Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2011 in Review

Last January, over coffee with a friend, I declared my 2011 resolution as "to get back into sewing."  Um, I think it's more than safe to say that is one resolution I kept!  At the time, I was feeling a bit restless and had a smidge more free time as the kiddos seemed to be getting past that I'm-sure-to-stumble-into-certain-tragedy-if-mom-is-more-than-5-feet-away stage.  So, after about 3 years away from the sewing machine (gasp!, but what's a girl to do with 3 children under 3 years old?!), I treated myself to a little new fabric and started looking online for some inspiration.  WOW - the online sewing community had exploded during my sleep-deprived hiatus, and truly, a bunch of time went into learning how the modern quilt movement had changed and evolved over the years.  I was absolutely floored and inspired by what I saw - COLOR! - and lots of it.  My eyes craved it and drank it in.  Little did I know back then just how much this neglected hobby of mine would come roaring back into our lives (I say our, because really, mom's obsession affects the whole family :) ).  Here's a few projects from the past year:
A quilt for my son:
 A mini for a friend, with a verse quilted around the border:
A strippy fall quilt to showcase color contrast:
 Another rainbow mini for a swap:
 A lap quilt for a friend's 40th birthday:
A lap quilt made practically in the speed of light to comfort a friend in need:
 A pouch for a friend's birthday:
 A pillow for a swap, using Elizabeth Hartman's  mod mosaic tutorial:
 A full size quilt for my daughter:
A baby hat knit for a friend's new baby:
 A pouch made for Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr:
 Another baby hat for a friend's new baby:
 And one of my favorites (although, this pic isn't the greatest), a strip quilt made with Freshly Cut (HB):
And there's a couple more completed quilt tops (Kona solids challenge made for my son, just to mention one) that I didn't include here because technically, it's not finished.  Wow - Seeing it all together makes me feel productive - and happy!  Here's to 2012 being full of fun new projects and lots of finishes!

9 comments:

  1. Yay for lots of beautiful finishes. I love all of your work Val and your little hats are the most adorable things ever. :)

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  2. It was a very productive year. I'm so glad we met, and I'm excited to see where your crafting takes you this year!

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  3. Heh, you kind of leapt back into it with both feet then! Love all your creations

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  4. Everything is gorgeous! I so envy you this talent. Keep 'em comin'!

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  5. Just popped over from Jen's to say hi! Love love love that circle rainbow mini!

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  6. I saw your profile over on Ellison Lane Quilts. Your finishes are fabulous! Hope your 2012 is as productive :)

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  7. I read your profile on Ellison Lane Quilts, and since I am a very obedient person.....HELLO! Love your site!

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  8. I love the projects you shared in this post! I'll be following along to see what you come up with this year :)

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  9. SO enjoyed seeing your spotlight on Ellison Lane, and loved seeing your projects on here...especially the mini rainbow quilt with the verse. Beautiful! I just started quilting last fall and am very much a beginner. My blog is at http://fabricmutt.blogspot.com/. I'll be adding your blog to my Google Reader list!

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