I will be the first to admit this was an "off-year" for me as far as quilting was concerned. Recently, my daughter Sara was asking me why I was relatively unproductive in 2019, and I had to give it some thought before I answered her. I think there were several main reasons. First, I was really focused on my reading in 2019, and that took up a lot of my free time. Second, I was not that enamored of the fabric collections that were released last year. Sure there were some that were gorgeous, but not nearly as many captured my attention as usual. Third, I have such a surplus of quilts from my forty years of quilting, that it is hard to justify making more bed-sized quilts. Storage is becoming a real issue. I have some ideas to address this problem, but I will share that later. Here is what I did manage to accomplish in 2019:
This quilt is called Signs of String. I finished it in Feb. 2019. The pattern and fabric are both by designer Linzee McCray. The blocks required paper piecing which I did enjoy. Otherwise, I am not in love with this quilt. It was time-consuming, took a ton of fabric (lots wasted) and was tiresome to construct. And the colors are not my thing.
In January, I am always craving the calmness a blue and white quilt gives me. I made this little table topper with leftover scraps of Primitive Gatherings blues. I made 3" finished square in a square blocks, which I trimmed to size with my Creative Grids Square in a Square trim tool ruler. The quilt measures 17" x 26".
This little table runner was a Fatquartershop Sew Along called Threadology I believe. It is basically an Ohio Star block in two sizes flanked by flying geese units. I used Fig Tree fabrics from my stash. I like it and used it during February.
This Green Pineapple quilt was an experiment with the Creative Grids Pineapple ruler. I used lime green fabrics from my stash and had fun using the ruler. I love the colors for March. I do enjoy the complex looking Pineapple block, but don't have the patience to make an entire quilt out of them. I do have some red pineapple blocks in my UFO bin, so I may have to eat those words one day!
This s a Fig Tree pattern called Sweet Clover, which I adapted to make a table runner. I used Fig Tree scraps from the stash bin. The colors are soothing and subtle, and perfect for spring. The quilting design really pops on this one.
This pattern is called Fat Quarter Flourish by Carried Away Quilting. I used fabrics by Sherri and Chelsi. Love how crisp and summery this turned out. It features the same quilting pattern as the Sweet Clover quilt.
This little quilt is called Corn and Beans. Lots of flying geese, and the colors are perfect for late summer. I plan to put a vase of sunflowers on this one.
This is probably my favorite quilt of 2019. It is called Sweet Escape, a pattern by Camille Rosskelley of Thimbleblossoms. It was a sew along, for which I (mostly) used the Sweet Tea fabric collection by Sweetwater. I did make my blocks smaller than the pattern called for. Mine are 8.5" rather than 10.5".
This little nine patch table runner is made from Corey Yoder's Pepper and Flax collection. I think it will be lovely in early spring with yellow candlesticks on my dining room table.
Here is a table runner for late summer, made entirely of leftover gold half square triangles. I never used to be one for saving leftover trimmings, but I couldn't resist doing something with my 2 inch hsts!
I am so happy that I finished this quilt, which has been folded up in a box for over a year. It is Into the Wind by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. I used a fabric line called Larkspur by 3 Sisters. It was very tricky to lay out and get the fabrics positioned to my satisfaction, but I succeeded in the end. I also ran out of background fabric for the setting triangles. I was able to order more, but the quilt went unfinished until this year.
I feel kind of "meh" about this little quilt. It looks like so many that I have done in the past. I used scraps from my stash and made churn dash blocks that finish at 3". I was glad to work on it though, and it did ease me back into the sewing room, where I had been largely absent most of 2019. The pattern was inspired by one in the Simple Friendships II book. I made alterations and changed the finished size.
This cute little project was my foray into working with wool, an activity I plan to continue in 2020. The pattern is by Buttermilk Basin (By Thy Hands, January), and the wool from my wool stash. I really like the combination of a pieced block with some appliqued wool. Currently, I have it sitting on my fireplace hearth with a bowl of potpourri on it.
My last project for 2019 was this little blue and white quilt was a kit called Winter Snowfall by Piecing the Past. It was a tricky block to make, with those pieced flying geese units. I did have to unpick some of the chopped off corners and re-sew them by hand. Once this is quilted, it will be a nice addition to my January quilts.
