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) for you 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. 

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2019 HIGHLIGHTS 

But first, here are some highlights from 2019. 

SONATA SHOWCASE 

2019 kicked off with my stop on Amy Sinibaldi’s Sonata Showcase. You know how much I adore both Amy’s designs and 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. 

Pictured above is the Modern Aztec table runner - pattern available in the shop.

MODERN AZTEC QUILT PATTERN 

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 of 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 😊 

Picture above is the Modern Aztec quilt 5-colourway option - pattern available in the shop.

BOOK TOURS 

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! 

MAGAZINE FEATURES 

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! 

FLIGHT PLAN QUILT PATTERN 

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 😊 

Pictured above is the Flight Plan quilt - pattern available in the shop.

AURIFIL ARTISAN 

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! 

 

DOUBLE WINDMILL QUILT PATTERN 

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! 

Pictured above is the Double Windmill quilt - pattern available in the shop.

QUILTMAS SPECTACULAR 

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. 

Guiding Lights FPP Block pattern available here.

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! 

GOALS FOR 2020 

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. 

PATTERNS

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! 

PLAY TIME 

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. 

COLLABORATIONS 

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. 

EDUCATION 

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. 

PERMISSION TO DISCONNECT 

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 😉 

CLEAR THE WIP PILE 

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! 

FAMILY 

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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