One Year Ago Today...

... I started this blog of mine. I had spent several weeks going back and forth about whether or not I wanted to start a blog. I remember how afraid I was to publish my first post. I remember how excited I was to get my first follower (thanks, Andi :). Everything was new and exciting, and I instantly fell in love with the creative community that exists out there.

It all started with this.

Then I remember how burnt out I got around Christmastime, and how it took me a solid two months to bounce back and start creating again. I've been very cautious about not letting that happen since then. It's a constant struggle and balancing act that I have yet to master, but I'm working on it. Aren't we all?

Then I was on a printables kick.

In my very first blog post I said, "I am hopeful that this blog will help make my own well-being a higher priority in my life. In other words, I am hopeful that it will motivate me to take a little time for myself every week to do what I love to do and miss doing. I love to make and create, and I’m looking forwarding to sharing that with my readers. I am also really excited to connect with other crafty people/moms like me out there." Well, I did more sewing and crafting in the past year than I probably did in my entire life, and I have met some amazing people who share my love of sewing and crafting. Little did I know that all of this would come at the expense of a clean house, but I think I can live with that :)

Some of my first tutorials.

When I look back at everything I have made this year, I am amazed at how far I have come. I have learned so much from so many different bloggers, and I can't even begin to thank everyone who shares their knowledge and creativity with others. There is a wealth of information out there, and people are more than willing to help and to teach you what they know. It's unbelievable, and I consider it a blessing to have found a home in this community.

Later on, still finding my way...

This past year has been a big experiment for me. I tried lots of different things. Some I liked doing, others I didn't. I think that blogging has really helped me figure out who I am as a creative person, or at least what direction I want to go in and what I like doing creatively. Looking at the projects I've made over the past year, so many things have changed. Things that I thought I loved doing aren't so much fun anymore. Projects that I never envisioned myself having the patience for are suddenly not so bad. I feel more confident in my creativity now. There will be some changes around here in regards to this, but I'll leave that for a future post.

Where I am now.

Today I just want to celebrate by thanking everyone who stops by to visit me here. Everyone who follows or subscribes to my blog. Everyone who has taken the time to comment on one of my posts. Everyone who has asked me to be a guest on their blog. Everyone who has featured one of my projects. I am overwhelmed by the love and support that I receive from people every day, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I want to thank the people who have supported me day in and day out for most of this ride... Amy, Amy, Andi, Carol, Chris, Jess, Kindra, KJ, Kristin, Lorene, Michele, and Sarah. You ladies inspire me and make me a better blogger/crafter/person. Thank you for being the wonderful friends that you are. Amy, I don't think I'd still be doing this if it weren't for you :) For listening, giving me advice, telling me when I'm crazy, letting me bounce ideas off of you, and making me laugh... I can't thank you enough. And a thank you to Anna for inspiring me, for encouraging me, and for challenging me to be a better sewist.

Finally, I would like to thank my family for giving me the time and space to do what I love to do. They know how important this is to me, and I hope they know how much I appreciate that.

So, here's to the next year. I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you.