The Year in Review: 2021, Good Riddance!

I am not going to lie—when 2021 exits the building, I am going to lock all doors so it cannot come back. What a year this has been… and not in a good way. I know many would argue that 2021 was an improvement over 2020, but I beg to differ. As hard as it was to be away from family and friends, the isolation imposed by 2020 was actually healing to me. I have always known I am an introvert, but I did not know how good for my soul social distancing could be. Then, 2021 came crashing like a cannonball. This year has been hard.

It was not all bad, of course. There was a lot of family time after two years apart. In spite of all the mental and physical health issues, I am lucky and grateful that all my family and my partner’s family are still with us. I have found a new appreciation for my day job and am working to open new professional avenues. My little family—my partner, and my cat, and I—is thriving. And my sewjo is back!

Pota, My New Sewing Assistant

Pota is a result of the 2020 lockdown. She came into our lives as a foster cat. My partner and I had multiple conversations about not wanting a cat full-time, that we could not commit to a pet given our schedules and desire to travel, blah, blah, blah. But then, Pota happened. It was not easy winning her trust. We moved slowly, always respecting her boundaries. After more than a year of letting her come to us, she finally did. Now, she is my sewing assistant, love bug, and lap cat. I love her SO much!

Going Home

After two years away from my family, I was finally able to see everyone this summer. I go to Brazil every year, but the pandemic made it impossible for me to go back in 2020. II cannot put into words how much I missed my parents, siblings, and relatives. I love my loud and crazy and fantastic family.

Sewing, or Not

I was not in a good headspace when 2021 started. I spent hours watching bad TV shows (I watched all seasons of the One Chicago franchise—Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD. I am not proud) to mask the anxiety related to going back to the world. I had little energy to do the things I love: read, cook, and sew.

I started watching random classes on Skillshare, and I decided to try my hand drawing and watercolor. Being able to do something creative without any pressure or expectations was so freeing. Little by little, I felt ready to go back to sewing. My sewjo is back, and I have a new hobby.

Favorite Makes of the Year

Aubepine Dress by Deer and Doe

I love this dress so much. I had never had a pattern that fit me right out of the package until I met the Aubepine by Deer and Doe Patterns. The pattern is easy to sew, but you would not be able to tell by how great it looks. It is SO pretty! I love how the skirt swooshes as I walk.

Georgia Dress by Seamwork Magazine

The Georgia by Seamwork Magazine is one of my most worn dresses of the year. I love how really easy to wear and style this dress is. It is my current go-to shift dress pattern. Not too tight, not too loose, it skims the body just enough. What I love the most about the Georgia, though, is how comfortable it is.

Plantain Dress Hack

I absolutely love the Plantain Tee by Deer and Doe Patterns. I love it so much that I have hacked it into many other garments, including this empire-waist black knit one I wear all the time. I love this one so much, I made a second one in a gray knit with black cats. It is like I am wearing pajamas.

Vera Top by Forget-me-not Patterns

This is a delight of a pattern… and it is FREE! I found it as I was scouting the Internet for free patterns that I can add my goth spin to. The Vera Top by Forget-me-not Patterns is so great. It is another super easy pattern that looks like a million bucks. I made it goth with some skull fabric, and I cannot wait to wear it outside the house.

2022, Please Don’t Suck

After 2020 and 2021, 2022 does not have to do much to be a better year. I am not going to hold my breath for something great to happen; I just don’t want 2022 to be sucky. I have lots of plans, all related to my professional future, but nothing short-term. I want to continue to nurture the blog as it is my creative outlet. I want to continue with drawing and watercolor, and I want to give myself more opportunities to explore photography.

Thank You!

I would like to take a moment to thank you. Thank you for choosing to be here. Thank you for allowing me to share my sewing journey with you. I hope that you will continue to stop by as I have no plans to go anywhere.

Happy 2022!