I literally said this last year, and I’ll say it again: I can’t believe this year is over! It’s amazing how much faster time goes by the older you get.
This was definitely another slow sewing year for me. There was a lot of shit that happened this year (some good, some not good) that affected my time and energy in relation to sewing. I’m still slowly working on updating and replacing key pieces in my wardrobe, repairing and altering ones that need it, and trying to be more mindful about what fabric I’m buying and what I’m making with it (my suitcases flying home from NYC are getting lighter and smaller with each trip haha!). I think this is pretty apparent with my favorite and not-favorites from 2017! To see everything I made this year, you can always Lurk my Closet.
My favorite makes of 2017:
UGH I LOVE THIS PIECE SO MUCH. It’s the perfect transitional jacket for spring and fall, and the color goes with almost everything in my wardrobe. I wore this jacket so, so, so much, and got loads of compliments every single time. It was a joy to make and even more fun to wear!
I’m so glad that I finally bit the bullet and did this! Re-lining a coat isn’t high up on my list of favorite things to sew – in some ways, I think it’s actually easier to make one from scratch rather than tear out the old and sew in a new one. However, I really loved this jacket and I’m so happy that I can continue to wear it again! And yes, I DO love wearing green jackets… why do you ask? 🙂
Liberty of London Carolyn Pajamas
I feel so fancy when I wear these PJs! Spending a lot of dough on fabric to sleep in probably isn’t what most people would do, but there’s something to be said about pampering yourself even when you’re lounging around. One thing I especially appreciate about these PJs is that they work well as separates in every day wear, too! I don’t think I’d go as far as to wear them together out in public, but either the top or the shorts do well paired with something else. I wore the top a few times with jean shorts; next summer I want to make an outfit with the shorts!
TBH, probably my favorite thing I made this year. I LOVE WEARING THIS DRESS. It’s so comfortable – the loose fit and breathable rayon make it perfect for summer, and it’s drapey enough that I don’t look completely shapeless underneath. I wore this dress on a lot of first dates and everyone loved it. But especially meeeee.
This was about the time I decided there was no problem with me owning several shirtdresses in the same shade of blue. This Kalle dress is the closest I’ll get to having anything that works with a capsule wardrobe. I like how well it works both on it’s own or paired with other pieces (different shoes, accessories, etc), and that it’s plain enough so people don’t notice right away that you keep wearing the same dress (or maybe they do and they are too polite to say anything).
Yay! This might be my favorite handknit sweater to date (until I finish the one I’m currently working on… time will tell!). I loved every single part of making it, and I’m so happy with the quality of my finishing. It’s another great transitional garment, since it’s knit with a cotton yarn. While it sucks that the fabric grows as I wear it, it does easily shrink back up with a wash + dry. And now I know to check that with future cotton sweater knitting!
Flannel Archer + black stretch twill pants
Can’t go wrong with these two basics. Now that the weather is colder, I am getting sooo much wear out of these!
I did not realize how much I needed a bag like this until I finished it! It has been super useful for carrying supplies to and from Craft South. I prefer this bag over other tote bags as I like the structure and the included pockets. I don’t feel like the bottom is going to bust open and drop my laptop on the sidewalk (which would be terrible).
Misses of 2017 (… not very many this year!):
I like this top in theory, but I never wore it. Mostly because the neckline gape when I bend over, and you can literally see my belly button. Which means I have to wear a tank under it, and nope. Barely wore this.
Ugh this one pains me because I LOVE it and I ADORE the fabric but it really doesn’t go with much in my closet! I think I’d get more use out of it if it were cropped, then I could wear it with dresses (the current length is just long enough that it looks weird with dresses). I may cut it shorter and see if that makes me wear it more. Or make another bra out of it – my Lemon Watson bra made with those scraps gets worn quite frequently!
Love the top, don’t love the fabric. I want to make it again in a better (read: more breathable) fabric and get rid of this poly one. As a side note, that bra I also made is AWESOME. It has been fantastic for working out, and I’ve also worn it as a swimsuit top (with my black bottoms) while kayaking this past summer!
