Written by 2023 was a tough year, filled with chaos.
Looking back, it was the hardest time of my life. My mental health has never been good, but in 2023, I’ve made the biggest progress ever. Of course, this influenced my sewing schedule and all my plans drastically.
I’ve learned to listen to my intuition, and all my sewing projects are represented by that. Though I didn’t accomplish what I set as a goal for myself in 2023, I’ve managed to create some pieces that have a wonderful story and a lot of meaning.
Spring
I started sewing in late spring. Though I posted regularly on my blog about my creations, some of them weren’t made right then, but they held stories that needed to be told. My first projects included turning a dress into pyjamas and experimenting with the versatile #theadeliadress pattern.
During my long vacation in May, I decided to make my own denim jacket, tired of buying ones that didn’t fit well. The Olive jacket from moodfabrics.com was a pattern that I had in mind for a long time, and it happened that I had the perfect fabrics.
Summer
Summer had me repurposing a shirt into a pattern. Later on, I used it, and I made two new shirts. I did not document any of the process due to low self-esteem, and, to be honest, I thought that the project would be garbage. I just wanted to keep myself occupied and not think that much, and I ended up with two new shirts that fit like a glove.
In July, we had another vacation, and I squeezed in some sewing because I needed some blouses, and I wanted to make the Samford set from Peppermint Magazine. I ended up making two shirts, one to test the pattern in a beautiful floral cotton fabric and another from some leftover broderie anglaise from a genbrug.
In August, I made myself a birthday dress, providing a distraction from negative thoughts. The dress itself is very special and has a story down bellow.
Autumn
When autumn arrived, I shifted my focus to comfort, and I started listening to my needs. I made a beautiful bathrobe and one pair of long palazzo trousers.
Winter
The winter season arrived with an abundance of snow, which is quite unusual for this part of the country. Even though we live in Denmark, we typically experience a lot of rain during the colder months.
I hacked the Noa shirt pattern by adding 20 cm and transforming it into a nightgown. I made it three times, but each one is special and unique.
Final thoughts
Sewing brought joy, healing, and distraction in 2023. Grateful for the progress, I look forward to whatever 2024 brings, without a strict plan. I’m excited to embrace whatever comes my way.
Anca GV 