UFO Progress

This is another year of working on my UFO list - completing projects and deciding which ones will be let go.

I finished Constellation in January.  I'm reasonably pleased with it, but a little disappointed that I didn't come up with a more imaginative setting for the blocks.  This was another project that I used as a quilting sampler, quilting each block differently.  This made me realize that the reason I make quilts is for the color and pattern.  I like geometric patterns.  Even when I doodle, I usually doodle straight lines.  While I can appreciate a beautifully done custom quilted piece, I don't really enjoy doing that work. Also, I've decided I'm not a huge fan of sampler quilts.  I like the patterns created by repetitive blocks and quilting designs.  It's not that I don't like this quilt, I do.  I'm learning more about what I like and dislike in my quilting journey.

I finished the hand applique border on the triange quilt that I'm calling Flower Up.  It is now waiting for me to make the time to make the backing and baste it in preparation for quilting.  Perhaps that will happen in March.

My new evening hand project is knitting an Aran knit sweater in this pattern (http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/honeycomb-classic.html).  I cast this on in late January and am finally getting comfortable in knitting the pattern.  I have no idea how long it will take me to complete.  The last and only sweater I knit was nearly 30 years ago.  I wanted the challenge of knitting a large, complicated pattern and I love Aran knit patterns, so this fit my criteria.  It's getting to the point where I'm enjoying the knit and can see the pattern emerging.  It's not without mistakes, but they are small enough that I can live with them, especially since I'm starting with the back.

The next quilt UFO I tackled was a set of cat blocks that was an internet exchange from 1993.  I have no particular reason that I sat on this project for so long.  I like the blocks and was looking forward to getting them together in a quilt.  The ultimate setting for the blocks is not what I had originally envisioned, but I like this better.  The top is completed and will be quilted once Flower up is done.

  The projects I will be concentrating on in February is a group of blocks that are UFOs from my husband's grnadmother.  When cleaning out her house after her death in 1998, my mother-in-law decided that I should have all hr UFOs.  I have completed one quilt some years ago that I gave to my MIL and the rest of the blocks sat.  I discarded one set of gingham 9-patches because the fabric was so flimsy I didn't think they would stand up to any use.  The rest will be made into lap sized quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  This top is the first of 10 to be made.  But, I think I have to make the borders longer because there is some stretching here that I'm not pleased with.

That's what I've been doing craft-wise for the month.  I'm hoping February will be as productive.