***
I’m so glad I took more time off this year from blogging! It might not seem like very much, but pretty much ever since I started this blog I have been aiming for 1 post a week – sometimes more. In the past, I’d feel guilty about skipping a week, which is stupid because there is no one holding me to any sort of deadline. I definitely don’t feel that way about my Instagram, which I tend to be more active on. As with last year, I didn’t post everything I made this year – some stuff was just kind of redundant, or didn’t warrant a post – but a lot of it gets posted there if you are interested!
Rather than blogging (which, sadly, doesn’t pay my bills haha), I focused more on teaching this year! I am really happy with how far that got me throughout the year – I taught several workshops in Brooklyn NY, Leesburg VA, and also here in Nashville! I also taught a TON of classes at Craft South in Nashville, smaller/less expensive project-based classes that were finished in an evening. I averaged 2-3 per month, and we’ve got plenty more on the calendar for 2018 if you are local or visiting and want to take a sewing class – including a Sew Your Own Jeans Workshop in January!
Also related to sewing, I got connected with a local talent agency here in Nashville and now I occasionally freelance as a on-site tailor for photoshoots and commercials. It’s not a very consistent gig – not everyone has the budget to bring a tailor in for the day – but it is really really really awesome when I can get them. I’ve worked with a handful of big corporate names and celebrities, and also met some super cool people that way!
Job-wise, I’m still working the same 2 main jobs that I had last year – a personal assistant (not sewing related, but still pretty awesome), and the Education Coordinator for Craft South. Both jobs now allow me to work 100% from home, which I LOVE. I’d like to take a working vacation at some point, since I’m not tied down to being in a specific place or even time frame to perform my job (as long as I can bring my laptop and access the internet, I can get my work done). I also worked a little bit for Elizabeth Suzann on an as-needed basis this last quarter, to help them get caught up on orders before the Christmas season. It’s amazing how much that company has grown by leaps and bounds since I started there only a few years ago, and I just love having the opportunity to go in there. I averaged about 5-6 garments per 3 hour session each time I was there, not bad!
Some highlights from this year:
– I was fortunate enough to travel out of the country twice this year – my first trip was in January, and I went to Egypt for 10 days! Y’all, that was without question my favorite vacation I’ve ever taken, and I did it all by myself! I had an incredible time and got to know some really amazing people, including the very fun and extremely generous couple I stayed with, and a reader who met up with me a couple times and showed me around Cairo! Here is my recap of that trip if you are interested!
– I also went to Belize this year, in June, with my best friend! No blog post for that one – it was a personal trip, and to TBH I was drinking rum pretty much the entire time (helloooo we were on vacation!), but I had a blast and I’m so happy that I got to go!
– I moved this year! Yes, again!! I loved that little apartment that I was in, but I was offered a really amazing house in an even more amazing neighborhood for not much more than I was already paying. My new house is walking distance to Craft South, and it is the sweetest little 1935 stone cottage. Oh, and did I mention that I have my own laundry facilities, (giant) yard, and driveway!? Three things that apartment was sorely lacking 🙂 I’ve been here since June and I love it so much! Studio tour coming soon – this one might be my favorite yet!
– My best friend and life partner got married in July, and I was thrilled to be her Maid of Honor. I also made my dress for that, which you can see here!
– I finally got to meet *MY* sewing hero, Gertie! She is just as pretty and delightful in person as you’d expect 🙂 And I talked her into coming back to Nashville to teach at Craft South in 2018! We’ve got her for a one day circle skirt class AND a weekend workshop – cannot wait!
– In addition to all the workshops that I taught, I also assisted two classes, which was really fun! Both were for bra-making with Amy of Cloth Habit, who is such a great person to work with (and as the person who coordinates all the workshops for a fabric store, I can also say that she was the EASIEST instructor to work with in terms of getting everything planned, from a shop perspective. Amy is delightful!). We taught together at Craft South in September, and then again for Camp Workroom Social in October with Allyson Dykhuizen (who is also incredibly fun to work with and has the most splendid positive energy of anyone I’ve ever met!). It’s really nice to be the assistant of a class and let someone else to all the heavy lifting (although I do love running my own classes, too!). And speaking of bra making – Amy is coming back to Nashville in 2018 to teach the class again! Seriously, y’all should just look at the upcoming weekend workshops at Craft South for 2018 because we have so much fun stuff planned!
