End of 2020 Wrap up

Well, I guess the only way I blog anymore is with huge photo dumps! I’m determined to post a little more frequently this year just to avoid that.

Last I posted was right before stocking season. That’s become my busiest time of year. I used to sew stockings as a way to make more money during the slow months of purse-making. But the truth is, my purse business has become slower and slower, and I have let it, because I have grown tired of making clutches after years of it. Bridal parties used to be my bread and butter, and now I can’t remember the last bridal order I’ve done! I have gradually narrowed my Etsy shop and website to fewer and fewer offerings, and I don’t sell ready-to-ship anymore because I got tired of storing all of those purses. That said, I do have a couple ideas of new products to offer this year, but my focus has largely switched to developing purse sewing patterns. I have one almost ready for testing and am working on another that will coordinate. I planned out my pattern designing for the year and if I stick to my schedule, I will publish ten patterns this year! The most I’ve published in a year before is four, so I’m not sure if it’s possible. But with fewer purse orders, I think it is. Last year was a struggle with my kids home all the time, and it’s still a struggle, but I work around it better these days.

Anyway, stocking season is now my absolute busiest season for my business, and I did really well this last season. So I’ll start with sharing some of my favorite custom orders. I’m not going to share everything (I share all of my stuff on Instagram), but I’ll share some highlights.

I also made a handful of Halloween related projects. I had a friend ask me to make her a plague doctor mask, so I made one for her and one for my husband. My oldest also needed a costume.

When school started we realized everyone suddenly needed new wardrobes and nothing fit. My two oldest went through big growth spurts this year and almost nothing for winter fit, so I bought all the pants and made a bunch of shirts.

I made a handful of Christmas gifts, nothing that would stress me out. I didn’t want to be sewing late on Christmas Eve!

Can’t forget the masks! I made a bunch for my kids’ classes and at that point I was very tired of them. But I kept selling them on my website, and a handful of mask orders a month is manageable.

Let’s see, what’s left? I did manage to make myself some clothes. Most were after Christmas.

And that concludes 2020 sewing! I am excited for a new year and new projects. I have fabric on the way for Roman shades in my living room (I haven’t shared the amazing before and after photos from that project, but they are awesome), I have fabric arriving today for my winter clothes for myself, and I have my upcoming patterns to share.