2014 - Year in Review

2014. What a busy, busy year it was. It went by so fast as each year seems to do. There were some big changes, lots of new friends, and many great memories. Overall I'd say it was a good year despite the major stress of wedding plans and buying a house. Here is a quick recap of my sewing projects, events and other fun things.

 2014 Sewing Projects

Events and fun things in 2014

I started the year with a simple and fun sewing project making aprons using fabric and buttons from the stash. Next I made a 1940s dress using Advance 4199. I listed the dress on Etsy and it sold in a flash which was very exciting!

Spring was a busy sewing time for me. I made a blouse using McCall 5623 to go with my aviatrix outfit for the GBVS's 1920s White Lightning Ball. In April I made this dress for the Sew for Victory challenge. Once that project was completed I began working on the Breakfast at Tiffany's Dress for my friend Abby to wear for her senior prom. Then it was time for another birthday dress for myself. I'll be continuing the tradition this year too. I already have a pattern and fabric in mind. It's a color a don't normally wear so I'm pretty excited about it.

Somewhere in between finishing Abby's prom dress and my birthday dress I managed to complete two outfits for our June trip to Reading, PA for the Mid Atlantic Air Museum's big air show and WWII reenactment. I made a blouse, slacks, and a dress. For that same event I also had the chance to wear a new to me vintage dress. I call it the "fan print" dress. I really enjoyed wearing it but will need to replace the zipper before I can wear it again. We have big plans for the air show this year. I can't wait!

The "fan print" dress. Cori and our friend Cameron debut their 1940s LADP impression at the Reading Air Show

In July my friends and family planned an amazing vintage inspired bridal shower. I also attended a polo match with friends, went to the GBVS's second annual 1920s Roaring 20s lawn party and a 1920s themed beach party. So much fun! In August my friends kidnapped me for my bachelorette party which turned out to be a trip to Star Island for the Gatsby on the Isles event.

At the end of September Cori and I closed on our new house and moved in. Two weeks later we got married. Craziness I say!

I participated in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress, hosted by Joanna of Dividing Vintage Moments, and got a chance to wear this very pretty vintage dress. I purchased the pattern for the November Swirl Dress Sew Along but never ended up making the dress as I was feeling very uninspired by the fabrics on hand. I took part in two Secret Santa gift exchanges. The first was hosted by Jessica of Chronically Vintage and the other by Beccie of Sew Retro Rose. They gifts I received are wonderful and very thoughtful! Thank you ladies!! I ended 2014 with a masquerade themed cocktail party at the new house.

My favorite sewing project of 2014 has to be the Red Birds Dress. Everything but the thread was vintage and came from my stash. McCall 5724 was one of those pattern crying out to be made but it was waiting for the perfect fabric and notions to come along. As surprising as it may sound my least favorite sewing projects were my wedding and reception dresses. It's difficult to enjoy a project when you are working under pressure. (I do have blog posts in the works for these two dresses, I promise)

Projects I wish I could redo or want to go back and alter? If given the chance I'd remake my wedding reception dress. The dress was made literally days before my wedding and I really didn't take the time I should have to properly fit the bodice.  I'm not likely to wear it again any time soon so it's very low on my list of things to do. I would like to alter the bodice of my Violets and Blue and Purple birthday dress. I love how it turned out even if it's a little big. 

Favorite blog post? Vintage Holiday Decor - Vintage Tree Bling. I haven't really done many tutorials on my blog but hope to do more in the future. I had so much fun taking pictures and decorating my little Christmas tree. Shiny things!!

2015 promises many good things and exciting projects. I have several sewing and life related goals for this year but I'll share those in another post. Thank you all for following along with me! Best wishes to everyone for a very happy 2015!