Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy 2012

Happy New Year to you all! Thank goodness 2011 is over, it wasn't a good year.
I set myself a goal to finish the hand quilting on the Double Wedding Ring quilt by the end of 2011 and I achieved that, woo hoo! I felt a bit sad after those last stitches but it's not finished  yet, there's a long way to go with all the trapunto feathers to do, you can see some that I've done in the photo. It's quilted within a half inch of it's life, the most stitches I've done on any quilt to date yet it remains very drapeable with the cotton batting.
To my dismay I discovered a hole in the background on the second to last border and I know the obvious fix would have been a bit of applique to cover it up but........
in the end I went for an embroidered bumblebee inspired by Sandra Leichener.
Here it is and now you know why it's there. It'll do, even with it's little humpback, lol. I call it my humble-bee.
I'm getting excited about the  Just Takes 2 and have my fabrics all ready. I'll be doing the sampler in red and white solids. This red is from P&B neutrals range and the white I'm using is from the same range as well.
When I wash yards and yards of fabric, I concertina it in folds straight off the bolt and use safety pins to hold the edges together. After washing, I remove the pins, unfold it all and put it in the dryer. I get a lot less wrinkles and there's no tangling around the agitator, it works great.
I'm not making any resolutions for the new year, I'm going with the flow and I'm open to possibilities. I do want to concentrate on my many big projects (oldies but goodies) so I guess there'll be more of the same.
Do any of you have big sewing plans for this year?

64 comments:

Pat said...

Happy New Year! I too am taking it as it comes. Going to try the red and white project and the Free M Q challenge.

Anonymous said...

Happy NEw Year Janet and all the best.
I love the Bumble Bee, my dearest friend who sadly passed away a few years back made the most beautiful applique and hand quilted quilts. She had a least one little cut in every quilts and always embroidered a little Bumble Bee. I wished I had purchased one of her quilts, she often sold them after they had been in shows and won her many blue ribbons.

Nicole said...

Very clever fix with the bumble bee! Your work is lovely.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Happy New Year to you also! Wonderful tips on repairing a hole and washing yardage. Thank you for sharing, and your work is marvelous. Your DWR is scrumptious!

Cardygirl said...

Happy New Year Janet...love the improvisation! Sewing plans...achievable, fun & relaxing- no expectations except to create as I need. Enjoy!

Oops-Lah said...

I think that bumble bee needed to be there. It's absolutely charming. You are so clever. I hope the brand new year will be kinder to you than the last one. At least you won't get bored with all the stitching plans you've lined up. Can't wait to see how they all unfold. Hugs Vreni x

liz said...

How timely, your post. I want to join you in some red and white quilts and I have loads of red fabric that is definitely going to be washed prior. Such a lovely little bee, and I love the cute label "humble bee". Happy New Year, Janet, may it be better than your last.

Janet said...

Congatulations Janet!! You've put A LOT of stitches into that quilt - it looks incredible! It will be even more incredible with all the trapunto feathers. I like your little bumble bee - a good solution.
I look forward to watching your progress with the red and white project. I have to get my red and white quilt finished by May - that's my one goal for 2012. Other than that I'm going to try to stay focused on current projects.

Terry said...

Your quilt is just beautiful, and I love your bumblebee! My big sewing plans for the year are to keep using up what I've got! I'm looking forward to finishing off a lot of projects that have been waiting patiently for me to get to them! Happy New Year! :0)

Meredith said...

Happy new year, I know from reading your blog you had a hard loss last year. I wish you and your family the best. The bee is adorable. I do not have any 2012 quilting plans I am interested in teh takes two.

Tina said...

Happy New Year! I love your quilt-the trapunto is stunning and really makes the quilt. I have watched you work on this quilt and love it as much today as the first time I saw it. I love the bumblebee too-great idea!

Happy New Year, Tina

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

OMG Janet the quilt is gorgeous! When are we going to see a full shot of it? The humble bee is a fantastic idea too!

Christine M said...

Your DWR quilt is just beautiful. I love the bee. I'm going to start hand quilting my DWR this year. I finished hand piecing it in September and have had a little break from it. Happy New Year.

Sue-Anne said...

Happy New Year Janet! Your wedding ring is gorgeous and I LOVE the bumblebee!

Thanks for the tip on washing large quantities of fabric too.

Lurline said...

Magnificent quilt, Janet and I, too, share Christine's previous thoughts! Please tell us what fabric you are using in the red, I'd like to know what appliques nicely! Happy Newy Year - it will be a good one!
Love and hugs - Lurline♥

regan said...

I want to thank you for making 2011 one of my best years.....your blog certainly added to my enjoyment! I look forward to every post you make.....it's always beautifully photographed and very inspiring. My fingers itch to do a fraction of what you create! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and instruction with us! I look forward to 2012, when I hope to start my treasure piece.

And I just love that little bumble bee! Too sweet!

Thanks! And Happy New Year!

