2011 Wrap-up

Imagine a collage of the 74 things I sewed and knitted in 2011 right here. Further imagine that I threw in some highlights from our family travels. Imagine that the Picasa collage software lost all my carefully selected images and added random ones that I did not want .four. .times. and that is why there is no collage here.

Instead, you will get pictures of the first and last things I completed in 2011, the Japanese Feather and Fan and Akimbo Shawls, both in Malabrigo sock yarn.



I took time off at midnight to toast with my family, but then I went back into the sewing room and finished another pair of pajama pants from Vogue 1146.

There is no point in modeling yet another pair of serviceable and comfy PJs.

My first FO made completely in 2012 is Vogue 8605 and it was a partial fail. I finished it beautifully with bound seam allowances and a window buttonhole. I used a wool blend crepe (mostly wool from the way it behaves when steamed) and a small amount of linen/rayon plainweave for the contrast.

But, it was a painful and time-consuming way to learn that the Vogue Woman patterns, even loose ones like this, are sized for a womanly D-cup, which certainly does not work for me.


I started tracking my projects on a spreadsheet and was surprised at the 2011 total.

• I made 34 things for me and 40 things for others.
• Iris received 18 of the 40.
• Some were really quick.
• Eight of the items were simple baby pants; I can turn out 3 in an hour when I batch them and I don't have to change serger thread colors.
• But some took .forever., like the pirate-themed improvisational quilt.
• 13 skirts
• 16 tops
• 6 dresses
• 4 jackets
• 6 scarves or shawls (2 sewn, 4 knitted)
• 2 nightgowns or PJs
• 12 pairs of pants--all knit pull-on style
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 7 sweaters
• 1 complete quilt for charity
  
• 5 quilt tops for charity
• 1 wall hanging for our home not included in count above.
  

I started the first project of 2011, the feather and fan shawl, while sitting on an ocean-view balcony in Zanzibar. I finished the last project of the year at home, chatting with my family. It was a challenging and rewarding year.

I wish you the best in 2012.