This year has been one hell of a wild ride. The Sappy StuffJanuary, February and March were among the most challenging months of my life. They were steeped in a depression I never knew could live inside me and one that I've carried with me like a pesky companion through the reminder of the year. While it's hard to reminisce positively about these months, Kevin and I did spend a lot of time ice fishing and fly fishing and took several hiking trips down in Southern Utah. April was filled with the trials and triumphs of first-time home ownership. My dad came out and generously spent two weeks helping us renovate, but we also had some down time and I taught him how to fly fish. We also went down to Southern Utah again for a great weekend trip. In May I started my EdD while also wrapping up a chaotic school year balancing simultaneous in-person and online teaching. In June, July and August I finally started to come out of my depression. Kevin and I went on a New England road trip, visited family in San Diego, Seattle and LA, and I spent a week in the Channel Islands. I started playing soccer again, and also got in a sewing groove, starting exploring my style more seriously, and made my freaking pack! I went back to teaching and grad-schooling full time in August. With covid cases down in September, October and November, Kevin and I took multiple weekend trips out to see family and friends, which really helped me stay positive about this mask-less school year. We also had friends and family stay with us at our new house this year, which has filled my heart and soul so much. I taught my brother and two of my best friends how to sew. Plus we added chickens to the family! I made tons of garments as gifts (and then quickly realized I hate sewing for other people). And within the last few weeks Kevin and I took up cross country skiing! Throughout all the ups and downs, I've established some consistent routines that have pretty successfully kept my depression and anxiety at bay, my ADHD managed, and my hobbies flourishing. I've aced all of my grad school classes, continued to excel at teaching, while also starting to open doors for future career possibilities. I'm ending the year feeling really fulfilled and excited for what 2022 has in store. I'm incredibly grateful for the friendships that have helped sustain me and my hobbies which have allowed me to establish an identity outside of my career and relationships. A Year of Me-Mades!This is the year I discovered indie pattern designers, started really engaging with the amazing community of makers online and in SLC, committed to sourcing more sustainable fabrics from small businesses, and really started to understand my personal style and how I want clothes to fit on my body and represent me. I tackled bras, undies, swimsuits, fitted pants, jeans, fitted shirts, knit shirts, technical gear (sun hoodies, fleeces, base layers), my backpacking pack, fishing fanny pack, work bag and more! It has been so exciting to wear me-mades every day and know that even if I'm not dressed in handmade clothes, I've got my handmade work bag, purse or coat on! Some of my clothes ended up donated or gifted. I learned a lot about fitting this year and had some hard misses. Below I've pulled out some of my most worn clothes! Pants: Two pairs of Dawn Jeans, a pair of Persephone Pants, the Sara Pleated Pants, and three pairs of Free Range Slacks A bunch of miscellaneous makes from the year! More info on everything is on my IG grid.
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About FrancescaI got my first sewing machine middle school, circa 2005 (although I don't remember learning much in the way of sewing). After a long hiatus, I was reunited with my machine in 2019. I re-entered the hobby through gear-making, and have been crafting a handmade wardrobe since late 2020. I have a real affinity for comfy clothes (secret pajamas) and all the colors! Archives
August 2023
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