Well hello 2015

Happy New Year!

I saw in the New Year watching Father Ted (I had been watching Gosford Park!), in my PJs crocheting. It was only the fireworks going off that alerted me to the fact it was midnight!

Although I'm not a big fan of New Year, I do like to take the opportunity to see it as a new start. A chance to think about the year ahead and set myself a few goals.

Last year, I said that I wasn't going to buy any craft supplies unless I needed them for my course or my business. I can firmly say that I failed epically in that department! My yarn stash is bigger than ever. Oops. 

I've set myself 3 goals for 2015.

1) To follow a vegan diet

I won't go into the big details here about my reasons for a vegan diet but I've decided that, starting today, there will be no dairy, eggs, honey or utter animal products in my diet. I've been a strict vegetarian for around 13 years now and I've already cut dairy out of my diet as I'm intolerant to it so eggs (and cake!) are the big challenge now. 

2) Journal 52

Last year I started the art journaling challenge, Journal 52. Sadly, life got too busy and I just didn't get round to making my pages. I love art journaling but haven't been making time for it so this year is the year I do! I've allocated a day, Wednesday's, so I can look forward to it each week. Keep an eye out for my posts!

3) And finally, the stash

I looked through my yarn stash the other day and came to the conclusion that I had a lot of yarn and I couldn't get rid of any of it. I'm not saying that I can't buy anything (look where that got me last year) so I'm going to make an effort to liberate what is in there! 

Have you set yourself any goals for 2015? If so, I'd love to hear about them!

Out with the old ....

As 2013 draws to a close its out with the old!  I love spending a little bit of time, at the end of a year, reflecting on the events of the previous year.


So, how has your 2013 been?  

I can honestly say that my 2013 has been crazy in an amazing way and, when I look back at it, has been one of the best years I've had in a while.  There have been so many new challenges and opportunities and it makes me see the decisions I made in 2012 as the right ones.

As you may remember, I made 3 crafty New Years Resolutions at the end of last year - lets take a look at how successful, or not, I've been with these.

1. To sew myself a skirt!
I had some Amy Butler fabric, which I bought in the sale way back in 2012.  I'm pleased to say that it is now a skirt!  The most beautiful A-line maxi skirt perfect for wearing in the hot weather, or with boots in winter.  I used a great book,Sew What! Skirts , which clearly teaches you how to make your own pattern for an a-line and straight skirt.  It was really easy to do and I can't wait to make a straight, needlecord skirt in the New Year.

2.  To develop The Gingerbread Bunny through: a website, teaching workshops and selling at craft fairs.
The Gingerbread Bunny has definitley grown in 2013 - having the time to dedicate to it has been a great advantage in this!  I've taught private crochet workshops in a lovely cafe in Wigan and now teach crochet classes as part of the adult education programme which will continue in 2014 with a second beginners class (my first was oversubscribed) and, fingers crossed, an improvers class to.
I have sold at a few craft fairs this year.  I've experienced the good and the bad of these.  My best fair was one I paid a little bit more for for me stall but was by far the most successful and, even better, I received great feedback on my items.
In terms of a website, I'm not there yet.  I've improved my blog to make finding information easier but really, I need a website.  I've delegated this task to Mr Bunny for 2014.

3. To blog regularly.
Ok - I started off well but, towards the middle of the year, failed miserably.  So, I've decided not to force myself into blogging regularly.  I will blog when I feel that I need to and not in a timetabled way.  I'm going to use the Blogger App on my phone to blog on the move which may mean more short posts to share what I'm making or what I've seen rather than committing to weekly, longer posts.  I do want to write more tutorials this year so keep an eye out for those.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with how I've done with my crafty resolutions - how did you do with yours?


Keep an eye out for tomorrows post all about my resolution for 2014.

Out with the old and in with the new



(Photo courtesy of anniemandbenc on Flickr)

I can't believe that it is New Years Eve 2012!  I'm not the biggest fan of New Year (I'm much more of a Christmas girl) but I do like the opportunity to spend a bit of time reflecting on what the past 12 months have bought and thinking about what I want the following year to bring.

2012

2012 has been a funny old year for me. 

Personally, it's been quite a tough year for me and I've made some pretty massive decisions about my life.  In fact, today is officially my last day in my current job as a full time primary school teacher (I'm not going to go into details now, that is for a future post!) The decision was a hard one but one I am extremley happy with.  I will be working as a supply teacher for a while, as well as continuing with my private tutoring - which I love.  I will also be able to devote more time to The Gingerbread Bunny, which I am really excited about.

