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As our Season of Growth Sew Along comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what this time meant to me and the projects that came out of it.
Sewing has always been more than just making clothes. It’s a place where we practice patience, problem solving, creativity, and sometimes even a little self trust. This sew along was meant to celebrate that idea.
For me, that growth showed up in three different ways.
Revisiting and Refining
The first project I tackled was the Rose Raglan from Paradise Patterns. I had sewn this once before during a particularly busy season of life and rushed my way through it. I was attempting new techniques like flat felled seams and, if I’m being honest, made more than a few mistakes along the way.
Revisiting this pattern felt like a small act of redemption.
This time I slowed down and made a couple thoughtful adjustments, adding length to both the body and sleeves to better suit my proportions. I chose our Parkville Linen Cotton, and I’ll admit I worried at first that it might feel a bit too structured or heavy for my personal preferences.
But the finished shirt surprised me. The fabric gives the garment just enough body while still feeling easy to wear, and I’m so glad I trusted the process.
Sometimes growth looks like revisiting something we’ve done before and doing it better.
Tackling Something That Felt Intimidating
My second project was the Protea Pants, another Paradise Patterns design that had been sitting on my sewing wish list since 2023.
For whatever reason, I had built this pattern up in my mind as something that might be out of reach for me. Too complicated. Too advanced.
But this sew along reminded me of something I think we all forget sometimes. Every garment comes together the same way.
One seam at a time.
Reframing it that way made the whole project feel manageable. These pants also included only my second zipper fly and my first truly successful blind hem, which felt like a small personal victory.
I used a beautiful Italian linen blend glen plaid, and the finished pants feel exactly like the piece I had imagined all along.
Sometimes growth looks like realizing we were capable all along.
Following Through
My final project wasn’t really about learning a new sewing skill.
It was about keeping a promise to myself.
For months I had been dreaming of making the Evelyn Skirt from Chalk and Notch using a wool coating. I could picture it clearly in my mind, but like so many personal projects, it kept getting pushed aside by the busyness of everyday life.
During this sew along I finally decided it was time.
And I made it.
The skirt turned out exactly as I had envisioned. But more than that, finishing it felt like a reminder that I am someone who follows through on the things that matter to me. In some ways it even felt like healing a small childhood scar, proving to myself that the ideas and dreams I carry are worth making space for.
Now I have a beautiful skirt to wear and enjoy, and every time I put it on I’ll be reminded of that.
Sometimes growth looks like keeping promises to ourselves.
Season of Growth Sew-A-Long Winners
I can't tell you how rewarding it was to see all of the projects shared during this SAL and to see the growth each of you made during this time too!
Congratulations to the following makers!
1st place: Melissa L, @madebymelissasue
2nd place: Sue P
3rd place: Nikki M, @material_girl_sews
Thank you for sharing, for challenging yourself, and growing right along with me!
Xx, Kayla
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