– After 10 years of putting it on my Christmas list, I finally bought myself a Coverstitch machine – a Janome Coverpro 2000cpx. We are still getting used to each other, but I am very happy with my purchase! I will be writing a review post about it in January, stay tuned 🙂
***
On a more somber note, 2017 was also the year that my dad passed away. He battled colon cancer for 4 years, and the entire time he stayed strong and optimistic. After our big scare in September 2016 (where he ended up on life support for a week), he never quite bounced back the way he had done so many times before. His younger brother, Kenny, also suffered from cancer and died at the beginning of February this year. I think that was the last straw for my dad, he didn’t hold on for much longer after that. Losing a parent was an incredibly traumatic experience that has absolutely changed me as a person. I struggled a lot with my grief + feelings this year, especially in those months immediately after. I couldn’t understand why I felt sad, why I basically lost my will to do anything. I spent a really long time feeling sorry for myself this year. It’s been an uphill battle dealing with everything – I see both a therapist and a grief counselor now, and that has been helpful. Living alone + being single has also presented its own challenges, mainly in that it’s very easy for me to isolate myself, which is not the healthiest thing for me to do right now. I am making efforts to get out more and meet and interact with people, but it can be really hard sometimes.
The rest of my family is doing ok. My mom is completely heartbroken, but she’s taking small steps to take care of herself. My brother Matt ended up moving across the country; he’s in Portland, OR now. My other brother Mikil has really stepped up to help and be the man of the household as much as possible. I don’t know where we’ll be at this point next year – but I told my mom we should consider going somewhere exotic for Christmas in 2018, and just treat ourselves proper.
Anyway, all to say that it’s been a hard year, one of the hardest for me yet. I miss my dad so much, and while I get around in my day to day life pretty normally for the most part, I still think everything sucks a lot of the time. It really pains me to think that he won’t be there for my next milestones, or even to see what I’m doing right now. He would have loved this house so much, and he would have thought what I’ve done with my year was so cool. I’m so thankful that we had him for as long as we did, and I’m so proud to be the daughter of such an amazing man. My dad was truly one in a million.
***
So what does 2018 hold? Well, I hope it’s better than 2017 was! My last absolutely horrible year was in 2006, so I am really counting on another bad year not happening for at least a decade. 2018 needs to cut me a fucking break already!
I would like to expand into more teaching – especially jeans-making (whole post about that coming up!) – and I’d like to go on at least one fun / non-work trip (or, as I mentioned – working vacation. Just something that I’ve planned for myself without any outside obligations!). I would also like to get into doing short tutorial videos – I think it would be fun! I inherited my dad’s GoPro camera (my mom says it’s “on loan” but let’s be real, she’s never getting that thing back lol) and have been playing around with iMovie. I am taking content suggestions, so let me know if there is something you would like to see!
Anyway, I think that’s pretty much it for this year. I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe holiday! Here’s to a beautiful 2018!
LLADYBIRD 
Thanks!all the best to you in 2018! I’ll be a fan in your blog readers😁
Thank you!<3
❤ ❤ ❤
❤ !
Thanks! Have a great 2018, Lauren 🙂
Thanks for the sewing inspiration 🙂
Thank you! Here’s to hoping 2018 is a great one 🙂
I’m wiping away tears right now even though I read before about your amazing father. I couldn’t imagine what it’s like to lose a parent. Wishing you much healing, love and happiness for 2018. Your Christmas 2018 getaway sounds like a wonderful plan to create some joyful memories. I hope you guys do it. Thanks for your blog, love to see what you’re sewing!
I couldn’t imagine what it was like either, and I still can’t really explain it even after experiencing it… other than that it sucks, and that I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Thank you so much<3 here's to 2018!
Some beautiful creations you’ve realised this year, but what leaps out in this post is the love and depth of heart felt pride you have for your father. My condolences to you and your family and I can only hope that with the coming of this new year, a little peace and a lot of love are sent your way.
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
I really hope so too<3 thank you!
Lauren, although your father has left the earth, his soul still continues and he is aware of everything you do. He is still with you all the time in spirit. May your new year be filled with success and happy times.
I truly believe this ❤ thank you!
I’m so sorry for your losses Lauren, grief is like a wave – it comes and goes. I lost one brother this year and another is very ill and I understand. Having lost both my parents, I know it really is a seismic change in how you see all of life and especially with the love and respect you had for your dad. Good for you getting help and support!
