Monday, December 31, 2012

Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2013!

It is hard to believe that 2012 is nearly over!  In fact, for some of you 2013 has already begun.  Happy New Year!


As the year draws to an end, it is a good time to reflect on the past year.  I got the idea from Cathy at With Needle and Thread  to read all of my own blog posts for this year.  What a fun time that was!  I so enjoyed looking at the photos of completed With My Needle projects that some of you have sent me.  I'm always inspired by your work and words.  Thank you!

I also enjoyed seeing photos from some of my classes and the places I've been fortunate to visit this past year. What a wonderful year it has been!

Beside items relating to my business, my blog sometimes has family photos, and it was fun to see those again. My how Haiden and Garrett have grown!

This past year I did quite a bit of "recreational" stitching.  I was surprised to see all the samplers I completed!  (Larger photos of each can be found on previous blog posts.)



Besides those samplers, I created a few With My Needle projects.  In light of the rough year we had in 2011, I had a hard time getting back into a "designing frame of mind".  Early in 2012, I published A Quaker Needlework Box and Hannah Cummins, 1828.  I also premiered a new teaching piece, A Lady's Worke Box.  In another month or two I will have two Mini-Quaker Samplings and a new original design sampler (not named yet) ready to be shipped to the shops.  I hope in 2013 to really get back into the swing of things
 and design more projects.

As the year draws to an end, it is also time to look ahead.  I typically make stitching "goals", but I just discovered that I never made any for 2012.  My goal for 2013 is to design more With My Needle projects and also participate in three (yes, I can't believe I'm goon to do that) sampler SALs--the Anne Maria Clarke sampler (The Essamplaire) with my internet newsletter group, Ann Hair (The Scarlet Letter) as part of Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year, and Sarah E. Pope (Sheepish Designs) with a good friend.  I've already started on the Ann Hair and Sarah E. Pope samplers, but am saving the Anne Maria Clarke sampler for a New Years Day start.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year with lots of time for stitching!

10 comments:

Margaret said...

How lovely to see all your samplers together that you stitched this year! So beautiful! I'm looking forward to seeing your new designs! Happy New Year!

Melody said...

What beautiful samplers you have finished this year! It's even more impressive they are all framed. I have finished several projects, but not many of them are framed or sewn into final finishes.

Happy New Year!

Nicola said...

The samplers you stitched in 2012 are amazing. Well done on acheiving so much.

Have a wonderful 2013.

Laurie in Iowa said...

You've stitched so many beautiful samplers in 2012. May 2013 bring you many happy hours of designing and stitching. Your blog posts always inspire me!

Barb said...

I love the idea of going back. After all, I do consider my blog a sort of journal. I loved seeing all the samplers you have finished, quite an achievement!!Have a wonderful New year full of good health and friends-stitching too!

Lili said...

So beautiful samplers!
Happy New Year!!

Hugs,
Lili

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

très bonne année 2013 ! bisous bisous

Karoline said...

You had some great finishes in 2012. Good luck with your plans for 2013

Happy new year

Jean said...

Beautiful work, Happy New Year to you and yours.

Kerri said...

All your work is so lovely, both your own designs and these others that are the work of your hands.
It is so interesting to see what other designs appeal to designers. I love all of these!

I look forward to more of your project and wish you a peaceful year full of blessings.