Honest State of a Modern Quilter's WIP List | Q1 2020 Finish-A-Long

A new year means new projects to tackle and the chance to clear the decks of some stragglers that have been kicking around for…well, let’s not dwell on that 😉

I know you have them too!

Quilts that you absolutely loved at one point but have gotten distracted by new ideas and new patterns that you just HAD to make. I’m guilty of starting projects and then a new deadline comes up and I need to clear my sewing table.

So, I pack up all my assembled quilt blocks, the fabric for the project and store is safely in my cabinet until I have time to get back to her. The only thing is, I often move on to new quilts and the older projects end up sitting there patiently waiting for my attention to revert back to them.

One of my goals for 2020 is to clear the backlog. I have a feeling a weight will be lifted once I get through them and I’m all for returning to a footloose and fancy-free feeling when it comes to my WIP situation.

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While I’m jotting down everything I currently have in the works, I don’t have any expectation that I’ll get through them all in the first quarter. But that’s the beauty of participating in the Finish-a-Long – it gives you a chance to get it all out of your head and down on paper (or, in my case, on the blog for all of you to see!) so you have a place to really SEE what you have on the go. While there are prizes to be won for linking up, for me that’s not my motivation. I just want to join a community who is there to encourage us along in our goals of getting our quilts done. Plus, there’s no penalty if you don’t get it done, so it’s totally a win-win in my books.

I’m mulling the idea of donating any projects that don’t get done by the end of 2020. My rationale is that if I still haven’t tackled them after 12 months, it might be time to face the music that maybe I’m just not that into them. They might be better off in a new home where they will be lovingly completed and would free me up to focus on projects that are bringing me joy. Something I’m keeping in mind as I work on my lists this year.

Ok, enough pre-amble, let’s get to the list!

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Q4 2019 FINISHES

But, first up, let’s see how I did on my Q4 2019 list 😊 

NEUFCHATEL MODERN AZTEC CRIB QUILT 

The Neufchâtel collection is not as bright and colourful as I normally go, but these softer shades were super calming to work with. I found myself really enjoying stitching with this combo of peachy tones paired with the light turquoise and deeper teal. It also happened to be one of your favourite combos too! You can see more of this modern crib quilt here. Or make your own by grabbing the Modern Aztec pattern. 

FANTASY MODERN AZTEC TABLE RUNNER 

When I received the Fantasy collection from Windham Fabrics, I knew instantly my mum would love this line. Since she loves to entertain, I thought this quilted table runner would make the perfect birthday gift for her. I had so much fun seeing the mix of the florals and more traditional prints paired with the modern design of the Modern Aztec table runner. I’m happy to report, she loved it and featured it on her table for her annual New Years Eve party 😊

HOUSE OF CARDS QUILT 

You’d think after working with these prints in my Geometrical Flight Plan quilt that I’d be over these bold beauties, but nope! I had so much fun letting loose and pulling the fabric scraps into this modern improv quilt. When it came time to quilting, I ended up switching directions more than halfway through! This was a first for me. Click here to read more about how I dealt with that quilty pickle! 

BLOSSOM DOUBLE WINDMILL MINI QUILT 

You know I’m not typically one for holiday themed projects, but I loved having this Double Windmill mini hanging up during Christmas. It totally got me into the holiday spirit! And I’m already looking forward to busting her out next November (yup, we decorate early in this household!)! Plus, I’m seriously impressed with my quilting on this one. More pics here. Grab the pattern here to make your very own.

SECRET SEWING #2 – AKA GUIDING LIGHTS QUILT BLOCK 

I had THE best time collaborating with the ladies behind Quiltmas Spectacular! It not only led to the creation of the Guiding Lights quilt block, but it also meant I developed some great bonds with fellow quilters. I’ve always said we have the best community and this experience took that next level. Plus, I revamped my original FPP tutorial to create the Ultimate Foundation Paper Piecing tutorial. I'll also be sharing how I finished this little block off to give you more quilty ideas!

FANTASY DOUBLE CHEVRON QUILTED LUMBAR PILLOW

I still need to get this one up on the blog but suffice to say my mum was thrilled when I gifted this to her for Christmas. She has a real love for pillows (some might say an obsession – ha!). I shared a sneak peek of the fabrics while I was piecing her up and my mum totally commented on how much she loved the blue paisley print. Little did she know it was heading her way. You can imagine her surprise when she opened her up! A reminder of just how much joy handmade gifts bring to those we love. The Double Chevron pillow pattern is available here.

