Wednesday, January 4, 2012

New year ... new goals

The beginning of the new year has made me sit back and reflect on my quilting and what I really, really want to achieve in 2012 .... and that is hand quilting. There are a number of tops waiting in my battered old trunk for needle and thread. So, on Jan. 1 my Hexagon quilt got started and I'm doing this one without a lap frame. A lot of the European quilters quilt without a frame and I thought this quilt would be perfect for that experiment. My stitches are not as tiny or as uniform but once this quilt is done and washed, it will have that perfect old-time look. My new-to-me wicker loveseat has fast become my spot for hand quilting and the girls don't seem to bother me here at all. Can we say bonus? On the loveseat are my two current hand quilting projects.

Sitting on top of my battered old trunk is this floral box ...


.... which contains all of my hand quilting supplies.


To encourage me to stay on track for doing any hand quilting each day, is a schedule (that goes to the end of May (then it will be too hot to hand quilt). As long as I see a tick for each day, that makes me happy. There have been more ticks since this photo was taken.


This year will see a major change for DH, the girls and I .... as long as our house sells in the spring, we will be moving north. The process has started with the Xmas decorations. Wish us luck!


Have a great day!

12 comments:

Jennifer said...

Keeping all the supplies for projects together is the way to be organised, and to ensure they do get done! Our Christmas decorations are now packed away too.

Deb said...

Bwaaaaaaa.....that is me still crying the blues. I hope that it stays winter forever!

Love your new photo`s up top they are lovely quilts to show for the season.

Nice to have that quiet little corner isn`t it? it looks cozy too..

Teresa said...

I have also started a hand quilting project for the new year. Maybe I should try your ticking method t make sure I get it done! Your stitches look great to me.

LintLady said...

Hello Rose Marie,
hand quilting takes more time of course, but it is also very peaceful and cosy, I think. So I am waiting to see what nice work you will show usin future :o)
By the way I have the same locker boxes like you show in this pictures.
We (my DH and me) keep our Xmas ans Easter stuff in them.
xxx Doris

Donna said...

The hexagons are so pretty, and I'm impressed with your organization. I just love the snow quilt in your header.

*karendianne. said...

This is all great news. I enjoyed reading about your reflective process and finding how you turned that into something tangible and reinforcing. I have always wanted to quilt without a hoop so this is going to be uber-fun to watch. Dig that you have a spot the girls don't seem to like and golly you have a lot going on this year with the upcoming move. I better pay attention - I don't want to miss anything.

Cathi said...

I'm really intrigued by the process of quilting a large quilt without a hoop! I've done small ones without a hoop, but have never quite worked up the nerve to try it on a large one. Any tips?

Julie Fukuda said...

Nice projects and great progress! I am enjoying this season for hand quilting too. I can get a lot smaller stitches without a hoop.

Teresa Rawson said...

LOVE the snowman quilt on your header...TOO CUTE! Your quilting area is so cozy...the box for all your supplies is a great idea.

Is there anything north of Toronto?!? Just kidding...we actually have property near Kingston, so I know there are lovely places (to the north.) Good luck with the long process.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

i keep track of handquilting on a calendar. II put the number of blocks I get completed each day. It helps keep me focused on the project. I love the winter quilt on the top of your blog!

Annette said...

I LOVE your cozy little quilt spot.

Ellen said...

Hand quilting (and piecing) are supposed to be priorities for me but I have yet to start this year. One of the things that holds me back is the quilt marking. I see that you use washable markers and I bought some but I am still too scared to use them!