The third new year has passed since I started this blog but this will be the first one I have documented here. I spent my early morning reading several such posts from some of my favourite bloggers and it got me reflecting on my year and my hopes and plans for the year ahead. The Little Tailoress has become a fairly subject specific blog (much more so than I ever intended) so it feels slightly unusual but very ‘right’ to be writing a more general and personal post, not that this isn’t going to include anything sewing related – you are about to be flooded with all the bits that never made it onto the blog in 2014.
As you loyal readers will undoubtedly have noticed over the past few years this space has been horribly neglected between posts and those of you who aren’t also following me on instagram and facebook only ever see a handful of what I actually sew. You also never see any of the other bits and pieces I wanted this blog to include; vintage inspiration, baking, books and beauty. And there is my new years resolution right there- I fully intend for this to change. Of course I don’t expect those of you who are here purely for the sewing to necessarily be interested in these different posts but there will also be more sewing and tutorials alongside them for you.
I always love the start of January, I really enjoy the reflection and planning it brings but this year it is a bit different for me. This is the first time for several years where I haven’t been dragging a black dog with me through the transition from one year to the next. 2014 has been a wonderful year for me in many ways, not least because it was the one where I was finally able to say I was no longer plagued by depression. The gradual lift of that nasty fog has enabled me to achieve more professionally and personally than I had for many years beforehand and makes me look forward hugely to 2015, confident in the hope that it will be a much better blogging year. This ailment is not something I have ever mentioned on the blog or that I care to talk about much in life generally because it is a dreary subject and a very misunderstood illness, also because I strive to be a positive and grateful person and don’t want to be defined by it by myself or others. It is responsible for my patchy blogging over the years, however, and so it feels correct to acknowledge it here.
So time for some pretty pictures! I’ve collaged my year as captured on instagram below including some sewing projects that escaped the blog and just some of my favourite bits of 2014.
Six sewing projects that I never quite blogged…oops! (from top left round to bottom left):
Two sweetheart neckline dresses using the pattern I drafted way back here that I am planning as releasing as part of my sewing pattern range this year.
A quilted makeup bag that I designed and made quite a number of over the year. Expect a tutorial for these in 2015
One of the two Colette Moneta dresses I made in 2014- a super pattern for knits
A 1950s inpired blouse made in beautiful Atelier Brunette cotton
A lomg awaited part of my wardrobe, an oyster pink silk slip.
A dress inspired by the Sew Over It Doris dress which the lovely Lisa was wearing at her summer party (such a lovely evening)
Above is a little range of baby products I designed and developed this year some of which will be part of my pattern label in 2015!
Some of the roses I grew, picked, sniffed and snapped in my tiny London garden in 2014 from top left round to bottom left: Super Fairy, Buttercup, Willam and Katherine with The Queen of Sweden, Handel, Macrantha , The Shepherdess with W&K again and Gentle Hermione.
Time spent with my little Gatsby.
Some highlights of 2014 (top left round to bottom left) A long weekend camping at Featherdown farms, liquid picnics on summer evenings, a trip to see the pioneer quilts at The American Museum in Bath, chocolate pie baking and eating, seeing my favourite songstress live, riding my bike.
I hope you enjoyed this little visual round up of my year. Do you have any resolutions yourself, sewing- related or otherwise?
Happy New Year and thanks for reading as always.
76 responses to “Reflections and a new chapter…”
Happy New Year Ami!
I’m looking forward to follow your adventures in 2015. Onwards and upwards!
Happy new year to you too! 🙂
Ooh, you are so talented – baking and horticultural success as well as sewing! I have LOVED your blog which I found this year – my success with bias binding is 100% down to you! Wishing you every happiness and continued good health in 2015 – I’m looking forward to following your further exploits x
Ah I am soo pleased to hear that about the binding Joanne! 🙂 Happy new year!
Lovely post Ami, it’s exciting going in to a new year isn’t it! Happy to have found your blog and love following your gorgeous pics on IG! Here’s to a fabulous year xx
Have loved following you on IG too Michelle 🙂 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and well done! I’m planning on finally getting my sewing machine out again after a rest of three years (apart from the odd bit of mending). The last thing I made was my daughter’s wedding dress and veil, after which I found I needed a sewing break, but didn’t plan for it to be so long! In the meantime I have managed quite a few knitting projects. First thing I’m making are some pj bottoms for my other daughter, just need to find some soft lightweight cotton or cotton mix fabric.
