Sometimes these posts make me feel like a fourth grader when the teacher says “Go home and write a report about what you did over the summer.” Only I’m turning mine in a bit late. My summer was so full of sewing and friends and family. It was wonderful, but I didn’t have much time to write it all down, but it’s also too good to skip. Better late than never right?

June

June was such a bumper month. We celebrated the last few posts from The Sewcialists and the launch of Sew Queer’s community blog. I got in touch with Shannon of Sew Queer and asked if she needed any help with the blog or the launch. Now I get to coordinate with all our lovely guest authors, which I love! My favorite part was seeing everyone’s makes for #SewYourPride!

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In addition to joining the SQ team and launching the community blog, I launched something of my own. A YouTube channel! My goal is to do at least two videos a month showcasing my sewing plans and then my finished makes and then perhaps an extra every month or so. Since I left for the US at the end of July, there’s not much up so far, but I’m really excited for what’s to come!

Somehow, between transitioning between community blogs and launching my YouTube, I still found time and energy to sew. And not just a little bit either – it was a record month for items sewn. Nine garments! Between my fibromyalgia, ADHD and raising a toddler, my energy for sewing is hit or miss, so I try to ride the wave when it hits. I’m also really proud of myself for actually sewing separates instead of just dresses. I got loads of wear out of everything I made in June.

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July

The highlight of July was certainly Frocktails! My dear friend Joyce put on the best party for our Dutch sewing group. With a high tea, a trip to Javro Stoffenmarkt, a delicious dinner, games and drinks. It was delightful to finally meet the folks I’d been hanging out with online since January.

In June I mostly sewed separates so I had to sew some dresses in July! For Frocktails I made the By Hand London Sandeep Dress in a viscose linen. I may end up reworking it next season, but I was so pleased with bodice that I made a second Sandeep. For my second one, I elasticated the should and hem of the raglan sleeve, added a gathered rectangle for the skirt and tacked on a little tie belt. It’s such a great everyday dress. Lastly I hacked the Seamwork Madhu Top into an easy breezy dress by simply adding length, making a tie belt and eliminating the waist and sleeve elastic.

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August

I really thought I’d sew when I was in America for six weeks. I took a carry-on sized suitcase of patterns and fabrics with me. Nope. Not a single stitch. I was too busy enjoying friends, food, mountains and waterfalls. It was divine.

September

I had some of the worst jetlag ever coming back from the states in September. The upside was that it gave me lots of sewing time! I sewed up a couple of the projects I’d cut out and taken with me to America, where they had languished in my suitcase for six weeks. I hacked the Tempo Sundress into a skirt which is perfect for transitioning into fall. Second, I made up a Reynolds Dress, which is much more geared towards summer, but I’ll layer it up and get as much wear out of it as I can before the cold weather sets in.

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What’s Next

I think I’m finally back in the swing of things and I’m excited to get back into the rhythm of making again. I’ve made a little video about my October plans, including some fun sewing challenges! If you haven’t already, definitely check out October’s themes – Precious and Cosy Autumn. Curvy Sewing Database also has a challenge this month to celebrate one year in the sewing community and promote patterns that value size inclusivity.

I’m also really excited to be writing my first piece for Sew Queer! September and October have been about sewing for our inner child. I’ll be chatting about how my nerve disorder has shaped my style and how I’m finally embracing that!

Thanks for catching up with me! Happy sewing!