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Looking Back

Current disasters aside, 2022 was one of the most productive years I've had in a while. While I was writing six novels (technically, six and a half) for the day job I was also finding new ways in my spare time to sew, quilt and even make garments. My focus was using more sustainable and recycled materials, like this koi quilt I made for Katherine from remnants and bolt ends.

I also tried to use up every scrap of leftover fabric, as I did with this quilt bag from the remnants of the koi quilt.

My art quilting was practically non-stop, as making smaller projects was easier for my arthritic hands.

I'm still dealing with the loss of my mom, and art quilting helped a lot with channeling those emotions in positive directions.

Rescuing orphan patchwork via an estate sale and making those pieces into projects was fun, and gave my spirits a boost, too.

I made a lot of bags.

Pillows, too.

Thrifting and making over three boxes from Goodwill into journal keepers was really a delight, and a great creative challenge.

I tried to work in colors that I've never used much in the past, with happy results.

My summer art quilt didn't turn out like I'd hoped, but even when I failed I learned something (like downscaling instead of trying to keep doing things as I have in previous years.)

Right after the frustrations of summer I discovered Fabscrap, a service that helps keep unwanted material from the fashion industry out of landfills, which started me on using their scrap packs and creatively mending sample garments.

Fabscrap has really made my sewing time fabulous.

I partly lost the use of another finger on my one working hand, so I took up crochet again to try to keep what function I have left from slipping away.

Like riding a bike, really, and I've missed crochet.

Holiday pillows from Fabscrap flannel swatches.

My reward for myself for writing six novels in 2022 was building this 1:18 scale dollhouse sewing room from a Rolife kit in December.

It's been a good thirty years since I've made miniatures, and with my definite decline in dexterity it proved to be a real challenge.

It also made me very happy to cross this off my creative bucket list.

It was a busy year, but (primarily) a happy one. I forget sometimes how greatly creating, quilting and sewing adds to my personal joy. In that respect, 2022 was bliss. I hope to keep that momentum going in 2023, and while I will probably scale down and only make one or two quilts (the linen quilt I've yet to finish is at the top of that list) I'll look for new ways to stay inspired.

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Maria Zannini said…
You have been busy!
And you surprised me. I used to make miniature furniture too back when I had working fingers. I gave way every stick of furniture I ever made.
December 31, 2022 at 4:51 AM
nightsmusic said…
That dollhouse is amazing! And I know that bird quilt. It's absolutely gorgeous ;)
January 2, 2023 at 11:36 AM
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