To re-cap, I really was not as productive in 2019 as I usually am. When I look at what quilting I did accomplish, I am actually kind of surprised because it seemed to me that months went by when I did not even go into the sewing room! I spent my time in 2019 doing a lot of reading, taking some fun trips and enjoying my granddaughter, so I can say I am happy over all. In retrospect, I also see that I made quite a few projects with fabrics from my stash, and also used tools like the Creative Grids rulers to achieve good results.
In 2020, I hope to be sewing more than this past year. I want to finish up four or five UFO projects that I started in 2019 and abandoned. I will continue to make seasonal table toppers as well as some full-sized quilts.
How was your quilting year?
42 responses to “My Year in Quilts: 2019”
Your reasons for the slow down of quilting are exactly what mine are. I focus on small quilts or crossstitching Reproduction samplers.
Your reasons for the slow down of quilting are exactly what mine are. I focus on small quilts or crossstitching Reproduction samplers.
Your reasons for the slow down of quilting are exactly what mine are. I focus on small quilts or crossstitching Reproduction samplers.
Beautiful quilts Nicole. You did a lot more than I did for sure. it was an off year for me as well. I started doing a lot more handwork which equaled less machine work. I do have some projects in mind for 2020. I look forward to seeing what you are up to as well. happy New Year!
Mary
Beautiful quilts Nicole. You did a lot more than I did for sure. it was an off year for me as well. I started doing a lot more handwork which equaled less machine work. I do have some projects in mind for 2020. I look forward to seeing what you are up to as well. happy New Year!
Mary
Beautiful quilts Nicole. You did a lot more than I did for sure. it was an off year for me as well. I started doing a lot more handwork which equaled less machine work. I do have some projects in mind for 2020. I look forward to seeing what you are up to as well. happy New Year!
Mary
You know, I watch your blog faithfully and I had forgotten many of your quilts so it was great to see them again. I keep track on my calendar of the days that I sew for at least 15 minutes and 2019 was an all time low with a measly 126 sewing days of the 365. I am for 15 minutes each and every day which shouldn’t be that hard! This year I am not aiming for quantity, but I plan to challenge myself with some doozies for patterns…hard and challenging that will take more time. I’ll see how this goes!! Maybe I should challenge you do make a challenge quilt as well????
You know, I watch your blog faithfully and I had forgotten many of your quilts so it was great to see them again. I keep track on my calendar of the days that I sew for at least 15 minutes and 2019 was an all time low with a measly 126 sewing days of the 365. I am for 15 minutes each and every day which shouldn’t be that hard! This year I am not aiming for quantity, but I plan to challenge myself with some doozies for patterns…hard and challenging that will take more time. I’ll see how this goes!! Maybe I should challenge you do make a challenge quilt as well????
You know, I watch your blog faithfully and I had forgotten many of your quilts so it was great to see them again. I keep track on my calendar of the days that I sew for at least 15 minutes and 2019 was an all time low with a measly 126 sewing days of the 365. I am for 15 minutes each and every day which shouldn’t be that hard! This year I am not aiming for quantity, but I plan to challenge myself with some doozies for patterns…hard and challenging that will take more time. I’ll see how this goes!! Maybe I should challenge you do make a challenge quilt as well????
I feel much the way you do Nicole. After many years of quilting, I have gifted quilts to all family members and am running out of space to store my finishes.Looking forward to hearing your ideas for storage or gifting for us long-time quilters that are in an over-quilt situation. Additionally, to pay for quilting when I have no plans for the quilt, gets pricey. I, too, get bored with some of the fabric lines… I wonder if the designers that always work within the same color palette get bored with it… I know that they change up a color or two but I know I get bored with working on the same types of quilts and same color ways.
From your year-end summary, you have accomplished quite a lot!
I feel much the way you do Nicole. After many years of quilting, I have gifted quilts to all family members and am running out of space to store my finishes.Looking forward to hearing your ideas for storage or gifting for us long-time quilters that are in an over-quilt situation. Additionally, to pay for quilting when I have no plans for the quilt, gets pricey. I, too, get bored with some of the fabric lines… I wonder if the designers that always work within the same color palette get bored with it… I know that they change up a color or two but I know I get bored with working on the same types of quilts and same color ways.
