Hello, my crafty friends!!!
Looking back to the year that passed, it’s hard to believe how much has happened in such a short time. From the highs to the lows, it’s been a year of learning, growth, and change for all of us.
One thing that has been constant throughout the year is the unpredictability of the world around us. From the ongoing pandemic to the social and political unrest, it feels like we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. But through it all, we’ve persevered and come out stronger on the other side 💕
Reflecting on the past year can be a helpful exercise in setting goals and planning for the future. It’s a chance to take stock of what we’ve accomplished and identify areas where we may want to make changes or improvements.
It can also be an excellent opportunity to celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes. Looking back at the challenges we faced and how we overcame them, we can gain valuable insights that will help us navigate future obstacles.
So as you reflect on the past year, try to be honest about what worked and didn’t. Don’t be too hard on yourself for setbacks or mistakes; use them as opportunities to grow and learn. And most importantly, remember to celebrate your accomplishments! 🎉
2022 Summary
It can be both exciting and intimidating to not have a plan and go with the flow. While it can be fun to let the year unfold and see where it takes you, having some sense of direction and purpose is also essential. With a plan, it can be easy to maintain focus, take advantage of opportunities, and let crucial tasks fall by the wayside.
That said, I didn’t make specific goals last year because I wanted to see where the year would take me….and boy, was I right! This year was full of surprises and sudden shifts that I would have never predicted!
So what have I been up to in 2022?….
Allsewpetite patterns
The past 12 months have been a rollercoaster ride for me. It’s hard to believe that I’ve only released 3 new sewing patterns in that time.
The first pattern of 2022 was the Alice bucket bag & backpack. This pattern was named after my dear friend Alice, so it holds an exceptional place in my heart.
Alice bucket bag & backpack features a 3D zipper pocket with built-in card slot pockets, drawstring closure and shoulder straps. The main compartment is lined with slip pockets and a connector with a swivel hook for your keys.
The backpack also includes a flap with a magnetic snap closure and a handle on the back.
The remaining two patterns were created in collaboration with modes4U.com for Mother’s day.
You can read the whole story on their blog (CLICK HERE) 😄
They sent me three unique Japanese floral fabrics, and we thought a multi-compartment pouch would be a fantastic gift idea. We figured our mums would place it in their handbags or a dressing table, so I created the Winnie utility pouch.
Fitted with many pockets, Winnie is a perfect pouch to neatly store and organise your favourite craft supplies, tools, stationery, cosmetics and more. I call her “the ultimate pouch” and “the perfect sewing companion” because she is large, mighty and can hold everything but the sewing machine 😉
I had quite a lot of fabric scraps, so I made a small needle book and incorporated the main features of the pouch. Winnie needle book is perfect for storing all sewing essentials handy in one place. It fits nicely in a handbag, so it is ideal for crafting on the go or as an emergency mending kit!
It’s a significant decrease from the year before when I released 6 patterns, but to be honest, I’m not surprised by it.
When I think back on the past year, it’s no wonder that my sewing pattern releases slowed down. It was a year full of unexpected twists and turns, and I constantly adapted and shifted my focus.
At the beginning of the year, I was on track to release a new pattern every other month, just like I had in the past. But in May, I signed up for a course, and my usual workflow was disrupted, so I stopped working on my patterns and focused on an entirely new project! More on this later 😉
So while it may seem disappointing to only release 3 new patterns, I’m proud of myself!
Free sewing patterns & tutorials
You will be happy to hear I also created 9 FREE patterns, some with written sewing instructions and others with a video tutorial.
These patterns are easy to follow and result in fun and functional projects.
Some patterns can be made with materials like vinyl, cork, and faux leather and are perfect for using up fabric scraps. They include a Rudolf key chain, Christmas ornaments, and a Bookmark pen holder.
Other patterns were designed with a specific purpose or simply for fun: Mini snap coin pouch, Spectacles pouch, Oven gloves, Apple potholders and Eye mask, Be my Valentine pouch, Easter egg pouch, Molly zipper pouch, Reindeer pouch and Snowflake applique pouch.
These patterns are great for those who are just starting to learn how to sew and want to create something useful and meaningful.
Between work, family, and other commitments, I found that I didn’t have as much time to write as I would have liked to, but if you are looking for a tutorial on:
- how to make quilted round coasters
- how to install purse feet to your handmade bag
- how to sew a scrunchie with a hidden zipper pocket
- how to add a zipper closure to a drawstring backpack
I got you covered 😉
Fun stats
I grew my Facebook group by 1739 members in 2022. This has been a massive achievement for me, as it has allowed me to connect with more like-minded individuals and share our ideas and experiences.
Allsewpetite – makers group currently stands at 2557 members, which is mindblowing!
I am proud to say that I was able to triple my YouTube subscriber count from 1000 to 3030 in just one year. This was a significant accomplishment for me, requiring a lot of hard work and dedication. I focused on creating high-quality content that resonated with my audience. I was consistently active on the platform, regularly uploading new videos and engaging with my viewers.
