I’m feeling especially retrospective this new year. Changing seasons, holidays, new years, anything with even a hint of renewal gets my creative juices flowing and kicks my optimistic view of the future into high gear. I’m also turning 50 in 2012. Something I haven’t thought too much about until the calendar flipped and now it’s right there in front of me (September folks, so this nostalgia thing may get worse before it gets better, just warning you!)
As I peek through the 2011 archives I’m like ‘WOW’, we did all that!? Time to celebrate a bit by looking back. I have about a million ideas of what to highlight so I’ll just begin and share until one of us can’t take it anymore!
First up, downloadable patterns! Pink Chalk Fabrics first launched the Sew Now tagline in September of 2009. I thought the idea would really take off and boy, guess that was the biggest understatement ever! I wrote personal notes to designers I respected and was so grateful they allowed me to sell their patterns in the shop. 10 talented designers said yes and we were in the game! We now have over 50 downloadable pattern designers represented in the shop.
Pink Chalk Fabrics Top Ten Bestselling Downloadable Patterns of 2011
#1 - Michelle Lizcano Metro Link Quilt
#2 - I Think Sew Kimono Shoes
#3 - Michelle Lizcano Nikki Tote
#4 - Elizabeth Hartman Perfect Zip Bags
#5 - Noodlehead Runaround Bag
#6 - Noodlehead 241 Tote
#7 - Sis Boom Jamie Dress
#8 - I Think Sew Charming Tote Bag
#9 - I Think Sew Zipper Pouch With Pleats
#10 - Sis Boom Meghan Peasant Dress + Top
# 11 - Chasing Cottons Curlicue Crush Quilt
Congratulations to these designers on a fabulous year of pattern making!
Kathy Mack
Carrie + Diana
Great post! All my favorites are in one place with some ideas mixed in!
It has certainly been an amazing year for Pink Chalk and I can’t thank each and everyone enough for all the inspiration, amazing customer service and selection!!! You guys are the best!
Thank you Melanie!
Oh my goodness… I said I wasn’t going to get any more patterns until I’d used the ones I already have!!!!!
we say that everyday!
Nice assortment of patterns – more bags than any other pattern
Great observation Marcia, I didn’t notice that!
I missed out on some of these. I will have to add to my wish list!
Thanks for highlighting all of these patterns! There are a few that I have not seen before, but that I will definitely be wanting to try!
You really filled 2011 with wonderfulness! I’m looking forward to see what 2012 brings.
I’m not sure if I can thank you for this post, though. I had just “finished” a long list of Quilts I Plan To Make, and now I’ll have to add Metro Link to it.
ha, I added it to my list too Beth!
I have yet to order a pdf pattern, but I’m mighty tempted – it’s definitely the way to go.
There are a few patterns I DON’T have there ~ love those Kimono shoes and Charming tote bag. Where’s my credit card anyway? teehee
Great-looking projects – wish I had had time to make them all!
What a great list of projects! Thanks for posting and reminding us of these great items. Metro Link is a great looking quilt and is going on my to-do list. How do I squeeze more hours into a day? hehe
I love reading through projects to search for something new.
Duuuudde!!! Kathy you are amazing! Thank you so much for including my patterns in your shop and thank you to all the customers that support us!!
Happy 2012! Happy Birthday!!
Michelle
THANK YOU Michelle for giving Pink Chalk the opportunity to carry your patterns, I love what you create!
Thank you so much for recognizing my beautiful daughters items! I am so proud of Michelle!!! She puts her heart and soul into every piece she designs and deserves the recognition of her peers! Congratulations sweetie! Kudos to you!
You’re such a great mom Trudy, your comment is beautiful!
Congratulations to you Kathy and happy upcoming birthday! And thank you. Watching your growth and success over the past few years has sometimes made me wistful/thoughtful/regretful that I’m not walking in shoes like yours — ones I designed myself, then laboriously put together to take into account my passions, strengths and other commitments. Learning that you’re reaching such a milestone birthday helps keep in perspective that there’s time yet, and that having a job I like quite well that isn’t all-consuming is ok while there are little babies in the house.
But thanks for sharing peeks into that other life, full of a mix of ambition, craft and creativity, too.
I like to tell people that after 50 years I’ve finally figured out what I’d like to be when I grow up!
I also have to say that I always present the positive, optimistic side of my life online. I’m certain it looks much more pulled together than my life actually is. I still struggle with balancing my personal aspirations with raising my two daughters, something that’s gone on for the last 16 years!
Enjoy the journey! xo Kathy
So many wonderful patterns and ideas. I’m so glad I discovered Pink Chalk Fabrics in 2011. Looking forward to another great year of inspiration from you!
Yay, I’m glad you found us too Carol!
Kathy, 50 isn’t so bad – I know, I’ve been there. Thanks for hosting a great shop with great service. I’ve enjoyed the purchases I’ve made from Pink Chalk. That balance you talked about is important, and all too soon those little ones go off on their own, so enjoy.