2020 Year In Review: Favorite Projects and Posts!

Just a little disclaimer here that this is a blog only wrap-up. There might be a post or two related to Covid-19 and of course this year was a, um, doozy, shall we say? But I did manage to post fairly consistently on my blog, which surprises me a bit. I think, especially at the beginning of covid, during our first lockdown, making for the blog was a way to stay creative and do something positive, that I enjoyed while things were feeling scary and out of control all around.

Anyway, here are a few notable (to me) posts and projects from this year.

1. Handdrawn Animation Using Procreate

I made this wonderfully sketchy, handdrawn animation using Procreate (not affiliated)! It was entirely inspired by @ponderbird‘s #ponderspointers series on Instagram.

2. Tips For Dealing With OCD And Anxiety During Social Distancing, Plus Resources And Ideas For Kids Stuck At Home

I shared a big ‘ol post with tons of tips and resources on dealing with OCD and anxiety during social distancing, pandemic, etc, way back at the beginning. A lot is based on my own personal experience with OCD and anxiety and what has worked for me over the years. (Years as in years of my life, even pre-covid, not just this year that’s been a hundred years long. :P) I also shared a few resources and ideas for kid-friendly activities if you’re like me and have a kid stuck at home, too.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread Recipe

A yummy, cozy one! I shared this illustrated recipe for our family’s favorite banana bread. Head over to the original post for a downloadable PDF printable version as well as the recipe written out in plain text.

4. Crochet Embroidered Sampler

I shared a whole series on how to crochet and embroider your own sampler that can be used as a unique, cute wallhanging. Find all the posts in the series below!

Part 1: Crocheting The Sampler Base
Part 2: Backstitch & Chain Stitch Vine & Leaves
Part 3: Wagon Wheel Roses
Part 4: Fly Stitch Skeleton Leaves
Part 5: Lazy Daisies
Part 6: Finishing Touches

5. NEW PATTERN: The Calla Button Up Boxy Top – With The Fibre Co.

I released my Calla Button Up Boxy Top Pattern as part of The Fibre Co’s Yarn Support Programme! This was such a lovely experience. I’m also, so, so pleased with how my final pictures turned out. You can find the pattern on Revelry here!

6. The Benefits Of Seams In Crochet Clothing Patterns

I shared my defense of seams in crochet garments. Pretty much all my crochet clothing patterns have seams because I like not only their look but also their function. Head to the post to find out more!

7. How To Style The Beverly Boxy Top Pattern For All Four Seasons

I styled my beloved Beverly Boxy Top Pattern for all four seasons. There are two outfits for each season, and I love how this shows that crochet can be versatile for your wardrobe. I hope to do more posts like this for some of my other patterns in the future. You can find the Beverly Boxy Top Pattern on Ravelry here.

8. My 10 Favorite Notions & Tools For Crocheting & Design

I shared my 10 favorite notions and tools for crocheting and design. This was a really fun post to make, and it was neat to hear from other makers about their favorite crochet tools in response. I’m also really happy with how the aesthetic for the pictures turned out. Check out the post and see if we share any of the same crochet faves!

9. All About Crochet Swatching

I shared so many tips and facts about crochet swatching, what it is, how to swatch, and why you should swatch in this post! Swatching before making a crocheted garment is important whether you’re a maker using someone else’s pattern or designing your own – trust me, it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. And you’ll wind up with a pretty swatch collection along the way.

10. Free Pattern: Big Crochet Shell Stitch Infinity Scarf

I shared the free pattern for this big crochet shell stitch infinity scarf. This is one of my designs from my made-to-order accessories days. It’s crocheted with worsted weight yarn and works up into a squishy, cozy, BIG scarf to keep you warm on windy, chilly days.

11. NEW PATTERN: The Joanie Reversible Beanie + What I Would Wear For Fall OOTD

I released my Joanie Reversible Beanie Pattern and celebrated with a fall-themed OOTD. The Joanie Beanie has some cute features like a mini granny square patch on one side and a leather/fabric patch on the other. The stitch pattern used creates a super dense, warm fabric and the best part? The pattern comes with a beanie “recipe,” so you can use whatever size yarn you like! You can find the Joanie Reversible Beanie Pattern on Ravelry here.

12. Making a “Cozy List” to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder in a Pandemic | keeping warm no. 1

Last up, I shared the first post in a series about winter, seasonal affective disorder, and things I’m doing, thinking, focusing on “keep warm.” These are little journal-y snippet types of posts, and in the first one I share my “cozy list,” a list of activities and other things I can look to each day to find a bit of joy and comfort through this season. If you suffer from anxiety or S.A.D. too, or you’re struggling within pandemic, lockdown, it might be worth a look for you.