2011 Revisited

I was feeling a little down the other night, and decided to look back and see how much I actually accomplished in 2011.  I made a list.  I have to admit it made me feel somewhat better.

 I had a graduate...

and a bride, including 1 greatly altered wedding dress...

 and a wedding, of course...

a few trips to the beach...

and one to Quilt Market...

and Sewing Summit...

3 dresses (and some sewing lessons)...

400 wedding invitations...

110 thank you notes...

9 quilts completed...

144 quilt blocks (not including those for the finished quilts)...

And some quilting lessons...

1 mini quilt...

  3 mug rugs...

4 hoops...

1 sewing machine cover...

1 growth chart...

1 i-pod case...

5 appliqued onesies (with doggies, of course)...

8 pillows...

15 bags/totes (including a couple of tutorials)...

 1 craft apron...

12 place mats...

10 dish towels...

14 pot holders...

4 aprons...

  16 chair covers for primary...

1 scripture cover...

12 hexie needlebooks (and a tutorial)...

6 pinnies...

2 Christmas tree skirts...

4 Christmas stockings...

1 chemo cap...

1 wall hanging...

48 jars of jam (and some canning lessons)...

1 knife case...

3 fabric postcards...

1 zipper pouch...

14 Christmas ornaments...

30 crocheted snowflake ornaments...

and one little blog.

It's Snowing

OK, so it's Florida and the chance of snow is - well - minute, unlike other areas of the U.S. which are experiencing their third blizzard already this winter.  But I an  I'm participating in the Trim the Tree Handmade Ornament Swap on Flickr again this year.  It is always such a struggle to decide what to make.  This year, I decided on snowflakes.  These aren't the kind that melt, and they should last a number of years.  I have some on my tree that I bought at a craft fair in Oregon thirty years ago.  So I've had fun with these this year.

I found this cute snowflake here.   I kind of struggled with this one.  I made 4 of them total, and I think I only executed one of them correctly.  It's so lacy and pretty, that I really like it.

I found the pattern for this one here.  This one was much simpler to do - or maybe I was just back in the crochet mode by the time I did it?

This one is of my own design, as is the next one.  Once I got started, I was on a roll.

 So, partner, I hope you like them.

Kinda Quiet Lately

I'm actually surprised it has been nearly a week since I posted here, but it's not that I haven't been doing anything...  I am participating in the Trim the Tree Swap, which is actually the first swap I ever attempted.  My one year Flickr anniversary of sorts.  Last year I did two smocked ornaments and an elf shoe.  They were fun.  And stressful.  I still stress over making something my partner will like.  I guess that's normal?  Maybe?

This year, I thought I would try crochet snowflakes and found this pattern here.  I can't seem to execute it perfectly, though, as small as it is.  I have ripped out and re-done more times than I can count. The one above was my first attempt, and will be staying home with me.  I need to stiffen and block it, but it will give you the idea of what I've been working on. 

And last weekend, I was searching for something in the sewing room and ran across 4 quilts that have just been sitting there, waiting to be quilted, and one that BD#1 made the top and was going to give to Goodwill that I salvaged that I plan to give to 100 quilts for kids.  So, I just quilted this weekend.  Very time consuming.  I keep trying that FMQ meandering/stippling thing, and I just am not satisfied, but they are quilted and done and pictures will follow this weekend, probably, when it is light.

I am really hating driving home in the dark.  I really hate the time change, whichever way it goes.  But regardless, tomorrow is Veteran's Day and so a day to remember those who have fought for our freedoms.  I am grateful.  And a day off from work, for which I am also grateful.  I want it to be a very productive sewing weekend.  I have a LONG list of things to accomplish.  Do you realize that Christmas is only 6 weeks away?

Whew! Gotta run!