2019 in Review + Goals for 2020

Whew, what a year 2019 has been!

As the year comes to a close, I’m always amazed when I take
a moment to look back on all that I’ve accomplished. It always seems to go by
in a flash and since I tend to focus on the projects I’m currently working on
and have coming down the pipeline, I often forget what I’ve already accomplished! 

Which is why writing this annual blog post (see 2017 and 2018) has become one of my favourite tasks.
It really gives me a chance to reflect on the goals I’ve hit, those I missed
and those I still want to tackle.

But first, here are some highlights from 2019.

2019 kicked off with my stop on Amy Sinibaldi’s Sonata Showcase. You know how much I adore both Amy’s designs and the Art Gallery
Fabrics, so I’m always thrilled to create with her gorgeous fabrics. This time
around, I opted to make a Modern Aztec Table Runner and spent a
good part of my 2018 holidays snuggled on the couch hand quilting her – what bliss!
It was a spectacular way to kick off the year.

Having made a few different versions of the Modern Aztec
design (Bequest,
Sonata and Holiday), I was so thrilled to finally share the pattern with you!
And you guys absolutely loved her! It’s always a little nerve-wracking releasing
a new pattern but seeing the love you have for this modern beauty is just the
best feeling ever. It’s one my largest patterns featuring both 5 and 10-colourway
options in all the quilt sizes, plus 2 table runner options and a pillow. Whew,
that’s a lot to pack into one pattern! But so fun to get to choose your quilty
adventure 😊

I always love supporting my fellow quilters and loved that I
had the chance to participate in 2 book releases this year. First up was Jemima’s
Quilt Big Book Tour where I made the cutest Indian Star Mini Wall Hanging.

And then again this fall for Amy’s Rainy Day Sewing Book
Tour where I made this cute as a button Spotlight Cushion. So fun to support their creative initiatives!

Collaborating with magazines is always fun, especially when I
get to work with the team behind Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. This year I had
my Ecliptic quilt featured in Issue 71, as well as my Harvest Falls quilt + mini that were featured in Issue 76. Hoping to share these patterns with you
in 2020!

I was so excited to launch my Flight Plan quilt pattern and I
was astounded at the response. She quickly became one of your favourite patterns
and that just totally warmed my heart. Especially since the message behind it is
all about following your own path. Let’s do more of that in 2020 😊

2019 was the year I was accepted as an Aurifil Artisan – wahoo! This is hands down my favourite thread to stitch with
and being able to share that love with you has been the cherry on top!

I even managed to sneak in the release of my Double Windmill quilt pattern which was the very first quilt design I ever pitched to
a magazine…and she landed the cover. So surreal and amazing!

Since I work by myself at home, it can sometimes get a little
lonely, which is why I just adore connecting with you on Instagram. I took that
one step further by collaborating with some of my favourite quilters for the Quiltmas Spectacular. This was a first and hopefully not a last! I had THE best time collaborating
with these lovely ladies – just chatting, bouncing ideas off one another and generally
supporting one another in our quilty pursuits. I say it often, but I really do
feel so lucky to be a part of our community.

Looking back on the above, I realize I accomplished more
than I thought! Which is why it’s always so fun to take the time to reflect
back on what you’ve accomplished. More often than not, we surprise ourselves
with all that we’ve done!

Looking ahead to 2020, my main thought is pacing myself!

I started quilting as a way to bring joy into my life and sometimes
stress takes over when I’ve over committed myself or am trying to accomplish too
much in short period of time. So, 2020 is really about pacing myself so that I
can amplify the joy and reduce the stress!

Having said that, there are still things I want to push
myself on so that I can grow not only my quilty capabilities, but my business
as well.

First up, there are several patterns that I want to release
this year and that takes time. I’m always amazed at how long it takes to draft
and test a pattern. Even after years of doing it, there is just so much that
goes into the design process so that you end up with an easy to follow pattern.
Thankfully, I love that process. It brings on a whole host of emotions, but ultimately
the excitement of sharing the design with you trumps it all! This year, I’m
particularly excited to share a very modern design with you that I hope
encourages you to step outside your quilty comfort zone 😉

I’ve been wanting to host a sew-a-long but have been a
little nervous to! I’m not sure why, but I’m hoping to face the fear and just do
it!

After working on structured patterns and designs, I always
come back to some play time. I consider these my freedom sessions and they
rejuvenate me in a way no other creative pursuit can. I didn’t get to sneak as
much of these sessions in as I would have liked and I’m hoping to change that
in 2020.

2019 was the year that I was hired for my photography
skills! This was completely unexpected and a welcome surprise. I helped shoot
some product photos for Aurifil’s new Color Builders and I just love how it turned
out. I’m hoping to pursue more of these collaborations in 2020.

I have so many tutorials and tips that I want to share with
you. I remember when I first started out, I felt so overwhelmed by all the
different steps throughout the quilting journey. Plus, add to that that there’s
more than one way to tackle things and it can really feel like a huge mountain
to climb. My tutorials are some of my most loved posts and I’m eager to share
more! Let me know if there’s something specific you would like me to focus on.

Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming juggling all the
different social media platforms. I have a true love for Instagram, but
sometimes I hop on and it feels like SO MUCH information coming at me! Do you
ever feel that way? So, this year, I’m giving myself permission to disconnect
and not feel like I have to post. A little quiet time away from the screen
always helps me feel more refreshed and often leads to new creative ideas. I’m
hoping to find a better balance between being plugged-in and allowing myself
the time to step away to fill up my creative cup 😉

The tail end of 2019 has me wrapping up quite a few WIPs,
but I still have more! I’d love to clear the decks so that I’m only working on
a few projects at a time. I have a feeling this is going to be a challenge for
me, but it’s worth giving it a go! If you haven’t been participating in the
Finish-a-Long I highly recommend checking it out!

I’ve always loved spending time with my family, and this just
gets amplified as I get older. I’m hoping to spend more time with them and host
some yummy dinners so that we can just hang and enjoy one another’s company.

That’s what’s on my radar for 2020. I’d love to know what
your plans are and what you hope to accomplish in the New Year.

Be sure to link up with the #2020planningparty hosted by Yvonne from Quilting Jet Girl.

Here’s to making 2020 the best quilty year yet!

xo

Shannon

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