More Black Belt Stitching Wizard Stuff

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Stitch Of The Union Address and Crazy Challenge Day 1

Yes, you read it right!  This is my Stitch Of The Union Address... what I didn't get done in 2012, how it progressed and what I'm thinking for this year!!

In 2012....

I finished 40 projects!  Two of the 40 were large finishes, being Enchantment of Winter and Seasonal Mandalas, the other 38 were a combination of ornaments, small pieces, and exchanges.

2012 January 1st SAL

I participated in my annual January 1st SAL which has become a tradition with my stitching friends and myself.  Some years its just a few of us, and some years everyone gets on the boat!  Last year it was Ink Circles Seasonal Mandalas, this year its Alessandra Adelaide Designs Leaf.

2013 January 1st SAL

Last year I, for the first time I participated in the January Crazy Challenge, that's 15 new projects in 15 days.  The true challenge is to finish all 15 projects by the end of the year.  I ALMOST managed that!  I started 14 projects that I KNEW I would finish, but one I wouldn't.  That was The Big Red by The Silver Lining.  I just wanted to get this piece started so that I would get to work on it "soon".  I'm attempting the Crazy Challenge again this year.  Unfortunately this year I'm not as organized as last year.  Last year I picked, planned, and purchased supplies for all 15 projects.  This year I'm going to work from my stash, and what I feel like/have time to start.  Also all 15 are going to be smaller projects.

The Crazy Challenge that got away in 2012, the one I didn't finish

I have several projects that I did not manage to finish during 2012... In no paicular order, here they are where they stood at the beginning of 2012 and again at the end.

Kahty's ABC Christmas Sampler when I first got it 

 As of the end of December 2012

 The Accolade as of February 2012
 The Accolade as of the end of December 2012

Cirque des Circles when I started it fall 2012

 Latest progress on Cirque des Circles

 The Big Red, not touched since January of 2012

Finally here's Crazy Challenge Day 1 - AAN's Leaf, I took a bit of a creative jump with the fabric.  My hopes is that my leaf look like its lying on the top of a leaf strewn lawn!  What do you think of my fabric choice?

AAN's Leaf - January 1st SAL and Crazy Start #1

25 comments:

Michelle said...

A great start on your January 1st SAL and such interesting fabric! All your WIPs look great, looking forward to seeing your progress!

Nic said...

I like this maple leaf design, and the fabric you've chosen
Given what you did get done, I wouldn't be too down about what you didn't

Hazel said...

Lovely projects. You did so much last year! Love the maple leaf fabric that will be so effective. Xx

Shebafudge said...

I love the fabric for your leaf. What is it? I really like the leaf design having seen it on a few blogs and I suspect one day I may cave in and buy it.

Good luck with you CJC. With 46 WIP's/UFO's there is no way I could take part in that!

Chris said...

Great update and great projects.
40 finishes last year!! Wow!!

Bette said...

I'm in awe of what you've accomplished. I love the fabric you've chosen for the maple leaf. I think it will look very unique.

Annie said...

LOVE your State of Stitching address. All your projects are beautiful. I really like the maple leaf on the fabric you're using. Looking forward to seeing it progress! Happy New Year:)

Unknown said...

You really made great progress for last year, thats some amount of finishes well done. I like your idea of working with what you've got when you want to. This year I'm doing a Turtle Trot which is going at a slower pace and with only 13 wip's and I don't have to start everything at the beginning of January. I'm looking forward to seeing what you choose and how your work goes on them for the coming year. I really love the fabric choice for AAN and you made great progress.

Bonnie Brown said...

Very interesting choice in fabric. Can't wait to see it progress

Denise said...

You had a great 2012 by the looks of what you finished and worked on. Your stitching is beautiful. And I very much like the Leaf material that you are stitching on and can't wait too see it finished.
Happy Stitching
Denise

Annette said...

You have so many big pieces left from last year, and going to start up 15 new ones!!
Good luck!!!

lynda said...

I love that maple leaf fabric...what is it?

Sally said...

You got loads done last year. Looking forward to seeing your creations this year. Love your new start.

Susan said...

Enchantment is amazing! Given all you did accomplish, not finishing one project is really good. Love your start, the fabric is perfect.

Giovanna said...

That's a wonderful choice of fabric for the leaf!

Jo said...

You've had some wonderful finished and have some great projects on the go - I hope all goes well for 2013. Like you I'm back trying to lose the weight I have gained (I'll get a shock at the scales tonight...), and I never even made it to goal! I hope that all works out - staying fit and healthy is REALLY hard work!

Bea said...

Love the choice of fabric for your Maple Leaf. Great progress on those WIPs.

Emma/Itzy said...

Oh I don't think I could ever do all those projects in 15 days - but good luck with yours!

I really like your choice of fabric, I look forward to seeing how it turns out.

Lianne said...

Congrats O' Lady of the Blazing Needle ;-))) Many beautiful pieces.

I agree with Bonnie, I really like the fabric you are using for ANN's Leaf - make sure you show some progress pics!

Julie said...

Super fabric for your new start, very clever idea.

Annette said...

Great year, Dani!! Can't wait to see what projects are included in this years January craziness :)

Good luck!

Angie said...

Love the fabric. I didn't get crazy January challenge ready in time, and but I can't wait to see what you have picked to start

Nicola said...

I like your fabric choice and it should work very well. I have never seen this type of fabric before. Good luck with your sewing goals.

Carol said...

I'd say you had a wonderful stitching year in 2012, Dani--every time I look at a photo of your Enchantment of Winter finish, I am in awe!!

I look forward to following along on your stitching adventures in 2013 :)

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Love the leaf fabric. and the designs and the colour!