Goals 2012

Now that I reviewed how I did in 2011, what are my goals for 2012? Well, they are a lot like 2011, that is for sure.  Overall I'd like to expand my sewing skills.

1. Make a piece of clothing for myself, and one for my daughter
Along the lines of expanding my skills and doing more "projects", I'd like to make myself a skirt and maybe something cute for my daughter. I think that the techniques involved in making clothes have always scared me a little (lots of curves! darts! pleats! zippers! smocking!), so working on clothes will be a good start to expanding those skills.

2.  Make at least one project involving handwork.  
It was on my list last year and I'd really like to get it done this year.  I may sign up for an embroidery class, or if there is some book or tutorial that folks recommend, I am interested in trying it. Give me your best links!

3. Use more of my scraps.
Added to the list again this year because I failed so miserably last year! I think string quilts are in my future, or at least a few string-based projects.

4. Make 7 8 quilts.
I know, the number keeps going down!  But I have two finished tops, three that just need binding, and then I can easily come up with two more after that. Ok I'll make it 8 again.  Ha ha.

5. Finally make a tree skirt.
I have been secretly wanting to do this for a LONG time, so I really need to get on it. Every year I put up the Christmas tree I think how naked it looks with no skirt. I'll really do it this year!!

What about you? What are your goals for 2012?

Goals 2011 recap

So how did I do?
1. Conquer my fear of zippers
I think I did pretty well on this one! I made a few wetbags for cloth diapers and the zippers really weren't so scary. They aren't perfect, but hey, I was making a bag to store dirty diapers--the beauty of the zipper is not so important as long as it keeps in the mess and stink.

2. More projects, less quilts
I think I did really well with this one! I made seven bags--two small tote bags, three wetbags, a diaper bag for myself and one for Dad. Oh, and a table runner as well.

3.  Make at least one project involving handwork.  
I have to admit I failed at this one. I didn't make anything with handwork this year! The more reason to add it to my list again, right?

4. Use more of my scraps.
Alas, also a failure! I've got a list of different projects that use scraps, though, so that will come in handy as I work on it this year.

5. Finish 8 quilts.
Yikes. I only finished 5. However, as I mentioned before, I have three quilted tops as well as two unquilted tops finished. So overall not bad!


6. Make a "seasonal" quilt.
I am not sure if I intentionally did this or not. I completed a forest looking quilt (which I will blog shortly, I promise!). It evokes fall but I didn't set out to make it as a fall quilt. I'll count it though.

How about you? Did you meet your goals for 2011 (quilting related or otherwise)?
 

hopefully really back this time!

My last blog post was July 2011! Yikes! It has been really challenging working full time, coming home, cleaning the house, cooking, and wanting to spend time with baby L. Add to that the fact that my sewing room is attached to baby's room, so I have to walk through baby room to get there. This is especially a problem when I want to encourage her to nap but I want to sew too. No matter how quiet a sewing machine may be, I still worry.

So long story and lots of excuses, but I hope to be back.  I actually have three quilted tops, two finished tops, and two unblogged finished quilts to share. So I haven't been totally slacking.  I'll be back with a recap of my goals for 2011, how I did, and my goals for 2012. Then, on to the quilts!

Another WIP

About a month ago I felt the need to get back to my sewing machine.  I had a nice little stack of fat quarters, so I pulled out my Fat Quarter book from M'Liss Rae Hawley.  I've wanted to make her "Garden Gate" quilt for a long time so I finally did it.

It came together very quickly. It's small, but I think it will be perfect as a wall hanging in little L's room.  The walls are a nice yellow and this will go with them very well. Sorry the picture is so dark! I took it back when Chicago was still experiencing non-Spring.  Summer is finally here so I'll be sure to snap a pic outside when it is finished.

I'm a winner!

Also during my blog hiatus, I won two different giveaways.  One was from Sheree's Alchemy and was this lovely half yard stack of fabric.

The other was a fat quarter bundle of Bella Solids from Shruti at 13 Woodhouse Rd!

Have I done anything with them yet? No but the possibilities are endless!

Catching up...

I'm back! My little girl L is now 3 months old and we are really getting a good rhythm. I went back to work a few weeks ago and that seems to be going ok so far.  Here and there over the last few months I've managed to find a few moments for quilting and projects, so I need to update things here. First up is a baby quilt for a darling little girl born last week.

I am currently quilting it and will show it when completed, but here is the top prior to quilting.  I used the "Big Dots" pattern from "Quilts Made Modern".  I didn't really need a pattern, but it was good to have an explanation of the freezer paper technique  I really like how the circles have that nice turned under look. I've done applique before but usually just raw edge.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the moms out there--happy mother's day!