the year that was...

2008

I have been blogging a wee while, since February 18, 2006. Back then my blog was called wotsitgonnabe, and I had no clue what it was going to become. It began as a way of figuring out what was going on in my life at the time. I was homeschooling my eldest and youngest daughter's at the time and was about to hit rock-bottom. You know when you give and give and give and there's not much left to give any more. I really enjoyed homeschooling my girls but after the schoolwork was done, I realised I wasn't doing anything I loved to do anymore. I hadn't found crafting yet, that came after I made the decision to quit homeschooling and was left with the decision of what to do with my time. It was a very difficult time. I wasn't sure who I was anymore, and did I still want to be a stay-at-home mum. I really felt the pressure to conform to the world's standards and go back to work, yet I still wanted to be available for my kids. 2008 was the year I really moved past that into enjoying the freedom that being a stay at home mum brings. I have enjoyed learning new craft techniques.

Around this time last year I decided to venture out into the world of craft blogging. Mr Sew-Funky had come up with a great new name for my blog and nothing was going to hold me back! :) I've really enjoyed making and showing off some of my creations which in turn has encouraged a whole new creativity in me. I am doing stuff now that I never thought I could do in 2007. It's awesome!!

Some little known facts about my blog:

I am up to post 361.

The blog has had 43,225 hits and almost 100,000 page views!!!! Wow, who'd have thought that there'd be so many people wanting to look at my creations!!! :D

I've designed 14 original knitted dishcloths. Some have been chosen to be used in knit-alongs on the internet and one was chosen to be in a dishcloth calendar for 2009! I made money from that one, and boy was I excited about that!!

I have made 9 of my own tutorials - see the sidebar. My most popular, being the bib and the pajama/lounge pant tute!

I've been involved in a couple of international swaps and one kiwi swap (handmade Christmas ornament swap) which I've loved. Also done a couple of pay-it-forward swaps, don't worry CurlyPops I haven't forgotten about that one! ;)

I have even had a couple of giveaways on the blog. The best I've been involved in would have to be the one world|one heart giveaway extravaganza, which I hope to participate in again this year. See the link in the sidebar.

I became more addicted to op shops than I ever have before. I am decidedly in love with Mr BoJumbles here in Manukau. Very annoyed that the prices are increasing in my local sallies... GRRRR! Hardly go there now!!

My knitting has improved astronomically and I finally learnt how to knit in the round using double pointed needles! YAY! Crochet is still a struggle and I understand now why the word crochet is so close to crochety, because it makes me feel, well... frustrated!

I began a new addiction to buying fabric! Especially fat quarters, of course I intend to use some of it in the coming year, but at present it's a cluttered mess!

I purchase a brand new sewing Janome machine, which I promptly fell in love with! Yes, I still think it's awesome!

I made my first ever quilt! YAY!

My big plans for 2009, are:

* to learn how to crochet properly
* to buy an overlocker
* to do the big tidy of the craft room, and get better at giving stuff away. No, Mrs Sew-Funky, you won't use that "one day"!
* to start an etsy store or something similar and sell some of my creations!
* to have more fun! ;)

I hope you all have a great 2009!