Year in Review: Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happiest of Happy New Years, dearest readers!  It's out with the old, and in with the new; so, may you be happy the whole year through! 

(Vintage postcard via: http://tuckdb.org/postcards/51172)

As we welcome 2016 with another twelve months of sewing & blogging ahead, I would first and foremost like to thank each and every one of you for reading and encouraging my sewing journey.  I have greatly appreciated every comment, suggestion and tidbit of advice given - your words keep me going!   

So, before the needles fly in this new year, I think that it is time to reflect on the skills learned and challenges overcome in the past year through the 2015 sewing year in review:

January - This month set the sewing bar high with an entire set of mid-19th century undergarments - including a new chemise & pair of drawers, 2 bum rolls, a "modesty" petticoat, red flannel petticoat, plain petticoat, and tucked petticoat.  Not only was it my first entry in the 2015 Historical Sew Monthly, but it was also my most successful post of the year!  

Chemise & pair of drawers.

Modesty petticoat.

Tucked petticoat.

(Not pictured: 1830s bum pad, 1850s bum roll, red flannel petticoat & plain petticoat.) 

Also, I began a "Mad for Plaid" 1820s project with a few accessories - including a furry muff, reticule & belt: 

February - In addition to compiling my college portfolio, I added a "Hat Like a Confection" to the mix: 

March - This month saw the completion of the Sophia Project, which I just wrote about here...

...Patchwork pockets...

...and a sack coat & work petticoat:

Striped work petticoat detail.

April - April featured my first foray into menswear with a waistcoat made from jean cloth:

May - May was made merry with fairy tutus & forest tunics for the newest "fairy school" summer camp at the Genesee Country Museum:

The first "short gown study" was also completed with a  refashioned 1800s short gown & grey check apron:

June - Steady work on the grand fairy queen costume paid off & was ready for flight!

July - This month was all business, or should I say busyness, with working at the museum.  I accessorized my working class wardrobe with a three new neckerscarves, a linen apron & a muslin cap from The Workwoman's Guide, shared in the "HSM July Challenge: Working Woman's Bits & Bobs."

August - Another productive month for accessorizing.  A ruffly 1830s cap and silk belt joined the wardrobe:

As well as helping a friend out with an 1830s entertainer blouse & skirt:

September - Short gown study II hit the blog with bold pattern mixing in the 1830s short gown and blue & white check apron:

The quest for a perfectly period sewing box began with a small collection of pin cushions to pin upon:

October - Enter the Cinderella costume...

Blouse.

Skirt.

Apron.

...And my take on a Young Queen Victoria, which took first place in the "Best Queen" category of the annual Take Back Halloween! costume contest:

November - November saw the completion of short gown study III with a new rust-colored 1830s short gown, chocolate linen petticoat, apron & kerchief:

I also finished my period sewing box and filled it with all kinds of sewing essentials & accessories!  (Post pending)

December - Last, but not least, December was a crazy month filled with Yuletide sewing - culminating in my second most successful post and photo shoot, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost.  As well as Christmas gifts and cards (posts pending), and the completion of the "Mad for Plaid" dress u.f.o. started back in January (post also pending).

Dress with double puffed sleeves & silk accessories.

Ruffly cap.

Bonus:  Here's a sneak peak at the upcoming "Mad for Plaid" project reveal...

What a year to review!  I'll end by saying that, whatever this next year brings, I only hope to continue furthering my sewing skills; and I would absolutely love it if you would all continue to join me here on future sewing adventures!  May your needles always be sharp, and your fabric stashes always overflowing!   

Cheers 2016, and may we make every minute count!

Happy sewing,

Anneliese :)