Last year I wrote my New Years message from Chile where we were, like many people around the world, stuck in lockdown. This year I am fortunate enough to be able to write this from my home country of Panama, surrounded by my friends and family. I very much hope that you all were able to see your own family's after such a difficult couple of years. I know for many this time has been both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The little town that I grew up in is in the foothills of Volcán Barú, the largest volcano and highest peak in Panama. At this time of the year the weather is very pleasant, steady winds keep the town cool while the rains lessen, making it the perfect time for barbecues and get-togethers. This year we got to enjoyed dinner and some live music played by a few of my talented cousins with 18 members of my immediate family, their spouses, and their children.
Like many of you we are all hoping for a better 2022. On our end we'll be sure to remain busy, my children are both studying hard, and my husband and I are working on several projects. But above all I will continue to have this blog, and the goal of helping as many sewists as possible, be my focus.
It has been wonderful to see the progress of so many sewers, at every level, have made this year. If there has been any good from the recent crisis is that it has brought many people closer to what they truly care about and what they're really passionate about. I hope we can continue to help our readers with the many new and interesting projects, free patterns, and articles this year.,
I want to take a moment again to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you so much for all your support and helpful comments throughout the year. I'm really looking forward to bringing you new, fun, and exciting sewing projects in the year to come.
Best holiday wishes from Panama!
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This is a traditional dress from Panama. In my younger days, I used to perform this traditional dance too.
Lastly, I wanted to congratulate Linda W. from Dayton, TX, USA who recently won our Elna Elnita EC60 Sewing Machine Giveaway. Linda, we really hope you enjoy the new machine.
Stay tuned for future giveaways in 2022!
I have followed you for some years, and read your comments from various parts of the world and really enjoy your insights, information and pictures you post. Of course as one who is passionate about sewing, your ideas and patterns are always interesting to me. Have a great year.
Thank you for your support Hilary, stay in touch…
Happy New Year to you and your family. So happy you were able to all be together this year for the holidays!
Thank you Anne!
Happy New Year
Thank you for your generosity. I have enjoyed reading your blogs
Thank you Donna!
I love your blog and have learned some new tricks about sewing from you. Thank you and have a Happy and Healthy NewYear. From Tucson, AZ.
Thank you for shairng your family with us. Looking forward to exciting sewing adventures in the New Year.
What a surprise to get this lovely message to start 2022! I graduated from Balboa High School in 1972! Small world!
Each year, many of us get together in Florida to celebrate Panama and meet our classmates for reunions.
Happy New Year to you and your family! Looking forward to new adventures in sewing.
Hi Linda, what a great thing to celebrate. I do hope you can keep meeting every year. Stay in touch please!
I’ve followed you for several years and didn’t realize you are from Panama! I spent 3 years there while I was in the USAF at Howard. I absolutely loved my time there and still have a small fabric stash that I bought on Avenida Central!
wow! Avenida Central you are truly adventurous, I do agree there are some gems to find there.
This post really ‘hits home’ for me. My late husband and I traveled to Panama several years ago, applied for and received Resident Visas. Subsequently we bought property and built outside of Boquete. I still own the place but don’t think I will be able continue with the plan we dreamed together. I appreciate this design & will use it for some of my friends in Panama.
Hi Audrey, I have to say I am shocked by how expensive Panama has become. I think I tend to be more critical of my country but the quality of service and things have come down while the price gone up. I am sad to see change not for the best.
Happy New Year to you and your family!!! Welcome home and thank you for the gorgeous photos!
My pleasure!
Happy NewYear, Mayra! Glad you were able to celebrate with h your family in Panama.
Best wishes for more success with your blog!
Hugs,
Bridgette
Thank you Bridgette, hope to see you again soon! All the best for you and your family in this new year!
Thank you for all that you do. I enjoy the blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from East Texas!
To you too Cindy! Love Texas!