As 2017 begins, it is a great opportunity to reflect on 2016 and what we achieved during the year. We are so blessed to have so much support and friendship from our wonderful readers – thanks for inspiring us to keep creating and sharing our creative journey. We really appreciate the supportive community here, and on instagram and facebook.
2016 was a big year for us – full of achievements and challenges – but it has made us stronger and more resilient. The high point of the year was receiving a beautiful quilt that was made by some caring and beautiful ladies – it really lifted my spirits and made me feel incredibly loved. You can read more about this amazing gift here. My health took a bit of a battering during the year with a diagnosis of breast cancer which has impacted on my energy levels so I haven’t been quite as creative as I would have liked. Despite all that, we still managed to share more than 70 posts on our little corner of the internet, and reached a milestone of 10 million page views. I released my first book, A Spoonful of Sugar: Sew 20 Simple Projects to Sweeten Your Surroundings Zakka Style (available from Amazon, Book Depository and Dymocks).
We love sharing free tutorials and projects to inspire you to get creative. Here is a round-up of our top 10 sewing tutorials for 2016. Hope you find something here to inspire you! (Click on the link under each photo to be taken to the original post with all the project details). We hope to share many more projects with you in 2017!
Retro Drawstring Bags – are perfectly sized for holding small gifts; dried lavender; gift cards etc.
Patchwork Triangle Pouch – made using Jelly Zips from Lecien.
Crayon Box Baby Quilt – made using sweet Minny Muu fabric from Lecien.
Hexie Pincushion – made using Backyard Roses by Riley Blake.
During the year my sewing room got a make over. You can check it out here.
Pretty Liberty Drawstring Pouch – made from linen and Liberty fabric.
Patchwork Fabric Tray – perfectly sized for holding jewellery or small sewing supplies.
Lavender Sachets – featuring a crochet medallion.
Folded Hexagon Ornament – sweet little decorations for your Christmas tree or to attach to gifts.
Dress Form Gift Tags – perfect for a sewing friend.
Can you believe we are about to begin our 10th year of blogging? Check out our most popular sewing posts from 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
Over on Instagram we shared our #2016bestnine and #2016sewingbestnine These are the photos that got the most likes and comments during 2016. It is lovely to reflect on everything we have made during the year.
We are looking forward to another year sharing lots of sewing, craft and baking projects with you. Hope you and your families have a wonderful 2017 – filled with good health, happiness, and endless creativity.
Lisa & Sarah xx
So much creativity! I love pondering your photographs and imagining projects – thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Best wishes for a wonder-full new year!
Have been following you two talented ladies and just love all your creativity!!! Your photos are always so pretty and perfectly staged. And, the fact that you are so willing to share all your talent is such a treat. I always love seeing you in my inbox!!! Because I know I’m in for a “real treat”. Thank you both so very much for all you do and for adding a smile and sunshine to my days. ?
Wishing you both much happiness and good health in this new year. When we have our health, we have everything.
P.S. Your “new sewing room” is beautiful!!! Looks like one could eat off the floor….:) ?
Thanks so much Shoozie for your beautiful message. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and creative 2017.