Hello 2016

Hello 2016,

I'm not quite ready for you I think. December went by so quickly, just like the whole of 2015 actually. Often at the end of a year, I feel like I didn't do much, but looking back at 2015's projects and photos, it's not too bad. :)

The Simply Shading Class was a project close to my heart because shading is one of my favourite embroidery techniques. If I ever get to write a book about embroidery it would probably be about shading! I also had some more of my patterns professionally printed as iron-on patterns and in May the project I made for Australian Homespun Magazine, a Doe with flowers embroidered on a skirt, was featured on the cover! I experimented a bit, embroidering with sewing thread (the 'knitting bear') and using just one colour ('fish and anchor') and releasing a 'Fowl Talk' PDF pattern, inspired by Shakespearean sweary quotes. In October ('Inktober') I really got back into drawing and found out that I really enjoy drawing with fineliners.

I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing this year. I started a new shading project just a few days ago that I think could turn out real nice. Maybe I could do a themed series in the same style. I'm also secretly hoping to receive an amazing, embroidery commission (Penguin Book Cover or something else completely unexpected!) In March I'm teaching my first embroidery workshop, hopefully it'll be a success. And next month I'll start attending a drawing class locally. I can draw a little but I want to learn more, possibly even master new techniques. Oh and I'm working on a new website, but more about that later.

Nicole