Sunday, December 30, 2018

Best of 2018

With hours left in 2018, I am scrambling to squeeze in a few more things, one of which is this post.

I've participated in all three of Cheryl's previous Best Of linky parties, so I did not want to miss 2018! It's good that I'm doing this, because it made me update my Quilts of 2018 page, which has been sadly neglected since, oh, the last make in August! Gulp. Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs hosts this linky party on her blog, one of my favourite blogs, I might add. This is the fourth year she's done this. I've always done mine by stats, but this year I'm simply picking my favourite makes. At least that's my intent as I start writing this post! You never know where I may go, if you've read me for any length of time. Heck, I never know where my own post may go, LOL.
This past year I had the honour of being one of the Island Batik Ambassadors. It pushed me in new directions, stressed me a bit (in a good way), challenged me, and made me venture ever further into the world of my own designs.

1. My favourite make of the year is In the Shadow of the Plus, a quilt I designed in my annual #30quiltdesignschallenge on Instagram. You betcha I'll be hosting it again in 2019.

I'm very proud of all my publications, but this first in-print one is a wee bit extra-special.

2. Postcard from Sweden is one of my favourite 2018 makes. It's so happy and bright and geometric and so not my usual style, outside of rainbow colours, which I have always loved. It no longer lives with me, but I cannot wait until the future owner finds out that is is NOT living with me any more...tee hee!
It was such a successful QAL, one in which I made new quilter friends and new quilt shop owner friends, oh, and reaffirmed a good friendship with Helen of Midget Gem Quilts, who was my co-host for the QAL.

3. This next quilt I'll admit made me tear my hair out, but not the papers out(!), all in a good way in the end.
Fallen Sky was my make for the paper-piecing challenge we were given as Island Batik Ambassadors. It's a pattern by Cindy of Stitchin at Home, such a clever design.

4. Lift Up is another of my own designs, another I loved seeing come to life in fabric.
I really went to town quilting this, and it just makes me smile and smile.

5. This kaleidoscope cushion cover was another original design, using techniques I'd learned 18 years ago when I took a class from a protégée of Paula Nadelstern's. It was made for a Benartex blog hop for Paula's new line at the time, Wonderlust.

I hope you'll check the links to the projects, and I hope you'll consider joining in with Cheryl for her linky party. It was difficult to pick just five favourites! I had three more faves, all given away. Knowing they're loved and used makes me so very happy.

Here are links to previous Best Of posts of mine:
Best of 2017
Best of 2016
Best of 2015

13 comments:

  1. I love all of these. Awesome projects to highlight. Guess I better start getting my creative juices flowing so I can play along with your design challenge.

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  2. Fabrics in blues, and all colours, the quilts are so wonderful, and I know for sure 2019 will be an equally exciting year, for you,and for us with maybe another QAL. Happy New Year.XX






















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  3. My favorite is #3. Green & Purple is just such a pleasing color combination. And, there's also something about the orderly geometric shapes that draws me in. :) Pretty, pretty.

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  4. Hi Sandra! I really loved participating in your Postcard QAL, and never in a million years thought I would ever finish that quilt and enjoy it on my bed now. Without your focus on the QAL, I'm sure it never would have happened so thank you for that! I have to say my favorite is your In The Shadow of the Plus, although Lift Up is a close second with all that fabulous quilting. Many blessings and Happy New Year to you. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  5. Lots of wonderful finishes, made more remarkable because of the challenges (both sorrowful and joyful) thrown your way this year. I remain awed by your exquisite quilting.
    Pat

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  6. Great finishes, all of them! I love how your quilting adds a another layer of complexity and texture to your quilts. Thanks for linking up!

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  7. I love reading your posts and seeing your quilts. Each of them are so beautiful, I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Your quilting only enhances the already beautiful designs. Hope 2019 brings you lots of fun in your quilting. I value your posts and your friendship.

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  8. What a year it has been for you -- so many fun quilt projects, and so many family memories. Every time I see Shadow of the Plus I love it more. The design, the colors, everything (and I am not generally drawn to blue)! Happy Happy New Year, Sandra! Can't wait to play with more designs and encourage each other in the process!

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  9. All beautiful quilts😍😍. I especially love the Postcards from Sweden. All the best in 2019.

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  10. It can be hard to decide what to feature in the Best of linkup, can't it? It's fun to look back and see what your favorite quilts to make were. It was a wonderful year for you and I look forward to seeing what you create in 2019!

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  11. These are all great makes Sandra. In the shadow of the plus is outstanding.

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  12. You had some gorgeous finishes this year, it had to hard to pick just 5. Happy stitching in 2019. Looking forward to seeing what quilty paths the squirrels take you on this year.

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  13. Love everyone of your 2018 posts! For me, one of the best things of 2018 was meeting and connecting with wonderful people like you!

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