Am I making any progress?
I dont think rating on internet tell that much about your real strenght. If you went from 1100 to 1650 in real life in one year, then it would be amazing and you had to play a lot. I make a steady progress of 100 rating/year in real life. If i keep it that way im a grandmaster in 6 years :D
But even if i dont belive internet rating count for as much as real rating. 1100 to 1650 in a year is at least showing some kind of progress! You should start playing in a chess club. Its much more fun than playing on the internet!