Summing Up 2017 & Goals for 2018

I suspect, like most of you, that the past year has been a busy one, full of a mixture of triumphs, frustrations, sorrows and joys. For myself, I can say that 2017 has been one of my best years, at least when I look back on it from December’s perspective. 

In terms of accomplishment, I completed seven sewing projects, which makes me feel pretty good, especially considering the fact that I made a dress that failed completely (that’s not one of the seven), and I still have three unfinished projects waiting to be taken up again. 

The seven items I completed this year: 1. A 1910s skirt, 2. A 1930s dress, 3. A 1910s skirt, 4. A 1910s corset, 5. & 6. Ronja and Mattis costumes and 7. A kilt commissioned by a friend. 

In terms of writing, I have done quite a bit, most importantly, finishing a novel that I’ve been working on for several years (!), and which I’ve been sending out to literary agents since February. I’ve also nearly completed a first draft of a new novel. 

Many things have happened this year which have challenged me in new ways. I realise that’s a very vague statement. Most of those things are very private, and some I am waiting to write about in my blog at a future date. 

I was also able to go back to England and Scotland — my first time after having graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2014, and that was not only a blessing, but a thought-provoking and
 spiritual journey which I am still processing. 



For the coming year, I am hoping to accomplish just as much, if not more, including some of the following:

1. Sew a second kilt. 
2. Finish the three unfinished projects I began this year. 
3. Attempt a 1930s suit jacket. 
4. Sew 3 or 4 blouses. 
5. Finish my First Draft of my new novel. 
6. Read at least as many books as I did this year (25 so far). 

I think that’s a pretty good list to start off with! I hope you all will have many things to look forward to in the year ahead!