As I sit here surrounded by brown boxes and brown packing material, looking at empty walls and bare furniture, I can't tell you how good finishing this post felt. Such pleasure. Look, pretty things! Nice photos! Colour!
Like last year and the year before, around now I like to look back at the things I've made over these twelve months. It gives me such a sense of achievement and inspires me to make more and, importantly for me, make better. I've just been looking back over the collages from 2012 and 2013 and I'm surprised by how much my taste has changed, in terms of what I choose to make, who I make it for, and the sorts of colours I'm using. Creativity is a fluid and evolving thing and I'm sure 2015's round up will be different again.
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January: a fimo bead necklace, a winter inspired crocheted cushion, a scarf for John and some hama bead coasters. February: a scarf for Angus and some more coasters. March: my winter embroidery, a pair of crocheted curtain tie backs and a peg bag. Lots of wool and scarves, definitely a wintry theme here.
April: I discover the joy that is crocheting zigzags in my filofax cover, I get seasonal with a quick Easter garland and an Easter wreath and crochet a chunky cowl. May: some plaited cord necklaces. Wow, May was a slow month! I blame Angus's birthday. June: a another crocheted cushion, this one for a friend, my spring stitches embroidery hoop and a map garland.
July: more crocheted curtain tie backs, for the spare room this time, and some crocheted washcloths for end of term teacher gifts. August: a month of holidays and most of my creativity was directed towards my embroidered holiday diary. It's packed away now and I miss looking at it. Continuing the beachy, holiday theme, I made a garland to add some colour to our boring mantel. September: the love affair with zigzag crochet continues with my chevron cowl, and a quick and easy fimo necklace which I wear absolutely loads. I'm just noticing how similar the colours are in these summer projects.
October: It all gets a bit autumnal now, with a pine cone garland and chevron wall hanging, and it feels funny to be finishing my Summer Stitches embroidery as the nights draw in. November: a beautiful (to make and to wear) shawl for my mother in law and a fun feather garland. December: I continue to be entranced by all things Alpine and mountain-y and make these jam jar tea light holders, plus a scarf for my father in law, and a fox and a doe for Angus and Bella. I am pleased to report that these are played with constantly and much loved.
I wonder what 2015 will bring in terms of making and creativity? I am excited to find out and suspect that decorating will feature heavily.
Happy new year you lovely, lovely lot. Thank you for being here and reading, and I am sorry I've not visited many of your blogs lately - I've either been packing or lying slumped under a pile of wrapping paper. I endeavor to do better next year. I hope 2015 brings you much happiness, creativity and peace.
A wonderful review of your crafting achievements through the year! I remember nearly all of these - although I had forgotten some too. There are many that I hoped to emulate and never did, but perhaps I will in 2015! I hope that the new year will bring only wonderful things to you and yours, especially with your big move! Happy new year. xx
ReplyDeleteWow, what a lot of beautiful things for one year!
ReplyDeleteVery happy 2015. xxx
Happy New Year! Such a lovely collection of things. Wishing you a very bright a cheerful 2015 xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant, craft year...absolutely lovely. Good luck with your move. Happy New Year xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gillian to you and your family. I do hope 2015 brings lots of happiness and some great makes. Good luck with the move and keep us posted with your new surroundings. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Gillian, what a productive year you have had! Happy New Year, and hope 2015 in your new home is happy and healthy X
ReplyDeleteSo much crafting goodness Gillian. Just lovely. Looking forward to your 2015 makes. Bee xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and lots of luck with your move.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Wishing you a very Happy New Year, Gillian! Thinking of you as you make the big move soon!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gillian! My gosh you have been busy this year with all of your makes. I don't make New Years Resolutions but have quietly told myself that I need to make more time for sewing. I hope your move goes well and look forward to following your new adventures that are ahead of you. Elaina xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you many more happy and creative moments in 2015. I love the variety of your makes - what next?
ReplyDeleteClaire xo
So many beautiful things; you are clever. I can't wait to see what you get up to this year. Good luck with the move and best wishes for 2015 - it seems as if I've only just got used to writing 2014! x
ReplyDeleteWow, that was a productive year, and your makes look beautiful (and very impressive!) all together. I think my favourite is the Cornwall embroidery. I was there in the summer too, and I'm wishing I'd made something similar to remember it by. You've captured it beautifully and I love how balanced the pictures are. Wishing you all the best with the rest of the packing and the big move. Just hold on, it will all get done somehow! And wishing you and yours the very happiest of New Years. It will be an exciting one I think. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteLovely makes, Gillian!!! Happy new tear to you too! And good luck with the move, Pati xx
ReplyDeleteThat was a fun review of all your makes! And you were super productive! Hope the move goes swimmingly 😊
ReplyDeleteHave a great New Year.
