My quilting (and sewing) goals for 2007:
- Learn machine quilting, including free-motion.
I've done a little but haven't felt confident enough to tackle a whole quilt, but it's the only way I'm going to get anything finished. I'm just too slow with the hand work.
Last weekend, I started on this goal by taking an Intro to Machine Quilting class at a LQS, and signed up for the 'intermediate' one in about 3 weeks. The intermediate one is more about free motion, the first part was more about stitch-in-ditch and straight-line quilting. I think I can handle that part now....
- Finish a quilt for the May show for the local quilt guild. And, rejoin the local quilt guild.
I'm thinking the quilt that I finish will either be a Trip Around the World top that I have done except for the borders or a Christmas wallhanging. The Christmas top is from blocks done by my sisters and Mom and I. Although Mom is the only one that's a dedicated quilter, my
3 sisters have all done some sewing too. Every year, we drew a name, and each made blocks for the person. Until we had too many UFOs. I have 5 blocks and have been trying various settings, so I think I know how I want to finish it.
The Trip Around the World has been waiting for the perfect border. I think I'm going to just go with a black border, and have just ordered some Michael Miller black online.
- Try some postcards and other small projects like bags and pillows. Experiment with embellishment techniques like beading and ribbon flowers, as well as practicing that free motion!
- Finish a garment for the fall Fashion show. This will probably be the wool skirt that I started in the fitting class I took last year. OK, I didn't start the skirt but I started fitting the pattern. The skirt will be simple once I get the pattern adjustments done.
- Start some hand work projects to carry along when invited to 'stitch'n'b****' type events. My sewing friends keep saying we should get together and work on stuff, but none of my stuff is portable enough.
I just cut out a Hawaiian applique block and have started working on it. Oh, yeah, I remember why I don't like hand work! Hopefully it will get easier as I get into the swing of it. Also I think I didn't baste it well enough so I'll add some more basting stitches to it.
I decided 5 goals were enough although I've got a whole lot more UFOs: wearable arts, quilts, and garments, including 2 hats that need to be finished and trimmed, a bustier, some sampler blocks, a yellow and blue 'birds-in-the-air' quilt, and a Kites top that is pretty much ready to quilt. Plus, a lot more techniques I'd like to try, and lots and lots of ideas for additional projects.
In my life so far I think I've only finished about 5 wall hanging size quilts. If I finish the Trip Around the World, it will be my first bed-sized quilt!! Maybe that will make me feel like a 'real' quilter!
Lynnette