A second Deer & Doe Givre, plus spreadsheet fun

Still bad at taking photos, but I’m working on it!

A second Deer & Doe Givre Maternity dress. Such a fan of this pattern; it’s a really quick sew. This is a ponte from Joann (half off, thank goodness) that is a little less stretchy than the last one I made. I like it! And now I have another dress for teaching. Actually, maybe I should make a sleeveless version, since my classroom is SO HOT, I felt like I was going to faint last week.

Also, as a bit of a data-head, I’ve been finding that my completist tendencies are tickled by keeping track of everything I’ve made (so far) in 2020. The gallery is here, and it will self-update as I add stuff to it. Fun!

Maternity sewing & 2019 wrap-up

It’s been a good year! Definitely not the easiest year of my life (in fact, it’s been exhausting), but I had some professional successes that have made me proud — an article in the New Yorker, a book deal, some published articles, and students who’ve had exciting successes. Personally, there’s the pregnancy, of course, but also seeing my daughter growing into a joyful, very silly, thoughtful person, and watching my husband flourish in his job. Most important, my family is healthy, financially OK, and continuing to grow together. If I can say the same at the end of 2020, that’s all I need.

Sewing-wise, it has also been a fun year of growth. I have learned a lot, especially about technique and finishing, even though it still often seems to me as though I’m a rank beginner. When I returned to sewing a year and a half ago, I think I thought I knew a lot more than I did. I had no idea that I have a lifetime’s worth of knowledge to gain! Nevertheless, sewing has been a source of uncomplicated happiness for me, one I sorely needed. It’s wonderful to have something to think about and do that has nothing to do with work, and never will.

For that reason, I really have no interest in setting goals or evaluating progress or anything like that. There’s enough of that happening in my work life, believe me! I prefer to just make what I like, when I like. No curating closets or setting intentions for me.

It is fun, though, to think about what I made back in 2019. So, let me think, what were my biggest wins?

Tilly and the Buttons Etta

I just think this looks really good, and it’s great for a lot of different settings. Of course, it doesn’t even come close to fitting me right now, but hopefully it will postpartum!

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