what have i been doing this year?

2019 is half done and WOW!, when you're busy it does go by fast. Some days run together and some days run slow to the point of pain that you want to go to bed early and let it be over. I've had both. But it rains so the flowers can bloom strong.

So let's review some of what I've been doing in the sewing room and outside the sewing room.

- I had a new grand baby in February - a smiley face little boy, Griffin Lamar Richardson

- I committed to hosting Diner en Blanc Atlanta again this year

- I re-committed to my technology sales job after realizing my retirement planning is off by 20 years! ouch

- I designed a new logo for my sewing brand - prepping for next level

- I took my second Moulage Class with Kenneth King - I've decided he's my instructor for life - and then taught my own pattern drafting class at TopStitch Studio

- I dated one guy - fail! oh well

- I started the sewing community group Atlanta Sewing Style - calling out to sewists and designers in the metro-Atlanta area to come together and influence, inspire, teach, giveback and showcase our talent at seasonal photo shoots....mad fun!

And along with starting Atlanta Sewing Style, we partnered with sewing sister in Dallas TX Monica Tetteh (@thatssewmonica) and we now host Project Sew Atlanta, a monthly sewing sewcial in partnership with the Dekalb County Parks & Recreation/Hamilton Rec Center.

- And finally, to feed my soul - take a look at pics of the things I've made this year....

My first successful project made with Ankara fabric that I love. The fabric was soft and true to the color on the website and the buying experience from Ankara & Lace was exceptional. The top is the Jarrah sweater from Megan Nielsen Patterns (Topstitch Studio - Ponce City Market, Atlanta GA)

Finally I feel good in bright bold colors with my grey hair - Who knew!

Pattern: Butterick 6629 - Fabric: Ankara & Lace

Skirt is McCall Pattern 7906 that was featured in March 2019 Sew Your View sew along. Fabric: Scuba knit from TopStitch Studio

Flat lays are a great way to style garment and live with it a few days before wearing. I wear this every weekend at point. The dress was drafted from Simplicity pattern D0893 (bralette view A). I want to do it again using more pattern at the bottom. How you like my scrunchie?

I like to make muslins to teach myself a new idea. I keep lots of cheap fabric around to play with and when I dream an idea and I get up and make it. These are my version of a cargo pant using a self-pattern pattern and adding patch pockets and flaps and belt.

This dress is just plain fun to wear! Erin dress by Style Sew Me

More of the fun I've been having this year - a few family outings and planning more wonderful things to share with you. Made Mommy a duster coat in a stripe fabric from Fine Fabric - Atlanta. Sew-sister Warlene Rene gave us a beginner pattern for the red print suede from Joann's and date night was fun in my new steal from BFF Kate - at the red door of the Old Smyrna Firehouse.

Thanks for the love!