Sarah xx
Oh you put me to shame, there are so many WIPs languishing around my house! A pretty collection of makes to make your new place feel like home I hope. Happy new year xx
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see this overview, Gillian. What a lovely creative year. All the very best to you and yours... xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a good year! Hope 2015 is just as full; and good luck with the move!
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian ,what a year !!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best for you and your family on this new year
xoxo
Lulu
Goodness - what a busy year. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope the love goes well and you all have a fantastic 2015 x
Wishing you all good luck with the move and a happy and healthy 2015.
ReplyDeleteHey Gillian,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that the Fimo bead necklace was made in January! Times just flies in your forties ;))
Happy New Year lovely,
Leanne xx
Gosh you have made so many pretty things - I love all of it. Your crochet is devine and your embroidery is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a creative spirit! So many lovely things. I can't wait to see what you create to decorate your new home! Happy 2015, Gillian!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year. Your makes are so lovely and inspiring x
ReplyDeleteAs I always say ... I'm a big fan . Love your 2014 makings my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2015 to you. I'm looking forward to "seeing" your new projects.
Cheers!
You've certainly had a busy crafting year Gillian, I especially like your embroideries and lovely crochet cushions. Wishing you very happy in your new home, hope the move goes well, and a happy and creative New Year xx
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful things! Good luck with the move hope 2015 is a new fun adventure full of crafty makes :) xx
ReplyDeleteYou have made such beautiful things in the past year. Looking forward to seeing what you create in 2015. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYou have some lovely things, my favourite is still the Cornwall holiday stitching, that certainly inspired me to make my cabin picture. Happy Settling in Jo x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gillian, so many wonderful makes in 2014, heres to lots more creativity in 2015, Kate xx
ReplyDeleteHappy 2015, I hope it is a creative one for you. xxx
ReplyDeleteJust to add my good wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year, 2015.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
such beautiful things Gillian, what an excellent look back on a prettily productive year! I adore the embroideries! xx
ReplyDeleteHi! I just found your blog through a mutual follower and I love your collages. If they are a preview to your wonderful work, then I know that I want to be a follower. Your posts are so inspirational, then make me want to run to my little studio.
ReplyDeletePlease come visit my blog and join the fun.
I am celebrating three years of blogging with three Give-A-Ways (one for each year)
I would be honored to have you put your name in the hat :)
Your newest follower, Connie
You were not only diligent, but very creative, too! Many of the things you made I wouldn't mind having - but I lack both patience and ambition to make anything like it. To be honest, I can't even remember when I last crocheted or crafted in some other way... Oh yes, I made Christmas stars and snowflakes out of silver and gold foil (not real silver and gold, of course) maybe 6 or 7 years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I enjoy looking at the beautiful things you come up with - you must be a very popular gift-giver among your friends and family, as nothing beats a hand-made, personal, individual gift!
Happy new yr and all the best for your move,exciting times ahead wishing you lots of happiness xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I think my favourite is still your holiday embroidery, probably because it captures happiness and family. Happy New Year and I hope the move all goes smoothly. Looking forward to seeing your new home. Xx
ReplyDeleteLovely makes, all of them. Looking forward to more in 2015! x
ReplyDeleteYou've been so productive!! And in a variety of crafts as well! Can't wait to see what 2015 brings..
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the move and I hope you have many many happy moments in your new place, happy new year! xx
Lovely pieces, you have great talent. The Cornish samplers are still my favourite.....Antonia x
ReplyDeleteYou have had a busy, productive year Gillian, and what a variety. Looking forward to your makes of 2015!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Caz xx
Wow! What an achievement! Happy New Year and best of luck with the move, Bex xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian, just found your lovely blog and I'm following you now :-). Pretty works, I'm especially impressed by your wonderful seasons' stitches! Wishing you lots of luck, health and creative hours in 2015, Nata xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gillian. You really have made some wonderful things this year. Will a new home in a different area inspire you to make lots more to show us? Hope so!
ReplyDeleteHappy New year good luck with the move such a wonderful lots of creativity, looking forward to what 2015 holds
ReplyDeleteClare x
What lovely makes, good luck with the move, Lucy
ReplyDeleteWhat a productive year! I hope the house move provides you with lots of inspiration (and no stress) xx
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Gillian! I hope 2015 is a fantastic year for you and hope the move is going well. You made so many gorgeous things in 2014....think your seasonal embroideries are my favourites though.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Your chestnuts in the last post reminded me of the first time I roasted some. I didn't know to score them and they blew up with alarming bangs in the oven! Hahaha! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYou are so productive! And now you're off to a new place and who knows what new adventures. And how it will all inspire your creativity!
ReplyDeleteI have been an equally m.i.a blogger ... but sometimes there's just too much to do to allow us the time to visit our virtual friends, or even return their emails (my inbox is overflowing, oops) so I'm sure we all understand.