From your year-end summary, you have accomplished quite a lot!
I feel much the way you do Nicole. After many years of quilting, I have gifted quilts to all family members and am running out of space to store my finishes.Looking forward to hearing your ideas for storage or gifting for us long-time quilters that are in an over-quilt situation. Additionally, to pay for quilting when I have no plans for the quilt, gets pricey. I, too, get bored with some of the fabric lines… I wonder if the designers that always work within the same color palette get bored with it… I know that they change up a color or two but I know I get bored with working on the same types of quilts and same color ways.
From your year-end summary, you have accomplished quite a lot!
Nicole, Have you considered donating some of your quilts as a fund raiser to a local charity you support. Realizing, of course, that it might not bring as much money as you have invested in the quilt. I read Jo’s Country Junction blog and she donates a quilt each year to her local volunteer fire dept fundraiser dinner.
Just a thought.
My “youngest” son (51) asked me a few weeks ago if I had a quilt I would be willing to give to a friend of his for his 51st birthday. They have been friends since grade school. It took me just a moment to say yes!It felt so good to be able to do give someone a quilt that I hadn’t thought to gift one to.
I really enjoy your reading lists and just signed on to Good Reads to track my reading. Love William Kent Kruegar books.
Nicole, Have you considered donating some of your quilts as a fund raiser to a local charity you support. Realizing, of course, that it might not bring as much money as you have invested in the quilt. I read Jo’s Country Junction blog and she donates a quilt each year to her local volunteer fire dept fundraiser dinner.
Just a thought.
My “youngest” son (51) asked me a few weeks ago if I had a quilt I would be willing to give to a friend of his for his 51st birthday. They have been friends since grade school. It took me just a moment to say yes!It felt so good to be able to do give someone a quilt that I hadn’t thought to gift one to.
I really enjoy your reading lists and just signed on to Good Reads to track my reading. Love William Kent Kruegar books.
Nicole, Have you considered donating some of your quilts as a fund raiser to a local charity you support. Realizing, of course, that it might not bring as much money as you have invested in the quilt. I read Jo’s Country Junction blog and she donates a quilt each year to her local volunteer fire dept fundraiser dinner.
Just a thought.
My “youngest” son (51) asked me a few weeks ago if I had a quilt I would be willing to give to a friend of his for his 51st birthday. They have been friends since grade school. It took me just a moment to say yes!It felt so good to be able to do give someone a quilt that I hadn’t thought to gift one to.
I really enjoy your reading lists and just signed on to Good Reads to track my reading. Love William Kent Kruegar books.
Your 2019 finishes are all so pretty & smaller projects seem to be the way I’m heading, too. If you are inclined, as Sherri C. suggests, gifting or donating quilts when there is a need or request is a good way to share your work. When I do that I always include a note to the recipient to use them because quilts are tough & need to be out of the cupboard & loved! The enjoyment for me is in the making process & I’ve never regretted giving away a quilt!
Your 2019 finishes are all so pretty & smaller projects seem to be the way I’m heading, too. If you are inclined, as Sherri C. suggests, gifting or donating quilts when there is a need or request is a good way to share your work. When I do that I always include a note to the recipient to use them because quilts are tough & need to be out of the cupboard & loved! The enjoyment for me is in the making process & I’ve never regretted giving away a quilt!
Your 2019 finishes are all so pretty & smaller projects seem to be the way I’m heading, too. If you are inclined, as Sherri C. suggests, gifting or donating quilts when there is a need or request is a good way to share your work. When I do that I always include a note to the recipient to use them because quilts are tough & need to be out of the cupboard & loved! The enjoyment for me is in the making process & I’ve never regretted giving away a quilt!
so many lovely finishes. I’m really curious to see your quilt storage idea. I have 6 large quilts waiting for binding. ;p
I did not have a productive year. arthritis in my hands really kept me from sewing the 2nd half of 2019. I’m hoping 2020 will be better.
so many lovely finishes. I’m really curious to see your quilt storage idea. I have 6 large quilts waiting for binding. ;p
I did not have a productive year. arthritis in my hands really kept me from sewing the 2nd half of 2019. I’m hoping 2020 will be better.
so many lovely finishes. I’m really curious to see your quilt storage idea. I have 6 large quilts waiting for binding. ;p
I did not have a productive year. arthritis in my hands really kept me from sewing the 2nd half of 2019. I’m hoping 2020 will be better.
