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Year in Review and Looking Ahead

Whew! 2012 was certainly a busy sewing year for me. My kids started sleeping in their own beds this past spring (they’re 6 and 4-1/2), whereas previously we co-slept, so that freed up a bit of sewing time for me since I usually work in the evenings after they are sleeping…I didn’t have to spend that extra hour or so in bed with them until they fell asleep, lol!
Paper-pieced Space Dust dress, and Miss Tula Pink!
I certainly learned a lot. I still have so much to learn, but every day is a new adventure! I dove into hand sewing (hexagons and English Paper Piecing), I actually started sewing quilt binding on the correct way (not my lazy topstitching), I figured out recessed zippers for bags, and I experimented with making a paper-pieced dress.
Sew Sweetness

As far as my blog goes, this year we had some fun things happening! There was the New York Beauty Quilt Along, the great Purse Palooza 2012 (which I will be holding again this June, as it was massively successful!), and the Tula Pink Sew Along.

I wrote a ton of free tutorials for Pellon Projects this year. I am so thankful to be able to work with the wonderful people from Pellon; it’s lead to so many great things for me. One of my project images was featured on the Pellon fold-out chart that you can find in your local Joann’s, and one of my bag patterns might be showing up in your Joann’s next month too, as a free tear-off pattern. ๐Ÿ˜‰ I also shot some Pellon videos this past October at Quilt Market. They haven’t been released yet, but it was quite an experience for someone who is very shy!
Thomas Knauer (fabric designer extraordinaire), Amelia from Pellon, me, McLisa “Epic Shit” Longarmer, Erin from Pellon
I met so many wonderful people this year! It’s kind of crazy that this “thing” that started out behind a computer where I never had to see anyone in person, has moved to a whole “new thing” where the community of people I am talking with on-line on a daily basis are people I actually know IN PERSON. More than that, these are all super-talented individuals, and I don’t think I’ve met hardly anyone that I didn’t just love dearly.

Going to Quilt Market twice this year and teaching at Sewing Summit has definitely changed my sewing life for the better! I have gotten so many ideas and great things happen and met so many wonderful folks. I wish I could show pictures of all of the beautiful people…there are too many to name.

And I sewed up a storm! Here is a small sampling of the things that I made this year:

1. Hot Mess Casserole Carrier, 2. Sis Boom Rebecca Dress, 3. Space Dust Dress, 4. Tutorial: Convertible Clutch, 5. Tula Pink ‘Space Dust’, 6. Serendipity Studio Paige Pillowcase Dress, 7. Serendipity Studio Monique Dress in Amy Butler fabric, 8. My Market Bag, 9. Mermaid Zip Organizer, 10. Echino Quilt, 11. Tutorial: Embroidery-to-Go Case, 12. Typewriters Dress, 13. New York Beauty Quilt Along: Block 5, 14. Tutorial: Planetary Mini Quilt, 15. The Urban Jungle Bag, 16. Salt Water Quilt

I had a couple of bag patterns published in magazines this year, and I wrote a bag sewing pattern book (due out the first week in November). That was pretty stressful, but I think I made it even harder on myself by insisting to sew 2 bags for each of the 12 patterns…24 bags in about 5 months time (not to mention actually writing the patterns). I taught 2 classes at Sewing Summit in October. I made a dress for Miss Melody Miller’s booth at Fall Quilt Market. Oh, and I met Amy Butler twice. And hardly said two sentences to her ::gobsmacked:: Hmm…now that you mention it, there were a lot of people I met and hardly spoke to, I was so in shock.

So, I’m not running down this stuff so I can be all “look at me!” I took a look at my blog and realized that I started blogging in September of 2010, which was only 2 years ago. It seems hard to believe what’s gone on since then; I couldn’t even properly get through using a sewing pattern back then. What!!! It just goes to show that if your heart is in something, and you believe in yourself, good things can and do happen (and they will happen to you if you give it your best!)!!

Me ‘n my buddy

So long 2012! In 2013, I hope to keep writing lots and lots of bag patterns (and some dress patterns too!). I got a better web cam for Christmas, so my goal (and it was my goal last New Year’s too) to shoot the step-by-step videos to accompany each of my patterns. I will have to make myself stick to this, as my norm is wanting to finish up a pattern and get it out there quickly! But I think a day or two of shooting a video will be worth it. And I’ll try to make a few quilts, just to prove I have street cred, lol. And I hope to meet many more sewing friends in 2013!!

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26 thoughts on “Year in Review and Looking Ahead

  1. Hi Sara, You should pat yourself on the back! Looks like you had a great, productive year. I especially love your Echino quilt and Urban jungle bag. I bookmarked the bag post and hope to make it soon. Happy New Year!! Mary

  2. Leanne says:

    You have had a wonderful year, thank you for sharing. I look forward to reading about your sewing in the coming year too.

