Thursday, January 14, 2010

January

Something about January feels good. I don't mind the cold, dark, snow covered days outside my window. It's warm and cozy inside. A pretty new calendar hangs on the wall. My day planner is organized and I dream of the year ahead.

Last year ended on a tidy note. I re-organized my sewing room and then got down to business. Three more Autumn Shades POTC blocks are ready for stitching. The September through December blocks for Sweet Nostalgia are traced and ready to go, as are all 12 blocks for Ring in the New! Lots of bobbin winding took place and now the last of my DMC and Cosmo floss are ready and waiting for new projects. The last three A Tisket, A Tasket baskets are complete. And, I met my Dear Jane goal for 2009. Because of lack of contrast, I was a little disappointed with a couple of blocks.  But, it was a good year overall.  So now, on with the New Year!

This year, I think I am going to try something a little different with my blog postings. Instead of once a week, I'm going to post a little more randomly. Definitely it will not be more then once a week or too long between postings that you forget about me. I must sacrifice some computer time in order to gain more sewing time. Lots of projects need to be finished and new ones started.


January
A childhood friend who reappears with every winter's snow.


First up, this new BOM that has me all excited. The original pattern was done in all black thread and for some reason a little dot of colour was used in just two blocks. I didn't like that at first, but since changed my mind. I can now see in other blocks where a hint of colour would be nice. For example, the carrot nose on the snowman. I'm not going to add colour to all the blocks, just a few.

Feeling bad that I fell behind on my A Tisket, A Tasket baskets, I worked hard over Christmas to get them done.  Now I am ready to piece together my quilt top.  Did you notice that Anne has a new free BOM for 2010, called Snowbound?  I wish I didn't see that!

October

November

December

Well, that's it for now.  January has been a very busy month for me and looks like it will continue into February.  I'm itching to get back to my Civil War Bride blocks and other ongoing projects.  First I would like to get A Tisket, A Tasket, Veranda Views and Country Calendar pieced and quilted.  My goal was the end of January, but seeing the month is almost half over, I'm now aiming for the end of February.

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

One kind word can warm three Winter months.  ~ Japanese proverb


18 comments:

Rachel said...

Your blocks are beautiful - all of them! You have a lot on the go; it's going to be an interesting year of quilting!

Funoldhag said...

Glad to see you posting again - and what a delighful post. I am still without November and December for Tisket - but will get to that one day soon. My Red Delicious just needs borders. I wasn't going to do any more BOM but you are right, I wish I hadn't seen the new one Anne Sutton has! Probably can't resist that one. Have fun with your wonderful projects! Carol

Sharon said...

Lovely blocks! They make me want to start a few! I do love the new one, Snowbound...I am a collector of all things snowmen, so I have to do that one! Happy stitching...I look forward to seeing your blocks assembled in tops!

Crispy said...

You really did have a busy and productive 2009. I love all your projects!!!

Crispy

Sherrill said...

Your tisket/tasket blocks are adorable. LOVE your fabric choices! Good job!

busyascanbe said...

It looks like you are starting the year off right!
Happy sewing,
Debbie

Betsy said...

Karen your blocks are coming along great!

Anonymous said...

Wow what a list of projects. I have saved all the BOM patterns in my computer for future possibilities. Working full-time gets in the way of sewing fun. Love your work...am always inspired.

Quiltpiecer said...

Thanks for stopping by quiltpiecer.blogspot and leaving a comment. Love your blog and have become a new follower!

Annette said...

Your basket blocks are beautiful. I need to finish mine too. I love your stitchery and the orange carrot nose is just so sweet...a good touch.

Robin said...

So many projects, so little time! I completely understand! You did a great job of catch up over the holidays though-- your basket blocks are gorgeous (LOVE the fabrics you chose!), and your snowman stitchery is wonderful as well. It sounds like you've got lots lined up to keep you busy as well. Happy stitching! :)

Beth Karese said...

Your basket blocks are terrific! I have all the patterns, but never started it. After seeing yours, it makes me want to grab it out and do it. Besides your beautiful stitching, it's the choice of fabrics that were fabulous. The fabrics you picked for the baskets... the plaid on the squirrel... and the fussy cut on the trick-or-treat bag... how cute is that, or what?

Cathi said...

Your blocks look fabulous!

Karen said...

I wouldn't have thought of using a subtle stripe for the background of a stitchery but it certainly works.
And you fabric choices for the Bunny Hill basket blocks is very good!

Janet said...

Great fabric choices, very inspired! I hope you get some extra sewing time away from the computer.

Sherri said...

Your blocks are beautiful! I also don't mind the dark days...especially when we get rain like we are this week!

Carrie P. said...

Very cute embroidery and your basket blocks are fabulous. Love all your choices of fabrics.

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous pattern your Ring in the New is. You have such great taste! - Louise