2018 in Review

Happy Friday! It's time to say goodbye to 2018 with my annual yearly review. This is actually the ninth year in a row I've been posting these wrap-ups! See them all here. Without further ado:

In 2018, I finished...

5 throw quilts.


4 pillows, 4 pin banners, 4 heat packs, a chair slipcover and a set of coasters.


8 thread bins, a sewing tool organizer, a pincushion, a sewing machine cover, and a scissor cozy.


17 lined drawstring bags, 4 tote bags, 3 sew together bags, a quilted pouch, and a checkbook cover.


4 sweatshirts, a tank, and a pair of shorts for Michael.


2 mouse softies and 2 mouse sleeping bags.


3 stockings and 1 tree skirt.

2018 Fabric Stash:
Brought in: 102 yards
Sewed up/destashed: 183.75 yards
Net: -81.75 yards 

For info on how I track my yardage, see this post.

In 2018, I knit...

1 hat.

2018 Yarn Stash:
Brought in: 1046 yards
Knit up/destashed: 186 yards
Net: 860 yards

I released a new pattern this year, the Workshop Tote Pattern (more about it here).

I shared 11 free tutorials this year, find them all here:

DIY: Sewing Room Scrap Rug


Fenced In Throw Quilt Free Pattern (Photo by Holly DeGroot.)


My DIY Thread Storage Shelf


DIY Enamel Pin Banners: New Sizes Added


Handmade Christmas Stocking Template Download


8 Tips for Precise Piecing


How to Add An Interior Slip Pocket to Any Tote Bag


Simple Steps to Great Looking Gussets


Dyeing Webbing for Custom Bag Handles


8 Top Stitching Tips + Tricks


Using Tucks to Add Structure to Your Bag
And now, a look back at my 2018 crafty goals to see how I did:

- Sew/knit with more yardage than I buy.
I'm going to give myself an A- for this goal! I wasn't quite as prolific this year, but I still ended up using more fabric than I brought in. And I brought in a whopping 70.5 yards of fabric LESS than last year, which is great too! I wasn't in the negative for yarn, but I feel okay about it. I didn't feel super inspired the knit last year, but that itch is back!

- Reduce my works in progress (WIPs), and end the year with fewer than I started with. I currently have 33 sewing & quilting WIPs.
To be honest, I did not continue to keep track of my WIPs by number, but I did make an effort to work on older projects. I finished my oldest WIP, my Wonderland Log Cabin Quilt, as well as my next oldest quilt in progress. This is a continuing effort for sure!

- Finish or destash remaining quilt tops/blocks from my book.
I made progress on this goal, but didn't complete it. I finished one quilt top from the book, and got another top basted. Getting closer!

- Make another quilt from non-quilting cotton fabric. (chambray, lawn, etc)
I made a lawn quilt and a flannel quilt this year!

- Make a quilt from my vintage sheet stash.
The first quilt I finished this year was a vintage sheet quilt! My vintage sheet four-patch quilt.

- Start a hand-work project. (EPP, applique, or hand quilt something)
I started hand quilting a double gauze Arithmetic quilt!

- Finish my Dreamin' Vintage double wedding ring quilt. This is the year!
I made zero progress on this, unfortunately.

- Finish my Fantastic Quilt Voyage. 
Another one that didn't get touched this year!

- Sew a Kelly Anorak Jacket.
I have all the fabric and hardware, but did not start it. 

- Finish a shawl WIP (Briochealicious, Daybreak, Sundial or Hitchhiker).
No such luck here either, didn't finish any shawls.

- Start knitting another pair of colorwork mittens.
I started a pair of mittens in December!

- Knit a softie or ornament(s)
Hopefully next year!


Considering how much time I spent working on our house this year, inside and outside, I feel really good about what I was able to accomplish. I would not describe 2018 as a smooth year for us, and it took a lot of emotional and physical energy to get through the year. I am hopeful that in 2019 I spend more time on creative pursuits! I'll be back next week to share my goals for this year.

 Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019!