Looking forward to seeing what you get up to this year!
Wow, not surprised you needed a break after sewing a wedding dress tho, soooo many hours of work. PJ bottoms sound like a fabulous plan. Happy sewing 🙂
Looking forward to reading more of your blog in 2015. It’s helped inspire me to do more sewing (actually, I bought a new sewing machine this week!), and I love looking at the pictures you take too. Depression is a nightmare, and I’m so glad the fog has lifted for you – I hope that continues.
Thankyou so much Daisy, so happy to hear that you find my blog inspiring! Happy sewing on the shiny new machine 🙂
Those baby items are adorable! That little dress is making me a little upset that I’m having another boy this summer, but that little collared shirt is just precious as well!
Thanks Evie and congratulations on the baby 🙂
I love your blog and your creations, and had no idea you had been ill – how wonderful that you are able to celebrate the new year free from depression (as someone who has also suffered in the past, I really do know how wonderful it is to be able say that!). I can’t wait to hear about all of the exciting things that 2015 holds for you (sewing related or otherwise!!).
Thanks so much Susan, I am happy to hear that yours is in the past. Happy new year 🙂
Dragging around a black dog? Is that a phrase? It’s a new one on me!
The inability to blog sometimes happens to us all. Real life should always take priority over the Internet. Sure you’ll continue to post great things in 2015.
Ah yep although probably not a widely used one, Winston Churchill coined it. Happy new year 🙂
Thank you Ami for such a wonderful round-up and also for running this lovely blog. Thank you for also being so brave to share your illness with us, and I’m so glad to hear that you are better 🙂
I look forward to read all about your new creations in 2015 as well as the release of more patterns.
Thank you so much Alice, happy new year! 🙂
All the best for 2015. I’m looking forward to reading about more of your creative adventures!
Thank you Caroline! Happy 2015 to you 🙂
I love your blog. It’s helped inspire me to take up sewing and given me loads of ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing what else you make this year as well as the make up bag tutorial and more of your patterns x
Ah thank you Emily! I’m looking forward to doing the makeup bag tutorial- they are great fun to make and use! 🙂
What a delicious year you have had! Am eagerly awaiting to see your pattern collection grow – your style is devine!
Ah thank you so much Rachel 🙂 Happy sewing in 2015!
Ami, you have a wonderful blog and I always look forward to your posts no matter how sporadic. Best wishes for 2015 and I can’t wait to buy and make all the patterns you plan to release! Xxx
Aw thank you so much Kate! Happy new year 🙂
I have to say I found your little blog a month or so ago and I love it! I love the way you view the world and sewing and the way you share it. It’s like a little peek into a lovely pretty world full of sewing (my dream). Love your pretty projects and excited for more ahead in 2015. Glad you are feeling better and look forward to your posts!
Ah thank you soo much Emily, i am so pleased you like my blog 🙂 Happy new year!
While you are considering directions for expansion of your blog, maybe the occasional post about the state of the garden? Because when are roses ever not a good thing to talk about?
Very good idea Tina, roses are always a good thing to talk about and sniff! 🙂
I’m happy to hear you’re feeling on track for 2015. I’ve enjoyed keeping up with you on instagram and can’t wait to see what new patterns you have in store for us!
Here’s to a happy and healthy new year 🙂
You too Rochelle, i love instagram 🙂
Happy New year!
Just want to drop by and say hello all the way from sunny singapore. I really like your style and so i’ll be looking forward to reading more on your blog 🙂
Ah thank you so much Adeline 🙂
Thank you for a lovely post. Actually, I don’t mind intermittent blog posts – I find I get a little irritated with daily ones. I think it is fine to vary what you post about too – anybody who isn’t interested in baking (mad fools!) or books or beauty can just skip that post and wait for your next one. Your style of writing is always pleasant and the content interesting to read so just write about what interests you after all, it’s your blog.
