Whew! 2021 was a year that seemed to fly by, but we made it! A look back through my camera roll and pictures always helps me to see what exactly happened, it’s getting to be a bit of a blur.
On the personal side of things, my family had a full year with sports being back in action. We’re heavy into soccer and so that makes Spring and Summer (add Fall as well!) plenty busy. I was so grateful to be able to watch them grow as humans and team mates. During most of the year my husband and I were whole-heartedly involved in building our new house. We moved in just before Thanksgiving and whew, what a wild ride. We’re all thankful to have wrapped up the majority of that project!
Business Stuff
If you know me, I love interior design. So of course I was deeply involved in the design aspect of the new house and I think that’s partly why I didn’t develop much for patterns during the latter half of the year. The other reason is that I just plainly didn’t have the inspiration or motivation to work on that type of work! I guess after 12 years, if there’s anything I’ve come to know is that I can’t force it. It does leave me feeling a bit disconnected, but I’m starting to feel the weight of anxiety lift and am hopeful that things will feel a bit more settled as the year goes on.
However, and this is a big one, 2021 was my busiest and biggest year in business yet. It did help that you all have been so supportive and enthusiastic about the patterns that I’ve produced over the last few years. So thank you for making it the best year yet! I also finally hired an assistant to help in my studio. And wow, what a relief! I didn’t know how helpful that would be – and is!
2021 Recap
A quick recap on the year would include releasing a new pattern, the Firefly Tote! I also hosted video sew-alongs for the Sandhill Sling and Firefly Tote! I had so much fun, but I did feel quite burnt out by the time the Firefly sew-along had ended.
In the shop, I did manage to add some fun supplies this year, including lots of colorful drawstring cord (for the Firefly Tote), chicago screws, and more!
And lastly, I will again be offering a scholarship for our local high school. I’m excited to award that to a local aspiring artist/entrepreneur in the Spring!
New Fabric Collection, Around the Bend!
Sorting things out
I can’t forget that I also spent a huge chunk of 2021 working on my newest fabric collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Around the Bend (shown above). From design, to color, to sample sewing, it’s a wild ride. I can’t say it’s easy or lucrative, but I do enjoy the variety it brings! Around the Bend will be making its debut in the late Spring/early Summer (that’s when it’s scheduled to start arriving at quilt shops around the world!). I’ll be sharing more of the projects I made using Around the Bend in just a few months! Thanks for hanging in there as lead times for fabric production in general have increased even more! And I am so looking forward to seeing what you make with Around the Bend.
So even though I FEEL like I was terribly unproductive this year, I DID do a lot. I honestly didn’t realize it until I wrote this post! I can get really down on myself for not being organized enough, or having a solid plan for the year, or not being here enough in general. But I am looking forward to things to come. It’s all part of the roller coaster of doing creative work I guess.
Lookin’ Onward
I didn’t want to wrap up the year end post without talking about doing some sew-alongs! Now that I’ve got a few under my belt, I have a better idea of how much time and effort goes into making them. I want to make sure I’m giving you the best quality content I can offer while also having the ability to produce new work . With that said, have tentative plans to host at least two this coming year!
In the coming months, I am planning a website/shop refresh. It’s been a while since I’ve done a website update and I love giving new life to this space.
And if you made it this far, thank you, to those who read these posts – I appreciate you more than you know! I wanted to let you know that a NEW! pattern is coming up in just a few days. yayyy! Very excited about it and hope you love it!
It is with deep gratitude that I give thanks for the sewing (and knitting!) community we have ALL built. I honestly can say that I never would have envisioned that I can do this creative work as my job! To be a witness to YOUR creative work is something I’m constantly in awe of. Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement over these past 12 years that I’ve been in business. TWELVE YEARS! It truly means everything!
If you’re new here, stop by and check out my previous year-end posts from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Hope you enjoy the look back! Each year I pop over and read some of those old posts, what a great way to reflect on things!
Thank You. You are an inspiration.
Happy New Year! Thank for all your wonderful designs.
All the best for 2022 to you!
I love reading your blog and sewing your designs, and it always makes my day when there’s something new from you. Thank you!
Thank you, Anna!! Isn’t it funny how we think we haven’t done anything until we look back at it all? You have truly been an inspiration to me, that’s for sure! Well I can’t wait to see what you have coming up in 2022!!
I enjoyed this post! Thanks. Sounds to me like you did quite a bit. I’ve been involved in two kitchen remodels and a room addition and those were exhausting enough, so I have a feeling for how much work building a new house would be, especially if you’re design oriented and want to love the result! Just accomplishing that in a year is a lot! Can’t wait to see the new pattern and fabric!!
Wow that is a lot to digest, an assistant (anything to help you is manage to all is great!), new fabric (cool!), new house (so exciting!) and no doubt you didnt have much time toward the end to create! All in due time. I’m glad you’re affording yourself the grace to take time for your personal life, family and goals. I really hope you will share your new house although I understand if you don’t since that is so personal! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and here’s to a different kind of interesting year this year! Also one of the things That appreciate about you in your business is that you’re a quite presence and not always trying to push it! I think that’s one of the keys to your success in my opinion.