It's been a while, but it's time for a new beginning. I've done a few things already this year that I hadn't done for a while or had never done and I hope to continue doing.
First, I sewed a few articles of clothing. I had tried this a few times in the past with mixed results. I kept seeing things in stores that I thought (hearing my mom's voice in my head) "I could make that myself!" So I picked out a few easy patterns and got some inexpensive fabric at Joann's to try it out. 
I ended up making a blouse and a sundress. The blouse turned out well although next time I would make some slight alterations like using a lighter weight fabric and making the back ties longer. The sundress turned out really well, but looks a bit like a muu muu. I couldn't resist the pattern since it has pockets - I can't resist a dress with pockets! I'll probably wear it lots during the summer - AT HOME!
The second thing I hadn't done in a while was start an exercise regiment! I joined a "biggest loser"-type contest at work and I've had to get down to business in the last week or so. I've been doing alright so far, but boy is it hard to get into a new routine when your routine for a LONG time has 
been eating whatever you want and doing a lot of sitting around.
been eating whatever you want and doing a lot of sitting around.The third thing is going snowshoeing! I've never done that before and this weekend dh and I decided to try something new. We had about 6 inches or so of snow this past week and the temperatures were above freezing this weekend, so it was perfect weather for it. We got some snow shoes and took them out for a spin near the Skokie Lagoons. We had fun and got a great workout.
I'm looking forward to a great year full of more new and exciting things!
I've partnered with a gal in Australia and we will be swapping every few months or so, so keep your eyes peeled for some wonky sewing! Here's some examples of previous free-piecing I have done...