Not only have I gained more subscribers, but I have also been able to monetize my channel. I am grateful for the support of my viewers and look forward to continuing to grow and improve my channel in the future.
I paid little attention to social media in the past, but this changed dramatically last year.
I started to post more regularly, and I have made an effort to go on stories more often and interact with my audience more personally. By responding to comments and DM’s and posting behind-the-scenes content on my stories, I have built a stronger connection with my followers and made a few friends along the way.
Going LIVE was one of my goals in 2022, and I am super excited to say I went live TWICE!!!
My current follower count on Instagram is 1811.
I started TikTok in May and have enjoyed the platform since. I have been able to connect with a lot of other users through the app and have gained a following of 1147 people. It has been enjoyable to share my content and see other people’s creations. I am constantly amazed by the creativity and talent that can be found on TikTok, and I am excited to continue using the app and growing my followers.
Pattern drafting course
Last year, I decided to expand my business beyond just designing sewing patterns. I have always been passionate about teaching others the skills I have learned over the years. I saw an opportunity to create an online course that would allow me to share my knowledge with a broader audience. So, I began creating my first online course: “Bag design: Fundamentals of pattern drafting.”
As someone self-taught in pattern drafting, I was determined to make this course as accessible and easy to follow as possible. I spent several months developing the course content and creating video lessons, PDF worksheets, and other materials for my students.
This 7-week course covers the fundamental principles of pattern drafting, including creating three-dimensional bags using two-dimensional shapes, adding seam allowance, creating design lines, manipulating the pattern, and adding pockets and closures.
The course ended up being a huge success, with students from all over the world signing up to learn the basics of pattern drafting. It was so fulfilling to see my students not only grasp the concepts but also put them into practice and create their own unique bags.
Overall, expanding my business to include online courses has been a fantastic decision, and I am excited to see where this new venture takes me in the future.
If you are interested in learning more about pattern drafting, I encourage you to check out my course and see how it can benefit you and your sewing projects.
Making my first quilt
Creating my first quilt in 2022 was a huge accomplishment for me. It had been a goal of mine for quite some time, and I was determined to see it through.
It all began 3 years ago when I bought a sewing pattern and some fabric. However, life always seems to get in the way, and it was in 2022 that I finally found the time and motivation to start the project.
There were so many things that I had to consider, including the size of the quilt, the design, and the fabric patterns. I also had to ensure I had all the necessary tools and equipment, including a sewing machine with a walking foot, curved safety pins and batting.
Cutting the fabric and sewing the quilt was a huge undertaking, and I quickly realized I had a lot to learn. I made mistakes, ripped out seams, and started over more times than I care to admit. But I persevered through all the setbacks and eventually finished the quilt.
Along the way, I learned so many lessons about patience, determination, and the value of hard work. I also discovered a love for quilting that I never knew I had. Now, whenever I see a quilt, I can’t help but think about the hours of work and love that went into creating it. And I am so grateful to have this skill and hobby that brings me so much joy.
2023 Plans
First and foremost, I plan to create more sewing patterns in 2023. I have always enjoyed designing and drafting patterns, and I want to share even more of my creations with the sewing community.
I started a few designs in 2022, so I plan to finish them in the year’s first quarter.
In addition to creating new patterns, I plan on launching a new pattern drafting course. I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with others interested in learning more about this fascinating subject.
I am also planning to go back to sewing garments for myself. This is something that I have neglected since starting my business in 2020.
I look forward to getting back into the swing of things and creating new pieces for my wardrobe.
I also want to grow my YouTube channel and connect more with my audience. My goal is to reach 5000 subscribers in 2023.
I enjoy creating videos about bag making and pattern drafting, and even the prospect of spending many hours editing the videos won’t stop me. I have so many ideas that I want to share with you!
One area I want to focus on this year is personal growth. Personal growth is an ongoing process, and I’m committed to making it a priority in the coming year. I want to continue learning and expanding my skillsets, whether that means taking online courses, reading books, or simply trying new things.
In addition to focusing on personal growth, I also want to work on my mindset and attitude. This means being more positive and proactive and letting go of negative thoughts and beliefs that hold me back. I know that this will be challenging. Still, it’s essential for achieving my goals and living a happier, more fulfilling life.
Finally, I want to continue to develop my skills and abilities in my career and other areas of my life. This may mean taking on new challenges, seeking new opportunities, or simply being more proactive in improving my efforts. No matter what form it takes, personal development will be crucial to my success in 2023.
Looking ahead to the future, it’s hard to say what the coming year will bring. But one thing is for sure: I am ready for it!!! I am excited to tackle new challenges and continue learning and growing.
As we set our sights on the future, it’s important to remember to be grateful for what we have and to support one another. We may not know what the future holds, but we can make the most of it with determination and a positive attitude.
We can achieve great things in 2023 and beyond with hard work and determination.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a fantastic year ahead!
Monika xxx
