1. American Jane quilt scrappy, 2. Aneela Hoey quilt pink red aqua, 3. flag quilt, 4. Seaside Stars, 5. quilting close up FWQA quilt, 6. Retro Christmas, 7. Gratitude quilt fence, 8. Pyrex Daisy casserole lid, 9. halloween patchwork-001, 10. Crib quilts for Twins, 11. Art Gallery Fabrics Summerlove skirt, 12. Union Jack Quilt, 13. EZ Dresden Ruler Crib Quilt, 14. Reunion-Sweetwater-moda-quilt-brickyard, 15. scrappy modern quilt, 16. Freebird Half Square Triangles
It's that time of year again. Time where quilt-bloggers everywhere ring out the old year, not with Ryan Seacrest and a glass ball in Times Square, but with a picture mosaic of a past year's creative efforts. I have to admit, I kind of enjoy doing it and looking back on the year's creations. Each project brings back memories of people and places and shows watched (and in the case this year, Olympic highlights) connected with it.
2012 was a crazy year for our family. I don't usually go into a lot of behind the scenes action on this blog - mainly because I know you all have drama and chaos and busy-ness of your own and I don't want to bore you with the minutia of ours. But then I worry that I create an image of me placidly sewing away in a tidy, sunny sewing room while children cheerfully breeze in and out keeping themselves blissfully entertained.
Let me state once and for all, our lives are very normal and average with people getting sick, cranky, hungry, and tired. My sewing space is generally always a mess and my sewing time comes in random snatches of time squeezed in between the regular rhythm of a house with four active kids. It's how I choose to spend my free time.
On top of that this year my husband started a new job working for himself - which was a huge leap of faith and also required multiple weeks of doctor, dentist, eye-doctor, etc. visits before we lost the health care benefits associated with his old job. On top of that we had 4 extended family members live with us for 6 months, and my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It all felt a bit crazy at times. And I'll be honest, my sewing is what kept me sane and grounded through a lot of it.
But a lot of good and happy memories came through those busy times, not to mention gratitude for family members we enjoy and who we're so happy to have living closer to us, as well as good friends, our own relatively good health, and jobs. So thank you 2012. You stretched me, but I think I'm better for it. I'm curious - and a little trepidatious - to see what 2013 has in store, but I've learned that even with the curve-balls life throws, there is always something good to be gained.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Michele
So very true. I found that letting my readers "see" a snippet of my normal everyday life once in a while helps me to realize that I too are like everyone else, working hard to balance family time and needs with Me time. Happy New Year to you and your family and I truly hope it is a terrific year for you.
Kelsey
Beautiful projects - so inspiring! Sewing is a great stress reliever for me as well. Here's to a happy 2013!
michelle@somedaycrafts
You are amazing!!!!!
joanne
Amazing quilts and projects!! <br />Well put about behind the scenes!! <br />Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Missy Shay
I love to sew, as long as I'm not being rushed about it! I've enjoyed your quilts through the year, I cannot imagine getting as much done as you do with four active kids and a husband working from home!
Mary on Lake Pulaski
Enjoyed seeing your 2012 creations all together Amy, one more beautiful than the next! Hope 2013 only brings you more happiness!
trish
Happy New Year dear friend! :o)<br />I loved looking through some of your fun creations <br />from 2012. (I sure miss the Olympics...sniff)<br />I am also thankful for the stretching and perspective<br />challenges bring, and our family has certainly seen<br />our share in 2012. I draw peace from knowing however,<br />that we are never alone. No matter how frightening.<br />love ya. Trish
jlk
I picture you placidly sewing away in a sunny room with Jedi knights fighting in and out, messes on the floor and in the sink, with the sound of One Direction and Taylor Swift wafting loudly through the house. At least, that's how it is at my house.
Jenny
Happy New Year! I sure have enjoyed following you in 2012. And I do love that Freebird. That may have been what brought me over originally.
Katy Cameron
You've had a wonderfully productive year with the entire active family. I think I'll always imagine you sewing placidly though because every time I saw you at SS you seemed so calm! Anyway, it was lovely to meet you this year, and I hope you have a wonderful 2013 (possibly meeting far more exciting people ;o) )<br /><br />Happy new year!
Claire Fisher
Gosh Amy - you have had an awful lot to deal with and here I was thinking how easy you make it all look as your blog, quilts - well everything do look perfect. I guess non of us really do know what is going on behind the computer of the blogs we follow...I certainly thank you for your blog - it is a happy place for me, always bright and cheery and allows me to forget my own woes for a short time
dolores
Hahaha! I was thinking about you today at work because a customer came in to buy a bunch of fun brightly colored/patterned FQs and Bella white cause she is making a Union Jack quilt for her daughter...who wishes she could live in the UK! Of course my coworkers call me over to see and told them our girl lives there.<br /><br />The pattern isn't pieced....it's strips sew over each other so
Nedra
Happy New Year to YOU too, Amy. What a line up of quilts you have accomplished this year. You forgot to mention all the work you have done to organize us BEE's KNEE's. Thanks again!
Sandy D
Happy New Year.Yes my sewing too keeps me going when things are not just right.Another thing that does and you will find out someday is grandkids.They like your own children can put a smile on your face when you didn't think a smile could be found.
Sewing In CT
Amy - Thanks for keeping it real. It's inspirational to know that you are able to create beautiful things while life goes on around you. I know it inspires me!
Lana
Happy New Year! I have loved this blog and all that I have learned from it...I can't wait to see what you come up with in 2013!
Lindsay Conner
I appreciate your wisdom and positivity! This was a rough year and happy year in many ways, and I think it's those things that ultimately keep us grounded. Cheers to 2013, whatever is in store, and our ability to find the good in all things. 🙂
diane
everything is beautiful but I love, love, love the Easy Dresden Ruler Crib Quilt.
Thimbleanna
Another beautiful year in projects Amy -- Happy, Happy New Year!!!