My Fashionable Life

Anna, we'll be thrilled to see new work from you in any form. You took on a lot at once there and you're only human. I for one am looking forward to having you back here a bit more often.

xo
Jodi

Congratulations - it's tough making a decision like that, but when you're feeling as relieved as you are now, it's the right one.

Enjoy spending time with your boy (it's a cliche that they're little for a very short time, but every stage is precious), and have some fun knitting. Or not. Now you can choose.

You are so hard on yourself! To have a new (and first!) baby and a new book is MADNESS! I could never do anything (including knit, much less design) when my crew were babies. You are being honest and realistic.

And its true--we look forward to seeing your work in any form!

As a knitter, I'm sad that I won't get an Anna Bell book as soon as I'd like; but as a mum, I totally understand having to make a decision like this - I've had to make it myself at times. There'll always be time for a book in the future, but babies are only babies for a very little time. Your writing about him is very beautiful.

Anna - you've made a very brave decision and I applaud you for it. My husband recently decided to leave his band after 10 years and 4 albums. He was sad to leave, but knew that it just wasn't what he needed to be doing right now. He needed to devote more time to his family. The good news is, he can do that and still write and produce his own music. YAY!

Sounds like the right decision, Anna. Maybe the day will come in the future when it will be time to do a book. Meanwhile, we'll be glad to have you back here more, and glad you'll have a bit more time and less pressure to live your live.

Enjoy your baby and your knitting and your life. There will always be time to make a book later. Sounds like a great decision!

Hooray for you! It is so easy to get caught up in things that seem like our "dream come true," only to find out they make one's life a nightmare, simply because the timing is not right. It is really difficult to weigh what one can handle - mentally, emotionally, physically - and then feel one has to convince others it is the right step. How strong you are!

I'm so glad you were able to take a step back and prioritize. You won't regret it, and there will be many, many future opportunities for you in the publishing arena in the future. I'm so happy to hear that (unlike many people I know, who juggle children with everything they WANT to do, with the children being the losers), you have put your baby first. May you have peace, strength, and joy in the coming days.

It is extremely difficult to walk away from the trajectory of conventional expectations of success, yet very often creatively talented people become miserable prisoners of those expectations, even as those around them applaud their achievements. Bravo for listening to your heart and your instincts - you will not regret it. Hold on tight to what you know to be true and don't let those insidious words like quit and wasted and failure take root - genuine success lies in being true to yourself, creating a life that is whole and joyful - your artistic passion will only be the better for it.

I would have run out and bought your book, but seeing your patterns released/published individually and your writing on the blog again will be even better, knowing you're less stressed and will have more time for yourself and your family. I think you made the right decision, and I look forward to seeing you out in blogland again.

Such a difficult decision, I'm sure--but it sounds like you made the right one!
Being stressed over deadlines, etc--will make it even more stressful to be a good mom!
Take care of yourself (and the little one)!
Enjoy life--

sometimes the right decision can be so very hard to make. it certainly sounds like you have made an excellent choice.
If other people's expectations and deadlines loom so large as to make you not yourself, it is good to step back.
we all look forward to seeing your lovely patterns here and in magazines.

congratulations, that takes guts. for what it's worth, (meant as a compliment not guilt) yours is one of the few books I probably would've bought sight unseen, but I'm quite happy to purchase patterns individually and I love it when you update your blog and have more time to be a happy person.

That must have been a very difficult decision. I'm sorry you had to make it. But you have a lovely little one to keep you busy for awhile. Maybe it is something you can go back to in time. You'll never have *this* time with your child again. I personally think you made the best choice for you and your family. IMHO. :-) Good luck to you!

I will take your designs in what ever format I can get them in. Enjoy your time with your son!

Anna, I love reading your blog and more than happy to continue buying your beautiful patterns individually. It must have been a tough decision, but certainly the right one, if it means you can catch up with much needed sleep. Early childhood memories for little Stanley should be happy one's of his mum knitting him lots of lovely things, not of a stressed and tired mum. Take care of yourself Anna and I hope I don't sound cheeky by saying, hope it means more time in the future for you to share some more photos and stories of your little boy :)

Anna, I'd be happy to knit your projects whatever way they're published. What's important is your life and the time you can spend with your family.

