My NeedleWork 2023 - A Year End Challenge

I wish I could say this year for me was full of ambition and completed projects but that wouldn’t be factual.

I was inspired, intrigued by many ideas and drawn to a variety of possibilities. However, with my mind and energy being pulled in many directions by life happenings, the motivation just wasn’t there.

Even though I only started (notice I didn’t say completed 😏) a handful of projects I am still proud of what I accomplished. Every year will be different depending on where life takes us. I do miss those times where I am steadily eager and busy fulfilling my desires of crafting beautiful things.

It’s okay though. As long as I get my fix by working my hands a few times a year I can be happy with that. It’s not as satisfying but it’s something.

𝐵𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

This was the beginning of a yoke sweater I was so happy to be working on. I wanted to wear it proudly and share with the world that it was made by my hands.

Where is it now you ask? Well, it’s a distant memory. I lost my place and got frustrated and decided to start over at another time. I ended up frogging it and used the yarn for another immediate project.

No worries, you most likely will see this again but with further progress. Yoke sweater we shall meet again 😄.

𝒞𝑜𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒𝓉𝑒𝓈

The first project I completed this year was a baby blanket for my dear friend’s daughter. This was her fifth baby and I wanted to make sure she had something crocheted for her.

Ya know what’s crazy? We were both so busy all Summer that I didn’t get a chance to give it to her. However, she is now pregnant with her sixth child and I think I will see her soon enough to give it to her for this baby 😅.

Either way I always enjoy crocheting repetitive stitches because it’s more relaxing as I don’t have to keep count as often. There was only a slight color change for each end of the blanket which made it a breeze to work.

I promise I didn’t forget to share about the Holiday Mart. It so happens we decided to wait to sell next year. Our production wasn’t ready and we weren’t fully prepared to set up a table as planned.

My cousin did attend the market and was able to share with me the entire setting and what we should expect for next year. She gave us some really good ideas and things to think about that could better our sells.

One of her observations was that all the crafts she saw were made for women only. There were no handmade items for men whatsoever which means no one could shop to buy their husbands, sons, brothers or nephews anything 😦. This I will use and figure out something I could crochet that would be great to gift to men.

So my scrunchie making will continue throughout the year so I can have more to offer.

I am still contemplating whether or not I will make other items for my table but since I have an entire year to think about it I won’t stress on it now.

Making denim yarn was so therapeutic. Seeing the strand of yarn increase while making the cuts is totally addictive 😆.

I have yet to actually crochet with it but if I’m being totally honest I would really have to be in the mood to do it. This yarn is so thick and doesn’t move as smooth around the hook. I would most likely find other good uses for it and use another method that’s less stressful on the hands.

I do love the project that resulted from it though…

The denim fringe necklace! I have yet to make my own but my mother is loving hers lol.

This experience made me feel like a fashion designer. I was enthused by all of the amazing comments and support I got on this one so thank you. It made me want to keep thinking outside my normal thought process and create similar pieces.

That’s still in the cards. We’ll see what comes out of this brain in 2024 😁.

Wow this list was way too short. I think this is the least needlework I have ever done. I really hope to change that in the coming new year.

𝑅𝑒𝒻𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃

You wouldn’t believe how many people thank me on a regular basis for creating this community and being their support throughout various journeys. When people pop back on Hive after being gone for some time they can’t believe I’m still here doing what I started over five years ago.

Several have expressed to me that because of this community they are still around. Others say their love for needlework was respawned due to being surrounded by other inspiring and motivated people. Members have gained the confidence to start small businesses due to the encouragement and feedback they receive here.

Let me tell you, just as much of an impact you think I’ve been for you, you have been equally that for me. I’m not just saying this for the sake of your feelings. I’m being completely honest here.

There have been times I thought of leaving Hive due to limited time, blogger’s block, times where I just wasn’t in the mood for anything needlework or just plain doubtful about the future of this community. Each time I’ve gone through such a cycle YOU were there helping me to remember why I stay.

It’s you that motivates me to show up and keep on keeping on. It’s you that reminds me how special and valuable our time together is. You are my inspiration and the reason I’ve been going at it for so long. I’m not just talking about managing the community but also my work as an artist.

Through your projects and determinations I gain insight and a boost of confidence to accomplish my goals. You help me to think outside the yarn (😆) and try new things.

So, this is to you! Thank you to each and every member who make life in this community. Thank you for sharing the ins and outs of who you are. Thank you for not being afraid to share your flaws and weaknesses because through your growth we all gain strength and perception.

A really special thanks goes out to @kattycrochet and @lauramica who continue to do such an amazing job looking after and managing this community. When I can’t be around I have no worries because I know you all are in good hands. They are two of the best supporters, leaders and creative minds I have ever come across. It’s a blessing that we all work so well together. I’m grateful to have them both.

I am hoping one day that @marblely will be able to be active here again because she has also been such an amazing leader and supporter. She is one of the main reasons we’ve continued to go strong. We miss you lady!

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I am always ready to face another year and see what it has to offer.

I can’t really say what my goals are besides making more time for the arts I love. I still haven’t tackled knitting after getting a brand new bamboo hook set. I still haven’t made those pair of socks I’ve been wanting.

I can name so many different projects and techniques I would love getting my hands on but it really boils down to

Am I willing to make the effort?

For now I will say my goal is to continue loving what I do as a leader and an artist. As long as I have that love anything is possible ☺️.

Thank you and much love to all of you that contribute here and to the entire Hive community for keeping this platform alive and interesting. I am truly grateful to you for supporting my blog and for all of the valuable feedback you give ~ 🩷🤎🩶

_{Want to join the Challenge? There’s still two weeks left!}