Best wishes for your continued good health and for your new pattern ventures in 2015.
Thank you so much, don’t fear- the chance of me ever getting organised enough to post daily is non existent, hehe. Happy sewing in 2015 🙂
I love your blog…it’s one of the reasons I took up sewing last year…and this is such a humble, honest and inspiring post! It’s amazing to see people who live with depression being so valiant and achieving so much. Reminds me of my kick-ass mother who was fierce in the face of her depression. My NY resolution is to stop buying new patterns before I’ve sewn the ones I’ve got but I’m so excited about the tee you’ve released I can tell I’m going to have to amend my resolution to ‘no new patterns after this one!!’ Love the lace shoulder version you made. And those children’s clothes are so adorable I’ll probably make an exception for those too…for my daughter’s sake obviously. That doesn’t count as breaking the resolution, does it? So looking forward to following your posts this year. Happy NY.
Ah thank you so much Lisa. YepI’m pretty sure that when it’s sewing for others the patterns don’t count as shopping, hehe 😉 I am so happy you enjoy my blog, happy NY to you too
So glad you are beating “things that get in the way”. You inspire me to continue sewing and to continue improving the finishing of my garments – I am getting there! I adore your little friend Gatsby. I have a miniature schnauzer “Beany” who is a delight. Your roses are in superb condition. What a talented lady you are.
Aw thank you so much from me and Gatsby, love the name Beany! Happy sewing in 2015 🙂
What an inspiring post, thank you for sharing. Reading your posts has encouraged me with my own sewing and I am always impressed by how positive and humble you come across. I am greatly looking forward to continuing to follow your posts this year. Here’s to 2015 and good luck with your exciting new pattern label!
Thankyou Chloe and happy 2015! 🙂
Hats off to you for sharing inspiration and such personal information. Depression is an ugly illness, but you have triumphed. All one needs to do is look at all the beautiful things you have made/grown to see that you are healthy and happy. Keep up the fantastic work in 2015! 🙂
Ah thank you JoJo! Happy new year 🙂
It sounds like it’s been a really momentous year for you; thank you for giving us a glimpse into it 🙂 I’ll be following the progress of your new label with great interest (and may I vote for the adorable baby shirt and dress to be the inclusions therein??). You really are an enormously talented and inspiring woman! Praying that 2015 is a year of real fulfillment for you, both professionally and personally, with nothing of the past getting in the way or hindering that success. 🙂
Thank you so much Danielle. I’m so pleased to hear you like the baby bits as they are some of the patterns I am most keen to release 🙂 Happy New Year
Happy New Year Ami!
I’m a massive fan of your work and blog and never really thought too much about your sporadic posting because whenever you do post I’m always blown away by the beautiful things you have been making!
Well done for mentioning the depression, and I’m so happy to hear that you are through the mist. My mother suffered from depression on and off for quite a few years, but I think she is finally through it and it is so wonderful to see her always so happy – so I have a vague idea of how great it must be for you!
I’m really looking forward to what you have planned for 2015, especially in your pattern line. I am expecting my first child in June this year and LOVE your little shirt and dress, so I imagine I will be purchasing one or the other as soon as they are released (depending on sex of baby!)!
Congratulations, how lovely! Sewing baby clothes is so much fun as they are just so darn cute and teeny. Thank you so much for your comment and happy new year 🙂
I’m so glad you had such a happy and healthy 2014, and I wish you all the best in 2015! Your baby items are so very cute- they look so sweet they’re almost edible!
I think Gatsby for one would most definitely give it a try! hehe. Thanks so much and happy new year.
i appreciate your blog so much. The patterns are fresh and fun, and your video tutorials are so well done. I’ve had the same black dog walking with me for years, but your blog is always a welcomed lift away from his clutches. Have a blessed, productive new year!
I am so delighted that you enjoy my blog Kathlene. Thank you so much and best wishes for health and happiness in the year ahead 🙂
Hi, I always really enjoy your blog. Your sewing patterns are inspirational and always look great. Keep up the good work and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015.
