Monday, December 28, 2020

Best of 2020

2020 ... what a year! I debated whether I should even do a year-end summary post, but looking back at my projects this year, I realized that I do want to write one. Regardless of what's happening in the outside world (and in my home world ... my oldest is still not allowed to go to school), the quilting room will always provide a refuge. Picking out my top 5 of the year helps remind me that 2020 isn't all bad.

Like in previous years, I'm joining Cheryl Brickey's Best of 2020 Linky Party. Thanks to Cheryl for hosting this great linky party!

Most Challenging: Moon Dance

I knew before heading into Moon Dance that it would be hard. And it was. Fabric selection was incredibly stressful, and I wasn't sure until the very end that it would work out well. Also, this was my first time dealing with a double curve (to get the almond shaped block), which Moon Dance had tons of. However, although stressful and difficult, I never once thought I wouldn't be able to do it, mostly because of the wonderful pattern writing of Sew Kind of Wonderful and their amazing Quick Curves Ruler.

Most Inspired: Rainbow Road

I had a story planned for Rainbow Road while I was piecing it, which was probably several years ago. I envisioned a Matrix-style steampunk city that's kind of grim, but has a strip of Rainbow Road at the very top that represents a kind of holy grail. That was my plan all along, but it wasn't until I came up with the idea of criss-crossing roads beneath the rainbow road and a filler that resembles gears that I felt ready to quilt this. I really like how it came out, and felt my vision came to life, making this my most inspired quilt of the year.

Most Fun: Bone & Chains

When I came up with the category of "Most Fun", I had to define it for myself. What does fun mean? Fun to piece? Fun to quilt? Or fun to look at? Turns out, all 3. Now, Bone & Chain was definitely a major pain to cut, but once that was done, I had a blast piecing it, and watching the blocks slowly come out was very rewarding. It was also fun to quilt once I decided what to do with the skulls. But the best part ... is that this quilt is so fun to look at! I love how the eyes are sometimes wandering, sometimes cross-eyed, and sometimes dead. All in all, I had a lot of fun with this one!

Favorite Top: Solstice

Solstice was one of the block-of-the-months I did this year, and it was with Rebecca Bryan, who designs spectacular (and complex) quilts. I was really excited every month to work on this, and though it was challenging, it was also easier than it looked. I love the color palette, the fact that it has a burgundy background, and the final layout is so unique and definitely not like any other quilts I have made before. All this easily makes Solstice my favorite top of the year!

Favorite Quilt: Velodrome

This probably comes as a surprise to most. It certainly came as a surprise to me! When I set out to pick my favorite quilt of the year, I did not expect to pick Velodrome. First of all, when I first finished the top, I felt neutral about it. I neither liked it nor disliked it. It wasn't until I was done quilting it that I realized that I really liked it. And it wasn't until I had snuggled under it for months that I realized that I really really loved it. I find myself running my hands over the texture, admiring the fabric (and the quilting design), and thinking about how this quilt went from meh to oh-so-special!

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In conclusion, in these confusing times, I'm so grateful that I found quilting. When the world is grey, I can play with pretty fabrics, I can escape from my worries just for a bit and concentrate on the simple joy of sewing a block, and I can put on some good music and quilt my anxieties away.

10 comments:

  1. Wow, your quilts are spectacular! I love Velodrome too, though I’m not normally drawn to neutrals. Your gallery is very impressive.


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  2. Kathy R.,
    I enjoy seeing your quilts, they are beautiful. Your quilting is to be admired, keep doing it. Have a Happy New Year! petuniakr@aol.com

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  3. So well said--quilting is a refuge from the cares of the world. Moondance is so beautiful--colors, shapes, movement. And the simplicity (at least by looks!) of Velodrome is what makes it, along with all your beautiful quilting, on all three projects. Great year in the studio, Liz!

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  4. This year more than any other has made me glad that I quilt, and that I have a stash to quilt with! I haven't done a review, but I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing your quilts once again! You've had an amazing year!

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  5. I love your Moon Dance quilt but man o man your quilting on all those...so fabulous!

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  6. Gorgeous quilts filled with spectacular quilting and color!! Wow. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!

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  7. I too am glad to quilt. This has been a crazy year and I am glad that I had fabric at home to quilt. I am running low on thread and waiting for some to be restocked, then I will be good to go. Your Rainbow Road is stunning. The quilting in the background is amazing. Looking forward to seeing where you go in 2021.

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  8. I hope your eldest can get to school soon. I, too, am so grateful for quilting this year. I could be bored, but had no reason with all the projects in front of me! Now, my favorite may be Moon Dance, but your quilted quilts make each one come to life!

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  9. I loved having the chance to visit some of your finishes from 2020, your quilting is always an inspiration to me. I hear you about getting back to normal, both of my kids are virtual learning this entire year. Thanks for linking up and happy new year!

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  10. You made some really wonderful quilts in 2020! I'm SEW glad that quilting was your respite from the pandemic. I know that I wouldn't have coped half as well without fabric and thread!

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