It has definitely changed me a lot, although most of it has been positive. I have found that I have a much greater capacity for patience and love, and now I really gravitate toward people who have been through the same trauma. I know there are better things in store for me in the future, I just had to sludge through the crappy parts to get to them. I am so sorry to hear about your brothers, and I hope your 2018 is better ❤
I’ve loved reading every one of your 2017 posts and I can’t wait for more in 2018. Have a wonderful new year!
Thank you!
You deserve to have 2018 be one of the best ever. Hold on to those precious memories of your dad, let them encourage you as you move forward.
Thank you so much ❤ my love and memories have definitely shaped a lot of my decisions this year – I feel like most of what I do goes through the "would this make my dad proud of me?" filter, more so now than ever before ❤
You are never grown up enough to lose your dad. It sucks and I’m afraid you will always miss him. Just keep on living the way he would have wanted you to. Thanks for your posts. I enjoy them immensely. Cheers Judy
Thank you! ❤
Happy New Year, Lauren — a better 2018 than this past year will be so welcomed by many of us, I’m sure! With a brother in Portland now, do see if you can teach a class (or more) there in the coming year. It’s a bit less than an hour away for me and I’d love to be in one of your classes (even if I think I’m not on that part of the learning curve yet 🙂 ).
I’m actually discussing that with a shop right now 🙂 Nothing is set in stone, but I’d love to come out there and do a workshop if we can get it figured out!
YAY!
Sorry that 2017 has been such a tough year for you. I’m optimistic that 2018 will be better. Just throwing this out there. The Midwest (i.e. Minneapolis, Fargo) need someone to teach a jean fitting/making workshop. It is -20 today so maybe wait until spring.
I’d love to come out there, but I’m unfamiliar with what shops are around. Can you suggest a shop that has the space + machines to host a workshop?
Hi, Hi. I completely relate about your dad. The first year after losing my mom was the worst year of my life (and not a great first year of marriage. Sorry, Jordan.) Anywho. You should come to Maryland Sheep and Wool in May. You can stay on our futon and we’ll take you for crabs. Think about it!
Oh wow, that does sound like fun!! I am going to be in Canada in May, but not until later in the month… so I actually have some availability during that weekend! Let me think about it a little more and consider plane ticket prices 😀
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to live through…I understand how you feel because the six months after my Dad died I have absolutely no memory of and only held it together because I had daughters depending on me. I can tell you that it does get better, it just takes time, and you will still cry from time to time.
However, Lauren I wish many wonderful travel adventures for 2018, more amazing sewing adventures, and that love finds you and fills your life with joy! Happy New Year!!!
Thank you so much, Carolyn! In addition to all you’ve said, I hope I get to see YOU in 2018! It’s been way way too long!
So sorry to hear about your Dad. It’s wonderful that you have great memories of a kind and loving parent. Know that all of us here in blog world love what you’re doing and love seeing your progress. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs and know that all people have low times. Social media tricks you into thinking you are the only one and everyone else is living it up.You have our support and our best wishes for 2018.
That is so true about social media. From looking at it, you’d think that everyone is having the best time and you’re the only one who is struggling… which absolutely is not true. I’ve taken a much bigger step back from social media this year as well, and I’ve definitely noticed a big shift in my overall attitude toward things.
Thanks for sharing, Lauren, both the good and the bad. Glad to hear that you’re taking steps to take care of yourself and heal. Yeah, sucky years happen, I so get that. SO, here’s to a wonderful 2018 – all the best!
Thank you! ❤
Lauren, take care of yourself. My son is alone again after a long term relationship. We were with him for the holidays and although the break up was probably necessary, I hear you when you say that it is easy to become isolated. I follow several blogs and everyone has lost a parent in the last year or so. Losing a mom or dad is so universal but it seems as if you are the only one when you go through it. Thanks for your blog. I have received so many great ideas.
It’s been about 2 years for me since my LTR ended, and I agree that it was definitely necessary but it’s taken me a long time to get back into the mindset that I might actually want to be in another relationship again (which is fine, I’m not in a rush). I hope your son is able to find the time to remain solo without getting to the point of isolation. It’s can be surprisingly hard!
