Wow! It's the end of 2013!

Hey gang!

Don't let my silence the past few months fool you.  I have been extremely busy crafting the past months of 2013....I just could not find the time to take pics and post them.  Well, that and a two month jaunt around the world.  I made several baby quilts for friends, a quilt for a breast cancer walk, lots of wine bags, lens bags, a pillowcase, and about a zillion vintage aprons (okay, maybe just 20 or so...) Which brings me to one of my new year's resolutions.....To remember to take time to take photos of my work and post information about the projects.  The more I learn in my kitchen and my craft room, the more I take my skills for granted.  I never felt that doing crafts was any big deal.  It was just something I always did....whether it was stitching, drawing, sewing, calligraphy, scrapbooking, cooking, whatever...I just always need to keep busy with something.  I am often surprised at the number of folks that I know that have never learned to sew, craft, cook, work a glue gun, etc...and I guess I shouldn't be.  My mom was an extraordinary woman that found solace in her crafts and loved to teach me how to do all of it.  Hindsight is 20/20, as I wish I had spent more time with her to learn more sewing skills, but I feel like even now she guides me through my projects as I try to learn from patterns and directions.  Reading and comprehending directions was never one of my best skills.  This really worked for me in the end most of the time as I learned more by doing than by reading anyways, but I always wished I had more patience like she did when it came to deciphering instructions.

But, I have amazed myself with the number of projects I have completed this year.  One of my many flaws is that I have a hard time completing projects.  However, since I started jamming a couple of years ago and quilting, I am pleased at the number of completed projects, especially this year.  I am especially proud that I tackled a few very difficult patterns as well as attempted some applique skills.    I taught myself how to make ruffles on my aprons and follow a halter top pattern as well as take several patterns and make my own out of ideas from many patterns.  Yay me!

Another 2014 goal is to share some of my skills with folks out there.  A few friends from work have asked for sewing lessons, so I am planning on opening up the house and teaching pillowcases...then aprons.  Also, I plan on resuming setting up the "foodie club" at work so that I can have a forum to share some cooking skills with the folks that are interested at work.  I have even been asked to be a personal chef.  What a compliment!

Finally, in 2014 I am going to attempt making clothes.  The most complicated clothing item I have ever made is a pair of boxers, though I would argue that the tiered ruffles on the apron was a little challenging.  I have a couple dress patterns that I am going to attempt.  Wish me luck!

Well, as I have no pics to share, I will close out 2013 with this:  Thank you for believing in me, even though I have trouble believing in myself.  Thank you for supporting my crafting habit by taking my jam off the counter, wearing my aprons, and giving my quilts to folks.  And most important, thank you Ryan for building me my craft room and being supportive of my many habits.  I know the clutter is annoying, but you are a good sport.

Happy Crafting!  Come on by and craft with me!  Have a safe and happy new year.

Carrie