farewell 2009 :: bring on 2010

 Image courtesy of SoulLostAtSea

Curlypops put together a great post today about her 2009 and is hosting a linky if you'd like to join in. Cam (aka Curlypops) is a real gem, and features at some fairly momentus times in my crafting year. Anyway, lets begin at the start, in March (obviously!) ...

March :: I had a spare day up my sleeve one Wednesday, so thought I would go and have a look at the Stitches & Craft Show that was on at the Melbourne Showgrounds. I went with low expectations, after having been to one at Caulfield years before, but thought it might be interesting ... it sure was. The Incubator was a light bulb moment! I was lucky enough to go to Bianca's session on starting a craft business, and a seed was sewn. When I arrived home that afternoon full of new enthusiasm, I found the screenprinting books I had ordered weeks before waiting for me. It felt right.

April to June :: We had a big push to finish the major parts of the house renovation, amongst other things like Little Mister in hospital with pnemonia. In between, I was filling a sketchbook with ideas, thinking of business names and getting up the courage to start something.

July :: After reading other peoples blogs for months, I finally started my own and published my first post. Curlypops was the first person to comment on my blog - thanks Cam, you have no idea how exciting that was! At the same time, my partner in craft (lovely Pam) started her own blog too - thanks for being such a wonderful blog buddy Pam, and for all of your encouragement this year. I have really appeciated it.

August to September :: These two months were all about learning the blogging ropes, and being involved with wonderful people and ideas like Kirsty's "my creative space" and The Quilt Project, and Megan's "a photo a day in August". Pam and I also ventured to the open studio day at Ironside Studios in Kensington - we both dreamed of maybe having a studio one day ...

October :: And so it began ... I registered Yardage Design as a business, leased a studio at Ironside and started testing designs remember tram roll menu and artichoke back then? The Quilt Project was also launched, providing a unique opportunity to see the magificent results of a creative lot of people, but also to meet fellow bloggers in real life. Giggles all round - it was a wonderful night and a credit to Kirsty who made ALL of it happen - you are an amazing woman.

November :: Was all about decorating the studio and preparing for my first print run! It was exhilarating to say the least, and I still get a buzz when I smell the ink, drag the squeegee over the screen and see the print for the first time - that feeling never gets old!

December :: What a month! I opened my etsy store and made my first sale to ... you guessed it ... Curlypops! Cam - thanks again for your support! We were so excited here that we opened a bottle of champagne!! Mr Yardage was so proud - it was a great moment! I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity show my tea towels to Allison at Lark, who then bought some for her lovely store! The other milestone this month could not have been achieved without the extremely generous help of Kelly from 74 Lime Lane. Kelly kindly developed my website for me in exchange for some of my tea towels. I am totally thrilled with the result - thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Kelly!

An that's really been my year as Yardage Girl. The journey has been such fun - especially sharing it with you all. The support, encourgaement, generosity and ideas from fellow bloggers never ceases to amaze me.

I wish you all a wonderfully creative 2010!

We're off to watch the fireworks in the city. Enjoy your new year's eve where-ever you may be!
Nic xx