It Was a Very Good Year……..

31 Dec It Was a Very Good Year……..

Several years ago I asked a woman at a tradeshow about when her business started to become successful.
“When I decided to get serious about it.” she replied.

I believe there is a lot of truth in that statement with intention and commitment playing primary roles in our successes and failures, no matter how large or small the undertaking.

While all years seem to have their share of ups and downs some are certainly better than others. Fortunately, things seemed to click this year.

After taking time off to promote The Tunic Bible, a return to sewing and blogging in January was refreshing and relaxing. I did not list the Armani wool knit hooded cardigan as one of the #2017 best 9, but it represents a shift from the chaotic year of 2016 to a mindset of focus and creativity for the new year.

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I will never know how I won the Mood Sewing Network African Waxed Cotton Challenge Facebook competition, but I was highly flattered and humbled to win.

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Thanks to you, The Tunic Bible sold very well throughout 2017, and it was thrilling to watch the book climb to #1 on the Amazon bestseller list in its category during the summer months. We’re tickled the book has been nominated as one of the Pattern Review Website’s Best Pattern of 2017! (Voting continues through today)

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Julie and I continued our quest to promote the book and thoroughly enjoyed conducting Tunic Bible Workshops and Trunk Shows together.

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Below we are pictured with the cute blogger Megan Francine who attended a trunk show in Charleston.
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I was excited to become a contributor for the Coats and Clark website, which I kicked off  by sewing a collection of bucket hats. (more here).

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To my great surprise and utter delight, Pfaff asked me to be its ambassador . In July began sewing with the Creative 4.5 and began to learn how to embroider.
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I received the Creative Icon in October, and sewing will never be the same.

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My desire to perfect embroidery techniques has almost become obsessive, especially after embroidering my first customized neckline on the Creative Icon.

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If I had to choose my favorites for the year, I’d go with the ones below, continuing my love of  tunics, tops and dresses now punctuated with embroidery.

From left to right starting at the top:

  1. The Tunic Bible
  2. Vogue 8997
  3. McCall’s 7543
  4. Burda 6722 ( I wear it ALL the time )
  5. Style Arc Cold Shoulder Knit Top
  6. McCall’s 6844
  7. The Tunic Bible
  8. New Look 6542
  9. The McVoguerick Tunicbiblicity dress

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Thank you dear Readers for making this year one of the best sewing years ever!

I’m really looking forward to 2018, and am excited about new opportunities during the year. In February I’ll be in Cleveland taping three series for the PBS show, It’s Sew Easy.

Through it all one of my greatest joys is meeting like-minded sewists and Goodbye Valentino readers.

The Nashville ASG chapter has invited me to speak and host a Tunic Bible Workshop in March.

Julie and I will be in Plano, TX in September hosting a trunk show and Tunic Bible Workshop for the Plano ASG Chapter, and if the stars align I’ll be in Honolulu in November speaking and conducting a workshop.

I’d love to meet all of you and if you’re ever interested in getting together please check the page of available presentations offered here.

Thank you for a most wonderful year, and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

with love and appreciation,
Sarah

PS………The RTW Fast is shaping up nicely and I can’t wait to introduce you to the 2018 Fasters 😀

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
25 Comments
  • Patricia Flournoy
    Posted at 10:07h, 31 December Reply

    You are an inspiration … Merci, Merci

  • Jacqueline Harris
    Posted at 10:16h, 31 December Reply

    Hello Sarah,

    I discovered your blog only a few months ago. Your work is inspiring and I appreciate all the sharing of process you do on so many of your beautiful garments.
    Wishing you a Happy New Year!

    Jacqueline

  • Pat Brown
    Posted at 10:43h, 31 December Reply

    Love and appreciate your blog. All the best to You and Yours for 2018. Cheers, Pat

  • Barbara Barrett
    Posted at 11:00h, 31 December Reply

    Absolutely the best blog ever. Your garments are beautiful! Happy New Year and thanks for inspiring me to sew.

  • Kirsten Houseknecht
    Posted at 11:19h, 31 December Reply

    voted and shared the voting link by twitter! good luck!