Nat Palaskas said...

Happy New Year Janet. You are miss problem solving and you can fix a hole in the quilt! Hugs for 2012 - Nat

Julia said...

Happy New Year Janet, love the bumble bee, great way to fix it.
I think I've told you before that your DWR is the most beautiful I've ever seen.
Julia ♥

Valentina said...

Happy New Year, Janet! We have been enjoying your fireworks extravaganza-- wow! the boys have been watching them on a loop since they got up this morning! :) Couldn't think of a better way to start my year than to go for a blog visit to my friends: Oh wow, delicious: your quilting is exquisite and I cannot get over your little humble bee... Bravo!!! and what a lesson in turning things around! receive a big hug!
Valentina

Taryn said...

Your DWR is getting more exquisite with every stitch you add. Happy New Year to you and I look forward to seeing more of your projects in 2012. No resolutions for me either. I am finally getting my "flow" back and I'm not putting any extra pressure on myself.

Pepe said...

Wow!do you know the gronchi rosa's story?it seems lile that!

Alice said...

The bumble bee is perfect - it's not humble at all. I bet you'll love that every time you see it.

This year I'm gong to finish things off and just buy fabric specifically for projects (there's just one new project I want to start - a red white and green Christmas quilt inspired by beyond the cherry tree, the red and white quilt along, and the quilt you did below.

I can't wait to see your double wedding ring finished. It is really spectacular.

Marit said...

Wish you a very Happy New Year, Janet!
I think the humble bee added even more beauty to your work of art. Love the symbol of the busy little worker among all the flowers!
My goal for this year is to keep turning my finished quilt tops into quilts. And hopefully use and reduce my stash, too...
; )

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Happy New Year!

Your quilt is gorgeous and what a brilliant solution to the holey problem. I love your Humble Bee!

I too am looking forward to 2012. I think 2011 wasn't a good year for many.

Shirley said...

I love that quilt more and more and the humble bumble is exquisite. We shall go with the flow together Janet, no more going against the tide, it is too much hard work. Here is to a happier and exciting 2012.

Nifty Quilts said...

Your double wedding ring is a real treasure. The "humble bee" makes it even more special. I look forward to your inspirations in 2012!

Maureen said...

I love this quilt and it is even more special with the little bee. Have you thought of adding any more little surprises?
I hope to start a quilt or two this week. I've been holding off on a basket quilt using my 19th century reproductions and a spiderweb using strings from their overflowing bins. They are rewards for making progress on some very old UFO's
Look forward to watching your progress on the JT2.

Janet said...

Happy New Year to you too.
You are so good about finishing things that you will have this quilt done in no time. It is beautiful. Look forward to seeing your projects in the coming year.
Janet
PS Thanks for the tip on washing yardage.

Lori said...

The bumble bee is a great alternative to applique. It looks perfect!! I am starting It takes 2 also- it should be a fun project.

Thimbleanna said...

I'm with you Janet -- I happily say goodbye to 2011! Your quilt is just gorgeous -- I love that you share your detailed projects with us -- such fabulous inspiration!!!

Happy, Happy New Year to you -- even years are bound to be better than odd years, aren't they? ;-)

Nyla said...

Your double wedding ring quilt is stunningly beautiful! The trapunto will make it more so. Thanks for the tip on pre-washing, I'll be trying that today with my red and white yardage. Hope you have a wonderful 2012!

Sewjournal said...

Janet your wedding ring quilt is gorgeous and I really like your humble bee. Happy New Year!

Dixie Howard said...

What a great way to end 2011; your quilt is gorgeous and what a sweet little bee you added. Thanks so much for the tip for washing the fabric. I haven't see that method before, but will definitely try it out. Lazy new year's day here today, but we are planting a lime tree tomorrow and hope to get a little applique time in! Thanks so much for your wonderful, inspiring posts. I so look forward to reading them, and always learn something new! XX Dixie

Pat said...

Your sweet little bee looks perfectly at home next to the rose petals...

I also signed up for the Just Takes 2 but need to get to the LQS this week - I don't own 9 yards of any kind of background! Am also doing the 366 3" Building Houses From Scraps. Why do I think there will be enough time in addition to all the other projects simmering on the stove?

Martha said...

Seriously -- This is the most beautiful DBL ever. I love everything about it, and the little bumblebee was a perfect fix.

I sincerely hope you have a much better year in 2012. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing whatever it is you decide to work on. I know. whatever it is, it will be beautiful.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

This is an unbelievably beautiful quilt.

Miriam said...

Happy New Year Janet. Your "humble bee" is inspired!!
Congratulations on finishing the hand quilting on your DWR!!
I have printed the first instructions for Just Takes 2, but I have no idea when I will start it!
No resolutions here either.
Here's to another year of creativity!!

Annemart Berendse said...