The Gingerbread Bunny has continued to grow. I've developed some new designs and my funky applique clothing line as well as teaching more workshops and selling at a few events. 


Last year I set myself 2 crafty resolutions:

1:  To learn how to do Tunisian crochet.  I saw Holly (who has started a crafty blog - check it out) doing some Tunisian crochet and the final effect is gorgeous.  

I'm pleased to report that I have been learning the basic tunisian crochet stitch thanks to the beautiful shawls designed by Aoibhe Ni.  I have made a couple of Pax Shawls, for me and as gifts, and made the Elderflower tunisian crochet hat.  I have actually just ordered a set of hooks and a book so that I can get to grips with more stitches next year. 


2: I also what to attend more workshops next year.  I have already enroled on the next Textiles course at night school for this term and am really looking forward to it.  I really want to go on a dressmaking course and definitley need to get myself booked onto another art journaling workshop at Art from the Heart in Harrogate!

I started the year with a textiles course at night school - where I made my patchwork crochet bag.  Then I took a big leap and enrolled on a City and Guilds Textiles Level 1 Course (through felt) with Arty Bird in Carnforth.  I have to say, it is one of the best things I've done in ages and I love it.  I'm really looking forward to this years weekends and am hoping to stay on to do level 2. I did enrol on a dressmaking course but, unfortunatley, this was cancelled due to the ill health of the tutor. 

2013

So, what do I want 2013 to bring?  In terms of my life in general I have but one goal:

(Photo cortesy of coffeecupsandraybans on tumblr)

Being happy, in all aspect of my life, is extremley important to me so I'm going to make sure that I do things that make me happy (not what will make others happy but me miserable!)  If I'm happy, then those closest to me will also be happy.

2013 Crafty Goals

Following the success of 2012's crafty goals, I'm going to set myself a few more for 2013.

1. To sew myself a skirt!
I have the most beautiful Amy Butler fabric in my stash which is just crying out to be made into a skirt.  2013 is the year I learn to make a skirt (with the help of a few friends).

2.  To develop The Gingerbread Bunny through: a website, teaching workshops and selling at craft fairs.
2012 has seen The Gingerbread Bunny grow and I want to see that continue into 2013.

3. To blog regularly.
I am aware that I have neglected my blog over the past few months and I want to remedy this in 2013.  I love my blog and, unfortunatley, life got in the way.  I have so much to share with you all and want to make sure I do this.  I've 'borrowed' a few ideas from blogs I love to follow as well as developing some of my own.  New features include a WIP Wednesday post (Work's in Progress) and an Inspirational Quote of the Week on a Sunday (although the first will be tomorrow!) as well as other exciting book reviews and other crafty goodies dotted around during the week.  Hopefully, by adding some structure to my blogging, you will get to read more.


All that leaves me to do is to wish you all a Happy New Year where ever you are and however you like to see it in.  This year, me and Mr Bunny will be enjoying a Lord of the Rings marathon with a few cheeky drinks and nibbles.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

Photo courtesy of Ludie Cochrane via Flickr

It's that time of the year again when we reflect on what the past year has brought us and think about what we hope the New Year will bring. 

2011 has been a fantastic year for the Gingerbread Bunny.  It was the year that I launched my blog and my (very small) business.  I have enjoyed blogging much more than I initially thought I would and have shared my crafty work and connected with so many wonderful like minded people.  It has been amazing.

2011 was the year I taught myself some new crafty skills.  I learnt how to knit and crochet and I am truly a yarn addict.  (My current work in progress is a jumper!  I never thought I would be crocheting a jumper by the end of the year!)

2011 was also the year I taught my first ever crafty workshops and I loved it.  The feedback was great and I am really looking forward to teaching more in the future.

I hope that 2012 will see The Gingerbread Bunny continue to grow as a blog and as a business.  I am also looking forward to teaching more workshops and sharing my love of crafting with others. 

I have set myself 2 crafty resolutions;

To learn how to do Tunisian crochet.  I saw Holly (who has started a crafty blog - check it out) doing some Tunisian crochet and the final effect is gorgeous.  

I  also what to attend more workshops next year.  I have already enroled on the next Textiles course at night school for this term and am really looking forward to it.  I really want to go on a dressmaking course and definitley need to get myself booked onto another art journaling workshop at Art from the Heart in Harrogate!

Since Mr Bunny is working a night shift,  I will be seeing in the New Year on my own with my art journal and a glass of rose.  I will complete the final page in my 2011 art journal, reflecting on what the year has given me, and will begin my 2012 art journal, thinking about my own personal goals for this year. 
All that leaves me to do is to wish you all a Happy New Year.  See you in 2012!