  • Linda Ferris
    Posted at 11:20h, 31 December Reply

    Buying your Tunic Bible was one of the highlights of my year. I have now made 12 (yes TWELVE) tunics/dresses/robes.
    I graded the pattern down for my grand daughter and she has 3 tunics with 2 more planned. Thank you for an excellent pattern, wonderful, clear instructions and tons of inspiration.

  • Karen Mulkey
    Posted at 11:22h, 31 December Reply

    What a great year you’ve had, Sarah, but I’m really not surprised as I’m an avid follower of your blog. You have so much talent and are a classy addition to the sewing community. Living in Texas I would love to see you when you go to Plano in September. Do you have specific information? Thanks, Karen

  • Esther Lara
    Posted at 11:40h, 31 December Reply

    Hello Sarah! Your blog is a wonderful example of how handmade garments need not look homemade at all! You are very inspiring to me although I have not reached your level -yet ;)-. I also have two daughters, mine are teenagers so not interested at all in me sewing for them. That’s why I can be a selfish seamstress! I thought about joining the rtw-fast but honestly I don’t think I could sew all the garments I want to have… and I have never sewn underwear.
    I wish you all the best in 2018 and invite you to visit my blog eldidalaldit.blogspot.com, it’s in catalan and English.

  • Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
    Posted at 11:52h, 31 December Reply

    what a great year – congrats on the success of the book. Happy New Year 2018!

  • Vanessa Thomas
    Posted at 12:02h, 31 December Reply

    You had a beautiful year, and have a lot to look forward to! I love your blog, and continue to be amazed by your talent. Happy New Year!!!!

  • Lone Star Couture
    Posted at 12:04h, 31 December Reply

    Congrats, Sarah! What a banner year! Your head must be spinning!

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 13:20h, 31 December Reply

    A banner year indeed…..just stay focused and remember to smell the roses! Laura Casey

  • Susie
    Posted at 13:25h, 31 December Reply

    Congratulations on a great year – I got the Tunic Bible last summer, and am looking forward to using it during the fast! Sent in my information this morning.

  • Susie
    Posted at 13:26h, 31 December Reply

    Oops – wrong email!! 🙂

  • Sandy
    Posted at 13:40h, 31 December Reply

    I love following your blog. You have definitely inspired me to try new things.

  • Rosalind Clayton
    Posted at 13:45h, 31 December Reply

    Thank you for all your hard work & your sincere commitment to excellent sewing! I am looking forward to participating in the RTW Fast. Wishing you God’s blessings & continued success in 2018.

  • Sarah Edwards
    Posted at 15:00h, 31 December Reply

    You’re always an inspiration Sarah, I love your style. I’m very excited to be participating in my first RTW fast and looking forward to new sewing challenges and accomplishments in 2018. I have the Tunic Bible; is there any chance you might venture to England for a Tunic Bible workshop? 😀 Happy New Year to you and yours!

  • Sandy B
    Posted at 15:33h, 31 December Reply

    So excited to hear you’re coming to Plano! Can’t wait to see what you do in 2018!

  • Barbara Byrne
    Posted at 15:49h, 31 December Reply

    Love reading your blog. Happy new year!

  • vicki Maiorano
    Posted at 17:22h, 31 December Reply

    Congratulations on a great 2017. Best wishes for 2018!

  • Nita
    Posted at 18:09h, 31 December Reply

    You are such an inspiration. Happiness to you and yours in the new year. 🙂

  • Barbara Carlon
    Posted at 01:01h, 01 January Reply

    Wonderful Post! Congratulations on your accomplishments during 2017. I can’t wait to see what you will do in 2018. Happy New Year!

  • Bev biddulph
    Posted at 02:59h, 01 January Reply

    Thank you, you’ve inspired me and given me confidence through the past year. I’ve loved all your blog posts and I’m excited to see what 2018 brings.

  • Claire
    Posted at 07:35h, 01 January Reply

    What wonderful successes in 2017, Sarah and sounds like 2018 is teeing up quite well too! Fingers crossed for you that the stars do align for Hawaii. Looking forward to continuing to follow the Goodbye Valentino (r?)evolution! Happy New Year to you and yours.

  • Linda L
    Posted at 11:11h, 02 January Reply

    You truly had a busy year! I always enjoy seeing your creations!

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