Sewing

2015 was a good year

2015 Noodlehead Year in Review

This year was so great for so many reasons. I am constantly inspired by the entire sewing and creative community. I can definitely say that it hasn’t been easy either. Of course the challenges and struggles are far less interesting and I’m not going to let them take any sort of spotlight. On with the good…

I completed my first triathlon and also managed to run and finish my first half-marathon! The training was so fun and I’m very much looking forward to more triathlons next summer – let the training begin! We took an absolutely amazing trip as a family to Alaska in June. We made lasting memories that I will cherish forever. My daughters are growing so fast, and I’m eternally grateful to be able to be with them during this amazing time of our lives. With soccer and swimming and extra curricular fun, it’s been amazing to see them grow and change. We even snuck in some time to teach Emily how to knit!

With all the personal stuff, there of course, was this blog and my business. My first book, Handmade Style, was published in the spring by Lucky Spool Media. I’m so glad it’s out in the world and even more happy that it’s finished. I can truly say that it is one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever worked on. Even with its challenges, the rewards of seeing your finished projects has been far far more awesome than I could have imagined.

I released four new patterns (Sunny Side Up Quilt & Pillow, Caravan Tote + Pouch, Campfire Messenger Bag, and lastly, my newest, Maker’s Tote). And designed and wrote a free for Robert Kaufman (Gatherer Crossbody Bag for Carolyn’s Carkai collection). I also shared a handful of tutorials as well.

I taught a handful of classes again this year, and I want to keep pushing myself in that area – all while trying to balance family life.

I designed my first fabric collection, Rain Walk with Cloud9 Fabrics. The whole experience was pretty thrilling. I enjoyed sewing up a crazy amount of projects using it and am hopeful for more opportunities in the future. You can view the lookbook I put together here.

And I still have so so much to learn and explore. Okay, that’s enough about me!

Above all, I constantly feel quite grateful for all the amazing support and friendship the sewing (and knitting!) community has given me over the years. Without you, this blog would surely not exist. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Take a trip down memory lane and check out my previous year-end posts from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

17 thoughts on “2015 was a good year

  1. Linda Doyle says:

    I have sooooo benefitted from all of your hard work this year. I have pored over your book at the end of long days – my reward that kept me going:) and have made many projects that you designed both the pattern and the fabric. Thank you for sharing all your hard work with us. Cheers to a New Year!!

    1. I agree, Linda. I have definitely benefited from Anna’s hard work too. Handmade Style is so inspiring. Happy 2016!

  2. Wow, this was quite a year for you. I bought Handmade Style and truly love it. I look forward to seeing what designs you create in the new year.

  3. An amazing year and such a good one. You have so much to be proud of, Anna. Can’t wait to see what you do in the year ahead!

  4. Sona Jacob says:

    I really like the finish of all your sewn stuff.
    Happy New Year! May 2016 be the best yet.

  5. Colleen says:

    Congratulations Anna ! your creative journey is inspiring to us all, I love to see talented people succeed. I enjoy your tutorials so much and want to thank-you for your latest RK bag pattern. I hope to be making it soon. I live in the middle of nowhere and have yet to get my hands on one of those button studs. There is one more shop I can check that is 55 miles from here – if they don’t have it I’ll just have to order it over the internet.
    Happy New Year !

  6. What a year! Hope your 2016 will be at least as good 🙂

  7. Rae says:

    It’s been so fun to watch your year unfold, Anna!! Congrats on your success and thanks for continuing to share it here with us online! I love reading your blog!!

  8. Ruthann says:

    Thank you for all you have done in 2015. You are an amazing designer and we all benefit from your work. On a personal note my daughter loves the Gingham Tote I made her for Christmas. My other daughter saw it and wants one too! Guess I have two more to make….one for her and one for me! Happy New Year and may 2016 bring you many blessings.

  9. sewsweetness says:

    Congratulations on all your success this year Anna, you are amazing!!!

  10. Cindy says:

    Congrats on such an amazing year, Anna! I love reading your blog and have learned so much from you! Thank you for sharing all that you do! Many blessings to you and your family for a Happy New Year and continued success!:)

  11. Amanda Jean says:

    Happy new year, my beautiful friend! Congratulations on your many successes this year! Here’s to a wonderful 2016! xoxoxxo

  12. Morgan says:

    You’re work certainly helped inspire me in 2015. Looking forward to what happens in 2016!

  13. Wow! What an amazing amount of achievements! Well done! Happy New Year!

  14. Nickie says:

    Are there instructions for that triangle quilt on the upper left of the photo?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      It’s a pattern in Jeni Baker’s book Patchwork Essentials. You can read more about it in this post: https://www.blog.noodle-head.com/2015/11/vast-quilt.html

  15. kristin says:

    You had an AMAZING 2015!! Congrats Anna and I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next… 🙂

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