in Retrospect

I suppose today is a good day for looking forward, but any good look ahead begins with a good look back.

Makes.
Over the past few days I've been adding all my finished projects of 2013 to my Projects pages.  At Quilts you can see all 20 quilt finishes for 2013 and ones from years past.

a selection of 2013 quilts

I think my very favorite quilt of the year is actually my last - Red, Red, Stars.  It reminded me of how much I love using Anna Maria Horner fabric.  Today I revamped a quilt-in-progress with a heavy helping of her fabrics and I love it all the more!


My favorite makes of the year are some things I made for our home during my redecorating phase mid-year.  Those curtains, those chairs... these things I see and enjoy every. single. day. in all kinds of weather.  Perfectly delightful and deliciously colorful!  I feel so lucky.  You can see more on the Home Decor project page.

Business.
The Penny Sampler will always be for me a mark of the year 2013. I started sketching that quilt in January and the class concluded in December.  It was truly a year of the Penny Sampler for me!

Dala horse project

Although I waded through a lot of doubt as I designed and redesigned that quilt and there was serious concern as to how you all would feel about the longer class format, in the end it Penny Sampler class was a definite success.  Several repeat students reported the Penny Sampler their favorite Stitched in Color class.  Plus, I think I really got the pacing right because so many students have since finished their quilts.  That's so rewarding to see!

the Penny Sampler

In other news, today is my 1005th post.  Can you believe I still have more, more, more to write about?  And they used to say I was such a quiet little girl...

Community.
One of my goals for 2013 was to do more fun free stuff together, as a community.  We started the year off with the String Fever Scrap Attack, enjoyed a ton of Mosaic Contests and Scrap Challenges and finished the year with the Penny Patch Quilt Along.  For links to these and past happenings, see my Events page

Emerald {a mosaic contest}

from top left:  suitcases, bag, foliage, teacup, shoes, home interior

Of them all, I've enjoyed the Mosaic Contests most.  I love, love, love crafting the inspiration posts (image above from Emerald contest).  And, I've been inspired enough to design a quilt based on what we come up with together!

finished!  Clashy Bright baby quilt
 
What about you, which type of events have you liked best?

Balance.
Sewing, blogging, social media, working, playing, mothering - it's all a delicate balance.  In 2013 I noticed some progress in my ability to integrate love and work.  For one, I made more on-a-whim quilts than usual.  Most of them were baby quilts, which made for free, artistic play with quick finishes.  Definitely a pleasure!
 
Rainbow Tilt-a-whirl baby quilt

I also found useful ways to write about things that matter to me, even when they're not specifically sewing related.  2013 saw a preponderance of musings posts:  Doubt, Dare, Make Something Better, a Matter of Trying, and How to Define Your Style.  I mostly kept up with the Homeschool Chornicles and felt comfortable enough to share the Baby plans.

Thank-you for making this a space where I can feel comfortable enough to be myself!

Each day I am grateful for the opportunity to be encouraged by you, learn with you and inspire you to be creative.   I appreciate your time and trust as a reader.  None of this would be possible without you.  So thanks for 2013!  Here's to another fabulous year!!!