REFLECTIONS QUILTED WALL HANGING

I finally got this monochromatic quilted wall hanging done over the holidays. I just need to get her up on the blog and then she’ll officially be off the list. More to come soon! In the meantime, you can find the Reflections wall hanging pattern by Suzy Quilts here. 

CURVY ABSTRACT – AKA CLOUD SURFING WALL HANGING

I’ve been SO fired up by this quilt design that’s been in the works since the summer. The full reveal is finally happening next week! Wahoo! Keep your eyes peeled for this curvalicious beauty!

UPDATE: The Cloud Surfing quilt is now live here and pattern available here.

That rounds up the projects I was able to complete in Q4. Not too shabby after all! I felt busy, but for some reason thought I didn’t make great progress. Looking over this list, I see I was mistaken!

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QUILTS IN PROGRESS

Here’s an update on quilts that have been previously featured on the list:

MODERN MINI QUILTS

I’m back to these little pretties from my #100daysofsfDminis. These brought me lots of joy over the holiday break and it’s been a great reminder just how much improv soothes my creative soul. I still have quite the stack of these to hand quilt, so expect more to pop up on Instagram.

180-DEGREES QUILT

I look at this one on the daily as she’s been draped over the back of my sofa for…gah…far too long! I just have the sleeve to attach and then she’s D-O-N-E.

SWEET CHRISTMAS QUILT

I can’t believe this one didn’t get done. It was meant as a Christmas gift for the hubz, but other priorities got in the way. I’ve already drafted a few different design ideas to feature this charm pack, so I should be in good order to get her done for Christmas 2020 – ha!

BASKET OF QUILTY PLAY

I wish I had dipped into my basket of scraps more often than I did in 2019, but such is life. I’m keeping this on the list to remind myself to play. Another 2020 goal of mine! 

MODERN SEWCIALITES SAL

This is one of the projects I’m thinking of either donating or rethinking the layout to just get ‘er done. I love the blocks and the prints I’ve featured, so it would be nice to see her completed. We’ll see what happens.

WEIGHT OF LOVE

Guys, I’m honestly stumped as to how to finish this one off. That’s what’s keeping me from finishing her up. Any suggestions?

BOHEMIAN GARDEN BABY QUILT 

I made some progress on this little cutie. But as you know from my Hexed Table Runner, needle turn appliqué just isn’t my jam. I’m determined to get her done though, as I know I’m going to love her. This one is all about perseverance for me. You totally don’t have to do needle turn appliqué to tackle this pattern by Suzy Quilts. See more here. 

SEWCIAL BEE SAMPLER

I SO want to see her finished up. I have THE perfect backing for her, so naturally she must get done! Only one more row to go, surely, I can get that done at some point in 2020 😉 In case you missed them, here’s a peek at my completed Row 1, Row 2, Row 3 and Row 4.

MEDALLION SQUARED BABY QUILT

Not a single stitch of progress was made on this one. But after making the Guiding Lights block, I’m reminded of just how much fun FPP can be! See the FPP tutorial here and find the free pattern here.

IMPROV DRUNKARD’S PATH QUILT

I’ve been working quite a bit with curves as of late, and I think it’s high time I get back to my true love of improv curves. Plus, the colours in these are just so inspiring.

QUILTED PILLOWS

Not sure what happened here, as I totally planned on finishing these up to gift as holiday presents – oops! Making a mental note for Christmas 2020 (at this rate I’ll be well on my way of having my holiday presents done welllll in advance!).

MISCHIEF QUILT

While on vacation I took these out of my sewing bag to make some progress and then promptly put them back. Not sure why, but I need to be in the EPP mood. It will come, I know it will!

You can find the Mischief quilt pattern and EPP templates here. 

SEW MOJO MINIS

This is such an easy one to knock off my list. I just need to get them framed and up on the blog. Easy peasy, right? Patterns for the Sew Mojo series available here.

IMPROV FLIGHT PLAN

This one is basted and ready for some quilty action. I just need to work through some deadlines and then I’m tackling this pretty improv (all scraps and leftover blocks from testing out my Flight Plan quilt pattern)!

