27 Comments
Jan 1Liked by Wendi Gratz

This is the year (1) I make all the projects from the Sew Sampler boxes from the Fat Quarter shop. (2) My spiritual life- spend more time studying the Bible.

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Jan 1Liked by Wendi Gratz

This is the year I learn Tunisian crochet.

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Hi Nancy - Years ago I signed up for some Craftsy classes and learned Tunesian Crochet - the best was that the instructor used interesting yarns and out of the box patterns so not only fid I learn a new skill - I also learned new ways to drape crocheted fabrics.

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Thanks! I'm looking forward to it! There are so many pretty patterns using Tunisian.

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I have a book, and I'm going to take a class from Edie Eckman. These will get me started, along with practice, practice, practice 🙂

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Jan 2Liked by Wendi Gratz

Aaah! So. Excited. About. Your. Book!!!! I'm here for the mystery!! Yay!!!🎉

This is the year I present my art without apology.

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author

Ooooh! I like that! Why do we feel like we need to apologize so much? I remember fretting for ages about someone who dismissed my work as "too cute."

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Jan 2Liked by Wendi Gratz

And what is "too" cute? A thing that YOU make is just cute enough... for you!

I noticed in my writing groups that we too often present our work with a defensive preface, an apology, or other explanation about how we were imperfect (tired, sick, out of time) when we created it. As we're always imperfect, I'm trying to remind myself that this statement both detracts and distracts, and I want to be done with it...

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Now that I am retired and have more time to spend on crafts - I notice I am less stressed about how long things take to do it right. Therefore I am more inclined to try new and "scary" things and work on it until I get it right.

This year I embroidered and finished 6 3.5" Christmas ornaments - they turned out beautiful.

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Jan 1Liked by Wendi Gratz

Yea for you!! I love the intention (I’m using that word instead of “resolution”) you have for your year ahead! May this year be filled with joys, blessings, and happy achievements:)

Much love to you three!!

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author

Thanks so much! Love to you and your family too!

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Jan 2Liked by Wendi Gratz

This is the year I take quilt classes and get to a national quilt show.

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Last year I finished my first quilt - I followed Wendy's tutorials to help me with the Quilt-As-You-Go method and the quilt turned out so nice.

I could not have fone it without Wendy's tutorials/ videos/ instructions

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Jan 1Liked by Wendi Gratz

This is the year I get my house organized so I can have the physical and mental space to create!

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author

Yes! I know I joked about it a bit in my post, but REALLY decluttering my work space in 2015 was the best thing I ever did.

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Jan 1Liked by Wendi Gratz

Oh I am so excited for your book! I read all of Alan’s books and ALMOST all of your book recommendations. I haven’t done much sewing in the last few years, but I keep your newsletter for the joy of seeing your latest projects and for the book and recipe suggestions :)

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author

Thanks so much!

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I find it fascinating that, when people hear that your hubby's a writer, they ask if you are too. Would they do the same if he was a surgeon or a teacher or a store clerk? Just seems such a strange conclusion to leap to.

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author

I think it's partly because I did work in the book business for about 20 years - as a bookseller and then a buyer and then a sales rep for the southeast. So when we're at bookish events together I can chat with some knowledge about the publishing world. Maybe that makes me seem like we're both writers?

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Aaah! That makes sense!

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This is the year that I learn how to weave ❤️

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author

Oooh! My sister is learning how to weave! If you do rigid heddle, I know a good online teacher I can recommend with an AMAZING website.

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Can you share it please? It's hard to find a good teacher online and there aren't any good classes locally.

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author

Her name is Liz Gipson and her site is https://yarnworker.com/. She's got LOADS of tutorials and classes - from beginner level to more advanced. Like Shiny Happy World, she's got LOTS of free resources and excellent paid classes as well for those who want to go deeper.

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Reading the newsletters I missed since I only discovered Shiny Happy World a couple of months ago. I truly enjoy your writing. How’s the book coming?

I just finished the Cozy Cats quilt for my granddaughter. I love it and hope she will too. It was so fun to make and I used only scraps except for the backing. Discovered my next project in the newsletter; Chirp pattern for my daughter.

Thank you, Wendi!

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author

Thanks so much! The book has been put on hold while we move across country, but we'll be picking it back up again as soon as we have desks in the new place. :-) Have fun with the Chirp pattern!

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Yes the Bridgette Jones's Diary are great! Love the ugly sweaters scene. Have a great weekend!

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