1. Sarah's Ruffle Quilt--I love this finish. Probably even more because SHE loves it. Samantha picked out the fabrics for her and I followed along with a quilt along that didn't really happen. It was the most difficult finish to date. I learned about working with foundations, working through disappointment and quilting without catching those confounded ruffles.
2. Quilt U Be Mine--This actually started in late 2012 and I still haven't quilted it yet. I enjoyed the challenge of making my own style and creative vision mesh with the women I worked with each month.
3. Bags!!--I made a lot of these this year. Most I never blogged about because it was all I could do to get them done. I have a mental block when it comes to starting one, but once I get going I can work through for hours until it is done. My first project for the year was a sewing kit--and it turned out so darling, but I lost it and that derailed me for at least 3 weeks. I really was sort of devastated over the silly thing. I also made the Barbados bag from Comma fabric and I carry it with me everywhere I go--but did I ever write about it--NO. I also made the cutest little Halloween bags from a SMS tutorial.
4. Mug Rugs--I got to play with these for the April Showers blog hop. This was my first attempt at trapunto--hate the process, love the results. It was also my first attempt at free motion applique. These little things are the perfect size for practicing my FMQ.
5. Stash Bee--I made 8 blocks before the first round ended in August. I learned so much from this experience. I blogged about that here.
6. Summer Top 10--More or less a success. I would definitely do it again. I did 6 of the ten things on my list. I think I'll probably focus more on being outdoors next summer than on sewing projects.
7. Girl's Camp--Every year I send "mail" to Sam at Girl's Camp. I try to make a little something for every day. Making a pillowcase that goes along with the theme is a tradition. This year, the Stake Girls were the Miners and all the girls' groups were different jewels. I went with this design, quilted with gold thread; the back is plain white and Sam has everyone sign this rather than her t-shirt.
8. Christmas in August--I love this advent calendar. The tutorial was detailed and easy to follow and the Blitzen fabric just makes me smile. Once I fixed all the numbers, it was a matter of patiently sewing them all down. For me, that was hard. I chose this project as a way to learn to machine applique. I would have done better with a larger design, but now I'm very comfortable with small twists and turns. I also used two layers of very thick poly batting. For this project, it makes the pockets pop and it is a great look.
9. My First Swap--I never seem to know where to find groups or happen upon sign-ups, so I was excited at this opportunity. The only requirement was to make one item for your secret sister. I had a hard time giving this one away. I'm not big on hexies myself, but I love how this turned out. I also enjoyed my squishy package of goodies (below.) Thanks, Laurel!
10. MMMRR--My second round robin and definitely more challenging. I love how mine turned out!
11. Favorite Things Party--I was invited to one of these in early December and it was fun. We were given a $5 price limit, but I went to my stash and made reversible market bags. The ladies who ended up with them liked them and I had a small project distraction.
This year was so full in other ways, too. I re-certified as a teacher, changed jobs and drove across country. I also drove to more doctor's appointments than I can count on fingers and toes, put up a handful of bulletin boards at my kids' schools, and changed callings at church (YW counselor to Stake Primary counselor). I've renewed my interest in essential oils, did a little crocheting and quite a bit of home (re)organization. All in all, a very good year. I've been so blessed.
Thanks for sticking with me!
Good for you. I loved seeing all that you accomplished this year and truly hope that 2014 is a better year for you.
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