I have to tell you — I had a whole lot of fun blogging this year. I met quite a few new friends – some bloggers, some readers, and all so very kind. Let’s take a quick look at what went on here over the past year.
I feel like it was a year of growth. Not just with my quilting and sewing skills but also with regards to my blog. For the first time, I held several events here. It was a fun learning experience, between approaching companies to sponsor the events with giveaways, to creating the theme of the event and then publicizing it; it was all new for me. I think it was both successful and rewarding. I have more up my sleeve for 2017 so stay tuned. Both of the book shares were great fun. The next one is coming soon. I will post the new book during the first week of January. If you want to join in, watch for that as it is first come, first served.
While working on expanding the blog, I was also trying to improve my quilting skills. To this end, I worked on my free motion skills quite a bit. I am loving creating pictures, or motifs, with my quilting. Also, I learned to relief quilt and did several projects using this technique. Finally, I took a long-arm class (I believe that was the only class I took all year!) and it was so much fun! Since the class, I have quilted two more quilts and have one ready to go. I am sure I will continue to practice both my FMQ and long-arm skills throughout 2017.
One of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of 2016 was to write more tutorials. They are one way to give back to this community. I have certainly used my share of the amazing tutorials that are floating around this community and it is only fair to create some for others to use. In addition to those that are shown in the pictures; French Press Cozy, Reusable Sandwich Bags, and THREAD Relief Quilting tutorials, I also posted a tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. These are only a few of the tutorials I posted on the blog. If you would like to see more, click on the Tutorials link at the top of this page. I have very much enjoyed sharing these with you and plan to create more in the coming year.
While I do love to quilt, I have also been enjoying making things like bags, zip pouches, and even two dresses! Sometimes these projects are just what I need to give as a gift or to satisfy my need of a quick finish. They don’t take nearly the time that a quilt does! I will say that if I make any bags in 2017, I will explore a new pattern. I have used my Noodlehead 241 Tote pattern three times already. Time to move on!
However, this Washi dress pattern may be used another time or two. It is so comfortable!! I have seen people make it as a tunic and it looks really cute. Possibilities, so many possibilities!
I hope that 2016 was a good year for you as well. The new year is just weeks away. I have some really exciting plans to tell you about but let’s save that for another post. For now, I am grateful for all that I learned this year and for all of the friendships that have occurred via this blog. I look forward to another fun year with each of you.
Linking with Meadow Mist Designs Best of 2016 event!
I’m so delighted that I found your blog and have gotten to know you. You have indeed had a good year, and here’s to the next! Happy Holidays to you and yours, Bernie!
Wendy, I have enjoyed meeting you as well. 2017 will be all sorts of fun. Look forward to sharing it with you. 🙂
I have so much fun reading your blog, and I’m in awe of your ability to post so often and regularly. This year certainly has been a good one for you and for all of us who have been reading about it. I keep wondering, though: how is Santa going to fit a longarm in your stocking? You know he wants you to have one. Think of all the driving you’ll save. ? Have a wonderful year full of new adventures!
Hahaha. I am more than certain Santa won’t bring a long arm. I can’t imagine here is room in his sleigh (or my sewing room) for such a beast! Thanks for being such a wonderful friend throughout the year. Hopefully this year will be injury free for you. Happy
Holidays Janine!
So glad I discovered your blog this year, Bernie! Thanks for posting about some things you did this year–you’ve been one busy maker! You’ve tempted me to look back over some of your posts, and I’ve found some great ideas for 2017! Have some restful weeks over the holidays–sounds like you should put your feet up and chill 🙂
Happy New Year Karen! I am thrilled to hear that you have found some fun things by looking through my past blog posts. Thanks for stopping by and hope your holidays have been spent with family and friends.
You have had so many accomplishments this year and I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2017. You have been so welcoming to me in my first year of blogging Bernie, thank you for all your friendship and support. It is a pleasure to know you.
Thanks Kate — I think 2017 will be a very good year with all sorts of creativity involved for the both of us! Happy Holidays!
You had a great 2016! Here’s to making 2017 the best year yet!
You HAVE had a productive year, and it has been fun to watch you try new things and enjoy them so much. I loved the look back at your projects. And your models are the best! I’ve loved having you as my blogging friend. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
You have also had quite the year Linda. Now that you are settled into your new home, I hope you find all sorts of creative endeavors to keep you busy. A new home usually creates all sorts of projects, doesn’t it? Happy New Year!!
You have had a wonderful and productive 2016, I look forward to following you on your quilty adventures in 2017!
You’ve had a great year and I’m looking forward to following along in January. The tote is gorgeous. I can see why you made three.
Congratulations on such a great year of growth and I hope you have a wonderful 2017 in store!
You’ve had a wonderful year! Hesres hoping 2017 is even better! Merry Christmas! XO
Happy Holidays to you as well Karen! I am sure we will be in contact through both of our blogs in the new year and I look forward to that. 🙂
You definitely had a productive and pretty year Bernie. Looking forward to what 2017 will bring for you. Hope your holidays were spent with family and friends.
I have enjoyed finding your blog this year, and I had fun following your Thread Relief quilting tutorial, Bernie! Wishing you a great 2017!
You most certainly had a great year and here is wishing you and your family more of the same in 2017..sewing and swine and all else! 🙂
Thanks for all the fun posts, Bernie. I am a faithful follower…I just have to catch up in bulk on occasion. haha
I am the same way Mary – I seem to read blog posts in batches – there are so many that I enjoy, yours included!
Happy New Year. 🙂
It’s only when reading everything you have done over the past year that one can truly appreciate your workflow Bernie, you have accomplished such a lot. The main thing I remember is how your machine quilting has improved this year, I am in awe at your accomplishment, you must have put in loads of practice. For so many reasons I am very glad we ‘met’ Bernie, to know you is to love you.
Wow, this is such a sweet comment. You’ve made my day.
I think machine quilting, both on my little machine and the long arm, is probably one of my biggest goals for this year. I would love to continue to practice. It is very satisfying.