I have to say my favorite part of my blogging life this year has been all the people I've connected with and the friendships I've made around the world. When I started my blog I had no idea what a wonderful and supportive online community there is in the crafty world - so to all of you who follow me and leave lovely comments, a huge thank you. You've made my year so much better in so many ways :o)
Highlights for me were participating in a few fabulous swaps (nothing better than receiving squishy packages of handmade goodness), having a couple of tutorials published in Fat Quarterly e-mag, and coming in second place in the Groove QAL. I didn't finish a huge number of big quilts, but I have learnt quite a few new techniques, and have a whole bunch of works in progress that I'd love to finish sometime in 2013. The plan is to join the FAL - being hosted by the uber talented Leanne of She Can Quilt. I'm hoping it will be the kick up the butt I need to get some of my long term WiPs finally done (retro flowers and my stained quilt in particular!)
At the end of last year I wrote a list of things I hoped to achieve in 2012, so I thought I'd review what I did and didn't accomplish.
Participate in some QALs - I've already signed up for two QALs, and will probably do more.
Yep, I did a lot more. I didn't actually get any finished except my Groove quilt (possibly my favorite finish of the year).
Not only that, but I ended up co-hosting a QAL with Jess (which is finishing up in a couple of weeks!). I had no idea what I was getting myself into - it was a LOT of work but I learnt a massive amount doing it. A huge, huge thanks to Jess for joining me in doing it - she did a lot of the designing work and I'm not sure it would have happened without her encouragement.
Participate in a bee
Heh, make that three bees, with another one starting in January!
Finish writing up some of my designs into tutorial/patterns to put on my blog (I have one nearly finished).
I ended up writing up a few tutorials for quilts in 2012 - and I got EQ7 for Christmas (the nagging totally paid off) so there will most likely be a few more in 2013!
Learn some more difficult techniques (paper piecing and needle-turn applique in particular)
I tackled paper piecing, curved piecing, and generally gained a lot more skills in complex piecing thanks to the QAL. I'm generally a way more confident and accurate quilter these days :o) I still haven't learnt applique, but that is on my list for 2013 - along with Sashiko (stay tuned on that one - there's a really cool blog hop I'm participating in coming up soon!).
There was also my 'dream' list:
And some things I'd like to do but don't expect will actually happen this year:
Get one of my designs in Moda Bakeshop
Still dreaming of this one ;o)
Get published somehow
Amazingly I did get a tutorial published in Fat Quarterly (still get excited that it happened, lol!)
So, onward and upward for 2013 - honestly I don't think it could top this year, but you never know!
xx Jess
21 comments:
A great year, so many lovely things, and I am very glad to have met you :-D
So great to have set some goals and achieved them!! Good on you!! They're similar to mine too - good luck to us :D
Looks like 2012 was both challenging and satisfying. You have made lots of lovely things. I has been nice exchanging comments with you throughout the year and I agree that the online community is a great one to belong to. Di x
I love all your makes and am so glad I found your blog. Have a great New year x
Yum - I see my favourite quilt there - I defintely need to make one!! WIshing you a very Happy New Year Jess :)
Your mosaic is full of beautiful makes - you've had a wonderful year. Here's to an equally fabulous 2013!
You had a pretty amazing year, and I think your mastering of FMQ was the best :o)
Looks like you have had a very productive year! I hope 2013 is even better!
Great year! You got a lot accomplished, but even better, it was fun. Glad I " met" you this year
What a productive year you had ! You made so so many lovely things (i LOVE your groove quilt too, the quilting is amazing on this one!)
Hopefully, 2013 will be even better !
Each of your projects is one of my favourites I think, I love what you make and especially how you quilt them. I am looking forward to watching what you make this coming year and am glad you will be part of the FAL too.
I really enjoy reading your blog :) congrats on all of your accomplishments this year!
Enjoyed getting to know you this year ; ) your mosaic is impressive!
brilliant work jess, really!
Its great to see what you achieved last year! And all such fabulous makes too
Isn't blogging great!. Wishing ou a great, and crafty, 2013
Looks like you had a great year! I don't remember seeing that Melody Miller/Chicopee bag - cute!
An amazing year for you - congrats on getting published, that's super exciting
Amazing work, all of it - and congrats on all that goal-accomplishment!
Fabulous projects, Jess! You are an inspiration!
I've loved getting to know you this past year! I am also hoping to tackle some more difficult techniques this year and to be a better finisher than starter. Happy New Year Jess!
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