I think I unintentionally started a new tradition last year. Instead of my first post of the year being about goals, hopes, dreams and what-have-you, it was all about the things that I did the year before that I forgot (or was too lazy) to blog about. So without further ado, this is the cool stuff that I did in 2011 that I never talked about.
knitting
Log cabin baby blanket. I had a ton of Mission Falls Cotton so I just started knitting with it. And I produced this really tiny baby blanket…but now I don’t have anymore MF Cotton taking up space on my shelves, so win.
February Baby Sweater. I originally started this in pink yarn, which was a knitted nightmare, and then realized that is was confining the creativity of my soul (or something akin to that). I had some Dream in Color Smooshy, I think it’s Candy Apple Red (I could be making that up, is that even a colorway?). I think it’s fabulous. It’s going to give it to a friend of mine scheduled to have a baby in three days. She asked for something knitted; and you know, I like to make wishes come true.
I also made some baby socks. I had a hank of Koigu yarn that I bought when I was pregnant with Little Mister…thinking I was going to have a girl. Yeah, not so much. The fact that I bought pink yarn should have been the first clue, really. Why would I want to look at pink baby feet? I wouldn't.
Stockinette Socks of awesome. So they are just plain and simple stockinette socks; but, they are awesome. I started knitting them last May when I hung out with some knitterly friends of mine, and they make me smile whenever I wear them. Yarn is from the Barefoot Spinner. There is no colorway on it, so let’s just call it “purple” shall we?
quilting & sewing
I sewed my kids some pillowcases. It wasn't rocket science, but easily, probably the highest impact gift I've made in a long time. Every time we pull one of them out of the linen cabinet, it's like Christmas! It's a fact, kids love ridiculous pillowcases.
Locked Squares. So I made this baby quilt. And then thought, it might be a nice quilt to try pattern writing. So... still doing the pattern writing bit, but the blanket was a huge hit. It was really fun to make (and quite easy), actually.
Lilly’s Quilt. A friend of mine from library school asked if I could make a full sized quilt from her daughter’s baby bedding. Her daughter was moving up to a full-sized bed and she wanted to save the baby bedding. Because I don’t really think things through sometimes, I said “sure!”. Um, I have never made a bed-sized quilt before this quilt. In case you were under the impression that a full-sized quilt is “no big deal” let me dissuade you from this notion. Cramming a full-sized quilt into the throat of a domestic home sewing machine pretty much made me want to gouge my own eyes out with a dull pencil. But, it came out really nice and I was unspeakably proud of myself after I shipped the quilt off last month. I really was. I should probably get out more.
embroidery & x-stitch
Every summer I get interested in embroidery, because, well, it doesn't involve wool and it doesn’t make my hands sweaty. I was involved in various quilting bees last year (more on that later, this post is getting long) and when Chawne’s month rolled around for one of the bees (I honestly can’t remember which one since she and I were in three bees together, no, I am not kidding), she asked for redwork, we could do anything we wanted. Since I am bookish.... Well, yeah.
I did a little drawing, traced it onto some Kona cottong and then stitched it up. I ended up doing a multi-color version and framed it because I liked it so much, so now I can look at my handi-work (ha…did you see what I did there, oh, nevermind) everyday at work.
I also did some cross stitch last fall. I needed something for my dining room wall, so I stitched an appropriate eating area command. I am a fan.
So that’s it. That was the hidden craftiness of 2011. I also went to the International Quilt Festival, but apparently, I was so overwhelmed by it, I never blogged about it (but here is a photo set in flickr). But, I am getting my blogging house in order now, because, well, I pay for this space, so I might as well get my money’s worth. I am all about getting my money’s worth.
In my next post, I will tell you all about my hopes, dreams, and goals (or whatever) for 2012. I just need to think of something to share with you first. While I think of an unfeasible list worthy of my frustrations and energies, check out my studio shot of the Littles that I foisted upon friends and family for Christmas last month.
Next year, the Christmas shot will feature knitted sweaters, I mean, the Littles in knitted sweaters (or course that’s what I meant). Oh, that’s a goal, right there!
This post alone was worth the price of admission! So much goodness in one place. How do you do it all, Nova?? I barely have a quarter of your output.
Posted by: Minty | January 11, 2012 at 04:13 PM
You are an inspiration, I use your bag at the store and all the whole food people think I'm cool, thank you for that ;)
Posted by: Amanda | January 11, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Wait, those socks...is that fingering?
Love the book embroidery!
Posted by: Ashley | January 11, 2012 at 06:29 PM
so listen, if you need a test quilter for that pattern... just let me know! :)
Posted by: carolyn | January 11, 2012 at 07:47 PM
Wow, you did a lot that never showed up on the blog! Your interlocking quilt is awesome! I'll be on the lookout for that! And I love the stockinette socks. The color is awesome. Seeing your Littles always makes me smile. They are so cute!
I love your embroidery, too!
If you come back for the Quilt Fest this year, let me know. It would be fun to meet up!
Posted by: Jacey | January 12, 2012 at 09:36 AM
Your posts always make me laugh so much - you have the best sense of humor.
Posted by: lauren | January 12, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Yay! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Vicki | January 12, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Nice to see this post, and Happy New Year to you! You have been really busy and crafty - I'm amazed at how much you do with two little children at home!
Like Lauren above, I enjoy your humor. Hope to see many more posts from you in 2012.
Posted by: Susan | January 13, 2012 at 09:15 AM
awesome post! love all you have done and know the new year is going to ROCK!
Posted by: margaux | January 13, 2012 at 01:24 PM
i can't believe how talented you are. I hope we both are able to share more of our craftwork in our spaces in 2012.
Posted by: Kathy | January 14, 2012 at 04:08 AM