Monday, October 4, 2010

My heart on a string...the year in review

I began blogging a year ago because I wanted so badly to be a part of the global quilting community. My guild is amazing and my retreat buddies mean the world to me, but I had a sense that exciting things were going on amongst creative women the world over and I wanted IN! No longer content to be the last pick on the baseball team (my hand-eye coordination was, and still is, pathetic), I took a chance and jumped in with both feet.

This is one venture where I think I can speak for all my blogging friends: results do NOT vary. Everyone succeeds and finds their online community, their online voice, their virtual home of creativity, if you will. In addition to blogging, flickr is a wonderful place for community-building through sharing photos and swapping handmade items in groups.

Before long you feel inspired to share your work with appreciative recipients: all of those other amazingly creative people that you 'talk' to every day through comments on their flickr photos or on their blog posts. I have always loved giving handmade gifts and now the fun part is I am receiving them, too!! Admittedly, my large-sized quilt production has taken a nosedive in the last 12 months, but I'm having too much fun to worry about that. Plus, making smaller projects specifically for a person who has shared their likes and dislikes can be a wonderful challenge, like this quilt I made for DQS9.

DQS9 by Poppyprint

Monthly swaps with changing themes have also stretched my skills, expanded my colour palette and inspired me to make this,

Allium mug rug by Poppyprint

this,

Spring Fling mini QT for lmdesigns (March '10)

and this.

"Happy Camper" mini

I never thought I would make so many original projects, dreamed up right inside my very own head! I was stuck in a 'making it from a pattern' loop but this past 12 months has given me the freedom to create like never before and sometimes I feel full to bursting with ideas. So again, I say thanks to all of you for your encouragement and friendship! (don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway here if you haven't already).

Returning to the concept of receiving, and the string reference in this post title, I wanted to show you this happy doll quilt that Carol sent recently. Carol is so generous and supplies all of the angel quilts for the doll quilt swap on flickr....she knows I loved this string quilt, so we arranged a little private swap for one of my selvage coin quilts. Lucky me!!

String Quilt by Carol (mamacjt)
Thank you Carol, this cheerful number will keep me happy in my sewing room!

So, what's up for the coming months? Despite trying to carve out more time for my own projects, swapping is just too much fun, so I've signed up for another one, arranged a couple more private ones with blog friends, and in January I'll begin my first ever online quilting bee organized by Tracey. I can't wait!

p.s. as an afterthought, I did think of one downside to all this online friendship.....unfortunately I have discovered WAY too many places to shop via keyboard and monitor. While my stash is thriving, I fear my savings account is on life support!!!

18 comments:

Jodi said...

Those are all beautiful! What a great post - I can relate to all you wrote. That "cheerful number" by Carol is especially beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Krista said...

You have made some really amazing things, and been a real inspiration as I started blogging earlier this year. Thank you so much for sharing all that you do and being such a great friend!

Although seeing you were in the Scrappy Hoop swap totally swayed me to sign up. Sheesh!

Dianne said...

You are an inspiration m'dear! Here's to another year of seeing what your creativity will bring into being.

meli B said...

I agree with you totally. Since I have discovered blogging and Flickr my world has opened up and ideas just keep on flowing. It's a whole world that connects through our common love of all things hand made.

Ariane said...

You have made some wonderful creations this year. I agree that blogging can really inspire, and give you courage to try new things and really be creative. Thanks for all you have shared this year. I can't wait to see the projects you make in your second year.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

blogging is my sanity living out here.

If the fabric wasn't so expensive, it'd be the perfect form of healthy therapy. ;)

I'm so happy to be part of your online world... though I hope to make it real life too one day! Just a "short" trip up the 5. ;)

Unknown said...

It is great isn't it - the friendship and support of fellow like minded crafters and being able to let go and express ourselves in another medium - for me my crafting helps, at times, to keep me sane - as for expense, yes there is some but I'm trying to limit, as much as possible, buying expensive fabric sets and picking limited amounts of a stunning fabric and matching it with plains, and even dyeing my own fabric - just another form of freedom

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Love this post, Krista; you're soooo hooked.-)
I fell into this world more on a whim, and am so glad I did!
Happy anniversary, my friend!

Gabriela said...

I love your works!!!
Congratulations.
Regards

http://eltallerdegabi.blogspot.com/

AJ said...

BEautiful Quilts! The blue one is my favourite!

Anonymous said...

Those are very sweet quilts. I especially love the selvedge quilt.

Andrea in Minnesota

Vivian said...

I am glad you found so much inspiration through being online and blogging. I discovered your blog through this spring's Blogger Quilt Festival (and your Mu-mu quilt was one of my personal favorites from the festival).

Hope you'll be posting again for the upcoming Fall festival.

Peggy said...

Congrats on such a successful year. Love your quilts! Blessings, Peg

carol said...

Congratulations on a wonderful blogging year, my friend! May the next be filled with an equal amount of new friendships and inspiration until you have so many readers you won't know what to do. LOL Keep up the beautiful work!!!

pinksuedeshoe said...

How did I miss the beautiful nest and eggs and cherry blossoms! LOVE that one. Also, I'm so glad you joined the blogging world. A good decision on your part :o)

Tiffany said...

What a beautiful post, love the photographs! I have discovered both blogging and Flickr this year and it's been an enjoyable & inspiring outlet for me.

Lexilooo said...

I love this string doll quilt! I'm still a beginner, so I've been making many doll quilts...maybe I will try this next!

Rosângela Oliveira said...

Lindos trabalhos...
Beijos