2023 went by in a flash honestly. I’m constantly working behind the scenes on something whether it be a new pattern, a new fabric collection, or new supplies for my shop. In between all of that raising two teenagers is very fulfilling and takes up any remaining time I have.

I hope in 2024 that I can sew a tiny bit more. I have a few personal quilts I’d like to make and I always love experimenting with different fabrics using my patterns.

On the personal side of things, my family had another fun and full year. We had downhill skiing, a dip into freezing Lake Superior, prom court, senior pictures, weight lifting, a new car for me!, braces off, landscaping, hiking, a new driver!, more new friends!!!, a family & friends trip to Chincoteague, tennis — including a trip to compete at State for my oldest, so much soccer, and more.

I also took on a very fun opportunity in the fall. For two weeks, I filled in at a local University in their costume shop department full-time! I was nervous and excited, and everything worked out really well. The students and faculty were amazing and learned a lot, too! It was very exciting to help with the beginning sewing class and to top things off, my family and I went to see the play that I primarily helped with, She Kills Monsters. A highlight for sure!

2023 Recap

A quick recap of the year would include releasing two fun new patterns.

My Haralson Bag took off like wildfire. Your excitement for it was contagious!

My newest pattern, the Oxbow Tote felt like a long time coming. I started work on that in early Spring and it finally got its chance to shine just a few weeks ago in December. Very excited to start the sew-along here on my blog in a few weeks.

Sew-alongs

I hosted two video sew-alongs! It feels less intimidating now than it did a few years ago. It’s a fun part of the pattern process and I love trying to share valuable information that will help you create your own! First was a video sew-along for the Haralson Bag in the Spring. And in the fall I shared a sew-along for the Buckthorn Backpack & Tote pattern (part 1, part 2, part 3).

Fabric collection!

My fabric collection, Riverbend, made its way to shops. It was amazing to see all the creative things you make with it (and continue to make with it!). It was exciting to finally be able to have a collection that included canvas. Riverbend has two parts to the collection, part one is on Essex and part two is on Big Sur canvas. Being able to share all the projects on my blog is always a highlight, too. I still have three projects to share yet!

2023 was another year full of growth! The new patterns, fabric, and supplies all contributed to a very full year. There continues to be something new and exciting each year, and it’ll be more of the same coming up.

I think some things will evolve more and I hope to try and streamline the amount of time I spend behind the scenes. So much of my time is spent running my business. All I know is that I’m always growing, always changing. And most of all – always learning something new! The older I get the more I realize I don’t know!

Lookin’ Onward

As for my plans for Noodlehead this year, I feel like I have a good grasp of what my business will look like. I enjoy running a small business. I continue to work at a pace that *mostly* feels comfortable for me to sustain as a one person business. I’m grateful to have a part-time employee and work with a few contractors that I trust and respect. I continue to strive to do my best EVERY DAY to help you create the projects that you want to create!

I’m hoping to do at least a sew-along or two. I know quite a few of you enjoy videos for learning, so I’m going to continue with that. I didn’t quite make it to releasing three new patterns this year, but the two I did, I feel very proud of. Hoping for a new pattern or two this year as well. I also plan to continue to add items to the shop to help you find the supplies you need.

Yes! There will hopefully be a new fabric collection this year. Things are constantly changing in this area, but I’m pretty sure that I will have a new collection to share before the end of 2024.

And if you made it this far, thank you for reading. I appreciate you more than you know! Your comments help keep me motivated to share in this space.

It is with the deepest gratitude that I give thanks for the sewing (and knitting!) community we have ALL built. To be a small part of YOUR creative work is incredibly inspiring. Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement over these past 14 years that I’ve been in business. 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, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Hope you enjoyed the look back on this year! Here’s to more fun in 2024!