Sewing

2022 was a good year

2022 was actually pretty fun! Again this year I had to take a scroll through my pictures to figure out what exactly happened this year.

On the personal side of things, my family had a fun year as well. We had cross country skiing fun, show choir competitions, lots of visits with family and friends to our new house, decorating the new house, landscaping, basketball, downhill skiing, hiking, a driver!, new friends!!!, a family trip to Chincoteague, a new sport for the girls – tennis!, so much soccer, and more.

I’m truly grateful to be able to watch my children grow and be there for them.

2022 was a good year

2022 Recap

A quick recap on the year would include releasing three new patterns. The year started off with a blast!

My Yarrow Wristlet + Pouch pattern took off even though there were a few bumps along the way. Your excitement for it was contagious!

The Making Backpack got a huge new addition of a new mini size as well as a new alternate pocket design for both sizes. It was another pattern with lots of moving parts, but I think looking back that it went really well!

I also snuck in my Wood Carrier Pattern that was previously only available in Making Magazine!


I hosted a video sew-along for the Yarrow Wristlet + Pouch, it was fun! This pattern definitely benefitted from having video support.

My fabric collection, Around the Bend, made its way to shops. It was amazing to see all the creative things you make with it (and continue to make with it!). Being able to share all the projects on my blog is always a highlight, too.

2022 was a good year

In the shop, I added lots of fun supplies. I added lots of colorful webbing and webbing kits (and will continue to add more colors in the next month). More hardware kits were added for the new patterns as well as their supporting supplies like zippers and leather pieces.

Webbing kit for Making Backpack (Acorn)

2022 was another year full of growth! Thankfully with the help of my studio assistant I felt far more organized. There’s always something we’re shuffling around here, and it’ll be more of the same this year. Always growing, always changing. And most of all – always learning something new!

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!

Lookin’ Onward

As for my plans for Noodlehead this year, I feel like I’ve got a good grasp on what my goals are. I continue to strive to do my best 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 a lot of you enjoy videos for learning, so I’m going to continue with that. Also, my goal is to release three new patterns this year. In just a few weeks I’ll have the first one ready! I also plan to continue to add items to the shop to help you find the supplies you need.

Yes! There will be a new fabric collection coming up with a fun new addition. I can’t reveal anything until the release, but it’s a fun one. The release day is January 13th, that’s the date that shops get view the new collection!

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 something I’m constantly in awe of. Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement over these past 13 years that I’ve been in business. THIRTEEN! It truly means everything!

If you’re new here, stop by and check out my previous year-end posts from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Hope you enjoyed the look back on this year! Excited for what’s to come in 2023!

Sewing

Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote

The pieces to this Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote were cut over a year ago. I was deep into making all the samples for my Around the Bend fabric collection and this color combo was one I just couldn’t put away.

Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote

I ended up not having time to actually sew it after I cut the pieces (I sewed a different Redwood up instead). It got set it aside knowing I would eventually get to sewing it up. I wasn’t until earlier this fall that I pulled out the pieces (and re-cut the ones that got missing along the way, hahaha) that I got to work.

Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote
View of Back

Video to check out

I made a few reels showing the process of making this Redwood Tote. I actually love taking video of making it. It’s been fun to stretch creatively with video. Stop by my Instagram to check out Part 1 and Part 2 here.

The colors are some of my favorites, I used Big Sur Canvas in Walnut (from Stash Fabrics) for the Side Panels and the Coreopsis print from Around the Bend for the featured center panel. The lining was separated into the tiny Denim Gingham for the pockets and Fungus print from Around the Bend.

Interfacing notes

I had a small scrap of waxed canvas that I used for the bottom reinforcement piece. It pairs nicely with the leather strap and handle details. I tried out Emmaline Bags EB-Fuse in a medium weight for the interfacing for the lining pieces. I really like the extra sturdiness it provides! Especially because the prints that are printed on Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun. Homespun is a little looser weave than the other Essex just because of the construction of the fabric. I used SF101 on all the exterior pieces as per the pattern.

Reinforced Bottom

Project Details

Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote

*Around the Bend is in shops NOW! Yay! Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Around the Bend” or “Around the Bend Robert Kaufman” check out the #AroundtheBend fabric hashtag on Instagram.

Sewing

2022 Thankful Sale

2022 Thankful Sale is here! All sewing patterns and leather* 20% off!

2022 Thankful Sale

Hello! Thank you so much for being a part of this amazing sewing community! Thank you! It means more to me than you could ever know! I’m grateful to be able to do the work that I do. And so thankful to be able to share that with you – I learn so much everyday from you! Starting today I’m having my 11th annual sale on all my sewing patterns and leather in my shop! Yayyyyy!

From now through Monday, November 28th (11:59pm CDT) 2022 all patterns and leather items* (strap sets, leather snap tabs for the minimalist wallet, leather wrist straps, zipper pulls, and leather patches) are 20% off. No coupon code necessary. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout. *The only leather items that are NOT on sale are the made to order explorer tote leather kits.

*For the leather, please note that the discount applies while supplies last. I’ve stocked as much as I could get cut. If you’re looking at getting a certain color/length be sure to stop by early! 

No coupon code necessary. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout. 

Hope you have a wonderful week & weekend!

p.s. the first picture is the Redwood Tote pattern (read the blog post about it here), second image is a snowy day (yes, already!) on my walk by the lake! I love watching the change of seasons here.