2012...

...was a challenging year for me.  Henry's autism diagnosis, starting early childhood school, therapies, fixing up our house, moving to Maryland and then selling our house--whew!  It was a year of personal life growth for sure.

But, it was also the year of creative growth, too.  I feel lucky to be among such talented company in the Cocorico, Pastiche, and Ringo Pie Bees.  The monthly themes challenged me to my limits, but my sewing skills kept growing to match what I imagined for my design. 

pastiche mosaic


cocorico bee

You'll notice that these mosaics are a little thin for bees that I've been in all year.  I still owe 4 bee blocks for 2012.  Luckily my bee-mates are patient with me. 

ringo pie bee


This was also the year of the Farmer's Wife quilt. I wish I could say that I've finished it, but that is not the case. Maybe I can finish it by spring?

First half of FW, backlit


 I did a little knitting this year. Most of it was very tiny, but I do have the one big shawl to warm me up.

knitted 2012


I finished a couple of quilts to cuddle up in, but I did gave them all away except for one (my AMH voile quilt is covering my lap as I type this (bottom right).

finished quilts 2012


And, lastly, there are some other sewn items that I'm proud of from the year.

other 2012


2012 was supposed to be the year of the finish.  I had nine items from 2011 that I wanted to complete.  Unfortunately I only finished of those nine!  So, I officially declare that 2013 will be the year of completion.  All projects from 2011 will be done this year as well as some from 2012.
Really.
I mean it this time. 

I'm grateful for this space to share my adventures in sewing.  Occasionally I need a space where I am a mom but I'm a person, a designer and a sewist first.  Thank you all for joining me over the last year.

Please, take a minute to tell me what you made this year that you are most proud of.  Do you have any specific plans for 2013?

14 comments:

Amy Friend said...

What impressive and inspiring mosaics. I feel lucky to have one of those blocks living with me. My plan for 2013--to put that block in a quilt! I am ready to go but need to make a block myself to round it out to an even 12.

Anna said...

I'm most proud of embracing improv quilting this year - I finished a fire engine quilt for one son and next year need to make a superhero quilt for the other!

But mostly I wanted to comment and say how much I enjoy your blog. I don't comment much but I love your style and find your use of text fabrics really inspiring. Best wishes for your year of completion!

Ginette said...

I think you have grown a lot in 2012 both on a personal level and a quilty one. I am sure you will grow a lot more in the coming year. I hope you don't mind me saying that...
I love reading your blog and seeing your fun quilt blocks. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, both quilting related and otherwise. I always learn a lot.
I am hoping to get back at my Farmer's Wife Sampler, maybe in the spring...

Gina said...

You made so many amazing things this past year I cannot pick a favorite although I do especially love your paper piecing!! I have had sewing goals for 2013 stewing in my mind for most the month of December and need to get them on paper. I do so much better with finishing when I have goals to meet. Here's to finished goals in 2013; Happy New Year!

Suz J said...

During 2012 I finished off several long term WIP's, that I'm really proud of. And managed to start and finish some new projects - as well as start some new WIP's. I tried to limit my sewing spending... but failed miserably on this one :*( For 2013 I am thinking about utilising some of my quilting book stash and making projects from some of my favourite books - and trying to finish off the 2012 WIP's.

Anonymous said...

I find your blog very inspiring...full of fabulous ideas and great projects. You have accomplished so much this year. I look forward to seeing beauties from you next year. Happy New Year. May the coming year bless you and your loved ones with everything your hearts desire together with loads of laughter and joy.

Usha
usharaneem@yahoo.com

Rebecca said...

I feel like, while our challenges were different, our years were similar. Your summary is a lot like my summary. But I feel like I've grown a lot in my "creative voice". So that's what I'm most proud of.

You've got some GREAT finishes and I'm happy to have your posts to read!

Prof. S (the enchanted bobbin) said...

Lovely post -- and it's great to see all your beautiful work from 2012...there's so much of it! I hope that 2013 brings even richer creative ventures :)

What am I most proud of...well, I think simply keeping up the sewing in the face of a heavy workload...but also for developing a few select sewing friendships (something to continue into 2013, wink wink).

Off to work on a mosaic of my 2012-in-stitches!

xx

felicity said...

Your 2012 was incredibly productive and creative! Coincidentally, 2013 is going to be my year of Finishes too. Leanne (from she can quilt) says she has "startitis" and I know I do too. Hoping to get some stuff finished this year! Happy New Year to you and your family!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

You've made an amazing amount of wonderful things in 2012, as well as all the family stuff you've had to deal with - are you sure you sleep?! My goal for 2013 is to get my hexy quilt ready for quilting. Well, I'd really like to completely finish it but that may be a tad ambitious so I'm going to aim for having it all layered and tacked and if I manage any quilting on it by this time next year I'll be chuffed to bits! I hope 2013 is full of wonderful things for you and your family xx

Heidi Staples said...

What a beautiful stack of finishes you have here, Melinda, even if everything didn't turn out exactly the way you planned. It seems like life works that way most of the time for me!

I know exactly what you mean about needing a place to be a mom but also everything else that you are. Thank goodness for online friends and all the encouragement that they bring. I hope that 2013 will be a little more settled and peaceful for you!

Beth said...

Wow - it is all so beautiful and creative! I love all those paper pieced blocks!

melissa said...

i could look at these all day - such lovely lovely work!
you're amazing and i can not wait to see what your creative mind comes up with this year!!
love you!!

Nic said...

Wow! What an impressive year

Post a Comment

You are awesome! Thanks for leaving a comment :)