2021 didn’t necessarily go as I had hoped, though I still have many things to be thankful for. Compared to other years, the following list of completed projects seems short, but for a year of continued turmoil, few events, and other things occupying much of my time I think it’s a reasonable pile of accomplishments.
Projects I completed in 2021
January: Vintage Inspired Black Wool ¾ Circle Skirt
January: Gaiter Masks From Old T Shirts
February: 1950s Lady’s Raglan Cardigan
March: 1884 Plaid Wool Dress
April: 1885 Wool Mantle & Accessories (HSM #5)
May: New Grey Sweatpants
June: 1880s Blush Duchess Satin Corset
September: 1836 Chemisette (HSM #3)
September: 1838 Bodice (HSM #4)
November: 1928 Egyptomania Inspired Green & Teal Dress (HSM #2)
December: 1920s Star Fancy Dress
General Blog News
In September, I published my 500th post on the blog, which shared details about about my 1836 chemisette. That’s quite a bit of writing over the years!
I participated in the Historical Sew Monthly for the ninth year. This year I completed 4 out of 12 challenges. That’s certainly not my most participation over the years, but given that I made fewer things this year it makes sense.
Additional Opportunities
This year I featured one of my commissions here on the blog. The commission, from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA-MA), was for two dresses: one from about 1810 and one from about 1845. You can read my post about the dresses here.
Event Recap
We all know that events are still few and far between. (Oh, how I wish that wasn’t still the case! But, we carry on…) Given that, the year contained only 1 dance (not quite fancy enough to be a ball, though it did have live music and I did get to dance) and 6 other events (a mix of picnics, outdoor trekking, watching 1860s baseball, and volunteering to interpret quilting).
To Do Lists
Last year’s modest to do list is entirely complete! I love the results of my 1885 plaid ensemble. The 1838 yellow bodice is also wonderfully detailed and enjoyable. I guess it pays to be a bit reserved in the goals if you want to complete them!
I also completed a few modern items, including my black wool skirt, 1950s raglan cardigan, and grey sweatpants.
I don’t really have ‘definitely do’ list for this year. There’s nothing needed for any particular event that I know of and I have many life commitments on my plate that are likely to take up a lot of my free time. Instead, I’ll list my ‘maybe’ to do items, some of which are carry-overs from last year:
- The replacement of the 1790s stays I started in the winter of 2018 and have since decided are a failure (the new stays are super close to being done… I just need to finish the binding and add a lining)
- 1790s petticoat
- 1790s dress
- 1836 blue print cotton day dress (this is all cut out and ready to be assembled)
- Modern dresses, pants, and skirts
Despite this year’s challenges and sorrows, I still have so many things to be grateful for. The lower number of events has allowed me to spend a lot more time trying to be active in modern ways, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. While not in historical clothes, the exercise is great and it’s quite neat to be able to watch the seasons change and see the beauty of the outdoors at all times of the year.
I hope that you are also able to find joy and express gratitude in your life.
The Quintessential Clothes Pen 
Sometimes it just feels good to have a slower year and you still accomplished some very nice projects!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Loved to see your “Year in Review” post appear. I thought maybe I had dropped off the list of people who get your posts. Sounds like life has gotten busier for you. But you still made beautiful things. I always enjoy your posts. I learn a lot from looking at all your construction details (great pictures and explanations). And you have raised my standards, for sure. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Helen! So glad you are still receiving and enjoying my blog posts. It’s wonderful to know that the construction details are appreciated and informative!
You’re right, life has become busier and so the blogging has become slower, but I’m still planning to keep it up!
Still impressive! Love coming here to see what you are doing!
Meanwhile I’m working but am having so much difficulty blogging about my history jaunts and sewing (posting photos) because of the downturn at my current blogging platform.
So I’m trying to set up a new website through WordPress at my own domain…which has enough of it’s own technological challenges.
I can’t wait to conquer and start sharing stories again!
(And if this links to any of my free WordPress practice blogs…those are just for practice. Not sure how this account of mine popped up this time! LOL
Laurie from Teacups in the Garden
Thank you, Laurie! I’m so glad you’re still checking in to see what I’m up to and staying connected in the comments.
Trying out/figuring out new technology is difficult! I hope that you are able to figure it out. I look forward to being able to share in your adventures when you do. 🙂
Dear Quinn,
How I enjoyed the projects that you made last year! Always looked forward to your posts about them.
Somehow had missed the two dresses for the museum. They are both lovely, and the 1840s one is exquisite. The trim colors and scale are spot on, and that’s no easy task when fringes these days are normally scaled for furniture.
Wishing you the best in all your endeavors this year, whether they be costume-related or otherwise!
Hugs,
Natalie
Thank you, Natalie! I’m so appreciative of your encouraging words!
It was a fun challenge to make the museum dresses. Easier, in some ways, such as the fact that the mannequins don’t need to have range of motion. 😉 But also tricky because the proportions of waist/bust/hip, for example, were not at all like real people (though I suppose they were closer to some of the extremes we find in extant garments, so that is interesting!). Finding those notions and trims for the 1840s dress took some serious searching! I appreciate your appreciation of them! 🙂
Thank you for the kind wishes for this year in all respects! I hope that your year is also successful and fulfilling!
I so enjoyed this year in review. I love the 1950s black wool 3/4 circle skirt and accompanying cranberry red raglan knit cardigan. Makes me almost want to try and make them for myself. The 1884 wool dress and 1885 black mantel and other accessories are just so impressive as well as lovely. the 1838 bodice is also impressive. The photos of all the historic dresses with evocative backgrounds are excellent. You should be very proud. Please keep sharing.
Thank you! It’s so neat to know that people are enjoying the blog and all of the details that go into each outfit or garment. It is fun and a good challenge to find suitable backgrounds for photos–thanks for appreciating them!
I loved reading your posts and seeing your creations, this past year, it’s hard to choose a favorite! I really look forward to what you create in 2022! Happy new year!!
Jennie from theuglydame.blogspot.com
Thank you, Jennie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog!
I enjoy keeping up with your outfits and the changing seasons they reflect, too! Much belated happy new year to you!
Dear Quinn, I love the 1950s black wool 3/4 circle skirt and accompanying cranberry red raglan knit cardigan. you still accomplished some very nice projects!
Thank you!