I think it’s fair to say that 2020 was a year of unexpected challenges. Despite that, I remain grateful for many things, including the ability, materials, and motivation to sew. The motivation came and went, if we’re being honest, but it was more often present than not. Keeping my hands busy while making things helps me, sometimes.
Let’s look at what I turned out this year!
Projects I completed in 2020
February: Burgundy Wool ½ Circle Skirt
April: Regency Shoe Revive (HSM #2)
May: The Amazing Balayeuse (HSM #8)
May: c. 1880 Petticoat (HSM #5)
July: 1875 Reception Dress (HSM #10)
August: Updated 1953 Dot Dress
August: Updated Anne Adams Dress/Skirt
September: 1830s/1840s Corded Petticoat
October: Plum Pants With Pointed Pockets
November: 1834 Yellow Dress (HFM #9)
General Blog News
The blog had its 10 year anniversary in November! Wow! I guess I have plenty to say! Also, the blog hit 400 followers this year! Thanks for reading and joining me on my sewing adventures!
I participated in the Historical Sew Monthly for the eighth year. This year I was able to complete 6 out of 12 challenges, which is more than I’ve done in the last few years. Yay for that!
Additional Opportunities
The year’s main highlight in this area was joining Maureen Taylor on her podcast The Photo Detective in February. We discussed the 1885 summer ensemble I was wearing when we met, the apricot 1863 dress I made last year, and other historical clothing topics as well.
Event Recap
This year’s event season was cut short, but before things shut down I attended 3 balls and 1 other event (tea, picnic, outing etc.). I’ve also been grateful to attend 3 socially distanced outings in the later part of the year.
To Do Lists
Last year’s to do list was completed by July! It was great to finish off a few projects that had been sitting around the sewing room for a few years: namely, my 1925 Coat and an 1885 wool dress that I don’t have photos of yet. (It was far too warm in July to consider photos of a heavy wool bustle dress!) The 1875 ensemble was a big project that I had fun making. I’m looking forward to getting more photos of that in the future.
I also did a pretty good job at the things on the ‘maybe’ list from last year in the form of my 1875 hat, 1830s cotton day dress, and some modern dresses, pants, and skirts. Some of those were remakes, but I think they still count.
So, for 2021’s ‘definitely’ to do list, we’re keeping expectations modest in scope (Is that cheating? Can you cheat on your own to do list?):
- 1885 wool mantle (already done in the first days of the new year!)
- Small muff to go with my 1885 mantle (already done in the first days of the new year!)
- Updating a hat to go with my 1885 mantle (already done in the first days of the new year!)
- 1838 cotton day dress bodice (this is close to being done!)
The ‘maybe’ to do list:
- The 1790s stays I started in the winter of 2018
- 1790s petticoat
- 1790s dress
- 1836 cotton day dress
- Modern dresses, pants, and skirts
I’m so grateful to continue to find joy in sewing. I hope that joy continues and brings sparks of inspiration to each of you in some way, as well. Wishing all of us joy, gratitude, and good health!
The Quintessential Clothes Pen 
Amazing accomplishments! I cannot wait to see what you make in 2021 but it already sounds awesome.
Jennie from theuglydame.blogspot.com
Yay! I’m looking forward to sharing my adventures with you. 🙂
Wow! You accomplished several huge and amazing projects!
Indeed! 🙂 Keeps me out of trouble, lol!
Dear Quinn,
Hooray for sewing! Looks like you already took advantage of some free time for the 1880s project. Wouldn’t it be pretty photographed in a snowy scene?
Especially like the last picture…it must have been window for the snow to have blown onto and stuck to the sides of trees. Brrrr, but it’s so pretty, with the bits of golden brown from last years’ leaves.
Looking forward to your 1790s projects. That’s a favorite decade and there’s lots of room for expression, creativity, and light-heartedness.
Very best,
Natalie in KY
Yes, I do hope that we get some snow so that I can do a snowy 1880s photoshoot in the woods! If we don’t get snow I still think that the bare trees standing in discarded leaves have a desolate charm that appeals, too.
The last photo is from a magical snow we had on October 31. Weird, but I agree, so pretty and magical! It’s a sneak peak at more to come, because I was documenting the outfit on our walk through the woods. 🙂
I’m also looking forward to getting into the 1790s… I’ve been going in that direction for years, but very slowly. I keep getting side tracked. Thanks for your encouragement!
It’s a wonderful list of achievements! I really love the diversity between accessories, dresses and modern garments. Congratulations on the anniversary, and I’m looking forward to seeing your makes from 2021!