2018 - a good year!

     Last year I made a list of 6 projects I wanted to complete in 2018. I purposefully made a small list, with the hopes I would actually finish them up. I was uncertain how much time my art classes, which I started in January 2018, would take up. 

     It turns out that making a small list was perfect - the art classes took up lots of time (and I loved every minute of them - can't wait for the new semester to start!). Here is last year's list, with my updates:

1.  Sewing room 
     This project was a great success!  I was able to switch the full size bed with a twin from the other bedroom, and moved the taller dresser into the other bedroom as well.  I was able to fit my sewing machine under the window, allowing me to look out at the lake while I sew.  My craft table can open fully when needed, and close down when this becomes a guest room.  The design wall fills an entire wall, and is so handy, and I am glad I splurged on the extra wide ironing board, which when folded, fits nicely behind the door.    I love having this space for projects! 

Bedroom before the redo

Sewing space - tidied up as a guest room

Cutting table opened for business! 

Design wall and big ironing board!

The view!   You can't really tell from this picture, but that is the lake out there - so nice in the summer! 

2.  Magnolia Mystery Quilt

My goal had been to finish this before the February deadline for this mystery challenge, and I was successful!  It turned out beautifully, and was gifted to a friend. 

      3.   The Civil War Reproduction Spider Web quilt.  
   This is one of my longer running projects.   I managed to finish all 240 blocks, worked on some designs for borders in EQ8, and bought a gadget to help with the removal of my paper backing.   This will certainly be my first "to-do" for 2019!
  

  4.  On Ringo Lake
    I was not even trying to keep up with the pieces as the clues in Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt dropped, but did work through it and got the top done.  It is pinned and ready to quilt in the New Year.  I have not yet started any work on the new Mystery Quilt, Good Fortune, but hope to do so soon! 

 5.  New York Beauty wall hanging
  Done and hanging in my sewing room!      

6.   Quilt Designing

     I have not been as productive as I really hoped in quilt designing, but designed a small piece that placed second in the on-line Quilt Expo modern mini challenge.  I also have a piece coming out this month in Easy Quilts!  Stay tuned!  

Off the Rails 

    I finished other quilts as well, and will be posting my 2018 Quilts round up after the Easy Quilts magazine hits news stands!  I had a great time at the Erie County Fair,  and enjoyed the friendship of other quilters in my quilt guilds.  A good quilting year, indeed.   

Happy New Year! 

Gretchen