That must have been a difficult decision for you, but you are so right-- there are many ways for you to publish your patterns (and many knitters who will be happy to purchase them in whatever form you choose, I'm sure). Hopefully you can now take more pleasure in your knitting and your writing, and above all your boy-- he won't be small for long. (I have two, ages 11 and almost-5, and in spite of the way some days creep slowly by, before you know it, another year is gone!).

i am glad to hear from you, the silence seemed very long. it is good that you have chosen to put yourself first in this. your designs are timeless and classic, they always have been. just know when you do publish i will be pre-ordering that book. as i am sure many mnay others shall.

As long as your patterns keep on coming then Im happy, wherever they are published I will hunt them down! I love reading your blog and your patterns are fantastic. Well done you for making that decision, it must have been a tough one.

Hey, Anna. I can't remember if I've ever commented before, but I'm a stalwart reader. And I just wanted to say that I understand, completely, and you're doing the right thing.

And you're not closing that door forever. If you want it to, at the right time, it will open again. :)

Alison

Your patterns are gorgeous in whatever form they are published. I hope you are enjoying the sunshine x

You've definitely made the right choice. Anything that threatens the joy of knitting and life in general is much too dangerous. Enjoy your little family.

Ah, you know, you have just finished one magnum opus, take time to enjoy him. I think it's a good decision if only because you felt like a weight had been lifted. The knitting world will still be here to buy your beautiful hardback, when you write it.
XOXO

Sounds like the right decision- you've got so much going on already! And I'm so glad you'll have a little more time to blog, I'm sure all your readers are eager to read you more regularly again.

It most assuredly sounds like the right thing for you to do. I'm sorry we won't be seeing your book, but that hardly matters when the patterns will still be available in one form or another. Enjoy your lovely little boy!

oh hard decisions that are the right ones are, somehow, the most difficult of all... i never have any angst or recrimination when it's the wrong decision (why is that, she wonders) I think time to enjoy your life, your new baby and your knitting and friends & family are probably more than enough... the book project possibility will certainly return again!

Congratulations on making the difficult choice.

You don't know me, and my opinions may have all the value of a bag of rocks. Nevertheless, I hope you can find some ease in knowing that one tiny person, waving from over here, is really impressed by the clarity with which you speak to this kind of decision-making. Each has to know her own mind and her own life, and her need to pursue what matters most. Thank you for the example you provide as you share your news.

Yes -- what they said much more eloquently than I could. It's so difficult to make that call, but clearly it is right for you. I look forward to seeing more of your work in whatever format you choose to put it out there.
(And, if it's not too much to ask, I'd love to see more photos of your darling little boy.)

My selfish self can't help but think this would mean we'll get to hear more from you!
You've made the right decision, if it is taking the joy out of something you love I don't think it's worth doing right now. And I bet the little one is keeping you busy ;) How is he doing anyway?

I am also a believer that when one door opens another one opens. I'm sure this decision will only lead to other wonderful opportunities for you, Anna. Kudos on making the right decision for you!

I'm sorry that we won't see a book from you right away, but I definitely can empathize with your struggle. Having a new one takes a lot of time and surely your precious little boy is worth every moment of your time for now. He'll get older and another opportunity will come your way.

Congratulations for having the guts to make a decision that puts so much value on yourself and where your energies get focused.

The relief you felt is a sure sign of better things to come. And, you can never be a failure so long as you keep your spirits and loves together. Seems to me you've got your head in a good direction and that's more valuable than anything.

So, knit on and come visit your readers when you have the time. We've been missing your beautiful writing and knitting too. :)

A tough decision, but I'll second you on making the right decision, especially during this beautiful first months with your new baby.

I look forward to seeing you more often blogging.

p.s. love Daisy.

A brave decision. Good on you for making it. Family and sanity always come first. Happy Knitting. x Kirsty

It takes great courage to make tough decisions. Glad to know that you've chosen what is best for you, for now. Take care, Anna.

I really missed seeing your lovely designs and the choices you made along the way. Sounds like producing a whole book was not really any fun.

If it felt so good to let it go then it obviously was the right decision. The time for publishing your knitting designs will come again(they're so fabulous!), your precious time with your little one won't. I think that's a very brave and mature decision you've taken. On a selfish side, i hope we may see more of you on-line, we missed you! But your sanity and family must come first so don't feel pressured!