Happy New Year Janet, I hope 2012 will be better than 2011 for you. And wow! Isn't your DWR amazing! And I love the Humble Bee, great solution for "the issue".
And what a smart solution for washing large quantities of fabric. My question would be whether, especially with red, the fabric would be soaked enough in the middle to shed all it's excess dye? I'll definitely try!
Good luck with your red and white!

Kaaren said...

I would love to see your quilts in person and to be able to touch and feel them. They are absolutely breathtaking in pictures and I can only imagine how they must look up close and personal.

Simply amazing work, Janet. May 2012 be your best year ever in every way.

Nic said...

I love the bumble bee! Such a great idea for fixing a hole.
Congrats on reaching your end of year goal. Happy 2012.

Teresa Rawson said...

I love your quilt and the "humble bee" fix." Very clever! It's great that you reached your goal! I hope 2012 is a better year ...for all of us! It certainly needs to have more qulting in it than this year had...

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Heather said...

I love that quilt so much, you have inspired me to make finishing my hand quilting on my whig rose a goal for 2012. I too am planning on joining in on Just Takes 2 and have a few more projects that I really want to finish. Hoping that 2012 is much better than 2011, a year I am happy to put behind me.

Ann Champion said...

Congratulations on reaching your goal! Your DWR is absolutely breath taking. The finest I've ever seen. Your addition of the Humble Bee was brilliant.
I'm hoping 2012 will be a better year too.
You are an inspiration to me. I look forward to seeing what comes from your very tallented hands this year. :)

Anonymous said...

Could you tell us what the number is of your red P & B fabric? Please. It is very pretty
and looks perfect for the new BOM.

Haley said...

Love the clever embroidered bee fix!

Sharon said...

Love the Humble Bee! it's perfect. I'm going to do the Take 2 in Rich Red and Natural, both from Kona. I don't make resolutions, but I do list all my WIPS by how far along they all are, this seems to work for me.

Anonymous said...

That is such a fun little bee...a surprise to be found on the quilt!! Darling!!!!
Wishing you many stitches for the New Year!!!

Judy said...

What a beautiful quilt and congrats on meeting your deadline! Here's hoping that you and your family have a healthy and happy 2012.

mariarosaria said...

E' spettacolare!!! e l'idea del calabrone è splendida: complimenti!!!!

Kristen said...

Happy New Year! A sweet bee for your quilt! You are tempting me with the red and white mystery, but I need to finish what I have started. :)

Joan said...

I think your quilt is gorgeous - and the little humble bee is fantastic... how well you solved the hole problem.! I know how you must have felt when you discovered it. Now it looks as though that little bee is meant to be there. Really stunning quilt Janet!!

LETIA said...

M A G N I F I Q U E ! ! ! !

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Love the DWR and the bumble bee! And thanks for the tip for washing several metres/yards of fabric - ingenious!!

Kim D. said...

Happy New Year Janet!! Gorgeous quilt and so sorry about the hole. Love how you repaired it with the Bee, just adorable. Great Save! Love your tip as well. Thanks

Lina said...

Happy New Year Janet! Your DWR quilt is GORGEOUS!!! Love the Humble Bee addition! I too joined Just Takes 2!

Linda said...

Janet, What a brilliant idea to embroider that bee there! It's perfect. You are the master, Lady :)
Regarding projects for 2012: My online Yahoo Group, Handpiecing and Applique, has a Baltimore Album project challenge for this year. My project is the Mary Simon quilt. Of course, it will take much longer than a year to complete. And it's got me way out of my comfort zone LOL :)

Ivory Spring said...

You amaze me! That little bumblebee looks fabulous!

Barb said...

Happy New year Janet and I wish you a better year.
I'll be started a big new project, but intend to find some balance with with quilting this year and home caring.
I love the bumble bee - so sweet and it ended up a happy accident.

Carrie P. said...

Happy New Year and congrats on finishing your super quilt. Great idea to put the little bee on.
Great idea about the fabric too.

*karendianne. said...

Your Humble-Bee! That's so cute. I like your idea for the yards & yards of fabric washing. I'm not a prewash fabric girl but I figure if I were I'd do this because I HAVE PREWASHED and there were problems that this pinning could have fixed for sure.

libbyquilter said...

a gorgeous quilt and tht little bumblebee is a sweet solution~!

CUTE little dress~!!!~

:-)
libbyQ

Mommarock said...

My goodness that is a beautiful quilt! The fabric you chose.. WOWZA! And the dainty little bumble bee.. a special little treat to behold! LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

I love the bumblebee. So creative.
My resolution for 2012 is to complete my Dear Jane. I have worked off and on since 2010 and need some kind of motivation to get it going. I'm going to quilt as I go in 9 sections so it won't be all piecing and applique. I'm downloading your trailing vines, but don't have a start up date yet. Your work is so inspirational.
tp

Merlyn said...

Is the double wedding ring quilt with the applique a pattern, or did you design the applique? It's beautiful! Thanks for your help.