Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New

I guess the changing of a year is a good time to look back, see what's been accomplished and look forward and see what's yet to be done.
Hands down the most important event of 2009 for me was the birth of Amit. Nothing I create will ever come near.
That said, I have had a productive year, creativity-wise.
I participated in three exhibits, two with my "FAT" (FibreArts Toronto) Ladies, one-month long exhibits at two branches of the Toronto Public Library and one of mezuzot with the Pomegranate Guild which displayed at Baycrest, and is now a travelling exhibit.
I made two chuppot for two family (either biological or considered family) members.
And numerous other pieces, both utilitarian: Inbal's quilt, Rotem's quilt, a ton of baby quilts -- it's been a good year for babies in the Erez family!, oven mitts, placemats, etc.; and wall hangings.
Blogging has allowed me to post about the experience and conundrums of designing and making these pieces. And the uploaded photos give me a visual record of what I have accomplished.
And I did sell some of my work which is always a boost for the self-esteem.
While I create, I have time to think. And with classical music in the background, what could be better?
So that's looking back.
And looking forward? I'm just going to plug away at creating. It enriches my being. And if I can sell some of it, even better.

Spurt of creativity

So this weekend was busy but fun.
Friday night, we had family over for the last night of Chanuka. It was laid back and nice.
Saturday, I didn't do much of anything. Also nice.
Sunday morning, I started on a new piece, using bits and pieces from other projects.
Then Yunkie, Alanna, Jeremy and Michelle came over for lunch and the kids and I got busy making fabric portfolios.
Also a lot of fun.
Now if I could get the photos to go where I want them, I'd really be happy.

Last blog enty in 2009? Maybe yes, maybe no...

I can't believe it's been two months since my last posting. First we were busy getting ready for our road trip to NYC to meet up with Carmit and Michael. We had a lovely visit, even though Menachem was laid up the entire time we were there with back pains. Carmit and I did manage to do part of the Garment District walking tour. Some of the fabrics were to die for, as well as the trims, buttons, beads, etc. But I was a good girl and only bought 5 spiral buttons and one spiral charm.
Upon our return, we were busy getting ready for our trip to visit Mitki (and Inbal and Rotem). Then we spent three wonderful weeks with them, during which time I did no fabric shopping nor quilting related outings (if you don't count the birds for beading I bought, but not very many of them...) Since we've been back, I've been battling jet lag and fatigue.

I did finish my FAT challenge 12" x 12" "Wash, Rinse, Repeat" and was quite pleased with the result. I am not sure that it can be called an art quilt. I'm thinking of redefining what I do as "fabric collage". Anyways, it inspired me to do more. And since our January FAT challenge is "Graffiti", I have another one which I'm pondering.

Yesterday I got back into my studio to prepare "canvasses" for these 12 x 12 challenges. I cut up all of my quilt batting leftovers into 14" strips and pieced the strips together to make 14" x 14" inch squares. I got 21 squares made up! No pressure, eh? Since I am planning to use only fabric I already own (ha, ha, who's heard that one before?), I am also trying to take stock of my fabric samples, bits and pieces, etc. I have some lovely duppioni silks which I should just cut into and use as well.

Someone on the QuiltArt list has suggested using December as month zero of 2010, thinking about where we're going, setting goals in place, etc., sort of pre New Year's resolutions, so we can hit the ground running in the new year.

So right now, I'm doing my thinking and we'll see where it takes me.