As 2025 comes to an end, I wanted to take some time to reflect on my sewing journey over the past year. I thought it would be fun to turn this into an annual tradition, both to see how far I’ve come and to appreciate everything I’ve created along the way.
Since I only began sewing in 2024, I decided to combine 2024 and 2025 into one complete list of projects. This feels like a more accurate snapshot of my journey so far.
Sewing inspiration definitely ebbs and flows with the seasons. I find myself feeling more inspired during the fall and winter months, when I naturally spend more time at home. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to step away from certain hobbies and return to them later. Sewing is a skill I can always pick back up, and I appreciate that flexibility.
The beginning of my sewing journey:
I started sewing in January 2024 after seeing TikToks from Sydney Graham. Watching her create clothing from scratch sparked my interest in learning how to sew for myself. There’s something really special about making a garment by hand – choosing the fabric, adjusting the sizing, and ending up with something uniquely yours.
The first sewing machine I purchased (and still use today) is the Brother LX3817G Portable Full-Size Sewing Machine. I bought it from Walmart for around $80 while it was on sale. Honestly, it’s been a great beginner machine and does everything I need.
At the end of 2024, I also purchased the Brother 1034D Serger because I wanted my clothing pieces to look a bit more polished. While a serger definitely isn’t necessary for beginners, it’s something I’ve really appreciated having.
My project log to date:
For most of these projects (except one), I purchased the patterns online and printed them at home. I’ll be adding links to each pattern throughout this post.
Bestie Bag, January 2024
The first sewing project I ever tackled was honestly a little ambitious for a beginner. I started with the Bestie Bag by BF Patterns, which I found through Sydney Graham.
For the main fabric, I used dark olive wide wale corduroy, with Eddie Bauer black tough cotton twill for the lining, both purchased from Joann Fabric (RIP 🥲). Between the heavier fabrics and the zipper, this project was challenging. I especially struggled with the strap and keeping it secure with the strap slider.
That said, I was really proud of how this bag turned out as my first project. I’d love to remake it someday with different fabric to see how much my skills have improved.
Syd Tie Top, March 2024
Continuing the Sydney Graham theme, I purchased her Syd Tie Top/Dress pattern. For this version, I used Viscose Linen Noil in Sage from Blackbird Fabrics, which was a fabric Sydney herself recommended.
This project was my first real experience with binding (which I still find tricky). It also taught me the importance of ironing fabric and paying close attention to how everything lays before sewing.
Syd Tie Dress, July 2024
Using the same pattern, I made the dress version with Carefree Cotton Linen Twill in Black from Blackbird Fabrics. This project introduced me to gathering, and I quickly learned that using a longer stitch length makes the process much easier.
I loved the two-tiered look of the dress, but after wearing it for a while, I decided to detach the skirt and turn it into a standalone piece. Unfortunately, I made the waist too small and couldn’t get it on. My plan now is to reattach the skirt and wear it as a dress again.
While I regret altering it, I think it’s important to experiment. Sometimes things work out, and sometimes you backtrack, and that’s okay.
Bear – Simplicity Pattern, September 2024
I wanted to make a handmade gift for a friend’s baby shower, and after some searching, I landed on the Simplicity 8155 Stuffed Bear Pattern.
This pattern was printed on older-style tissue paper, which I found harder to work with than sturdier paper patterns. For the bear’s body, I used brown corduroy fabric gifted to me by a friend, along with a plastic eye kit from Amazon. The outfit was made from plaid flannel, also from the gifted fabric.
This project was very different from garment sewing, but incredibly rewarding.
Lane Pants – May 2025
The Lane Pants are the last Sydney Graham pattern I’ve completed so far. This is one of her most popular patterns due to its versatility and customization options.
I used Viscose Linen Noil in Espresso from Blackbird Fabrics. The steps were easy to follow, and this project gave me my first real opportunity to use my serger.
I chose to skip the drawstring and use elastic only for the waistband. My main takeaway after wearing them for a while is that this fabric wrinkles easily. I’d need to steam or iron them every time I wanted to wear them out.
Quilted Wall Hanging – September 2025
After returning from a national park trip, I felt inspired to create a quilted wall hanging to display my park pins. With zero quilting experience, I decided to just go for it without any patterns or guidance.
I used fabric scraps along with batting from Hobby Lobby. Without the proper tools, I struggled with both the quilting lines and the binding. Since then, I’ve invested in a walking foot with a guide bar, which has made a huge difference.
I also added fabric tabs at the top so I could hang the piece using a wooden dowel.
Duck Lovey – November 2025
I had the Duck Lovey pattern by LovinglyMadePL on Etsy saved for a long time before finally sewing it. When my cousin announced she was expecting, it felt like the perfect opportunity.
I used cotton crinkle muslin purchased from an Etsy shop called SpringDesignCrafts. Finding solid colors and a cute print online was harder than expected, but Etsy ended up being the best option for this type of fabric.
The pattern had limited instructions but wasn’t too difficult to complete. I also planned from the start to hand-embroider the baby’s name on the front. Originally, I was going to hand-embroider the eyes as well, but that was too difficult once it was assembled. Instead of deconstructing it, I opted to use the plastic eyes that I had previously purchased from Amazon.
This was my first attempt at hand embroidery, and while I scrapped my first try, I was really happy with the final result.
Various Boxy Toiletry Bags – November & December 2025
For Christmas, my sister and I decided to exchange gifts within certain categories, one being “something thrifted.” While thrifting, I found simple cotton placemats that were easy to deconstruct and perfect for fabric reuse.
The pattern I used for this project was Rosie Caldwell’s Quilted Boxy Toiletry Bags. I used the placemats for the outer fabric and lined the bags with white cotton from Hobby Lobby. My new guide bar made quilting much smoother during this process.
I also discovered Wawak for zippers and was impressed by their fast shipping and quality. After making one bag for my sister, I made two more as Christmas gifts, one using leftover muslin from the Duck Lovey project and another from a thrifted quilt.
Each bag turned out better than the last, and they were a big hit.
Millie Tote – December 2025
The final project of 2025 was the Millie Tote from LivaPatterns on Etsy. I used the remaining fabric from the thrifted quilt for the exterior and leftover green cotton from Blackbird Fabrics for the lining.
The project went smoothly overall, but I struggled with topstitching the binding. In hindsight, I should’ve chosen thread closer to the fabric color to better hide imperfections.
This tote ended up being much larger than expected – perfect for weekend trips rather than daily work use. I gave the tote and a matching toiletry bag to my mom, who now uses them for traveling.
Overall Thoughts & Lessons Learned
Looking back on my sewing journey, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that speed greatly affects the final result. Slowing down and paying attention to details makes a noticeable difference.
As I head into 2026, I’m feeling motivated to continue sewing and learning new techniques. At the end of the day, sewing is simply thread holding pieces of fabric together. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
While it’s not necessary to buy every sewing tool at the start, investing in the right tools over time and learning how to use them properly really pays off.
In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing my 2026 sewing projects and goals, as well as a breakdown of my most-used sewing supplies. Stay tuned for both.