Reflections on 2025 & What’s Ahead for 2026

Happy New Year!

As we step into 2026, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the past year and all the ways it stretched, challenged, and excited me.

Last year marked a major milestone in my life: my retirement after serving 21 years and 21 days in the United States Air Force.

That chapter represents a profound professional accomplishment. Two decades of sustained service, adaptability, and commitment. Leadership changes, moves across the country and abroad, TDYs, deployments, and seasons of sacrifice layered one after another. I’m incredibly proud of that service and deeply grateful for what it shaped in me.

Closing that chapter created space to fully open another.

With that freedom, I’ve been able to pour more of myself into the work I truly love: sewing, bag making, and teaching others to do the same.

As I explored the job market after retirement, I made the intentional decision to shift my bag-making business. Not just as a bag maker, but as a sewing educator. Teaching has always lived close to my heart, and in 2025 I leaned into that curiosity. More accurately, I dipped my toe in the water to see if teaching was something I truly enjoyed and could envision long term.

What followed were some meaningful sewing milestones.

I first opened my home to a small group of students eager to learn. Interestingly, I never advertised. These opportunities found me naturally as I was building out my curriculum. When asked, I said yes.

I also hosted two Sip & Sew events, one here in Texas and one in Atlanta. Both reminded me how powerful it is to create alongside others. Sewing is enjoyable on its own, but it becomes something even richer when shared with friends. I love facilitating those moments where sewists connect, laugh, and learn together.

In November, another door opened when I was invited to offer bag-making classes at a local sewing shop. The shop is celebrating nearly ten years of teaching a wide range of skills, though with limited bag-making offerings. The timing felt aligned, and I’m excited to see where this teaching journey continues to grow.

So what’s in the mix for 2026?

Hosting more sewing events for sure! I'm thinking one a quarter. This pace feels intentional and sustainable as I continue teaching students and developing curriculum.

I’m also stepping into this year with a renewed approach to social media. I haven't prioritized it in the last few years, and that changes the this year. Using it as a tool, not just a gallery of finished bags. I created an Instagram channel where, once a month, I’ll make a beginner friendly bag pattern from start to finish, sharing the steps, materials that will also be paired with a more in-depth tutorial on YouTube. The goal is to share knowledge, process, and progress in a meaningful way. If you’re not already following me on those platforms, now is the perfect time to join.

This is the first of many newsletters to come. Stay tuned for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and continued guidance and encouragement for fellow sewists. I’m looking forward to the improvements, the trial and error, and everything in between.

This new chapter feels a bit like building an airplane while flying it. But honestly, that’s part of the joy. I’m already over the clouds thinking about the new passengers who will join along the way.

Thank you for being here.

Warmly,Schelli