Friday, December 27, 2024

2024, How Did It Sew?

I have spent 2024 trying to stick to the list I posted about last January in my first Planning Party report. At times sewing my list and sticking to the plan became very tedious, however I am very glad I persevered when I see all the quilting that was accomplished. A total of 8 quilts were listed. Of those 8 quilts, 6 are completely finished and 3 of those quilts were started and finished this year. However I did have a squirrel sneak in and run around, I'll show you that quilt at the end of the post.

Hearts & Wreaths was finished in June. From start to finish, it took a little under 3 years for this long term project.

The piecing of Dresden Stars was completed in February, sent to the long arm quilter in May then returned to me in August.

The anniversary quilt (listed as gift quilt) was pieced and long arm quilted entirely this year.

The months of June and July were spent binding comforter tops for MCC and machine quilting small quilt projects which I'm not showing in this post. You can read about them here, here, and here.

However, I am going to show you Dots and Dashes, this was the largest of the compassion quilts I quilted and donated. Quilting compassion quilts was on the list.


Most of the blocks for Dots & Dashes were completed, I just needed to piece a couple more blocks then sew the blocks together. The pattern for Dots & Dashes is found here. I may make another quilt from this pattern someday.

Tula Hexies was one of the quilts I quilted. She's staying at my house for me to enjoy. Tula Hexies was a new project I started in November 2023 and she's finished!

Radiant Blues was started and completed in 2024.


Radiant Blues is my favorite quilt of the year. I have been wanting to make a feathered star quilt for years and now I have. I enjoy looking at it displayed on the wall. 

Pineapple Blues was started at the Jane Stickle retreat in April. I innocently thought I could actually piece all 49 blocks needed for this quilt in one long weekend! I managed to complete almost 20. The rest were completed in September. She came home from the long arm quilter in November, another quilt started and finished in the same year.



The outer blue borders have been sewn onto blueberry pie. She won't be going into the quilting frame though. She measures 108" and I won't be able to have the hand quilting finished by spring. I don't like to hand quilt during summer and I feel guilty if I have a quilt the frame and not be quilting.


One of the projects I listed was Garden Party, designed by Bonnie Hunter. Thirty-six blocks were pieced at the November retreat, that quilt is on the list again for next year.

What quilts didn't happen? Fire Island Hosta was the only project on the list to not make it out of the project bag, it is also on the list for next year.

The squirrel quilt is Blessed by Nature which was a kit I purchased at Lolly's during my July birthday outing. Donna and I both pieced our quilts together in October then I sent my quilt to Calico Point to be quilted. Here she is!


17 comments:

Lin said...

A lovely year of finishes - congratulations. xx

Pam said...

Your radiant blues is fantastic! Congrats on all your completed projects!!

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Beautiful, beautiful finishes for 2024, Gretchen!!! I'm looking forward to your Fire Hosta next year.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Thank you Lin!

Gretchen Weaver said...

I smile every time I look at radiant blues hanging on the wall. It makes me happy!

Gretchen Weaver said...

I'm determined to make a start at least. Thanks for commmenting!

Connie said...

I'm always amazed by how much you accomplish!

Linda said...

What a stellar year of quilts! I love all your quilts, but Radiant Blues and the pineapple one are favorites, and Blueberry Pie is another favorite. Thanks for the link to Dots and Dashes.
Happy 2025!

Kathy S. said...

Such beautiful work, Gretchen. I can't pick a favorite. The Radiant Blues is at the top of the list, but I love the simplicity of Dots & Dashes. Well done! Here's to another productive year of quilting and lists and finishes.

T Holzer said...

Beautiful, Ingrid! You are an inspiration to us all! I made Garden Party a few years ago and it is one of my all time favourite quilts. Maybe I'll make it again?! Happy New Year!

Elizabeth V Kelbaugh said...

Gorgeous quilts made this year and Radiant Blues is my favorite also. Fabulous

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Way to stick to a plan!!! the finishes are super great!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

a lot of nice quilts were made and finished!

Jenny said...

Didn't you do well!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

An amazing range of finishes, love them!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Congratulations on your beautiful work this year!

Sharon Kwilter said...

Wow, you had some amazing finishes. Thanks for sharing photos.