Anna, its always something you can do another time in your life so you haven't missed out on anything. Its so important not to take on too much when you have a little one. I look forward to seeing your patterns wherever they are! Take care. x

Those types of decisions are hard, but if you felt such relief, you know you made the right one. I think we've all faced those (I know I have) and with few exceptions, it usually opens doors you never even noticed before.

I've read your blog for a long time, and will continue to. Hug that baby! It'll help a lot with the funk!

That sounds like a really good decision, and brave. I know exactly why you might feel like you've 'failed' somehow and that, ergo, you are a failure. But I also understand, as you do, that the wisdom to know when something's wrong, and the strength to say so and make necessary changes, are far greater attributes than a book to your name. I was really looking forward to holding a glossy book with your name on the front on my lap, reading it with pleasure and knitting from it with joy, but I can do that just as well from a magazine. And if that means I can read your blog more often too, then, even better! I am quietly lifting my teacup to your courage.

Hi Anna, it sounds like you made the right decision, and a hard one at that. Hugs to you - as everyone else has said, we love to see your patterns, no matter what format they are in. :)

I hear you - sounds like you made the right decision, even if it was a very hard one. There is so much to balance, and you never get time with the baby back, so it's important to use it wisely and be happy. We'll be here.
xox, J

Those hard decisions in life can really take a toll on your psyche. Hang in there. As you said, when you made the decision you felt the weight lift off of your shoulders. That's how you know you've done what's right for you at the time. We've all been there and understand. :) I'll be looking forward to seeing some of your new patterns and projects!

I'm sad there won't be a book now. Maybe in the future. You have to do what's best for you. You made the right decision. Now relax!

I know exactly what it's like to walk out on a project like that. Good for you for choosing your priorities! It would have been far worse to turn a dream into a nightmare because the timing wasn't right.

Dear Anna, I for one am glad you've made the decision to pull out, what with a new baby and all. If not doing the book means I get to read more from you here and you design more beautiful patterns (like flicca, which I've yet to make and Daisy which I just purchased) then it's definitely a win win situation. Take care you. Life's too precious to have regrets. xxx

I'm looking forward to reading more of you here: I've missed your postings!

It's always good to remove some stress. ~x~

What a tough decision - good for you for being brave. I shiver at the thought of losing the joy of knitting, and I applaud you for being so open about your choice. I'm sure I can't be the only one who looks forward to whatever doors open for you! All the best.

i'm sorry to hear that your book plans fell through. but don't give up, something else, something even better is right around the corner.

Often, so long as a decision - any decision - is made, you will feel better. I hope that is true for you. I still haven't seen your little one yet. If you feel up to coffee any time, just let me know. Any break from my studies is appreciated!

Good for you for making the tough decision to protect your time. I know you'll find ways to share your wonderful patterns with us, and in the meantime it sounds like you will be a happier person. Kudos!

Oh yes, we'll be here. I'm greatly looking forward to reading more from you as the time permits.

Anna... there is NO failure in knowing your limits, your priorities and putting yourself back in line. You know what is best for you and I know you will do it. And I for one will be here to watch it. (now go squeeze the wee one for me and enjoy)

I'm glad you were able to make a difficult decision and arrange things to your liking. As you've no doubt gathered from all the comments, you'll have countless fans no matter what. Best on whatever the future brings.

whether it's on here or in a bookstore, your work is always welcome. the most important thing is your happiness and comfort - it sounds like you made a great decision.

that being said, i'm *dying* for a pattern for twiggy - i've had yarn stashed for it for two years now :-)

looking foward to your next activities, whatever they may be,

m

So few writers are as talented...so few designers are as elegant...and, really, so few babies are so lucky. :) It all works out, and they do grow up rather fast. Happy Mother's Day (from the US). :)

Your designs are beautiful. You'll find an audience when the time is right for a book.

A failure you are not! It must have been such a hard decision though, but I hope that knowing you have a really fairly enormous troop of dedicated and admiring followers will make you feel a little more confident in the fact that you have simply shifted the path for your onward journey, rather than failed at anything.

