A quick look-back at my 2012 finishes. Every quilt pictured was hand quilted except for 'Lil Retro Baby. My goal at the beginning of the year was to try and finish one quilt every two months and it looks like I at least accomplished that!
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| Prairie Vine |
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| Be Thankful |
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| 'Lil Retro Baby |
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| Almost Amish |
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| Scrappy Triangles |
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| Little Bow-ties |
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| Christmas Table Runner |
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| Monkey Wrench |
I have lots of ideas for quilts I want to work on in 2013. Mostly I intend to try and work on quilts that speak to me personally through design, set challenges, frugality, and/or color and fabric choice. The last three years have been increasingly tough on us financially and last year was the worst year yet. I
don't want to give up my quilting hobby as I feel that it most definitely helps me to cope with all the difficulties that come from having a sharply decreased income (not to mention the stress of dealing with teenagers). It would be so incredibly self-defeating if I resented not having the wherewithal to continually buy all of the new and shiny! I need to constantly remind myself:
The Internet quilting community is my inspiration, not the dividing line between the have and the have-nots.
I feel that the biggest challenge for me in the here and now is to continue to work at having quilting projects that inspire and propel me towards the next project, without feeling the need to go out and make large fabric purchases to implement them. Concentrating on series work, scrap quilts, and fabric/color play in all my new projects will definitely help in that endeavor. I have already found that buying the occasional new fat quarter or two works wonders at bringing new life to older fabric selections too--positive endorphins! Of course I will probably squeeze what I need out of the grocery money whenever I need to buy a border fabric and I have never been above begging my beloved husband for quilt store gift cards for birthdays etc.*wink
Audrey, your quilt finishes are lovely!! I can so relate about being the frugal quilter! Money is tight for many of us, but what a joy to create such beauty from what we have. Thanks for the reminder, that just a little will spark inspiration!!!
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I love all of your quilts. With the economy the way it is I think more of us are dealing with the fact that we can not afford every new quilting toy out here or new fabric too. I have looked at my shelves and know that I do not need to buy fabric constantly especially with prices going up - I need to use what I have!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, I so love your whimsy! You know, it might not make you a millionaire, but Some of your original designs are so marketable. I especially love how you add applique to the traditional blocks. It makes them fresh. You make old look new. Those ideas could become that pin money you need to keep the quilting up.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your thoughts on using what you already have! I think your finishes from last year are so special and unique, obviously, you are doing something right!! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYour finished are all beautiful. Are you able to let me know a bit more about the Prairie Vine Quilt? I tried to search Prarie Vine pattern, however I am not finding what looks like your gorgeous quilt. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSorry about that. You can check my 10/31/11 post for the pattern details. It's a mix-up of several.:)
Delete6 quilts in a year's time - and all but one hand stitched? How in the world do you do it? (I did 5 in 2012, a new high for me, and there were days when I quilted all. day. long - and did nothing else, just to get them done.) Praying that you will be able to find some way to be able to continue to quilt, in spite of budget constraints. {{hug}}
ReplyDeleteOh, your finishes are all absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!! I know what you mean about spending little or nothing on quilting. I love that spirit, because that's how quilts were created--making something from "nothing." If you haven't checked the thrift stores and garage sales yet, you'll be amazed at what you can find for just a few dollars. Happy 2013!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude & outlook on the situation that you are facing, and I think that the right mind-set is half the battle won. Your quilts look wonderful and are unique.....maybe we all should be using more from our stash and not buying fabric lines that in the end look too matchy - matchy. I am looking forward to seeing what you create in 2013.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that this year is a better year for you & your family.
Wonderful finished work, and hand quilted wow !!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you , I am in the same financial situation...
I wish you a beautiful New Year, hugs from France.
I love seeing your 2012 finishes. I love every one of them!!
ReplyDeleteMany people are in your shoes Audrey, so you aren't alone.
It's wonderful to see your 2012 round up. I particularly love the Be Thankful quilt, which ties in with what you have said.
ReplyDeletewow! audrey, you quilts are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAudrey I also have had to economize in all areas including quilting. If you think about it that is how quilting got started. I also find if I need new inspiration a fat quarter or two (especially when they are on sale!) go a long way to making a quilt made from stash new and exciting.
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