February Musings: Sun, Work, and Dreams
It's the middle of February, as I write this, I'm sitting at a resort in Egypt—one of those classic ones with two pools and all-inclusive service. It's quiet here, very quiet, and I enjoy that. I don't like being surrounded by too many people while trying to relax. We have two days left, and I can feel how these past five days of sunshine have done me good—deep down, soulfully good. My energy and mood have had a much-needed boost.
That was, in fact, the whole point of this trip: to recharge and gather enough energy to get through the final dark weeks before the sun truly takes hold in little Denmark. The dark months are hard for me; they affect my mood, and as someone who has struggled with depression in the past, I always approach winter with a certain apprehension. That's why the promise of a sun-filled week amid all the darkness is worth the wait.
But this post isn't just about my mood. No, it's about dreams. Dreams of meaningful work. Dreams of beautifully sewn items (as they say in the influencer world). Dreams of everyday life and what I want it to bring. Even though I'm writing this while on holiday, it's the everyday life I love the most—and thankfully so, because that's what there's the most of.
Work and Passion
My work is a huge part of my life. I don't have a traditional 9-to-5 job—that's simply not an option when you're self-employed the way I am—but I love it. My work is intertwined with who I am, so much so that sometimes it's hard to separate the two. That's why my work must have meaning; it has to fulfil, nourish, and inspire me.
I've followed the current for many years—that's how I was raised. And even though my loved ones often say I carve my own path, it's not entirely true. I also try to fit in, satisfy the algorithm, and create what I think people want. But here's the problem: I don't thrive in that current. I wither. I lose my drive. My passion turns into an obligation. And the funny thing is - somehow when I try too hard, I don't reach as many as if I am true to myself.
Last year, I gave myself two years to figure out what I wanted with HTDF because I could feel that I could no longer continue as I had for the past four years. It's no secret that I've thought about shutting it all down more than once, that my motivation has, at times, been nonexistent, and that every time I've emerged from a mental downturn, my passion has been a little weaker than before.
It's also no secret that the process of writing a book changed me in many ways. It wasn't the book itself but the dynamics it created—both around me and within me—that pushed me over the edge and forced me to face myself in completelynew ways.
The two years I gave myself to figure out HTDF's future—and whether it should even be part of my life—aren't over yet. But within the first year, I've already found my passion, core role, and where to focus my energy. Finding your own energetic space within your work unlocks so much potential and surplus.
First and foremost, I am a communicator. That's where I find my energy! Whether it's through blog posts, teaching live courses, sharing on Instagram, hosting my podcast, or creating sewing patterns—it doesn't matter. What matters is that I reach people with my message. For me, homemade and well-fitted is the key to building a wardrobe that is both personal and truly fits you—that's my message, and I love sharing it with you!
A Year of Sewing with What I Have
And for those of you who are mostly here for the clothes—this was a bit of a long-winded reflection, but hang in there! Now, let's talk about wardrobes. Or rather, my wardrobe dreams. I don't know what yours are, but perhaps mine will inspire you.
As I mentioned in this YouTube video, 2025 will be a year when I sew with what I already have. No newly produced fabric will be added to my fabric stash this year! There are several reasons for this, but I won't go into detail here—you can hear more about them in the video.
I already have so many beautiful fabrics on my shelves, and I need to use them before I buy anything new. Honestly, I probably have more fabric than I can sew in a year. And I don't want to sew just for the sake of sewing—it needs to be meaningful, with careful attention to detail and finishing.
My Sewing Projects for 2025:
1. Outfit for a May Confirmation
I have a stunning piece of brown velvet with a metallic print, which I'll turn into a two-piece set—a skirt and a jacket. I'll use No. 16 Svillia for the skirt and No. 10 Stockholm as the base for a jacket/bolero.
2. An Interpretation of the Áo Dài
Lately, I've been fascinated by the Vietnamese áo dài—a traditional dress with a beautiful balance of formality and ease. It exists in so many stunning variations, and I want to create an interpretation that suits my body shape. I'll wear it over a pair of wide No. 7 Vanløse trousers—I think this could be the perfect spring and summer set.
3. An Apron Dress
I'm also drawn to the idea of an apron dress. Perhaps both the apron dress and the áo dài reflect my desire to create a layered look—something I find beautiful but struggle to integrate into my current wardrobe.
4. A Lounge Set
I actually lack stylish yet comfortable homewear. I always change clothes when I get home, but I don't like looking too "homey." So, having well-designed loungewear is high on my priority list for 2025.
5. A Tailored Suit
I have some truly beautiful fabrics that would be perfect for a suit. I haven't quite settled on the jacket style yet, so this will likely be an autumn project.
6. A Summer Dress with Crocheted Embellishments
A white dress made from a leftover piece of jersey combined with a white cotton poplin from my stash. I've crocheted lots of small appliqués—seahorses, shells, and starfish—which I'll sew onto the poplin. I think this could become a really charming summer dress!
For me, creating is a deep joy and something I must make time for in my everyday life—it gives me so much. Whether it's sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or something entirely different, it doesn't matter. It's about being a maker. I think that's one of the reasons I manage to stay relatively balanced despite my mind running at 1000 km per hour. Channeling all that energy into creation keeps me grounded.
Love Nanna