The last day of 2014 began with a lot of work as I deactivated all my patterns and digital books from being instant-downloads to comply with the ludicrous new EU VAT regulations.

After many weeks of reading up on the law and discussions with other designers, HMRC (the UK tax people), accountants and VAT specialists it's generally agreed the whole thing is a disaster and if it carries on it will destroy small businesses and stop many countries around the world from trading with the EU. Already I have seen many designers stop selling completely as they can't cope with it and lots of others (including large bead and jewellery pattern websites) stop selling to anyone in the EU at all.

But as much as I hope it will be overturned or altered in 2015 (especially before it applies to all physical goods!) I have to comply with it and as HMRC have told me that manually emailing my files means I no longer fall under the scope of the rule that's what I'm doing.

It means a backwards step for business and that any pattern purchase won't be instant, as you'll have to wait for me to see the email and then send you the file, but as my other option was to stop selling completely it's the best I could do.

But I'm trying to remain optimistic and just see this as a blip in the road and today is a good day to take a look back and a look ahead.

2014 was a very busy year for me with lots of travel and work and some of the highlights and memorable moments were:

• I had 2 books published (and the go-ahead for another)
• I had a book sold on a TV shopping channel
• I got caught up in an armed robbery
• I visited Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, California and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Portugal and Spain and many lovely places around the UK
• I turned 40
• I got to see Cher and The Monkees in concert
• I went to the Bead & Button show and got to see many friends and meet new ones
• I watched cricket for the first time
• I was a bridesmaid
• I designed a cross-stitch font
• I launched 9 new kits and 7 new sets of instructions

2015 is already shaping up to be just as busy with at least as many kits and patterns launched and my new book coming out towards the end of the year.

Until then I hope 2015 is a wonderful year for you and brings you lots of fun, excitement and beading!