So That Was 2012...

As it comes to the end of a year, most of us look back.  What was good about it, not so good - and what did we achieve?  And please do read on, because I want to hear from you too!

So, my own 2012 was probably better than I thought:

This Blog...

I started this blog in March this year.  It's had over 93,000 visits already, which has completely blown me away!  I'm amazed that some of my posts have been shared on blogs and forums around the world, sometimes even in languages I can't understand.  The power of the internet (and blogging in particular) never fails to amaze me.

Sewing...

I finally dug out my long-neglected sewing machine earlier this year, which was promptly spotted by a visiting child!  Reacting to her enthusiasm, I started teaching my now 10-year-old granddaughter to sew - she was really excited about the idea of using a sewing machine and it's sparked a brand new interest for her, which is lovely.  We've made lots of cushions together, among other things, and she now has grand plans for bag making.  2013 may well be the year of the bag!

Writing for Magazines...

Both Sewing World and Craftseller asked me to design/write for them on a regular basis after I submitted some ideas to them!  I've even had projects featured on the front cover of both, which is really exciting!

I must admit, this particular issue was the most exciting, when my little upcycled travel sewing kit took centre stage!  It was pretty unbelievable, especially as the sewing kit wasn't actually designed with a magazine in mind to begin with.  It was just one of those projects that started with a bit of upcycling (in this case, an old hardback diary).

Sewing Patterns...

I made a (very slow) start in the world of selling downloadable sewing patterns.  Some of the projects which have been in magazines this year will be available to download in 2013 (if all goes to plan, that is). Each magazine has its own rules as to how long must elapse before you can sell the pattern, online or otherwise.

This sewing machine applique cushion 

is one of the few patterns already in my Craftsy shop.

Blog Sponsorship...

I have been privileged to receive some fabulous free stuff (much of it in the form of yummy fabrics!) in return for blog mentions and as giveaways for my readers.  I think I've come to rather love this aspect of blogging, and it fits in very well with this blog.  Yes, it's sponsorship, but I am OK with that - it allows me to do more.  It probably goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway!) that I wouldn't accept sponsorship or freebies from anyone if I didn't think it was relevant to what I'm doing and and from anyone who wasn't a good value, good quality supplier.

It's a win-win situation, because the supplier gets links and visits from each mention and I get gorgeous fabrics like this:

fabric from Abakhan

Writing Books...

I made serious inroads into writing books.  Yep, that's plural, I couldn't just start one book and finish it before starting another, could I?!  I have plans to do a bit of e-book publishing, but I kind of fell at the last hurdle...

I think two things slowed me down, pretty much to the point of stopping altogether:

1. an unrealistic aim for perfection (I know as well as anyone that perfection is never gonna happen.  Why does it bother me so much?) and...

2. a downright fear of the whole idea of self-publishing: What if nobody buys it?  Worse, what if someone buys it and slates it?  Could I honestly live with a one-star review on Amazon?  Aargh!! How does anyone ever publish a book?!  If ever there was a case to illustrate the self-help book feel the fear and do it anyway, this is it for me.  I really must do some finishing off and actual publishing in 2013... (yikes.  I've said it publicly now)

Nah, that slim little thing posing for the camera with a laptop isn't me.  

Sorry to disappoint!

Phew! 

I think maybe I achieved more than I set out to do and I'm glad I wrote this post - beforehand, it didn't actually feel like I had achieved much at all (possibly because in my head I was focusing on what I hadn't achieved ... yet.  If that's what you're doing, do remember that little word "yet" - it changes the whole focus of lack of achievement into something altogether more hopeful).

More importantly than what I've achieved in 2012 though is this: I think I have some strong building blocks which I hope will make good foundations to start building my 2013.  I'll be back soon with some of my plans and hopes for the brand new year.

What about you?  How was 2012 for you?  I know I said we'd have a break from Handmade Monday, but perhaps if you've done an end of the year post, you could link up here as a one-off?  Or leave a comment?