Thursday 7 January 2016

My quilting priorities for 2016

After reviewing my progress against my 2015 goals here, it's time to make a new list for 2016.

Here's some ideas that have been running around in my head for a while.

1.  Mediterranean Hexagons. I'm attending a Kaffe Fassett class at the end of January 2016 and we're making the Mediterranean Hexagons quilt from his Quilts in Morocco book.  The quilt in the book is in blues, but I'm breaking out and using hot colours like pinks, reds and oranges.  I've only just realised that it will no longer fit the Mediterranean name in those colours.  Maybe I'll call mine "Mediterranean Sunset Hexagons".



2.  la passacaglia I've got 90% of the top together, so need to finish the top, add the borders, and then hand quilt it.  I can see that this might take quite a few more months yet, but I do want it finished in 2016.



3.  My Small World.  I started this quilt back in May, but I wasn't happy with how it was turning out, so I stopped.  I may continue with this one, or I might start again in a different style.  Now I have the foundation paper piecing templates it might be easier.

The pattern


My effort to date.



4.  Possum Magic quilt.  I'm looking forward to hand quilting this in 2016.



5.  Women of the Bible quilt. This was a quilt along where 2 patterns were released every second week for 40 weeks. The blocks are all joined now, and I just need to piece a back from the scraps.  Then I'll get it professionally quilted.



6.  Spinning Stripes v2.  I cut out the pieces for a second Spinning Stripes mini quilt when I went to the class with Shirley Mooney last year, but I still haven't sewn the second one together.  Getting all the stripes matching takes time, and machine quilting the last one took weeks due to all the ends that need tie-ing off and burying. It will be something like this - I can't find a photo of my original plan, but fortunately the pieces are all pinned to an old sheet in the correct layout.



7. Oh! Christmas Tree.  I made a small start on this in 2015, but I would really like to have it all finished for Christmas 2016.  It's wool felt applique, stitched by hand. It's another great design by Wendy Williams.




8.  Smitten.  I've had the paper pieces and pattern for a while now.  I've also got a bundle of Tula Pink Elizabeth that I'd like to use for this quilt.  It's made using English Paper Piecing, so I'm avoiding starting until I've finished la passacaglia, and had a little break to do some embroidery.






9.  Trip around the World from Kaffe Fassett Heritage Quilts book.  This block has appealed since we made them for our Capital Quilters block of the month. I've got some fabrics put aside for this quilt.




10.  Glitter.  This is a pattern by Jen Kingwell.  I've seen a number of these quilts on Instagram and would like to try one myself.  I don't know how big I'll make it, I'll just see how I enjoy it.



11.  Ballet avec Kaffe Fassett.  This is from Willyne Hammerstein's second book.  Again, it's more English Paper Piecing, so it will be later in 2016, or possibly even 2017.

Photo from Millefiori Quilts 2 by Willyne Hammerstein


12.  Stacks of Colour  I've finished hand quilting this, and now I just need to put on the binding. I plan to finish it in January.



13.  Felt quilt. I saw photos of some beautiful and unique quilts by Gillian Travis at the UK Festival of Quilts.  Since then I have bought her book, and have plans to do something along these lines in 2016.




So that's 13 possible quilts for 2016.  Quite an ambitious list, but if I leave myself too much free time I will just come up with even more ideas.  I'm looking forward to making these quilts. What's on your list for 2016?


24 comments:

Pip said...

I haven't made a list as such yet(not sure if I will) but I will try to have more finishes than starts (I think I said that last year) and will be trying to use fabrics from my stash instead of buying.

Unknown said...

Hi Wendy, Happy New Year to you and yours. Wow what a list, I think that would scare me to plan so many quilts in one year. Which sounds funny because I do get a few done, but I think if I had it written down, l would not be able to keep up. I look forward to your progress, love all that you are planning. I also really like your houses quilt, love the colours, especially near the bottom, I think you should carry on...:-)

Liz said...

What a list! My plan includes less finished quilts, and more a focus on learning how to free motion quilt. I'd love to be confident in my ability by the end of the year! Of course...I have several quilts in mind to practice on - so I'll have to see how it goes!

