It was a great year
I also love your website!
What an inspiration you are! Your wardrobe is incredible, what a talented fashionista you are.
Pingback: Simplicity 2497 | Goodbye Valentino