Whew! 2018 was a roller coaster ride. Looking back at pictures is always such a good reminder for me. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you can accomplish over a year’s time.

On the personal side, I’ve continued in my yoga practice and started back in the pool once a week. I’ve realized how important it is to have regular workout routine. My girls participated in lots of soccer, volleyball , and school activities and we went on a fun family kayak trip to northern Wisconsin during the summer. I should note that my daughters have both gotten in to knitting. A yarn shop (Yarn Cakes) opened in our downtown area and they’ve been having a great time knitting and being with their friends.

In trying to continue some momentum from what felt like a very busy year in 2017, 2018 was packed with taking on a new challenge. My husband and I worked on renovating an old building in our downtown area for use as my studio space. This was the largest and most involved projects I’ve ever committed to. I’m hoping to do a post soon to catch you up on all the happenings. But for now I’ll just let you know that we’re finished (mostly, still a few little things left) and I’ve been working in the space since November.

On the business side of things I released a couple of new patterns, the Fika Tote and the Making Backpack. My fabric collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Forage, made its debut in May at the Spring Quilt Market. It was truly a great experience and a lot of work! As part of the fabric collection launch, I also shared my free Forage Bag pattern! And I also contributed to Making Magazine’s No. 5 and 6 issues (Making Backpack and Making Bag). The Making Bag will be released as a PDF in my shop on March 15th. Fun stuff!

My goal is to continue to provide a reliable source where you can find components and supplies that work with my patterns. I’m also hoping to add some new leather selections and options. It’s still very much my goal to grow the supply part of my business. I will need to take some larger leaps including hiring some help and possibly taking some sourcing trips.

I’m also very excited to re-energize and refresh myself for the coming year! After last year with most of my focus on my studio space, I’m taking it slow and realizing that it’ll take some time to re-focus. I’ll be the first to say that I learn new things all the time and the business aspect of  this journey is something that I am constantly trying to improve upon. I’m also trying to take some deep breaths and focus on what’s best for me and my family.

I’m continually grateful for my friends and support from this amazing sewing (and knitting!) community. I never could have imagined how my life would be when I started in this space back in 2009 and am so thankful for all of you. Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement. I’m looking forward to see what awesome inspiration 2019 brings and excited to share more about what is to come!

If you’re new here, take a trip down memory lane and check out my previous year-end posts from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Wow, that’s a lot of years!