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.

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.

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)

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

Below we are pictured with the cute blogger Megan Francine who attended a trunk show in Charleston.

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).

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.

I received the Creative Icon in October, and sewing will never be the same.

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

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

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 😀