I got this idea from Lisa Call who listed 100 things she accomplished in 2008. I thought it was a great idea but doubted I could come up with enough things I accomplished this past year to even make a list! I am not sure can come up with 100 things like Lisa did, probably not even close so  I decided to include things I learned as any lessons learned are definitely accomplishments in my book:). Since my blog is for my fiber arts, I am trying to keep this art related.

Even as I write this, I am mindful that in and of myself, I can accomplish nothing but all I am and all I do I owe to the Author of Creativity, my Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Here goes!

1. In April, I had my first solo show at the Saginaw Township Hall.
2. In June, I won the Rehman Special Merit Award at the State of the Arts Saginaw Township Art Show for my piece “Une Semaine.” This is the second year in a row that I won this award for an art quilt in this show that included many works in oils, pastels, sculptures, watercolors etc. Included a cash prize as well….woo hoo!
3. In November, I had my second solo show, again at the Saginaw Township Hall. I got this opportunity as a result of my winning one of the major awards in the State of the Arts Show (see #2 above).
4. I finished over 40 new pieces this year.
5. I learned to create a web page and created one for my art quilts in March. Sadly, AOL Hometowne closed and given that I no longer had free hosting, my web page is no more. I learned a lot though!
6. In December, I started my blog and managed 15 posts in the first month.
7. I entered and sent off two quilts for the “My World in Black and White, Revisited” challenge issued by Annie Copeland through the Southern California Fiber Arts Council. This is the first time I have entered a juried art quilt challenge and learned a lot about taking pics of quilts, entering, shipping etc.
8. I learned to hand dye fabric and dyed appproximately 150 yards of fabric last summer.
9. I learned to make a quilt without measuring anything….this might not seem like much but it was HUGE for me! Here is the first piece I made this way, it is called “Reflections.”

10. Sometime in the spring, I joined the Quilt Art list and have learned a ton!
11. I learned that even after owning three Berninas, I prefer my old Singers for piecing, especially my 1955 Model 201 and my cute Featherweights :).
12. I’m learning to cut fabrics with my rotary cutter and NO straight edge. I have a ways to go in this but I am learning and getting happier with my results.
13. I knitted mittens and hats for my kids as well as over 30 extras for kids that would not have any otherwise. It is COLD in Michigan!
14. I learned to knit socks and made 10 pair! Okay, maybe not art, or is it art for your feet?
15. I used Seta colors and made sunprints for the first time.
16. I made my own business cards.
17. I learned a lot about giving and receiving critiques on the Southern Cal Fiberarts Yahoo Group. Thanks Annie!
18. I bought my first piece of art from another artist.
19. I sold some of my work at my show!
20. I redesigned  my sewing room, bought new wire baskets for my fabric and sorted it all!
21. Last January, I won 5 ribbons at the Northeast Arts Council show.
22. I learned new ways to hang my pieces, including using canvases and framing some pieces.
23. I learned how to start and manage a Yahoo group.
24. I made and donated several miniatures to the local Habitat for Humanity auction.
25. I discovered blogs and learned more than I ever would have thought from all the generous art bloogers out there who so willingly share their expertise. I made many new online friends in the fiber arts community online. You are all amazing!

Okay, not even close to 100 but I am pleased. Here’s to more learning and growing next year!