It’s that time to look back over the year in quilting and think about what was made and what was learned.
In 2012, I made about 31 quilts or other projects. Here are most of them:
In 2012, I began selling on Etsy. I’ve made 27 sales so far. (I also sell on Artfire, but I’ll be ending that. I did sell in a shop here locally, which was an interesting, if not lucrative, experience. I stopped that this summer, but kept up the friendships I made there.) I’m paying for all my fabric and supplies, and showing a profit, so I can’t complain. I’ve learned about postal rates and customs forms. Most importantly, I’ve “met” so many nice people, and found homes for my work all over the country and around the world. I know they’ve gone to new babies, sick friends, nursing home patients, and favorite relatives, and to brighten people’s homes and offices. I like that.
In 2012, I’ve given quilts and pillowcases to several charitable causes. I’ve given two to convalescing friends. I had one appear in Southern Weddings Magazine. (I’ll post more about that when I actually see the magazine and can show you pictures. So far I’ve only glimpsed a peek online. The quilt is there, just hidden behind a bridal party. The nerve!)
In 2012, I got involved with quilters/bloggers/podcasters on Twitter, and I’ve really enjoyed it. We’ve shared Sew-Ins and holiday preparations and pets and weather and new additions and illness and our quilt successes and questions, etc., etc., etc. Mostly it’s just a lot of nonsense and love, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face, if not an outright laugh. So fun to have friends around the country, and a few across the world. If you’re looking for me there, I’m @scooquilt.
And in 2012, I started this blog. This is really pretty “out there” for me, but I dove in and did it anyway, and I’m glad I did. This is my 40th post! I’ve learned a lot from it, and had a lot of encouragement from nice people. I haven’t begun to meet my goals with it, but it’s a start. It’s helped me destash 100+ yards of fabric, and pushed me a bit to finish projects and keep working. I refuse to be a slave to it, but a little structure is a good thing. I like being part of the wonderful quilting community.
So that’s what I can recall of my quilt life this year. How was your year?
2013, here we come!
Evening in the Garden Quilts 
December 29, 2012 at 11:07 PM
Valerie, you were really productive this year! I know none of us can compete with Pam, but I know I haven’t made 26 quilts this year 🙂 Your work is beautiful and it’s nice to hear that you’re making a profit in your Etsy shop. I wish you good luck for next year and all the years to come!
December 30, 2012 at 3:00 AM
You’ve had a very productive year. It’s been a wonderful year with you being my friend as well! Amazing how we can grow and change so much in such short time!
December 30, 2012 at 9:29 AM
What a great year you’ve had! it’s been nice getting to know you a little through twitter 🙂 I certainly have plans/goals to reinstate my blogging too. I miss it!
December 30, 2012 at 9:51 AM
What a great year you have had. Very productive! And it’s been great to get to know you on Twitter. Mary Ann
December 30, 2012 at 1:57 PM
You asked – here goes: Completed 8 quilts – 4 were gifts. Turned in 12 charity baby quilts and 12 charity baby flimsies – Quilted 3 quilts for others, Made 7 quilts for our VA hospital, started 3 UFOs, made one flimsie for me, and made 62 blocks – some which will be orphans, some for BOMs still to complete, and some for swaps. I was shocked to find I used almost 146 yards this year (but most of that was donations)
I really enjoy your blog, Valerie – can’t believe you’ve only been doing it for only a year. Always fun to read and am in awe of your wonderful quilts. Look forward to quilting along with you in the New Year.
December 30, 2012 at 7:02 PM
Love your post! It is so cheerful and positive! GREAT job!