I have glee bubbling up inside me at your descriptions of the patterns you might have in store! And I know that will always be the case for so many of us. Your designs are some of the most original and stylish out there. And as for your writing - yours is one of the only blogs for which I see an update on my reader and am utterly powerless to resist reading it there and then. I've never waited until later! But your words to us, and your patterns too, are a gift and not a duty, so please don't feel obliged to write or design or indeed do anything that wouldn't make you happy.

Enjoy your newly weight-free shoulders, enjoy your beautiful, beautiful Stanley, and enjoy the sunshine.

xx

Well done for making the right decision. I'm looking forward to reading your blog!

Darling, you sound as if you have absolutely done the right thing. Just throwing in my support of your decision, in case you need it from random readers. But you probably don't.

:)

Enjoy your son while he is still small. The early years are too precious to waste on something that takes you away from him for too long and feels too stressful for you right now. There will be plenty enough time in the future for a knitting pattern book.

Like many others have said, we would love to see your work however you present it. The time will come again and possibly present even better rewards/pay offs.

Good luck with all of your future endeavors.

you go Mommy! Good for you for having your priorities straight and putting yourself and your baby first. Your work, book projects, and all sorts of other great stuff will be ready for you when you're not working full time at the most important job in the world - being a Mommy!

My love, you are talking to the queen of 'spreading too thin'! I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to respond (obv you know why) and I just wanted to say that I feel your heartache and understand it. Oh, if only we didn't live 16,000 odd kms apart, and could have a cup of tea.

Enjoy your boy. Book deals may come and go, but you never, ever get the joy of a child's first few months again.

xoxoxoxoxo L

You have made a brave decision, Anna and I am glad the weight has lifted. Becoming a Mum is an object lesson in ALWAYS putting others first. For me this has been at the expense of a successful career. Everyone is saying how quickly the time goes with small children and I can only repeat it. I wish you great happiness with your family and a great future as a designer. It will be lovely to read your blog again.

I am so happy that you're doing the best thing for you and your family right now. Well done. Your projects sound lovely and I'm looking forward to them.

A bit selfish of me Anna, but it will be lovely to see more of you here on the blog again and get inspiration from your beautiful knitting. A few weeks ago, I completed my first pair of socks - motivated by some socks you'd been posting about ages ago - took me a year with a long break between one and two, but now I've got the wool for my second pair.....
There will always be another time for your book...so enjoy summer and life with your little family

Two good things at once, becoming a mother and getting the opportunity to publishing your work in a book! Being a mother to a small baby is something you can't put on hold. You just have to be there all the time, and I know how time- and energyconsuming it is. I have been there, and am going there again in a short time.. I think you made the right choice, Anna! And as good a designer as you are, you will get the opportunity again - I'm certain about that.

And please don't give up knitting and designing! In not so long you will get more sleep and more energy, and the urge to knit and design will come back to you!

Decisions like that can be hard to make, but you usually know right away if they are the right ones. This isn't going to be the only opportunity you have. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that it is the only one. Sometimes, the timing isn't good. Also, stress is a serious issue. Good to eliminate whenever possible. Best to you and your family.
Ang

Ang

Dear Anna, you are a very talented lady and there will be plenty of time to do a book in the future. I am sure that you have made the right decision for this time in your life , enjoy your little one and producing patterns without pressure. Like all the other comments I look forward to seeing your patterns published on your blog and other places .

Dear Anna, you are a very talented lady and there will be plenty of time to do a book in the future. I am sure that you have made the right decision for this time in your life , enjoy your little one and producing patterns without pressure. Like all the other comments I look forward to seeing your patterns published on your blog and other places .

Dear Anna,
You are so talented, so there is no doubt that when the time is right for you, you will put together a beautiful book. My husband and I have been trying to have a family for a long time, so take it from me, you are truly blessed to have a family and should enjoy it! And you should enjoy knitting and creating as well. Forget those crazy deadlines! Who needs it! Enjoy the spring and summer with your boy. Looking forward to buying new patterns.

Good for you! And a happy half birthday to Stanley!

((((HUGS!!)))) It sounds like you made the right (though difficult) decision for YOU. Life is very different and hectic with a newborn. Priorities may have changed, but your talent and creativity will always be there when you are ready to tap into them... It is such a cliche, but so true: babies don't keep! Enjoy little Stanley, the book can wait!