Thursday, December 27, 2012

This and That

Quilting blogland seems a tad subdued, which isn't too surprising really, but still. Honestly, since the big rush of finishing presents and wrapping on Christmas Eve, I haven't been in the sewing room except to clean up the mess I'd made! Event-wise though, there's plenty going on - some wrapping up (no pun intended), and some gearing up for the new year.

The Ruby Star Wrapping Contest comes to a close Sunday night. Each entrant is allowed three entries, so I entered my Simple Drawsting Bag, the Melody-Didn't-Mean-to-Make-It Tote, and my lifesaver as far as wrapping went this Christmas - the Pillowcase Pouch. I was happy to see some of you bloggy friends had entered too.

And while on the topic of sustainable gift-wrap, look at these clever {and darling} gift-tags by amyinuk. Check out the tutorial on her blog, [Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans.
Recycled Christmas card tags

Now on to new challenges for the new year! Saw this today . . .
Pantone-2013-Emerald-Quilt-Challenge
If you remember, last year's color was Tangerine Tango, and I had great fun creating Tangerisk.
"Tangerisk" for Tangerine Tango Challenge
When last year's challenge was announced, I had never even heard of Pantone's Color of the Year. And I definitely was not an 'orange' person. But I must say that after this last year, I love it, and have used it quite a bit. So we'll see if Emerald has the same affect on me. Not sure yet if I'll participate in the challenge or not, but I do want to at least try and incorporate some Emerald in my sewing . . . just because.

Meanwhile, there are a couple of personal challenges I'm looking forward to. One of those is venturing more into foundation paper piecing with Elizabeth of don't call me betsy and her block of the month club.
To start us off, Elizabeth gave us a practice block - and yikes, it's pretty impressive! I'll try to work on mine soon so you can see . . .There's an option of making either 12.5" blocks or 6.5" blocks, and I think I'll go with the 6.5". So there may or may not be a Lucky Stars quilt down the road - maybe some smaller star projects. We'll see.

AND I've been itching for a 'tv project', and I don't always have a quilt laying around to bind. So I up and joined hey porkchop's Woodland Sampler series. Are any of you joining in?
Image of 2013 Monthly Woodland Sampler PDF Pattern

I'm sure there's plenty more goings on. I'd love to hear what you're planning on getting involved in or trying new in the next weeks and months . . .

17 comments:

  1. I signed up for Elizabeths Lucky Stars top and are looking forward to get started. I'm tempted by the woodland sampler... Will have to take a closer look :)

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  2. Thanks for the mention - that has made my day!!! :) I'm signed up to do Elizabeth's stars too - just need to work out what fabric I'll use!! Happy New Year!

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  3. I hadn't heard about the Woodland Sampler yet but I've signed up now :). I should probably try to finish my winter wonderland sampler first, right?! I haven't started my Lucky Stars practice block yet but I'm thinking I might try to make them into a quilt. Can't wait to see what you do with yours. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  4. Good luck with the comps :o) Have fun with the upcoming challenges too

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  5. It does seem like everyone is taking a bit of a breather doesn't it? Much needed I'm sure after all the crazy sewing I saw on IG! I'm definitely doing the Emerald challenge and I joined the Lucky Stars BOM club too :-) Very intimidated by the practice block - might be practicing it a lot ;-)

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  6. Fun stuff planned! I have to join every UFO challenge out there in 2013 and clear out my sewing room. No new stuff! ;)

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  7. Ha! Last summer I couldn't find modern emerald fabric to save my life (and I really wanted to find it for my boyfriend's quilt). Everything was lime-y, not that beautiful deep green. I guess I should have just waited a year. :)

    Love that reindeer fabric, by the way!

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  8. I finally caught up with my google reader, it must be quiet out there. I am going to consider the emerald challenge, Shattered was so fun to make, we shall see, thanks for the heads up.

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  9. The little woodland stitchery looks fun!
    Looking forward to seeing your new projects ; )

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  10. I like all your this' and that's! Good luck in the Ruby Star Wrapping contest. The woodland sampler looks SUPER cute though I know I would never follow through on a needlework project! Funny how things change over the years because I've done some pretty huge cross stitch projects in the past.

    Looking forward to see what you do with emerald this year too.

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  11. I joined the Woodland Sampler and the Lucky Star BOM... I am planning on doing the 6.5 blocks, too and use some Simply Color FQ by
    V and Co. for Moda Fabrics I won on a Giveaway, and some solids I have yet to buy...

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  12. I wasn't really into orange either but find my self using it more now - thanks for the link to this years challenge!

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  13. I think there are a lot more orange lovers than there were a year ago...including me! I love your entries - good luck!

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  14. Thanks to this post I've now joined in with the Lucky Star BOM! I definitely see an Emerald inspired quilt in your 2013. :)

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  15. Thank goodness it's quiet, I can finally empty out my google reader! haha I'm considering doing the Lucky Star BOM, but with all of my WIPs and things I want to get started with I'm not sure. But I ordered my threads and some linen and am patiently waiting to start the Woodland Sampler. It's been 4 years since I picked up a tapestry needle and Aida cloth and after stitching up Heather's holly deer, I'm ready for something else!

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  16. I had been wondering if there would be an Emerald challenge for this year. Thanks for the info! I didn't quite finish my Tangerine Tango one (and still haven't) but liked coming up with something. Hopefully I can finish something this time around.

    I will be joining you in the Woodland Sampler. I just need to pick out some Aida and buy the colors I don't have already. Did you see the sneak peak Amanda put on her blog the other day? So cute!

    Good luck with the contest!

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  17. I'm not participating in any of those you listed, though they all seem super fun, especially that woodland sampler. I will be participating in the Pile O' Fabric sampler (some of the blocks), probably the Amy's Creative Side quilt along and the one I'm most excited about Sisters' Ten Modern BOM

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