Friday, December 31, 2010

Hello, 2011!

Riley Blake +
I spent a bit of time the other day writing down all of the projects and goals that have been floating around in my head for the last month or so. As my list got longer and longer, I realized that they might not be goals for 2011. They might be goals for the next decade at the pace I went this past year! But it really doesn't matter how fast I accomplish this list. I had so much fun this past year and that's what really DOES matter. I'm so excited to learn and try so much more. I'll include some photos of newly acquired fabric I'm looking forward to playing with. 
Laura Gunn
Technique/Skills 
Embroidery (starting here)
Zipper
Raw Edge Applique
Circles or Curves
Long Arm Quilting
Free Motion Quilting (on my Bernina)
Sunkissed
Projects
A bag or purse
Pillow
Mug Rug
2 Aprons
A piece inspired by a vintage canning quilt
No Prints Allowed Challenge for KCMQG
Whittle down those wonderful WIPS on my shelf
Lilly & Will
Social
Continue sewing with my small group 
Join the Kaw Valley Guild
Make something WITH Jenna
Blog a bit more
Participate in another swap
Eva & Hushabye
Giving
1 Quilts for Kids
2 other baby quilts for charity
Participate in another KCMQG charitable activity
Sherbet Pips Charm Pack
Productivity
Sew a little something everyday (even for just a few minutes).
Organize my craft closet...again.
Set up a little work station close to where my daughter plays to sneak in a bit of play time for me.
Limit Reader and Flickr time to give myself a little more sewing time.
Dec 2010
So there's my giant list! I can't wait to get started. It's officially 2011 here in our household as we toasted in the New Year at 9:00 pm with lemonade and cider...an exciting celebration with our 4 year old! 


Happy New Year to you all!


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Looking Back

Sampler

One last WIP for 2010! I put together some of the 6 inch blocks I made for Tia's quilt along to try out some long arm quilting. One of my friends offered to let a few of us try her long arm and it was so much fun. I was a bit intimidated and had no idea where to start but she was a very patient and encouraging teacher. So this is my first wobbly attempt at free motion quilting on something other than a scrap. That little taste has left me wanting more. Luckily, I have some birthday money left to spend on some a class to really get me started. 
House Quilt Back


Of course, it's the end of the year and I have to take a look back. I could tally up all of my finishes, WIP's, UFO's, swaps, purchases, gifts, donations, and blocks but that will never measure what a difference sewing, quilting and blogging has made in my life this year.

Joining the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild, attending a couple of retreats, and sewing with a small group has connected me with some great new friends that I've learned and laughed with. 

Quilting has strengthened my connection with my family. I've loved getting to sew and share ideas with my mom. My sister and I went to a quilt show together in Knoxville and learned to make hexagons with my mom. My daughter has cut and glued many scraps while I've sewn and even pulled my needle through fabric for me. My husband's aunt and cousin helped us document some family quilting history. My dad has shopped with my mom and I. I had to laugh the other day when I was on the phone with my sister. I could hear my niece yelling in the background "Fabric, mom, fabric!" Awesome memories.


I can't even begin to describe how much I've learned from blogs and Flickr. There are some very talented quilters out there and I am so grateful that they are sharing what they've learned and are inspiring so many with their wonderful creations.
  
Quilting has given me a sense of accomplishment and an outlet for some creativity. I've learned to let go of perfection and just jump in and try new things. I absolutely love that when I sew something together it usually stays that way (unlike clean dishes and laundry). And most of all, I love learning and I feel like I could live to be 100 and never learn everything I want too. Oh, and can I just add how much I enjoy looking at and working with all of the gorgeous fabric!


I hope this year has been just as wonderful for all of you!
 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A New Bag

Birdie Sling
While my mom was here visiting, we had a good time visiting quilt shops in the area. We stopped at Prairie Point in Shawnee, Harper's in Overland Park, Sarah's Fabrics in Lawrence and Stitch On, also in Lawrence. A mini shop hop of sorts. Mom let me pick out some fabric and we spent an afternoon making this Birdie Sling pattern by Amy Butler.

I have been a bit intimidated by the idea of making a purse or bag. Layers of batting, interfacing, fabric, lining, zippers, turning inside out... Now that I've helped with the process I'm very confident that I can go solo next time (without a zipper).

birdie sling interior
Here's a peek at the lining. I really love these Innocent Crush fabrics by Anna Maria Horner. I've been using the bag as a tote and it's so handy. Definitely room for a notebook or two and a camera plus all the other essentials.

I've been making a list of sewing goals for the next year in my head. I'll share those with you next time. Have you been thinking about next year yet?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Instead of Blogging...

and finishing this quilt....
Bloom Strong

I've been....


*visiting with my mom and dad 


*celebrating a big birthday

*cleaning my basement and sewing room

*having a fabulous Christmas Brunch with my MOPS friends


*helping a few families have a Merry Christmas


*putting on a puppet show for Jenna at the library


*watching Santa get rescued from the top of Weaver's Department Store


*having dinner and seeing the Christmas Lights on the Kansas City Plaza




Old Fashioned Parade

*watching the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in Downtown Lawrence


*caroling and crafting with preschoolers

Gingerbread
*viewing Gingerbread Houses (I want to live here!)


*sewing with my mom

*giving long arm quilting a try (and loving it!)

and enjoying every minute!


Hope you are enjoying this Christmas season too!




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