Sunday, December 30, 2018

A Backwards Glance

The Best of 2018 tells just a fraction of the story. This year has held several new types of experiences for me which made for a pretty satisfying - if not sometimes stressful - year. 

It began with my first published article, "Take a Spin with Improv," in Curated Quilts Issue 02, the Log Cabin issue. As that issue's Creative Reset feature, my encouragement to {pause} with a little improvisational piecing is something that I personally turn to over and over again when I need a little restart. What I mean to say is, I really felt like I was sharing myself, and that was meaningful. Icing on the cake was contributing again with "Wavy Curves" in Issue 05 on Improv.


Not long after, Abby Glassenberg asked me to share on Facebook Live to discuss Email Marketing for Creatives. Who, ME? Abby is a well-respected and knowledgeable voice in our creative community, and it was both unexpected and delightful to chat with her. Considering she and her ebook informed and encouraged me as I started my own newsletter, The Scrap Basket, years ago, this too was a very affirming experience. If you missed it, there's still a link here.


There was also a guest post for Amy Smart/Diary of a Quilter, where I shared Tips for Sewing with Waxed Canvas. I had an enjoyable foray into creating with a new-to-me substrate.... I need to do more of that!


And then there was QuiltCon 2018! Always a good time, and having a quilt hanging in the show just put it over the top. Between that, our guild's quilt, and three Bee Sewcial quilts showing, well that was all pretty spectacular.


Then there was some teaching! Hubby and I traveled to Texas(!), where I taught my Everyday Improv class as well as shared a trunk show with McKinney MQG. And then later in the year, I got to do the same for my own Seattle MQG. All really wonderful experiences, and it was great seeing folks excited about exploring improv!



Participating in this year's Summer Sampler Road Trip was also very fun! I was asked to contribute just one block, but I got caught up in it all and ended up making all the blocks, and look forward to finishing that quilt early in the new year!


And of course there were the quilts. I finished 18 quilts in a variety of sizes and oodles of other, smaller handmade items. I really do like creating both.


There were also a few goodbyes this year.... to Faith Circle, a do.Good Stitches charity bee with whom I sewed for nearly 7 years. It was definitely bittersweet saying goodbye. And this month wraps up three years of being a SeaMQG Giving Committee co-host, which I'll share more about later. You may have seen our final quilt on Instagram - what a way to finish up! And lastly, after the recent fiasco at Craftsy, where my small shop was whittled down to one free pattern, I've removed it, and as always, you can find the tutorial for Quarter-Cut Baby Quilt Top under my Tutorials tab.



Of course, there was oodles more, but the above were definitely highlights. Just writing this post makes me thankful for all of it, and excited to cross the bridge into 2019 to start fresh and see what comes. Thanks to all of you for continuing to join me along the way....

12 comments:

  1. This is a great retrospective of a beautiful year, Debbie. I really look forward to seeing the QuiltCon charity quilt in person and what 2019 has in store for you!

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  2. I'm so glad I discovered your blog! Best wishes for a productive new year.

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  3. Wonderful experiences Debbie ! I enjoy following your journey and inspiring blog !

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  4. I have enjoyed spending time with you and your creative ways. I look forward to 2019 and everything you care to share. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019

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  5. You really did have quite an exciting and productive year. I look forward to your 2019.

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  6. what a great year you had! So happy that I could be a part of it.... thanks for launching me into a love of improv! See you soon

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  7. You've made such great quilts - love the improv one you showed at QuiltCon! Hopefully you will have more time to start new groups and make more quilts. Have a happy and enjoyable new year!

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  8. What a fabulous year full of adventures and beautiful makes! Wishing you a Happy New Year and joyful 2019!

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  9. Wow - you’ve had a great year! And I love all the quilts you made in 2018. Wishing you and your family an amazing 2019!

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  10. You really had a fantastic year! I have enjoyed following your every move and look forward to seeing where 2019 takes you! You have also been an inspiration to so many people...another amazing feat to add to the list! Thank you for sharing your journey through blogging!

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  11. You created such beautiful things this year. All the best for the New Year!

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  12. Such an amazing year. Love your recap. Always being able to look back and see what you experienced and accomplished. To an as inspiring 2019! Maybe with a bit less stress :) xo

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