As I look back on the year, that isn’t even fully over with, it’s very apparent how loved and privileged I am. I have tons of free fabric, endless sewing friends, good health and the spare time to enjoy it all.

Awards

My biggest accomplishment was right here, this blog! I won two separate awards. Best Seamstress Blog and Top Sewing Blogs. I joke, I’m probably one of the last consistent sewing bloggers left, although I shouldn’t downplay this accomplishment. Sharing takes courage, time and work.

Publications and Classes

I was in one publication this year. My classes at Rosewood are still selling out. They used one of my photos in the guidebook.

My Studio

Alterations stayed busy throughout the year. The economy did not affect my workload. Many times, I was overbooked and I sent many new clients to other local small businesses.

Art Shows

Alongside some very talented women! I was incredibly thrilled to participate in the artists’ studio renters show a Rosewood Art Center.

Volunteering and the Dayton Garment Designer Meet Up

I have been elected to be secretary of the Kettering Arts Council for two more years! I am learning so much just by taking notes.

The Dayton Garment Designer Meet Up group I facilitate turned 10 years old, too.

Fashion and Figures 365

I somehow managed, though I tend to struggle at the end. I was able to make all 365 practices happen this year. I’m overjoyed because in the end I saw vast improvement. I started by tracing a croquis of my figure and went all the way to freehand drawing from my pattern collection. I learned a lot about time-period fashion and different artist styles.

Print Making

I knew juggling work, volunteering, and teaching would be tough, but I still took the dive and took two printmaking classes this year. It was worth it.

Surface Textile Designs

I made six new fabric prints in my Spoonflower Design Studio. Aliens, skeletons, and so much more. Pure pleasure!

 

Social Media

Every morning I start my day with education. At the beginning of the year I watched videos on how to get in front of more people online. Turns out it was way easier than I thought. You just do it more. I grew my audience on Youtube and Instagram big time. I also saved some time by learning to schedule my posts. My weekly mini fashion shows are proving to be the most popular.

Goals

This is where I went crazy! I successfully taught my first flat pattern drafting class.

I used many of my vintage patterns. I almost mastered pants fitting. Aaaand, I made patterns of my own, using up many of my older supplies. I bought very little fabric this year thanks to my community fabric swaps.

This year wasn’t without many repeated failures and the continuous creation of muslins. I’ll accept the work. Next year, I hope to sell some of the dresses I have been making. I also hope to advance my work as a designer. Next year is going to be a new chapter in my life, good things are going to happen and I will contribute to society.

Thank you for reading,

Dream it! Sew it!

Tracy McElfresh

 

 

 

 

Tracy McElfresh
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