Friday, December 28, 2018

Best of 2018

I thought it would be fun to join in with the Best of 2018 linky party at Meadow Mist Designs.  Thank you, Cheryl, for hosting us again this year!


I've had a busy year in my sewing room, and have made lots of fun things, but here are a few of my favorite sewing experiences of 2018.

I loved having my son ask me to make him a new quilt, and of course, could never say no to a request like that!  His only design idea for it was "earthy colors," so I chose a selection of Grunge fat quarters and made a "Yellow Brick Road" quilt for him.

He liked it and reports that with its flannel backing, it is nice and warm!

Also this year, I was really honored to be asked by Kelly of My Quilt Infatuation to help launch her new book, Stash Statement.

I chose her quilt, "Louvered," for my project, and made a rainbow of placemats for my dining room table from her pattern.




You can read my full post about this project HERE.

I love, love, love making mini quilts, and sewed up quite a few again in 2018.  A favorite of this year was this one that I never named, but my post about it says I was "In a green mood!"

This mini quilt was inspired by the quilt, "Leaves and Vine," from the book Sunday Morning Quilts, by AmandaJean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison.

I've really enjoyed doing more hand-stitching recently, experimenting with hexies and embroidery in particular.  I was really happy to be able to give my mom this little 12 inch pillow for Christmas.




Probably my favorite finish of 2018 is "String Star," a quilt I designed myself and created from string blocks sewn monthly throughout 2017, while participating in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.


After looking at lots of ideas online, I drew this design out on graph paper and carefully counted out exactly how many blocks I needed in each color.  It was so exciting to see it come together in real life and fabric, just how my vision on paper looked!  I love seeing this quilt everyday as it hangs on the wall in my dining room.

Thanks for joining me as I thought through my "Best of 2018!"  There's lots more posts over at Meadow Mist Designs.

Also sharing at SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday!







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19 comments:

  1. Karen - Quilts...etc.December 28, 2018 at 10:20 AM

    love that string quilt and those placemats!

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  2. Libby in TNDecember 28, 2018 at 12:10 PM

    Great job! I don't remember ever seeing "green mood"!

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  3. KateDecember 28, 2018 at 2:35 PM

    Perfect favorites for 2018. It had to be hard to pick, you had some really cool projects this year.

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  4. LouiseDecember 28, 2018 at 4:50 PM

    So fun to see these pieces again! I hope 2019 brings you just as much joy and satisfaction in your quilting life :)

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  5. Siouxzq64@gmail.comDecember 28, 2018 at 7:55 PM

    So many great projects. Love the leaves and curvy vine.

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  6. Kathy S.December 29, 2018 at 7:06 AM

    All gorgeous! Love that string star quilt. The placemats with the Fiestaware are fun. The mini with the leaves is adorable. What a great 2018. Wishing you a happy, healthy, creative 2019.

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  7. MariDecember 29, 2018 at 7:15 AM

    Ooohh, great year! I also like the string star, but I love the green vine mini. Congratulations on a great year, and looking forward to a fantastic 2019!

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  8. The Joyful QuilterDecember 29, 2018 at 7:54 AM

    Your String Star inspired me to make a mini based on your design. SEW glad that you took the time to draw that out and share it with us!!

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  9. ChantalDecember 29, 2018 at 8:29 AM

    You did beautiful things this year. I didn't know you were the one who did the crumbs placemats. I got a picture from Pinterest and loved it right away. I am working on this project during the Holidays. Your string star is the best though. Every time you show pictures of it, I fall deeper for it. I might end up with one in 2019. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2019. ;^)

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  10. piecefulwendyDecember 29, 2018 at 9:21 AM

    I enjoyed reading this post and seeing your projects. I hadn't seen a few of them, so it was delightful. The green mood mini is really fun! Hope you have a fun, productive 2019!

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  11. LindaDecember 29, 2018 at 12:26 PM

    You did good this year!
    Your favorite is my favorite, but I really, really love that little redwork pillow.

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  12. scraphappyDecember 29, 2018 at 1:21 PM

    It is so much fun to see your year in review. The staring star is such a great quilt. Love how it all came together.

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  13. maggie fellowDecember 29, 2018 at 6:14 PM

    I really like all your projects but I adore the rainbow string quilt - well done

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  14. CherylDecember 30, 2018 at 2:30 PM

    Great finishes, I love that string quilt! Thanks for linking up!

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  15. CathyDecember 31, 2018 at 4:32 AM

    String Star is a beauty!

    And I need to make some placemats. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  16. Christine BJanuary 2, 2019 at 3:20 AM

    Beautiful finishes! Wishing you a very Happy New Year and looking forward to seeing all you make in 2019! Best wishes, Christine xx

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  17. Tami Von ZalezJanuary 3, 2019 at 12:06 PM

    I started using flannel backing in all of my bed and lap quilts. It just adds that extra comfy cozy.

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  18. Cynthia Brunz DesignsJanuary 6, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Great choices for your "Best Of" Diann. You know I LOVE that string Star!

    (I know - I am a bit late to commenting. I am so far behind on my blog reading!)

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  19. CathyJanuary 6, 2019 at 8:30 PM

    Your finishes this year were amazing! Of course, your String Star is my favorite. Sorry for not commenting sooner. I’ve been nose-deep in a good book for several evenings instead of blog reading. Here’s to a great new year for you and your family!!

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