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| 2011 in review |
Happy New Year!
It’s so refreshing to think of a new year as a clean slate. I’ve cleaned off my big dry erase board in my studio and I’m ready to start filling it up with hopes and dreams for the year ahead. But first, I like to look back and reflect on the previous year. What a year 2011 was! Much of it full of good things but it was not without disappointment.
I began 2011 by choosing the word “REACH” as my word of the year. I can’t say that choosing a word particularly helped guide me. I did reach out in some ways, stretched my comfort zone and learned some new things. Some of those things worked out for me and some definitely did not.
2011 high lights in no particular order: I was featured in 2 books, I produced 5 new patterns for my Make New or Make Do™ sewing pattern collection, I filmed 2 online courses with Craftsy, I introduced my ModMax organic canvas collection in my etsy shop, I licensed Stitch, my first collection of organic quilting cottons, with Robert Kaufman, I attended Quilt Market twice and had my first booth in Houston, I taught at TCCE as well as a few other local workshops. Phew!
As much as I am thrilled and proud of my accomplishments for the year, it’s the efforts that crashed and burned that are left nagging at me. Maybe the negatives are still lingering with me because several of them happened right at the end of the year. I am hesitant to admit to “the duds” because I don’t want to sound ungrateful for all of the wonderful things that I did achieve this past year. But I make mention of them for a number of reasons. One is to try to shake them out of my head and hopefully send them on their way for good. (Brooding is so unbecoming!) Another is to point out that we all have failures and disappointments. Even when we work really hard and do all of the “right” things and pay our dues and make our deadlines…sometimes it just. doesn’t. happen. Optimism fades. Confidence is shaken. Pity parties are had. (several)
But there are always silver linings. Growth, learning, understanding. Hugs help. Family and friends that love you no matter what. Chocolate. Time off. Starting anew.
So, here I am with my blank dry erase board, full of possibilities. I’m going to find my boot straps (I know they are here somewhere!) give them a firm pulling-up, and get on with 2012! I’ve got a half written book proposal to finish and ideas for more print collections and sewing patterns. I’m hopeful to do more online and in person workshops and tutorials for the blog. And what else? If there’s something you’d like to see more of from me, I’d love to know.
So, Happy New Year to you and yours! Here’s to new beginnings and a fresh start. Thanks for being here with me. I wish you the best for 2012 and always!
I LOVE your Fab Felt Holiday at Craftsy..I’m definitely hoping for more on line classes from you. It is hard for me to get to any classes around here, and it is so nice to be able to watch them as many times as I want and whenever (and in my PJs). I’m just certain there will be more things for you to celebrate this year. 🙂
Since you’re my role model now, I read your new year post and I completely understand what you said. So much good, but also big losses and disappointments. That’s just life. Anybody who paints their life without any glitches is either in denial, or is just plain lying. Life is hard, business is hard, but it’s all fun and fulfilling at the same time. We just need some distance to realize the good stuff is what matters.
Cheers to 2012, Betz! Find your bootstraps fast so you can start tromping and trucking to get to your next success! It’s waiting for you….
p.s. As I write this, I am all fever-y, ache-y and chilled. The only thing that makes me feel better is being wrapped up in my cashmere scarf purchased from your etsy shop. 🙂
Happy New Year to you too!!I’m in true comfort zone when I knit and cook. I signed up for 2 classes from Craftsy with the firm belief that the sewing machine will become my friend.What is strange about this is every year since 1967, I say the same thing.Iget myself a pattern or idea and “get er done”.It’s not always perfect but, it’s what I want to do and I go ahead and do it.So when things don’t quite work out,just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again.Take it from someone who has been on her tush more times than I’m willing to admit.Have a great New Year and remember we’ll be here should you need a bit of fluffing.
Happy New Year 2012! beatiful blog!
Buon anno di cuore anche a te e al tuo bellissimo blog…continua così!
Thank you for the uplifting but candid post. One of the dangers of reading in blog land is that one can get the idea that the lives of others are all roses…not so, so thank you!
Wishing you an awesome 2012!
Bonne année!
happy new year and tank you for all your paper link.
I love your sweet little blog! So full of fun ideas and family and freinds and other lovely things 😉
Blessings,
Samantha (Woodland Woolens)
Well said and you certainly did Reach last year! We learn from all we do, weather they are successes or failures. It’s the journey not the destination so I hope no matter what you are doing it brings you joy in 2012! Miss you!
Love you, Betz! I hope 2012 will be a great year for you.
You forgot to include the 100+ blog posts that were much enjoyed and appreciated by your faithful readers. Looking forward to more in 2012!
So much of what you said rang true with me and gave me comfort knowing that despite all good intentions, sometimes we are not able to accomplish all we set out to do. Perhaps there is a lesson in that, we need to shorten our to do list.
I think that dwelling on our failures is human nature – I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself for it – you seem to have put it in perspective. Enjoy the new year!
Happy New Year Betz! You had such a huge year. HUGE! So many amazing accomplishments. I’m sorry that the let downs were in the tail end, because who wants a sour note as the finish. Total injustice after so much output all year. I KNOW how hard you work. So here’s to bootstraps and fresh starts! xxx
Great year, full of beautiful creations and achievements!
Happy New year!
Hugs,
Tatyana