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Wednesday 1 January 2020

And I had such good intentions

to post a bit more regularly but then nothing, not even one post in 2019! The longer I waited the more it felt daunting to catch up. I really don't know where I'm going with this blog; should I just retire it and start using Instagram more? But I'm not really good at that either, as I often just forget to post.  I have no idea if there are still people out there reading this blog.  In any case,  here's a little recap of what I've been up to in 2019 (even if it's only for myself). 

I found a free tutorial for this cute hen and made it for our Easter decoration. 


I found another free pattern for this little pouch. I made it for a friend as a small "first aid" bag and put in little things like band-aids, disinfecting cream, Tiger balm etc.  



I couldn't find a photo with the binding sewn on this little beauty! My daughter wanted a cover for her night stand and I made her a little basket to go with for all her essentials (ear plugs, lip balm etc). 



I was a bit late to the party but I finally made the small version of the "Weebrawbag". I think I'll make the bigger one next, as this one is a bit too "wee"!



And then there's the wedding quilt, which kept me occupied for quite a number of month. The colours were the choice of the young couple. I quilted it on my B 770 which was a challenge as it's a big quilt. But I managed it and I think the couple was happy.



I also made this photo memory box for them. Of course I could only give it to them after the wedding, once we were back from Australia (that's where the wedding was) and I had the photos printed. 




A baby quit for a new little girl. I free motion quilted this one as it was not too big for me to handle and it was actually quite fun. I just need to practise a bit more often. 





































And this one is for a little boy as you might be able to tell by the colours  A quick and easy quilt which took me only about 2 days to finish. 


In August I was lucky enough to go to a quilt retreat in Scotland. I've been once before, if you are interested, see here.  This is the old Manse where the retreats are held


and some impressions from the garden





the kitchen garden for the delicious meals they provided.



I went with a different group of ladies this time, but also friends from my Singapore time. We had such a nice time but also worked quite hard, sometimes late into the night. I made a start on this quilt using a jelly roll and grey yardage. The pattern is by Missouri Star Quilt Co



We also did a few projects together; like these bags



and we all made a start with the twelve days ornaments (by mmmcrafts). I only managed to make the pear but one of our friends kindly gave us all one of the ornaments. They are gorgeous but a lot of work. Well, I have now a whole year to make a few more, no excuses! 


I too brought everyone a little handmade gift. Here's the link to the free pattern for these baskets (you have to subscribe to the newsletter though) 


I added a few little useful things, like tiny pin cushions as well as these needle books which are also a free download


Lots of boxes were made during this past year. I still go to my weekly bookbinding and cartonnage classes.

Here are some samples:


a couple of boxes with glass lids,




a few Christmas boxes,



and an array of small boxes a friend requested for their caravan





A box covered with old silk  that I bought ages ago in Cambodia; I was planning to make a quilt, but that hasn't happened (yet)


a note book covered in Japanese paper,


 a book with coptic binding



and another book, belonging to my husband, was repaired too. 


Book boxes (handy for hiding valuables)







I also did a collage and paper cut class earlier in the year. I didn't enjoy the collages as much (so no pictures)  but I did enjoy the paper cutting part. 


So there you have it, 2019 in pictures. I really hope to be back sooner rather than later, fingers crossed!

I wish you a wonderful, healthy and happy 2020 with hopefully lots of time to stich or craft. 

With best wishes
Vreni x






14 comments:

Rosemary B❤️ said...

oh my goodness, Vreni, it is not as if you have been sitting around licking chocolates and watching tv.....
All of your creations are stunning. I think being off of internet is the way to go.
Hey, if it suits you, just blog when you feel like it. No pressure.
Everything you have revealed here is exceptional.
I love making all kinds of things and I see that you do too. It is fine to just jump in and do it
Happy New Year ❤️

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

You did a lot in 2019. As for blogging, just start from here.

Shirley said...

We are thinking alike this new year Vreni. I feel heartened to see you here and all your lovely projects. New Year, new start. Start of a new adventure. Yay!

Geckoboxes said...

You have been very creative this past year! No time for blogging at all! ;) Love your 'secret' boxes that look like books! X Hilde

Radka said...

Well, about time!!! ;-)
My goodness, you have been busy, so glad you have decided to show it all off at last, so much nice work; beautiful quilts, boxes...love the hen!
I hope to "see" you here again soon!
xx

LintLady said...

Hallo Vreni,
auch für dich und deine Lieben ein wunderbares neues Jahr 2020.
Danke für die schönen Bilder und die Verlinkungen.
Das Joyful-Kissen gefällt mir besonders und natürlich Scotland....
LG Doris :o)

FlourishingPalms said...

Hi Vreni! It's so good to see you blogging again. Don't give it up! Some of the bloggers I've been swapping comments with are deciding, like me, to keep blogging because that's where we make REAL friends. It's such a better format for getting to know people better. Instagram is nice, for quick peeks into quilting lives, but the real friendships are made through the swapping of comments and emails. I hope you don't give this up!

As for your makes... they're all impressive! I love that you quilted the wedding quilt on your 770, even though you thought it was a big quilt. I love my 770 for quilting big quilts! :-) I don't want anything else... well, unless someone decided to give me a Bernina Q20. Ha, ha, ha. I perked up when I saw you had been to Scotland. It's number one on my list of places to visit. Can't imagine going for a quilting retreat though. Did you fly there with all your stuff? You must have. Did you only go on retreat? Or did you see more of the country while you were there?

I adore the boxes you make! My goodness. That's your best talent, in my opinion. I especially like those that look like books. What a great place to keep items out of sight! Though, since I don't have any bookshelves, I can't imagine where I'd put a book. Yep, I'm completely into the digital age of reading. In any case, I'm so happy to see you posting again, and hope you will continue to do so. It's how I met you, and I'm grateful for that. Happy 2020! Be healthy, and enjoy!

Danette said...

I am in kind of the same predicament as you - I post to my blog rarely, and Instagram still is not really my thing. I have, however, been trying to make a post thanks to OMG at Elm Street Quilts. Great to see all of your projects. Those boxes are fantastic. I really wouldn't mind knowing how to make those. Have fun in 2020!

Marjorie said...

Great to see you back in the bloggersphere. I am equally guilty of posting rarely, but over the past couple months have really been drawn back to reading blogs. They tell stories so much better than other social media.

barcord said...

Hi Vreni. I love to read your blog, as you are so multitalented and make beautiful things. Well done for doing the whole year catchup. I don't think I would be able to do that. I am encouraged to give blogging a go again. Thanks for the inspiration. Just to pick our a couple of your makes, the wedding quilt is gorgeous. and your boxes are very desirable. I love a box. You must be very patient to make so many. Best wishes for 2020. Keep on crafting, quilting and blogging. xx

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Vreni - you had an AMAZING year -- all those beautiful projects! I LOVE the wedding quilt -- the colors are so pretty! Happy New Year -- looking forward to more posts from you this year! ;-D

R's Rue said...

Beautiful. I love it.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

eva huskova said...

Dear Vreni,
it was a big surprise for me.I visited your blog in chance.I thought you stoped this.Óh,you made so many wonderfull things-gifts.
My best greetings to you Eva

manimaran said...
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