MAUVE ECLIPTIC QUILT

This one is currently hanging out on my design wall waiting to be basted. I’ve got the quilt pattern in the works and can’t wait to see this one complete. All should be done and released sometime in March 2020 (fingers crossed).

DESERT WILDERNESS ECLIPTIC QUILT

I pulled these fabrics as I’m working on different fabric requirements for the Ecliptic quilt. These earthy tones are not my usual go-to, but I’m super curious to see how it will all come together. Stay tuned!

PERENNIAL QUILT

I haven’t made any progress on this one, but I do love this fabric pull. Not sure whether it’s in the cards for me this year, but she’s on the list for now. You can find the pattern by Suzy Quilts here. 

JOHNNY APPLESEED QUILT

My quilty friend Ange, from A Little Patchwork, and I have been looking for projects to make together even though we live on opposite ends of the world. It’s our own little virtual sew-a-long to keep us connected. Once we finish the Won’t You Be My Neighbor quilt (pattern available here), we plan on tackling this one. You can find the pattern in the Rainy Day Sewing book. 

SECRET SEWING #1

2020 better be the year this secret sewing project comes to fruition because she’s been on my mind for a long time. More details to come…soon!

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NEW ADDITIONS

I know my goal is to clear the decks of existing WIP, but I couldn’t resist adding these new ones:

RETRO CLOUD SURFING

I’ve been collaborating with Art Gallery Fabrics on this one and I can’t wait to share this retro beauty with you. It takes my original Cloud Surfing design idea and I’ve expanded on it to give you more size options. This ones coming at you on January 30!

UPDATE: The Cloud Surfing quilt is now live here and pattern available here.

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR

I have a thing for trees – I always have! I’m the annoying passenger who has to point out all the beautiful trees I see during road trips (thankfully, my hubz is super patient with me on this one!)! So, when I caught sight of Pen + Papers Won’t You Be My Neighbor quilt pattern I knew instantly I’d be making it. I’m sneaking these blocks in whenever I can. Plus, I’m totally onboard with the motto behind the #slowyourrollsewalong 😉

DENIM & CANVAS

I’ve got a fun idea for some home décor projects featuring this fun stack of denim + canvas! More to come next month!

PIN CUSHION WITH SLEEVE

This is hands down one of my most used notions in my studio and it just so happens to be one of the first things I ever made when I started sewing. The fact that I get to combine it with using up my itty-bitty scraps makes it even sweeter! More to come this month!

MINI ABSTRACT ART WALL HANGINGS

This is a project featuring scraps leftover from my dad’s Double Windmill quilt. I actually gifted them to him over the holidays but wanted to share them with you here. Keep an eye out for the blog featuring these mini abstract pretties!

JELLY ROLL

I’ve yet to play with a jelly roll, but I have started designing some ideas. I’m hoping to dive into this pretty soon!

IMPROV TRIANGLES

I was lying in bed the other night (anyone else suffer from occasional insomnia ☹) thinking about my WIP and one project that kept coming back to me was the trimmings I’ve been saving from my Hexie Stripes quilt. I made this one back in 2017 and it’s one of my faves. But the trimmings have been beckoning me. I remember having to store them while working on some other projects and I was sad to see them packaged up. I’ve thought about this project from time to time, just itching to get back to it, but since I don’t have a set deadline for it, she keeps getting put on the back burner. I’m adding her to list so that she’s front of mind.

BLUE DRESDEN PLATE QUILT

This isn’t a new project by any means. She’s been in the works since 2015. I’ve made amazing progress (I hand appliquéd allll those Dresden flowers to each square), but it’s all the hand quilting that is taking me forever to finish up. And for good reason as this is a king size quilt that I’m entirely hand quilting. It’s a labour of love and not one I’m looking to rush through.

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Whew - still with me?! That’s one heck of a long list! Please tell me you’re in a similar quilty boat? Let’s encourage one another to make 2020 the year we whittle down our WIP list!!

Just a heads up – the process for linking up this year is a little different. If I’m following along correctly, all you need to do is share a post on Instagram with #2020FALQ1List by January 19, 2020 to have your list qualify. Then, any time you finish a project from your list, share it on Instagram and tag it #2020FALQ1Finish – easy, right?

Alright, who’s with me?

Happy quilting!

xo

Shannon

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