Wow for someone who said you hadn’t quilted so much, you done amazingly well. I have a top finished but not layered so that’s what I must do it this year.. but I did crochet and knit and read 80 books. So I ‘m contented with my efforts.
Wow for someone who said you hadn’t quilted so much, you done amazingly well. I have a top finished but not layered so that’s what I must do it this year.. but I did crochet and knit and read 80 books. So I ‘m contented with my efforts.
Wow for someone who said you hadn’t quilted so much, you done amazingly well. I have a top finished but not layered so that’s what I must do it this year.. but I did crochet and knit and read 80 books. So I ‘m contented with my efforts.
Well, it looks to me like you accomplished quite a bit of quilting, with some really nice results. Small is still begun and done 🙂 If I got that much done I’d be delighted!
I look forward to seeing what you tackle in 2020.
As for me, I will continue to plod along. There will be lots of blocks for charity quilts (my local quilt group makes a lot of quilts for charity, about which we all feel great), some UFOs completed (I hope!), and a few new projects begun. I haven’t yet gifted a quilt to every family member, so that’s still a long-term goal for me.
Happy New Year!
Well, it looks to me like you accomplished quite a bit of quilting, with some really nice results. Small is still begun and done 🙂 If I got that much done I’d be delighted!
I look forward to seeing what you tackle in 2020.
As for me, I will continue to plod along. There will be lots of blocks for charity quilts (my local quilt group makes a lot of quilts for charity, about which we all feel great), some UFOs completed (I hope!), and a few new projects begun. I haven’t yet gifted a quilt to every family member, so that’s still a long-term goal for me.
Happy New Year!
Well, it looks to me like you accomplished quite a bit of quilting, with some really nice results. Small is still begun and done 🙂 If I got that much done I’d be delighted!
I look forward to seeing what you tackle in 2020.
As for me, I will continue to plod along. There will be lots of blocks for charity quilts (my local quilt group makes a lot of quilts for charity, about which we all feel great), some UFOs completed (I hope!), and a few new projects begun. I haven’t yet gifted a quilt to every family member, so that’s still a long-term goal for me.
Happy New Year!
Nicole you seemed to be very productive in 2019 & must have been surprised when you posted all the many beautiful quilts that you did make! All are so beautiful & your assembly is perfection ~ it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite! Thanks for sharing a year of amazing & beautiful quilts in your truly unique style!
Nicole you seemed to be very productive in 2019 & must have been surprised when you posted all the many beautiful quilts that you did make! All are so beautiful & your assembly is perfection ~ it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite! Thanks for sharing a year of amazing & beautiful quilts in your truly unique style!
Nicole you seemed to be very productive in 2019 & must have been surprised when you posted all the many beautiful quilts that you did make! All are so beautiful & your assembly is perfection ~ it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite! Thanks for sharing a year of amazing & beautiful quilts in your truly unique style!
Hi Nicole,
After a few not enough time for my own quilt years, I made a big change early in 2019 and took a leave from my job that had grown from casual to full time. As much as I love the job and caring for seniors with dementia I couldn’t juggle everything…I also have a longarm quilting business that is almost full time. Life stopped on a dime last February when my Mom passed away and I knew it was time to get off of the hamster wheel! I spent 2019 piecing and finishing ufo’s and started and finished some new quilts. I had been on a self imposed no buy for a few years and also let loose a bit. I ended up resigning my position and went on the casual list life feels more balanced and I am back in love with my art again!
One fun thing too is we are now expecting our 5th grandchild so many quilt making opportunities!
Hi Nicole,
After a few not enough time for my own quilt years, I made a big change early in 2019 and took a leave from my job that had grown from casual to full time. As much as I love the job and caring for seniors with dementia I couldn’t juggle everything…I also have a longarm quilting business that is almost full time. Life stopped on a dime last February when my Mom passed away and I knew it was time to get off of the hamster wheel! I spent 2019 piecing and finishing ufo’s and started and finished some new quilts. I had been on a self imposed no buy for a few years and also let loose a bit. I ended up resigning my position and went on the casual list life feels more balanced and I am back in love with my art again!
