In February…

But then February is a short month, so that’s got to count for something right?

I am currently surrounded by boxes that are nearly ready to take to the post office and ship out to you lovely customers, I know I say it every month but I am seriously loving the goodies that are filling the boxes, so pretty!

So, what happened in February according to Instagram?

After sending out the ‘Love Is Sweet’ boxes I got such an amazing response to them, they have definitely been the most popular yet which was just so amazing. I really do love getting feedback from my customers, it fills me with so much joy.

SewHayleyJane has been growing each month, I can’t even begin to tell you how exciting it is to start a business, to nurture it and to watch it grow. To know that the little idea you had all that time ago was obviously a good one and that people are totally on board with it is such a fantastic feeling. It’s been a year since I registered the business name and started planning and researching, I don’t think I ever would have believed that it would have grown as much as it already has in such a short space of time.

Talking of business things, this month saw my first trip to a trade show, CHSI Stitches in Birmingham. Whilst there I got to chat all things fabric and sewing, as well as bumping into a few well known faces in the sewing business community.

Sewing wise I came to the end of my 6 month sewing evening class. I used the gorgeous green Stella fabric that has been so popular to make a pleated skirt. I still need to hem it but I am so pleased with the way it’s turned out, especially because I managed to pattern match at the zip! I learnt a few new techniques for inserting waistbands and finishing hems. The tutor worked in industry so the techniques she taught were more professional than those I mostly use for home sewing.

I also took part in the Instagram #monetaparty which I loved! The Moneta dress by Colette patterns is my new favourite dress, and I have just purchased some fabric to make two more versions of the dress!

I’ve been loving seeing what my customers have been making using the contents of their boxes. So many different garments and ideas made using the same fabrics, that’s the beauty of sewing. It’s so personal.

I’ve been enjoying working on my vlog on YouTube. I’m feeling much more confident after two months at talking to the camera, the ‘conversation’ is flowing much easier. When I first started it took me about half an hour just to do the greeting! Below is the video I filmed to show off my Moneta dress.

Finally thanks to Valentines Day I now have a beautiful pair of Singer sewing machine book ends. The hubby knows me very well indeed!

During March I am joining in with the hashtag challenge #MIYMarch, a sewing community challenge that gives you a daily photo prompt such as “essentials” or “den”. It’s such a great way of getting to know more about fellow sewing enthusiasts and make new friends. I’ve already found a couple of ladies who live locally to me and am planning to meet up with them sometime soon.

How has February been for you? What sewing projects did you work on?