2025 is here…I am slightly delayed, but I do appreciate a year-in-review. I find looking back to be a really nice way to reflect and realize how much I did in a year. When it’s all happening in the present, it’s easy to feel like I’m not doing enough, or that I do a lot and then rarely notice the results of all of it.
So please enjoy this little look-back, and thanks for joining me on this little journey :)
First of all, I like to take a look at my Calls for Art spreadsheet (that I have been using since 2014!) I use this spreadsheet to track of everything that I apply to. I applied to so many things this year, I couldn’t even fit it all into a screenshot- regular jobs, teaching opportunities, freelance opportunities, vending opportunities, calls for art, residencies, etc. For context, green = accepted, red = rejected, yellow = applied but never heard back
I applied to a total of 74 things, and got accepted to 13.
February 2024
I moved to Portland! I went back and forth between Seattle and Portland many, many times. I taught workshops at The Works Seattle, and at the Sew Expo in Puyallup (I’m doing that again so soon!).
March 2024
I taught more workshops at The Works, and started teaching at Modern Domestic in Portland. Started working part time sewing patches. Dealt with some pretty bad back pain because of all the repetitive sewing.
April 2024
I taught quilting and visible mending at Modern Domestic, and started making custom sun hats. Traveled to Oberlin, OH to contra dance.
May 2024
I quit the patch job and started working part time at a drapery shop 4 days a week. This drastically cut down my availability for freelance/craft fairs/teaching, but gave me a lot more stability. This is forever a balance that I have juggled, but I am very much appreciating the stability.
June 2024
Vended in Bend and got to visit Smith Rock for the first time! Made myself a swimsuit! Traveled to Orcas Island, WA with my mom and sister and her partner for a little vacation.
July 2024
Taught an ice dye workshop at The Works, and went back to Philly for a visit! Taught Monster Stuffies to kiddos at Modern Domestic.
August 2024
Vended at Portland Pride! Made a TON of hats for it! Taught an ice dye workshop at Radius Studios in Portland. Ate ice cream and swam more times than I can count. Went to the kite festival in Long Beach, WA and camped.
September 2024
Vended at Portland Sunday Parkways, taught more workshops at Modern Domestic. Traveled to Denver to visit a friend, and went camping twice on the Olympic peninsula, and went to Eugene for contra dancing with my dad.
October 2024
Made a custom carrying box for a musician friend. Made a series of baby hats for a friend of a friend who is starting a baby clothing line. Shortened a bunch of shirts for myself. Traveled to Eugene, OR for a contra dance, and a weekend at a yurt on the Oregon coast. Had a birthday party for my September birthday, because it was the first time I had weekend availability.
November 2024
Taught Monster Stuffies again. Traveled to Catalina Island, CA to contra dance.
December 2024
I only did one holiday market this year - the Reclaim It pop up shop. Traveled to New Orleans to visit a friend, and went to Palm Springs for Christmas/New Years. My sister and I made some fabric collage shirts for my dad and his partner! These were inspired by some fabric collages my dad had made.
All in all, it was a pretty epic year. I worked more than I maybe ever have, even though I spent a lot of time officially underemployed. I also traveled more than I maybe ever have. I was out of town nearly every weekend from May-mid October! This year I am trying to be more available, a little more spontaneous, and content with where I am. Willingness and acceptance, as my therapist would say.
And if you made it all the way to the end, here’s a little reminder for my upcoming events:
February 28-March 2: Sew Expo in Puyallup, WA. I’m teaching beginner crochet and a dye class, as well as a sun print lecture. This expo is huge and there are a ton of classes. Highly recommend making a weekend of it!
Friday, April 4: Monster Stuffies for kiddos at Modern Domestic - it’s a Friday that schools are closed!
Monday, April 7: Visible Mending at Modern Domestic
Saturday, August 2: Shibori Tie-Dye at Camp Craftaway! This is a cool event happening just outside Seattle - a full weekend of crafting for adults, summer camp style!
September 26-29: I’ll be doing another round of the Star Adventure Quilt at the Sitka Center on the Oregon coast! This is not until the end of September, but they’ve already listed their classes so I want you to know about it! I have not yet been to Sitka, but it looks like a beautiful location, right on the coast. You could spend a long weekend quilting with me!