Happy New Year creative needleworkers!

I'm so excited writing my very first needlework post in the year 2024, I knew it had to be the needlework community, the place I feel more like home, writing about my struggles and success also having readers that can relate with my heart feelings in written form, thank you so much guys, you all have been an amazing part of my 2023, your words of encouragement, support and creative ideas that has inspired me at different moments, I say thank you, please permit me to tag some of you

Hive account@kesityu.fashion, your unique way of sharing about your needlework experiences, while traveling different part of the word, especially your captivating photography, wows me every time, I always wish to be a good writer and photographer like you, you inspire me a lot, and how you amazingly upcycle an outfit into an entirely different form, I rememberer the flowery leggings you upcycled into a beautiful crop top, you opened my eyes on how I can turn a boring dress into a more lively one instead of throwing them out, do you know I also turned one of my legging into a top lol, it's funny my younger sister took it straight away, if only she knew who gave me that hack, thanks for making needleworkmonday lively on a monday.

Hive account@monica-ene when I read your post, I see a strong and determined woman even though I haven't met you physically, your passion for sewing and the zeal you put into every project are always inspiring to read, I've watched you grow from when you started this journey, and now, you don't just sew for yourself but became a hope to those around you perfecting your skill with each, how can I not write about your compassionate heart, the free sewing you did this holiday season alone is an applaudable act, I know how tiring it can get making different outfit for different people within a month, trust me, it's no easy task, and doing this for free, God bless you for all you do, and continue to strengthen you for more greatness.

2023 was an amazing year, not without its challenges though, I've cried, and been sad, even thought I won't make it to the next day at some point, but with that, I'm a happier person who has overcome depression during my trying moment, I look back at how the year started and the challenges I went through and overcome today, it wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have a listening ear or shoulder to cry on at that period, no wonder, this common saying that "a problem shared is a half solved".

Today, i'm celebrating a strong woman who stood by me during that period, an octogenarian, I call her grandma,even though we aren't blood related, but life has taught me that sometimes, one doesn't need to be bond by blood to be considered family, she saw through my fake smiles as if she could aee through me when I was in agony due to the challenge I was faced with then, I remember the day she called me to a corner and asked with concern if all was well with me because she could see the sadness in my eyes even with make up on, I broke through the barrier I had been holding up, bearing all the pain inside and let everything flow out in tears and words, she listened calmly, offering me her small piece of towel to clean my eyes, there was no judgement in her tone, instead, she adviced me and made me see the world from another angle, I can never forget her words that day "it could have been worst" she said, be grateful for where you are, and keep up hope, there is tomorrow to reach your goals, her words became a healing balm to my hurt heart, I felt liberated that day, she became my adopted grandma and till date, she is always there for me, with her never ending streams of knowledge and advise which I never resist to tap from any time I'm with her.

Since I have taken it upon myself to reach out to as many little girls and ladies to make them new dresses for the festive season, Grandma is also a part of my list, it's not her birthday yet, but still, she deserves every love and cares in the world, just like she reached out to me in my down moment, I've also witnessed her reaching out to others as well, and it makes me happy to meet someone like her. One thing I'm sure I wouldn't miss the last year no matter how busy I am, is making Grandma a new dress,

it's a free/bubu dress because grandma absolutely loves loose-fitting dresses, so I went to the market and found this beautiful African print, got inspired, and started making the dress. I wanted something that would be comfortable for her as an elderly woman, so my chosen style is a shift dress, here I cut out the fabric for both front and back,

It didn't take much time making the dress, as I didn't need to turn it with a lining, instead, I used a facing for the back and I also got a sequence fabric which I used in designing the neck area of the front dress and the hem of the sleeves

When I was done, Grandma was wowed, she thought she was done collecting her gifts for the year, but no, we just getting started, I hope and wish she continues to live a healthy and long life, and may her contribution to the life of everyone she has touched be a blessing to her and her generation.

Special thanks to Hive account@crosheille Hive account@kattycrochet Hive account@lauramica for founding and holding this community strong over the years, creating a platform for people like me to freely share our creative talent, get encouraged and also for your constant support, Thank you! Happy New Year to you all, let's make 2024 a greater year together.

_{All images used in this post are all mine.}