Granny Maud's Girl said...

How about 'tropical hexagons'? The colours make me think of hibiscus flowers.
I love the two Kingwell patterns you have on your list: Smitten and Glitter. Great choices.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

That's a great list Wendy, lots of incentive! I too love that Kaffe 'Trip Around the World', oh, and that 'Smitten" quilt... they might be on my own list v. soon!

margaret said...

you have certainly lots of interesting projects lined up here, good to see the la passacaglia is nearly completes, liking the hexie ones and you might just have awoken my interest in tackling Women of the Bible as have downloaded and even printed the instructions. Spinning strips is stunning, and it will be good to finish or restart my small world, I know a couple of ladies from the Yorkshire MG have been doing it too

Julie said...

Avery ambitious and colourful list. I have no doubt you will accomplish quite a lot of your list.

Elaine said...

you have so many wonderful projects, I love all your colourful modern fabrics

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

What I enjoy so much about you and your posts (other than the beauty) are that you CONQUER ALL YOU GOALS. So I know that I will be seeing all these wonderful pieces completed in one way or another. I look forward to seeing your name in my inbox!

Carli The Quilter said...

HI Wendy, Happy New Year and wow, love your ambitious goals. Lovely quilts you've got going and finishing this year.

Linda said...

What an extensive list! But, if your past productivity is anything to go by, you will accomplish everything during 2016. I saw Gillian Travis's quilts in Birmingham in August - super, the design really appealed to me. She is the Guest Speaker at our Area's annual lunch later this month. Sorry that I will be missing it as we will be back in NZ then, leaving on Saturday for Singapore. Happy sewing!

Sandi said...

I tend not to make lists and am amazed on yours to say the least!

Several years ago I took a class with Kaffe and never finished the quilt which also was hexagons. Time to get it out and dine.

I wish you well on all your goals and look forward to see your successes!

Sue said...

Wow Wendy, you are one of the most organised people I know. I have a sort of list - all the quilts that need finishing, plus I am going to make a start on the 1857 Album Quilt with Sentimental Stitches. All hand applique. Oh and I have signed up for Sarah Fielke's new BOM.
In saying that I have almost finished 2 quilts this January. Will post on my blog when done. :-)

HeathersSewingRoom said...

Wendy those are some interesting projects to start your year with! They will certainly keep you busy. I hope you really enjoy your time in the Kaffee Fassett workshop.

Ruth said...

Wow! they all look fantastic and I can't wait to see what you will do with these in your colour palette! I really like your small world so far but can see it in other colours too!

Anonymous said...

Your Small World quilt is fabulous....

Jill Fisher said...

That's definitely an ambitious list, but goal-setting seems to make the impossible possible. I'll be wishing you speedy fingers so you can get to my favorite....the Christmas quilt. 😀

JanineMarie said...

I haven't made a list, so I'm going to just enjoy looking at yours. What fun! I can't wait to see these in progress.

Oops-Lah said...

Wow, what an array of wonderful projects! Knowing you, I'm sure you'll get lots done if not everything! I can't wait to see and (get inspired) how it will all unfold.

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

Looks like you have a busy year ahead of you Wendy! I really like the look of the glitter quilt too :)

Laney said...

I like your Small World start. I love that pattern and think you should continue ;) I'm interested in Glitter, too, but don't know if I am up to trying it! LOL
Looks like a long list to keep you busy!

Anonymous said...

Your stitching is so beautiful and intricate. I love all of your plans, although the Small World Quilt especially calls my name.

Igniteyourcreativespark - Kate Carter said...

I feel totally inspired to write a similar post although it couldn't possibly have even a fraction of your ambition. I've managed 4 small rosettes in 6 month of my la passacaglia but I did get a sewing machine for Christmas so I have my sights on a machine sewn quilt. I can't start that until I've finished the second curtain for the pair I started 7 years ago. Oh dear, I need help!!

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

oh my goodness you are going to be so busy and productive!