Happy New Year!

I’m back! And welcoming in a fresh new start for 2015!

As many of you may know, I had high hopes last year that I’d be opening my doors to new longarm customers this January, but then life threw our family an adorable curveball. Ever since our son's arrival this summer with surprisingly short notice, the day to day routine at our house has been turned upside down, and I barely managed to get back behind my sewing machine in time to finish Christmas gifts, let alone master my longarm. But I have no regrets – I’ve spent the past few months a little crazed (a lot crazed?!) learning to juggle three kids on three completely different schedules (it seems to be true what they say – three really tips the scales!) and stealing as many moments as possible to snuggle our new little joy before he grows up all too quickly. We’re not expecting to add any more to our brood, so I’m doting on the baby and trying to savor every last giggle, feeding and bath... and yes, even the diapers!

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In the past few weeks I did carve out time to read a handful of self-improvement books in the hopes of grabbing 2015 by the horns and deftly steering myself and my business to where I want us to be by this time next year. From sparking creativity to building my business to tidying and mindfulness, I’ve been filling up with ideas and tips to make every facet of life run more smoothly, and hopefully that will shine through in my blogging. I’m aiming for focus: to stay on top of my goals, to minimize mental and physical clutter, and to enjoy the here and now with my family and friends. If I seem to be getting off track, I welcome any and all helpful tugs on my sleeve to remind me where my focus should be.

This month I’ll start debuting some new recurring themes for my posts, so be on the lookout for fresh tutorials, happy mail giveaways, “on the frame” photos, glimpses of my attempt to teach the two budding sewists in my midst, and the (much requested!) return of my month long selfish sewing challenge!

I know some of you are really looking forward
to the chance to steal thirty minutes a day to
sew for yourself, so mark your calendar:
4x7 Sewing Challenge starts February 1st
(Formerly the 30/30 Sewing Challenge, but this winter
I’m running it the month earlier with two less days ;-)

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So thanks for sticking with me through the little hiatus here at BBD. Come back tomorrow when I’ll share a quick peek into my new “Free Sew Friday” creative time with my daughters. I’ve committed to setting aside a period each week to let them work alongside me in the studio – hopefully their creativity and my skills will be a great way to learn from each other! 

Happy New Year, everyone!

~ Sarah

P.S. Do you have any exciting new goals for the year ahead? If you’d love to share, leave a link in the comments so we can see what everyone’s up to for 2015!