January 1, 2014

Looking Back . . . Looking Forward

It's that time of year  . . .
Time when many of us make plans and resolutions for the New Year. With my husband, my daughter and myself all exploring various creative businesses, we have been meeting and talking about our goals for 2014. It's been fun to share and support one another. Part of the plan is to hold each other accountable throughout the new year so we stay on track. I really can't wait to see what each of us accomplishes and creates this year.  : )

Looking back . . .
I started 2013 with the goal of publishing more patterns, exploring submission possibilities and posting more regularly here on my blog. I can say 2013 turned out to be the year of submissions. It was fun and flattering to find success by having some of my projects published. You can read a few submission tips here. I also managed to write more posts and make a few other changes to my blog. The downside was that my pattern publishing just didn't happen. Lots and lots of ideas and designs. Lots of quilts in various stages of completion. But no new patterns.  : (



But even though the patterns didn't happen, there were lots of other good things that took me in new directions. Things I couldn't even have imagined at the beginning of the year. Things like winning an award at QuiltCon and going to Quilt Market for the very first time!   : )



Westminster Fibers booth . . . one of my favorites.

Another positive step for me in 2013 was meeting other quilters and stepping out of my little isolated world. I became involved in the early stages of the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild and designed the logo.


And I joined my first online quilting bee, the Mid Century Modern Bee. Plus an online art quilt group, Four-in-Art. All these experiences have been so rewarding. It's easy to get into a rut when you're in your studio alone and don't realize how isolated you are. I'm a loner when it comes to working most of the time but I still need interaction and connections. If you don't have a group, I highly recommend joining at least one online group or real life guild that will teach, challenge and inspire you. It's definitely worth the commitment.  : )

Looking forward . . .
In 2014 I plan to refocus on pattern development and make it the year of patterns. I also want to expand my blog content to include tutorials as well as some type of design exploration lessons. The design process is what I truly love. Additional design options are a big part of what I include in my patterns. Now I'd like to share more of these design explorations with you here on my blog.

One other thing I need to do in 2014 is use my stash!  I probably have enough fabric to keep me sewing for years and yet much of it is not where my fabric tastes reside these days. What to do about that? Perhaps I'll open an Etsy shop just to destash. Perhaps I'll explore how this older fabric can be made into something more modern. Maybe it will even become part of a new blog series . . . traditional with a modern twist.

Here's a peak at some of the newer fabrics I plan to make good use of. I'm looking forward to stirring up some wonderful new things with some of these beauties.







Hope you'll join me and see where the new year takes SpringLeaf Studios.

What are your quilty goals for 2014?

I'll leave you with this quote seen recently on another blog. 
Apologies to which blog because I can't find the source.


A goal without a plan is just a wish.


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8 comments:

  1. Happy new year to you Anne! Great goals for 2014.

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  2. Happy New Year Anne. I have that same bundle on the top left. Love it. Enjoy your new projects

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  3. I love the quote you left us with. Best of luck (I mean planning) with your goals for the new year.

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  4. Happy New Year Anne......lots of great goals!!

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  5. Those Kona solids look scrumptious!
    I'm part of a FB quilt group following Quiltville mystery quilt

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  6. I like your goal regarding the stash dilemma, what to do with the old fabric that is too nice to give away, but just doesn't "fit" with the new stuff. I have been struggling with this for years, all the while, the pile keeps growing. Must quilt faster!!
    Hi from California
    Lynne

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  7. Oooooh. We have some of the same fabrics, but is this surprising?

    I love this post. I've been in such a Holiday Dead Zone today, and reading your determinations and assessments has really inspired me to look at some of my own fledgling ideas and get some things written down. As always, you are a mentor of mine!

    Happy New Year to one of my favorite quilting pals--
    Elizabeth

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  8. Oh you have some lovely fabrics there! Can't wait to see what you do with them!

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WaHoo!!! You're leaving me a comment. Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. Quilt on, Anne.