It's been quite a year! I don't really know where to begin, so I'll just jump in.
- I've been sewing like mad, just haven't had time to blog about it
- I took many, many hours of pattern drafting and sewing courses (and had many, many, many hours of associated homework!!), wrote an 9 hour exam which I passed, and graduated last weekend with my Master Tailoring certificate from Le Grand Chic Italia School of Fashion.
- While I'm usually pretty quiet about my health and personal life on this blog (actually, I've been just quiet in general for the past year!!), I've really struggled with some "minor-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things" health issues that have sapped my energy and really affected my life in a what feels like a majorly negative way. I've undergone some minor procedures and medication that are hopefully making things better. So far, so good!
- I did the test for my full motorcycle licence last summer. And I passed!
- I finished another course for Canadian Institute of Management certificate program last fall, wrote the exam and passed that course. I need to sign up for the next one.
- My "real job" has changed significantly in structure in the past six months and has at times been quite stressful to deal with. I'm learning to get back to the things that help me deal with stress in a positive way - like sewing!
- I traveled to Newfoundland last fall, Banff this past winter and Chile this spring.
- I hired a house cleaner, which has helped me with time management and I have a clean house most of the time - best decision in a long time!
- I've moved things around in my house and finally with very stark recognition it has dawned on me that I have more yarn, fibre and fabric than I could ever knit, spin or sew for myself and my entire extended family in the next 10 years. I have not committed to a "cold sheep" approach to buying anything new, but I am feeling absolutely abundant in what I have. I am regularly "tossing the stash" in order to get my hands into the beautiful things I already own instead of feeling the urge to buy all the pretty things instead.
- I've returned to reading. Both non-fiction and fiction, and am devouring books on a regular basis. This may have something to do with the fact that I've finally realized that reading glasses are helpful.
- I've just started a home-based business, which builds women into a community instead of pitting people against each other. So far it has been an amazing ride.
Those are the some of the highlights of the past year! I am incredibly blessed.
My goals for July are:
Knitting
- Finish Gravel Socks
- Finish Coffee Run Socks
- Finish The Stunning Poncho
- Finish Agatha Sweater for Melissa
- Start baby sweaters for shower gifts
- Start a sweater for Sara
- Start my annual summer Featherweight Sweater knit
Sewing
- Finish the black and white print wrap dress, currently in progress
- Finish red cocktail dress (needs a zipper before final fitting and a hem)
- Finish the coral silky top for Sara
- Sew black trousers (already cut out)
- Sew beige flowy wool crepe trousers (already cut out)
- Sew beige slim tropical wool trousers (already cut out)
- Draft, cut and sew a tunic top with gathers at the neckline
- Trace, cut and sew on Burda outfit (?jumpsuit or dress?)
- Sew short sleeve summer top
Reading
- Finish People over Profit by Dale Partridge
- Read You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- Finish the novel on my bedside table (!)
- Choose and start the next novel
It's a long weekend this weekend - Happy Canada Day, fellow Canadians! I'll be celebrating by cleaning my car and sewing. A lot.
