2024 came and went. It’s amazing to me that it’s already time to write another year end wrap up post!
I hope in 2025 that I can sew a tiny bit more – just like last year. I completed those few personal quilts I had wanted to make (Lizzy House quilt, college quilt). I started another personal quilt over Christmas, so I’ll plug away on that just for fun.
On the personal side, my family survived another year. We enjoyed downhill skiing, cross country skiing, weight lifting, more landscaping (is there ever enough?!), hiking, a family & friends trip to Chincoteague, first semester of college, tennis, soccer, lefse making, a new paddleboard for me, and more.
Same as last year, I had a very fun opportunity in the fall. For 200 hours over the course of the semester, I filled in at a local University in their costume shop department! The students are seriously talented, the faculty are amazing, and I still learned a ton! I got to sew up two lead costumes for Sweeney Todd, make custom duffle bags for equipment, lots of alterations and more.
2024 Recap
A quick recap of the year would include releasing a new pattern, the Plover Pouch. It was such a fun project to work on. I’ve loved seeing the ones you’ve made!
It was the first time I recorded the video sew-along that was released at the same time with the pattern. I liked it. There were some hiccups, but I think I’ll plan on doing the sew alongs slightly after the release like before. If you’d want to share your opinion on what you’d prefer – please let me know (comment on this post or contact us).
I also had two separate pattern testing in-person groups. One I conducted thanks to the help of Stitch Supply Co., and another that Mallory conducted with her local quilt shop in Ohio, Sew to Speak. I really liked doing the testing this way!
Sew-alongs
I hosted two video sew-alongs! It’s still challenging for me to get it done alongside everything else. But is is a fun part of the pattern process and I love trying to share valuable information that will help you create your own! First sew along was for the Oxbow Tote. And the Plover sew along was in August!
Fabric collection!
Okay, so this is the BIG one I worked on all year long, my new fabric collection which I can’t quite show you yet. Next week I think! I made all the samples on my own as usual. It’s fun, but exhausting. I’m glad to have it completed and excited to show you it!
Just like last year, I hope to evolve more as a business and streamline the amount of time I spend behind the scenes. It’s one thing I felt like I could have tried to figure out more of. So much of my time is spent just keeping up with the day to day. I turned 45 this year, and this was my 15th year in business. And yes, still, the older I get the more I realize I don’t know!
Onward and Upward
As for my plans for Noodlehead this year, I continue to work at a pace that *mostly* feels comfortable for me to sustain as a one person business. I’m still immensely grateful to have a part-time employee and work with a few contractors that I trust and respect. EVERY DAY I continue to strive to do my best to help you create the projects that you want to create!
I’ve got a pattern that’s new-ish that will be releasing in the next few weeks. I’m going to continue with video sew alongs. I also plan to continue to add items to the shop to help you find the supplies you need.
Like I said before, there will be a NEW fabric collection this year – we’re just a few days from the release.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Your comments on this blog help keep me motivated to share in this space.
Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement over these past 15 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, 2022, and 2023.
Hope you enjoyed the look back on this year! Here’s to even more fun in 2025!
I bought both Oxbow and Plover and just haven’t made time to sew them. That is the hard part with thinking you are smart and it would be a good idea for more schooling.
However, I did take time to sew a Yarrow wallet for a friend to use with a medical monitor she had to wear but didn’t have a great way to wear it. That was the perfect size pouch to accommodate her needs. Thank you for taking time to make that pattern.
I did make myself a Buckthorn tote, with a removable long strap for a purse. Perfect size for me. Although I think I want an Oxbow for my computer/school bag. Now to find the time!
Thanks so much for sharing your talents! I also love to hear what you do with your kiddos. Reminds me to go take a moment more often with mine! Cheers to 2025!
Happy 15 Years!!
It sounds like a busy+fun year for you! Can’t wait to see the new fabric, how exciting!
Thank you so much for your good ideas, for your wonderful created bags and also for the videos on YouTube. I am from germany and it is a really good help for me, while sewing a new pattern. Best wishes for an inspiring year 2025.
Thank you for all your hard work. I continue to turn to Noodlehead patterns over and over again. They really are my favorites. I cannot wait to see your new line of fabric. Thanks for the inspiration! But I really wish you had a brick and mortar shop. I live in Wisconsin and would love to visit.
I tried Noodlehead patterns this year for the first time and I am hooked! I made both sizes of the oxbow, both sizes of the making backpack, the buckthorn, the plover pouch, 4 haralsons and a sandhill sling!
I love my noodle head patterns and supplies. At 69, I’m defining my personal vibe and the river end fabrics have spoken to me. Can’t wait for a new release. Yarrow and both sizes of oxbow have been good to me. Plover next! Thank you!
Hello and thank you!
For your great work and the most beautiful patterns, they are really unique.
I love following your tutorials, they help a lot and complement the written instructions. I am from Germany and can follow both very well 🙏, thanks for that too!
Sweeny Todd! How great to be able to participate here!
Have a wonderful new year 2025!
Sincerely, Antje
I forgot the sewalongs, I love them!
They help me a lot and all your explanations are so valuable.
Happy New Year, Anna! That gig at the college doing costumes sounds amazing – how cool! One of your tutorials was the first “pattern” I ever followed when I learned to sew in 2020 and you’ve continued to be my favorite pattern writer and an inspiration ever since. I do love your video sew-a-longs and I watch them even if I have already made the particular bag! I love seeing your tips and tricks and your style in general. I am looking forward to seeing your new fabric collection!
2024 was the year I discovered Noodlehead and made my first bag ever – the project size Firefly Tote. I have been obsessed with your patterns, aesthetic, and designs ever since! I’m a loyal follower and recommend your easy to follow and well written patterns and excellent videos far and wide. Thank you, Anna and best of luck for a wonderful and prosperous 2025!!
Hi Anna Happy New Year! I love your oxbow tote bag pattern I’ve made a few of the regular size and just finished an overnight tote! I followed along with your video it was so informative I was a little worried about doing the tote not making anything like this before but your video made it so easy to follow along! Thank you so much for this great pattern I’ll look forward to venturing out on another noodle head pattern! I’m looking forward to your new fabric and new patterns and videos to come in the future!