Lauren, I’m really sorry that you and your family have had a year of such grief. Your dad looks as though he was amazing and I’m sure he’s so proud of his beautiful daughter. I hear you on the isolation of being single, living and working from home! Take care of yourself, lovely lady.
Thank you so much, Karen! ❤
All very best wishes for 2018 Lauren – hope it’s all you want. Definitely hope you’ll keep blogging at the pace you want – you give so much enjoyment and knowledge. Thank you for it all.
Thank YOU!! ❤
Happy New Year Lauren, I hope you and all of your family have a good year in 2018. Massively admire you and your brilliant blog & I’m looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2018. I hope your travel and other plans come to fruition & – selfishly – would love to see some video tutorials! Take care x
Thank you so much, Charlotte! I am definitely going to give the video tutorial thing a try. Can’t promise it’ll be any good, but at least there will be some effort in it somewhere haha 🙂
Happy new year from Melbourne, Australia! I love your blog and wish you all the best for 2018. (First time commenting!!)
Thank you so much!! ❤
I’m sorry you’ve had so many negative experiences lately, and you’re right, they change you. But I think you are up to the challenge of learning from them and taking what you have learned with you into your future. Gaining wisdom is painful! As to sewing videos, I would watch you talk about hemming a dress! Seriously, I’m sure whatever you do will be instructive. I hope you and your family have a much happier 2018, Lauren. Thanks for the all the posts! I enjoy every one.
Thank you so much! ❤
I don’t know how I found your blog, but I’m so happy I did. Your work is inspiring! I’m sorry about the loss of your dad. Right after my mom (unexpectedly) passed away, a stranger told me: “The depth of your sorrow is proof of the depth of your love.” I clung to that like a life raft in the tsunami of grief that followed. And I’ve also shared it with everyone I know who’s grieving. Continue taking care of yourself, and here’s to a great 2018 for you, your family, and all your readers!
PS – I fully endorse traveling for the holidays. We started that a few years ago with my in-laws. It makes for relaxed & memorable holidays.
Wow, that quote is so true and hits so close to home. Thank you so much for sharing that with me – I’m going to pass it on to my mom as well ❤
I love this post, and I love you! And when baby Kenny gets here, you can send some hugs up to your uncle Kenny by giving him a squeeze. I’m pretty sure that’s how it works, since Kenny is a special name.
I love you, too! I cannot wait to squeeze that baby Kenny, and yes, I agree that it’s a special name! ❤
So sorry about your Dad. Your thoughts on losing him sounded familiar to me, since I lost my Mom to colon cancer in October. I’ve also found losing a parent to be traumatic, and deeply sad. Hope 2018 is a happier year for you.
P.S. Love your liberty pajamas 🙂
Thank you! I am so sorry about your loss, and I hope that your 2018 gets better as well ❤
Some of my best holidays were spent away from home. Thanksgiving on St Croix, Christmases in Barcelona and Amsterdam. (Budget but oh so fun. And you really have to be flexible on holidays!) My advice is to go for it!
Oh man, every single one of those sounds awesome! Living the dream for sure!
I wish you a happy and healthy 2018!
Thank you so much! ❤
Hope your 2018 is not just better, but your best year yet. ❤
Thank you so much! ❤ ❤ I hope so, too!
All your sewn garments are fab! Thanks for sharing the loss of your dad and how you are coping.
Thank you! ❤
Girl, you are kicking ass in so many ways. I am incredibly sorry for the loss of your dad — just by the way you talk about him it’s easy to see you were super close. Continue to take time to focus on you and do what makes YOU happy, YOUR FAMILY stronger, and your world better. Ps. Seriously, all of your makes I want to steal for my closet. I’d totally take a jeans workshop from you!!
Thank you so much! ❤
Your post about your dad was beautiful, raw and honest. One of my dearest friends also passed away this year from cancer at 48. Our groups of friends still struggles to cope but we had a wonderful new years together celebrating with her in spirit and even more specially with her partner. The trauma of grief iso huge and strikes at times you least expect it. Here’s hoping to a safe and bright 2018 to all of us.
