2012 Looking Backward and Forward 2013

Happy New Year!

For Maiden Jane, it was the year of the quilt blanket! I completed 47 blankets this past year! My Oversized Totes, Mesh Beach Bags and T Shirt Quilt Kits were also popular.  It was an exciting year for me as a small business owner. I have learned a great deal and learned, also, that I have a lot to learn!

I ventured into advertising my shop and products in 2012 which helped spur growth. I've had a lot of word-of-mouth sales as well, both locally and around the country.

I truly enjoy the opportunity to work with my hands and to work with my customers. Networking with fellow handmade artisans and small business owners has been invaluable!

On a personal level, 2012 was a challenging year. But life is always presenting challenges and we are usually stronger because of it. I am grateful for the support of family and friends!

I am taking a moment to write down some of my goals for 2013.

Maiden Jane
- continue to provide excellent service to my customers in the process of making custom items for them
- develop new oversized beach blanket and monogrammed oversized beach tote
- produce weekly, upcycled products - aprons, sweatshirt bags
- inspire others to sew with practical and pretty sewing tutorials
- develop new products in collaborations
- manage time on social media
- develop some products that follow merchandising trends
- learn how to use my camera
- learn how to use Photoshop

Personal Sewing
- complete Craftsy pants class
- complete Craftsy dress class
- beach blanket
- duvet
- winter coat
- create something "artistic" - I'm not sure what that will be....machine or hand embroidery, an "art" quilt

Donation Sewing
- donate two quilts to schools to auction
- reach out to a family from Sandy Hook, CT.  I have seen a pillowcase drive, but I would love to create memory items for a family affected by this tragedy.

Personal
- run four 5Ks
- continue to explore vegetarian meal ideas

Nest week, I plan to share some of the ways I organize. This is the time of year for fresh starts and new systems. I hope that you will share your tips and techniques for organizing your business and personal life with me!