Happy New Year! :)
Do you ever feel like with the start of a new year, there's all this pressure to make significant changes in your life? I know I do. I stopped making resolutions a few years ago, but I've tried to be intentional about setting goals (though even that can be daunting!) Recently, though, I discovered the Powersheets Goal Planner which is all about progress, not perfection. I love this mantra because I always have gotten stuck on doing things "perfectly" and been afraid of failure as a result.
Can you relate? I bring this up because I think each time we think about learning or doing something new—even a craft like embroidery, for example—perfection can stop us. Back in December, I was determined to learn how to use my new sewing machine, which had been sitting in my office for a few months. I decided to sew a couple of Christmas gifts to give myself practice. And you know what, I most definitely did not do them perfectly! But I made progress bit by bit, I had A LOT of fun, and I felt so empowered when I was done! I think it's the same with starting anything new, whether it's a new habit or a new hobby.
And in case you're curious, here's what I made!
The first thing I tackled was this faux taxidermy unicorn head (as I shared in my Instagram stories), which are so popular right now. This was a gift for one of my nieces. I don't know why I did this first - probably because I was most nervous about it! It was challenging, but I was so proud of myself when, after many hours, I finished! You can get the pattern for this project (a combination of machine and hand sewing) by Cupcake Cutie right here.
I also made some pajama pants from a simple tutorial I found on Spoonflower. I am on a bit of a roll now making pajama pants for people in my family. :)
And lastly, I am working on this counted cross stitch project for myself. I never learned counted cross stitch as I child, like most people I've talked to say they have. I learned the many varying stitches of embroidery instead. So trying a larger cross stitch pattern has been fun. This one of mountains and an alpine lake is by Satsuma Street and you can find it here.
Along with learning to tackle my goals bit by bit and aim for progress instead of perfection, I am so excited to have chosen my word of the year, which is REFRESH.
I stumbled across this word while reading the book of Proverbs and it resonated so strongly with me because its definition is: give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate.
This is exactly what I hope to offer to you when I create embroidery patterns and kits - a chance for you to relax and be refreshed with a creative outlet. I am SO EXCITED to see how this word informs what I create for you to enjoy this year. In fact I am working on spring patterns now and hope to give you a sneak peek in my next newsletter. ;)
In the meantime, my shop is restocked and shipping embroidery kits again. So if you are looking for something to curl up with this winter (or relax with in the summertime if you're in the southern hemisphere) you can pick something up and I'll ship it out straightaway.
I hope you have a great day, and remember: progress over perfection!
Do you have a new crafty project you are hoping to tackle this year? I'd love to hear about it - post below and let me know what you're working on!