Looking Forward to 2012

Well, it looks like we all survived crafting during the holidays. I know I made a ton of fun things for friends, family, and especially grandchildren. There were bags made for gifts, superhero capes, pillows, aprons, centerpieces, and more.

It was a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed using both of my new machines this year to make these wonderful projects. The Bernina and Babylock serger made sewing/quilting/home dec projects quick and easy and beautiful.

In 2012, I've joined four groups that involve monthly projects: A hand stitched crazy quilt block; a free motion quilt block; a strip quilt block, and a monthly machine embroidery class. It will be a busy year for me but these are things I really hope to accomplish to improve my quilting skills.

What are your stitching plans for 2012?

Inspired to Create

Last week I attended a Bernina event in Chicago and was totally inspired to come home and try all the new things we learned during the 2-1/2 days of non-stop fun.

I have been practicing some of the techniques we learned and am using new attachments and presser feet in ways that I hadn't thought of before. It is so much fun to color outside of the lines and step outside of the box and try new ways of putting things together. Most of the time, they turn out to be fabulous. Occasionally, they flop but all the time, they are tons of fun and help generate new ideas to explore on my Bernina.

Thanks Bernina for a great event and for opening my eyes to new and creative options in sewing, embroidery, and quilting!

A Most Interesting Gift Idea

Any idea what this might be?

Does this help you figure it out?

Believe it or not, it is a wrap - a toilet paper roll wrap!

My daughter received a request from a friend for this fun 1st Wedding Anniversary gift for her husband. They've been married one year and the traditional gift for one year anniversaries is paper. What a cute twist!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for her. This could also be a fun housewarming gift too. I think I'll make a couple extra for my daughter to sell on Etsy.