January Sewing Update

Back in the day, I posted frequently about quilting progress, projects I was working on and completed quilts. While I have continued to sew, posting about it has become a rarity it seems. In 2022, I want to keep better track of what I'm doing. Following Jeni Baker's lead, I am also tracking my fabric purchases and the amount of fabric I use up/destash. My goal is to sew mainly from what I already have on hand. 

So. On to things I worked on in January.

WORKS IN PROGRESS:

My friends, Stephanie and Pam, and I decided to choose a block of the month we could each work on, and then Zoom once a month and sew together. We chose the Hygge quilt by Annemarie Chaney. I'll be honest and say I'm not a huge Tula Pink fan, but I have always thought her Holiday Homies line was really cute. It comes in flannel and seemed like a win-win. It will be a little bit "holiday" but not too much, so we can use it throughout the cold months, not just Christmas.

The first block was this series of cute mugs.

I started the Riley Blake Designs 2022 Block Challenge. Three blocks were released in January, one each Tuesday for three weeks. I'm using a fat quarter bundle that I have had for a long time: Rosa by Crystal Manning for Moda Fabrics. I had just been waiting for the "right" project and this seems to be the one.

Daisy Chain, designed by Lori Holt of @beeinmybonnet

Sweetheart designed by Beverly McCullough of @flamingotoes

I loved that I could add the sweet selvage in the center of the heart--a fun little touch.

Autumn Leaf designed by Kristy Lea of @quietplaydesigns

This was a seemingly simple block that I ended up making and remaking. I didn't take a photo of the first time I made it, but I switched these two around. So Jack the Ripper to the rescue.

Take two. I was sure I had it right until my friend, Elizabeth (@occasionalpiecequilt) pointed out that she thought the lower leaves were each facing the wrong way. What?? Unsewing. Again.

Third time's a charm.

My current EPP project is Double Ruby Ring by Michelle Bartholomew. I nearly gave up on this project after the first block because the "flat back" stitch and I do NOT get along. Elizabeth (@occasionalpiecequilt) to the rescue again.  She told me I could just do my normal whipstich even though I was working with concave and convex units. "Trust me," she said. "Things will match up," she said. And she was right. So I have renewed vigor to work on this project with my gorgeous Oakshott scraps. It will be a good project during the next two weeks of watching Winter Olympics.

Deco quilt designed by Lo and Behold Stitchery. This was a sewalong from a few months ago. But I am notorious for never even beginning a sewalong until long after it is finished. I finished piecing the last of the blocks last night and it is finally ready to stitch the top.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

I finished two pillows in January.

This is for a friend who did me a big favor. It will go in the mail after I finished another small project to include.

This was for my granddaughter, Charlotte, with a cute little label from Kylie and the Machine.

I did a big destash in January, so the numbers look great:

Used up/destashed: 64 yards

Brought in: 9 yards

Net: -55 yards

Year to date: -55 yards

I think that pretty much sums up January.