Reflections and Predictions

Kristin and Beth over at Sew Mama Sew were asking people about their reflections on 2013 and their predictions for 2014. I know everyone out in blog land wants to hear what I have to say, so my comments are below!

• Looking back on 2013, what trends stand out?

The move to older blocks/patterns with "modern" fabric

• Was there a personal or an industry high point?

I entered my first quilt contest! I decided to enter quilt stadium as an Iron Quilter. I didn't win, or even make it to the final round of voting, but I did start and finish a project and enter it in a contest.

• What did you make that you’re most proud of?

I'm proud of my production last year, I finished 11 quilts, to some people that's not a lot, but I was pleased.

• Whose work inspired or awed you?

All of the quilters really making quilts shine through the quilting, it's made me want to concentrate on my quilting skills this year.

• What was your favorite fabric collection or print?

Winter's Lane, by Katie and Birdie. I was obsessed from the moment I saw it and I needed that fabric. I have a pile of it, and still buy it if I see it at a shop.

• Do you have a book, pattern or class from the past year to recommend?

Absolutely. Mary Huey's Hexagons and Their Allies class changed my quilting as it simplifies piecing set-in seams. A DVD is available on her site.

• What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?

I love seeing what other people are working on, and how they're using fabric lines or quilting quilts, but I spend a little too much time on Pinterest, and it's cut into my sewing time.

• What do you predict for 2014? (It could be related to style, social media, manufacturing, etc.)

I see a shift in quilt shops taking the younger, more modern quilter, more seriously. I think online has already been moving in that direction, but sometimes I'll go into shops and the fabric is all older lines and blah colors; however, in the past year or so I've seen shops continue on an effort to stock brighter, more modern fabric which is often more appealing to a new generation of quilters.

• Who do you think will be a rising star of 2014?

I'm unsure, I don't really follow enough bloggers to say THIS person really stands out. I'm pleased to see some inspiring artists (Judi Madsen of Green Fairy Quilts, for example) publishing this year.

• Can you tell us anything about what to expect from you in 2014? Any projects or life-changing goals you can share?

I have two main goals for 2014.

1. Post regularly on my blog

2. Improve my free motion quilting.

• Is there anything else about the sewing industry or community that you’d like to talk about? (It could be good or bad, but hopefully constructive.) 

I recently went on the hunt for a new sewing machine, and I was disappointed with what I considered to be a high cost of sewing machines for a beginning quilter. The cheaper machines didn't seem to have all of the features that would really assist a beginner (and most had no throat space making quilting anything larger than a baby quilt impossible) and if I were a true beginner I'd be very frustrated with my options.

My second concern is that quilters may be intimidated by long arm quilters (and the fabulous work they do) and not want to learn to quilt their quilts themselves. It takes a lot of practice to keep stitch length even and execute complimentary designs and many quilters make it look effortless. That's not to take away from the considerable skill needed to quilt well, it can just be intimidating to others. It's important tn note that not every quilt needs to be a show piece!