Review of 2014

So where did January go? And more importantly where did 2014 go? I know it's a bit of a cliche but I feel like it should still be February 2014. Last year went so quickly!

I think 2014 was my busiest year yet as a freelance designer and knitting teacher. As well as teaching at my regular local venues, I taught in a few new places, including Jersey, Sitting Knitting in Birmingham and La Mercerie in Wales. 

I must admit my most exciting teaching opportunity last year was The Jersey Textile Showcase in Jersey. I taught 5 days of classes. We had planned to stay on for a couple of extra days so I got some time to explore Jersey but then our flights were cancelled due to fog on 2 days in a row so we got to stay an extra 3 days.

This was the walk to my classes every morning:

Most of last year was taken up with writing my book, Beaded Lace Knitting, which is due out in May. I spent the first half of the year working on writing the book and organising my wonderful sample knitters. And the last few months of the year working on the editing. I'm now waiting to see the final version of the book. I've seen a sample of the layout and I love it. I'm so excited to share this all with you. By the way, the book can be pre-ordered now.

After a quick count on Ravelry, I had 38 designs published by magazines, yarn companies and yarn shops last year and I self-published 20 designs. Half of my self-published patterns were for my yarn clubs. Many of those design were actually worked on the year before. I'm not sure I can cope with counting the number of designs I actually worked on last year. I am a fast knitter but not even I can manage that many knits in a year so I must take the opportunity to thank my wonderful sample knitters. I couldn't do what I do without them.

So, what were my favourite designs last year? Well, that's a bit like choosing who your favourite child is. But these are my very, very favourite designs of 2014:

Belinda from Artesano:

Brandywine Stole from Juniper Moon Farm:

Dawn Chorus from Let's Knit:

Portwrinkle in Navia Duo (kits here):

Rosecraddoc from my club:

St Aubin's Bay (inspired by my trip to Jersey):

Vaffel Votter (also available as a kit):

Catinka from Juniper Moon Farm:

Lady Grey Tunic from Interweave Crochet Spring:

Delphine:

Alexandra from Sweet Georgia Yarns:

One of my main personal goals last year was to get fitter and we've enjoyed exploring a variety of local cycle routes. Our favourites are  Sibley Back Lake on Bodmin Moor (which is where Simon and Emily keep their dinghies):

And our most frequent cycling destination is the Camel Trail (below is Simon and Emily on a cycling trip last summer):

How was your 2014?