  3. Melissa says:

    Sounds like an amazing, dream come true kind of year. I cannot wait to see what happens for you in 2013, I’m looking forward to your dress patterns, I’ve made a couple for my daughter but never plucked up the courage to make a dress for me and I would love to change that. Good luck in 2013!

  4. susie says:

    Yes, thank you for sharing your year AND for all your wonderful blog posts and tutorials, Sara. You have really opened my eyes to a lot of new things – (honestly….I didn’t think youngun’s such as yourself were in to quilting!!!)
    Boy, was I wrong!!! I love the inspiration and modern feel of you and your cohorts! I wanna be like you when I grow up….even though I’m sure I’m twice your age, but hey…like you said, “If your heart is in…”!
    Cheers to a Peaceful and Productive 2013!!!
    Susie

  5. suemac says:

    I have really enjoyed reading your blog this year. I hope that your pattern making is made easier with your new software. Congrats on your 2012 finishes.

  6. YAY!! What an amazing year, and I love it that you started blogging in 2010. And I loved meeting you this year! If you’d like, feel free to link up your year-end post at Craft Buds: http://www.craftbuds.com/craft-buds-2012-year-in-review-link-party/

  7. Debbie says:

    Wow – what an awesome year for you! I’ve enjoyed following along and especially taking your class & meeting/chatting at Sewing Summit!

  8. Congrats on such an amazing year, Sara! I hope we meet soon and wish for you many fabulous things and moments in the year to come…

  9. emedoodle says:

    Great work lady! I’m so glad to have met you in real life this year! ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t wait to see all the greatness you have coming next year!

  10. Charlotte says:

    so impressed! My favourite has to be the Space Dust dress. Looking forward to seeing what comes next year ๐Ÿ˜€

  11. Katy Cameron says:

    You had an amazing year, and I did enjoy briefly meeting you at SS, although I wish we’d had longer to chat! (I’ll not mark that one down as shock, but horror ;o) )

  12. vexa says:

    I’m glad I joined your blog as I enjoy being a part. You are doing great!

  13. Jess says:

    Amazing year Sara! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who snuggles kids to sleep (mr 5 has just started sleeping in his bed all night!) Look forward to being inspired by you in 2013 :o)

  14. Thank you for sharing your amazing year – you deserve all the good things and more xxx

  15. shellebelle says:

    what an awesome year of sewing!!! thanks for being such a huge inspiration – can’t wait to see what’s in store for you this year… x

  16. Mary Ann says:

    I really enjoyed reading your blog and seeing all the wonderful projects you made this year. I enjoy reading and seeing all the wonderful projects that the new young designers are coming up with and the beautiful fabric designed by them. I am looking forward to following you in 2013 and seeing all the great projects you come up with this new year! I love making bags so hopefully in the new year I will get one made designed by you.

  17. Kelly says:

    Such an amazing year! Wishing you all the very best in 2013 Sara xxx

  18. Sara — I am so incredibly honored to be one of the faces from your amazing year. You know I think you are incredible and I can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring. It was absolutely fabulous to see you in KC and Houston and am looking forward to Portland (you better be there!!!) xoxo and Happy New Year darlin’ — Erin

  19. “It just goes to show that if your heart is in something, and you believe in yourself, good things can and do happen (and they will happen to you if you give it your best!)!!”

    One of my New Year’s resolution is to learn how to sew and your blog is one of those I stumbled upon. Thanks so much for this post and the inspiration… now I want to start sewing!

    Happy New Year to you and your family.

    Amateur Cartoons – http://kartunistawannabe.blogspot.com

  20. nissaMade says:

    What a great year for you! I just started blogging in the last few months and look forward to your purse palozza next year!

  21. Anita says:

    You forgot to mention you were able to get some great software to make some dress patterns. I’m really looking forward to see what you make, as long as you include some non size zero sizes ๐Ÿ™‚ Here’s to a productive 2013!

  22. Rachel says:

    Very inspiring, Sara! It has been awesome to see your blog (& you!) grow over the past couple of years. Looking forward to 2013! ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. Beth says:

    What a fantastic year. Keep sewing and writing. I look forward to purse palooza and all your wonderful tutorials. And the book.
    Happy 2013

  24. That’s awesome, Sara! I think your video goal is a smart one. I want to do more video, too. We need to put faces with all these words!

    And, I undoubtedly won’t be able to resist Purse Palooza 2013. Can’t wait to see you shine in 2013 ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Bree says:

    Did I miss an official announcement on the book, or are you just sneaking it in here? I can’t wait! Is it November yet? ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. i just had to comment that the 45’s dress you are wearing (and i’m sure made) is seriously the cutest thing i have ever seen!!! adorable! you rock!

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