From K - 16 Recent Finishes

Back in July I wrote a post where I mentioned an extremely over-ambitious goal that I set as a means of keeping myself focused and on track. My plan was to complete 15 Project in 15 Weeks between the dates of July 13th and October 25th. As my current WiPs are starting to pile up around me again and I'm feeling a tad bit overwhelmed, I figured it was high time that I reflect on what I accomplished during that time to help motivate me to keep on keepin' on. 

Until I actually sat down to write this post, I had no idea if I had met my target or not... and as it turns out I not only met my goal, but I evidently surpassed it by finishing 16 projects in 16 weeks. Wha?! *brushes off shoulder* All jokes aside though, I think it's good for us all to sit back sometimes and reflect on how far we've come and what we learned along the way - a task that I know many of us don't often do.

With that in mind, here are my 16 finishes:

Bags:

I adore making bags and was surprised to see that when looking back, I developed new skill sets with each bag I made. I learned how to glue on a metal frame, how to QAYG and how to sew with both strapping and duck canvas!

From Left to Right: Metal Frame Clutch, QAYG Pouch and Duffle Bag

Quilts:

In total I made four quilt: two baby quilts, a throw and a queen sized quilt (my biggest finish to date).

Clockwise from Top Left:

Black & White Kites Quilt, Salt Water Swoon Quilt, Pink Pluses Quilt and Sew Positive Baby Quilt.

Amanda and I also collaborated on a special lap quilt for our great aunt's 90th birthday during this time frame.

Wonky Star Quilt

Garments:

Over the past 16 months I also learned a ton about garment sewing. It was my first time sewing with both piping and voile.

Clockwise from Top Left:

Panda PJ Pants, Liberty Staple Dress, Wiksten Tova and Staple Dress in Seattle.

Knits:

I have been knitting up a storm as of late, completing two cowls, a headband and a pair of socks. I might also have 4 more projects cast on already... but that's for another day.

Clockwise from Top Left:

Honey Cowl, Licorice Twist Cowl, Hermione's Everyday Socks, and Antropology Inspired Headband.

Sometimes I find it considerably too easy to get caught up in my WiP list and gifting deadlines. Today I'm taking the time to celebrate my wins and look back at what I've learned in the process. I'm feeling pretty energized now to make some headway on my current WiPs: a manly Christmas quilt, a late baby quilt, a Christmas quilt and a beloved sentimental quilt that needs some finishing up.

Reflection was the perfect remedy for me today to get back at my machine. What do you do when you need to rev up your quilting mojo?

From K - A birdie sling

One of the items on my Summer Sewing Hit List that I was most on the fence about starting was my personal challenge to myself to "sew something without straight lines". Amanda made me a birdie sling bag last year and I completely adore it. It's the perfect size to carry a work laptop, or use as a gym bag, or just as a general tote around town.

I have wanted a second sling ever since I fell in love with my first one, but sewing a real pattern honestly made me a bit woozy. This weekend I tackled my fear and I have to say it turned out not too bad. I must admit Amanda's version was better executed but I'll get better with time ;)

I'm pleased as peaches that this project can be scratched off my list and overall I'm glad I conquered a rare feat of pattern sewing for myself. Perhaps the best part of sewing up this bag though was that I reminded myself that I really am not all that into pattern sewing. Amy's pattern was simple, straight forward and easy to use, but I think I'll stick to straight line quilt tops for a while longer.

Surprise surprise, the focal fabric used for this bag is another Anna Maria Horner print from Loulouthi (I can't get enough AMH!). The secondary exterior fabric is a print from Jason Yenter's Legendary Basics collection and the lining is a vibrant print from Lotta Jansdotter's Echo line.

I can't wait to fill this bag up and take it on a spin around town.