Thank you so much ❤
I wish you a 2018 that’s even better than you can imagine Lauren! I’m always so moved reading about your dad – how much you loved him and his loss remains an ongoing source of deep pain for you 😦 I think considering the struggle you had this year it’s been incredibly productive, busy and successful! Congratulations on finding your stride in teaching AND on getting yourself that coverstitch machine! I love mine. Maybe instead of thinking “goals” for 2018 think of a WORD instead 🙂
Thank you so much! As shitty as it is to lose someone, I didn’t want it to be even shittier by burying myself in my grief (which, to be honest, I still ended up doing… it just manifested itself in different ways. Professionally, though, it has been a pretty fantastic year for me). I know my dad wouldn’t want me to sit around feeling sorry for myself, at any rate. And I love the idea of thinking of a word for 2018 – I think I have multiple ones in mind 🙂
Just wanted to send you a hug through the internet. Your grief over losing your Dad is a testament to the relationship that you had with him and the person that he was. I hope that this comforts you somewhat.
I lost my sister to colon cancer 14 years ago and although I know that she is gone, I still get a sudden shock realisation that she is dead – like I haven’t actually absorbed it. The grief doesn’t go away, but managing it certainly will become easier eventually. I hope that 2018 is filled only with good things for you.
Thank you so much ❤
Lauren, I wish you much happiness for 2018. Please know that the love shared between you and your father is something that can never be taken away for you. His physical body may not be here but I know that you still feel his love in your presence everyday. Reviewing budget and hope to attend Gertie workshop, will know by February! Will alway drop by Craft South when Nashville and hope to catch you in💖
Thank you, Regina! I hope you are able to make it to the Gertie workshop in March – she’s so sweet and beautiful in person, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun! And I will definitely be there the whole weekend as well 😀
Happy New Year Lauren! You sure had a rough year and I wish you all the best for 2018!
If you ever get the time, I would love to hear more about your gigs as an on-set tailor…
I don’t have plans to write about it publicly, but I’m happy to discuss in private if you want to send me an email 🙂 I will say, the #1 question everyone asks me is how I got the jobs in the first place, and the answer is 100% who you know and what previous connections you have with them. I’ve lived here nearly my entire life and have a lot of friends in the industry, which helps 🙂
Haha thanks! I’ll shoot you an email, I guess i’m more interested in the type of work/alterations it entails!
What a lovely review of your year, both the ups and the downs. You write very touchingly about your dad and your loss – I am sure your honesty has helped other people. My f-i-l died very suddenly and unexpectedly a few years ago and it has totally changed my husband and his family – grief brought out the worst in some family members and some relationships are not the same. His mum misses her husband every day. On a lighter note I was delighted to meet you at Camp this year, but am not super good at chatting! Wishing you all the best for the coming year.
It was so wonderful to see you at camp as well! 🙂 Will you be back this year?? I’m gonna get that chat out of you yet! 🙂
Yes, Lauren, losing a parent is hard. I think you’re taking the right steps to move forward. Thank you for the update on your family. I thought you had a sister too. Love your sewing projects this year too. You often inspire me.
I do have a sister, but we are not close and unfortunately the death of my father has further strained our relationship.
Loved your recap and always enjoy seeing your creations. So so sorry about the loss of your dad. That’s a hard milestone. You’re in my prayers.
Loved this recap. Thanks for sharing so much with your sewing fans. I remember your very moving post when your father passed away. I thought then and think now that he must have been amazing–just like you! Happy 2018.
Thanks for this post! I’ve been reading your blog religiously for years and I really like reading about your projects and about your life. It’s amazing to see your achievements sewing wise and how your career shifted over the years, and I’m happy for you :).
I’m really sorry for your loss, I can’t begin to comprehend what you must be going through. I just wanted to let you know that I truly appreciate you sharing these milestones in your life, the good ones and the painful ones, as your perspective can be soothing and uplifting at times. I know I could relate a lot when you talked a bit about the end of your long-term relationship as I was going through something similar. I’m going through some difficult times as well with health issues in family members, and although the situation is very different, some thing you shared in posts over the past year have stayed with me. I am sure 2018 will be a great year for you and can’t wait to see what you get up to!
Thank you very much for the blog article. I like these clothes very much! Their shapes are gorgeous.
This is such a beautiful post, is it weird that I have read most of your linked posts? I’m really sorry about your dad, I’m 35 and I can’t imagine losing a parent right now, it seems they are always there. Happy new year and I pray this year is filled wiht great things for you.