One fun thing too is we are now expecting our 5th grandchild so many quilt making opportunities!
Hi Nicole,
After a few not enough time for my own quilt years, I made a big change early in 2019 and took a leave from my job that had grown from casual to full time. As much as I love the job and caring for seniors with dementia I couldn’t juggle everything…I also have a longarm quilting business that is almost full time. Life stopped on a dime last February when my Mom passed away and I knew it was time to get off of the hamster wheel! I spent 2019 piecing and finishing ufo’s and started and finished some new quilts. I had been on a self imposed no buy for a few years and also let loose a bit. I ended up resigning my position and went on the casual list life feels more balanced and I am back in love with my art again!
One fun thing too is we are now expecting our 5th grandchild so many quilt making opportunities!
I think you have accomplished quite a bit for 2019! I wasn’t able to do much in sewing room in the last quarter of the year dues to family hospitalizations so I took cross-stitch with me to hosp. It is difficult to balance reading and quilting so I try to read each night at bedtime. A red and white pineapple quilt is on my list so if you decide to “chuck” the pinapple quilt, I’d be excited to help you out!
I think you have accomplished quite a bit for 2019! I wasn’t able to do much in sewing room in the last quarter of the year dues to family hospitalizations so I took cross-stitch with me to hosp. It is difficult to balance reading and quilting so I try to read each night at bedtime. A red and white pineapple quilt is on my list so if you decide to “chuck” the pinapple quilt, I’d be excited to help you out!
I think you have accomplished quite a bit for 2019! I wasn’t able to do much in sewing room in the last quarter of the year dues to family hospitalizations so I took cross-stitch with me to hosp. It is difficult to balance reading and quilting so I try to read each night at bedtime. A red and white pineapple quilt is on my list so if you decide to “chuck” the pinapple quilt, I’d be excited to help you out!
I have started 2020 by working on UFO’s. I have What Nots from Kim Diehls first time of doing them to complete. I’ve completed 3 put of 5 so far. That doesn’t even begin to make s dent in what I have in my to be done list.
Like you I have several quilts that are just sitting around doing nothing. I’m going to donate some to a local organization that gives items to foster kids. I know I have a lot of money tied up in my quilts but I’m so fortunate that I can afford to make s quilt just because I want to, that I feel it’s time to give back. I have a friend who has fostered over 60 children and they most often do not have anymore than a few belongings.
Hope you have a successful new year!
I have started 2020 by working on UFO’s. I have What Nots from Kim Diehls first time of doing them to complete. I’ve completed 3 put of 5 so far. That doesn’t even begin to make s dent in what I have in my to be done list.
Like you I have several quilts that are just sitting around doing nothing. I’m going to donate some to a local organization that gives items to foster kids. I know I have a lot of money tied up in my quilts but I’m so fortunate that I can afford to make s quilt just because I want to, that I feel it’s time to give back. I have a friend who has fostered over 60 children and they most often do not have anymore than a few belongings.
Hope you have a successful new year!
I have started 2020 by working on UFO’s. I have What Nots from Kim Diehls first time of doing them to complete. I’ve completed 3 put of 5 so far. That doesn’t even begin to make s dent in what I have in my to be done list.
Like you I have several quilts that are just sitting around doing nothing. I’m going to donate some to a local organization that gives items to foster kids. I know I have a lot of money tied up in my quilts but I’m so fortunate that I can afford to make s quilt just because I want to, that I feel it’s time to give back. I have a friend who has fostered over 60 children and they most often do not have anymore than a few belongings.
Hope you have a successful new year!
My year was pretty good and I know you don’t think yours was good, but you really do have a lot to show for it! I am hoping to get a few ufos done this year too – I am glad to have lots of stash to choose from for backs and bindings 😉
My year was pretty good and I know you don’t think yours was good, but you really do have a lot to show for it! I am hoping to get a few ufos done this year too – I am glad to have lots of stash to choose from for backs and bindings 😉
My year was pretty good and I know you don’t think yours was good, but you really do have a lot to show for it! I am hoping to get a few ufos done this year too – I am glad to have lots of stash to choose from for backs and bindings 😉