DECEMBER 2023

2023 has been quite a year. When you are in the middle of it all, you just keep going, take one day at a time, and get everything done. As I finish up my work for the year, I stopped to take a look back. When you see the whole picture it's overwhelming.

Teaching was at the top of the list. I started off the year in January with a Zoom presentation for the Haute Couture Club of Chicago, and ended in November with one of six sewing camps. In between were: seven couture techniques classes for Palmer/Pletsch, Zoom presentations for the Alameda, CA and Seattle, WA American Sewing Guild (ASG) chapters, an in person ASG class for the Silverdale WA chapter, two couture camps for Palmer/Pletsch, a 2 day class at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), a knit workshop, a jacket workshop, a weekend retreat and a private workshop.

In between classes, I was at my sewing machine creating garments for clients. I did alterations on at least 50 garments and sewed 25 pairs of pants, 17 tops and blouses, 7 dresses, 4 jackets, 3 skirts, 2 coats and 1 swimsuit. And, somehow, I managed to make myself a few knit tops and 2 jackets.

Phew! No wonder I'm ready for a break!

My sincere thanks to every one of my clients and students. You let me continue to do what I love – sewing and sharing what I have learned over the past 45 years working in the sewing world.

And I'm not stopping yet! My workshops here in Lake Oswego are currently scheduled through June 2024 and on my website. Register soon! They are filling fast. The rest of the year will be up soon. Classes and workshops at the Palmer/Pletsch school can be found on their website.

I'm ready to schedule a Zoom presentation or an in-person class for your ASG chapter, or a private workshop for your group of 6-8 students. You can contact me at marla@marlakazell.com to discuss dates and topics.

Happy Holidays to everyone. May you find some peace and joy in this season.


And, as always,
Happy sewing!