Thank you Jackie and happy new year 🙂
Lovely post thank you for sharing it , look forward to your tutorials and posts xxx
Thank you Wendy, happy new year 🙂
Hi Ami – I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your blog in 2014. I too get a visit every now and then from the black dog, and admire your honesty. I am so pleased for you that you are putting it firmly in its place. I am looking forward to more of your blogs post in 2015, and buying a pattern or two
Hi Wendy, thank you so much for your comment. I am sorry to read that you also suffer and wish you all the very best for 2015.
I can’t wait to see what 2015 holds for you. I find I always stick to posting just sewing projects even though I do a lot more hobbies too. This year I’m thinking I need to share a few other things too. Mix it up a bit and keep things interesting!
Look forward to reading your posts in 2015 Kat, sewing and otherwise 🙂
Thank you for this post Ami – sewing and baking have helped to stop me being paralysed by my ‘black dog’ for a number of years. Depression is the most awful condition and it’s so hard to talk about – well done on combating it. I wish you every success for 2015 and I truly look forward to your new patterns and more inspiring blog posts. Happy New Year.
Yes both are wonderful distractions aren’t they, Marian Keyes cookbook Saved by Cake is a good testament to that and full of fantastic recipes too:) Wishing you all the very best in 2015 and i’m so happy to read that you enjoy my blog. Thank you
I’d not heard of that book and it looks great, thanks for the tip – already ordered! And I do enjoy your blog so much Ami – a calm place of loveliness in this crazy world.
Thanks Ami for your inspirational blog and the beautiful pictures and designs. Good Luck and Good Health for 2015 and a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Jean and a happy new year to you too 🙂
I have always admired your talent and style, but even more so now, Ami, after reading this lovely post. May 2015 give you many, many happy and productive days!
Thank you so much Karen and Happy New Year to you 🙂
I enjoyed this roundup and am looking forward to reading your blog and pattern releases in 2015! Happy New Year!
I’m glad, thank you Sarah 🙂
Thank you Ami for your honesty and sharing. I also get visits from the black dog. For now it’s much mitigated by medication and effort to keep it at bay. I love your style and have enjoyed seeing all your beautiful work. You serve as an inspiration for me in more ways than one but especially in the fit, pattern drafting and finishing of your garments. I look forward to seeing all you do in the new year and best wishes for continued good health.
Mel
Ah thank you so much Mel. I am sorry to read that you are a fellow sufferer, thank goodness for medication. Best wishes for 2015 🙂
Happy (emphasis on the happy)new year to you Ami. I am impressed by your rose growing. You are probably more attentive to yours than I am to mine. They end up covered in green fly and black spot as I dont have time to maintain them. Never mind, they still add colour to the garden. I too went to the American Museum in the summer. I have been inspired to make a family quilt with each member of my family contributing a piece, then i will sew it all together. Did you get to see the Kaffe Fassett aswell?
That’s such a lovely idea! I loved that museum so much, it was like walking into one of the Little house books! We didn’t get there til the afternoon and ran out of time so never saw Kaffe Fassett although did see some of his fabric in quilts in the atrium. Was it good?
Hi!
I want to tell you that I find on your blog some of the prettiest and most beautifully sewn projects I have ever seen. I too suffer from depression and panic attacks and i know exactly how hopeless it can seem at times, but I am glad you are feeling better and I hope to be soon also. I look forward to seeing “The Little Tailoress” appear in my emails, always a joy to look at! Thank you
Ami, Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for the blog and all the inspiration. I love reading about all your ideas and sewing projects. A break from blogging when you need it is ok so remember to be kind to yourself. I finished the “1st skirt since 1982” bye the way and since then I’ve made a wacky pair of pyjama bottoms, some curtains and I’m currently on with 2 quilts and about to start my first winter skirt which should be finished by the summer! I hope 2015 is all you want it to be and if you have a rubbish day just remember that there are thousands of us out there who are grateful for what you do. I won’t tell you about all my knitting and crocheting projects that would take too long. TTNF Tracy x
Hi Ami, many thanks for your blog which I have been following over the last six months or so. I am sorry to hear you have suffered from depression. I imagine it is an illness that makes you feel very lonely at times. You blog has never conveyed that loneliness but always comes across as very postive and uplifting. Please keep it going, I so appreciate it, as clearly many others do. All the best for 2015, Chris