Happy New Year –But first…
How was 2023 for you creatively? I know the world is kind of a sad place and there are so many worries. It’s nice to have a space to escape the tough news and refill your cup. For me – and I suspect for you, too – that happy space is any time I’m making something colorful, learning new things, or spending time with friends and family. I have really enjoyed spending more time in this space in 2023 and so happy to have you join!
It’s probably obvious to anyone who’s been around for a while, the big news of 2023 around here was the arrival of new Classic Curves Rulers – the brand new Plus size and the redesigned original – and all the possibilities they bring! I hope that for you the arrival of new toys and patterns makes you feel a renewed energy to create! New CGQ quilt patterns this year included the Rocky Road star, Joy Ride, Windsor Garden, and Metro. My plan and goal for 2024 is a new pattern (sometimes more than one) each month. So you’ll never be short on inspiration.
Do you have a favorite project of 2023? It’s really hard for me to choose a favorite between Metro and the Pink Quilt. I feel like I stretched some new muscles with my projects this year. This included using more solid color fabrics – my usual look has always been prints/more is more – and I love the way solids create such a bold, graphic look. While I’ve always preferred repeating blocks, fairly traditional quilt designs, this year I tried a little improv (the Pink Quilt) and some more minimal patterns featuring few large blocks instead of fussier piecing. Exploring new things is so much fun and I’ve been really happy with the results. There will definitely be more of these themes featured in 2024 CGQ new releases and classes.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023? Big or small, it feels good to get things done or do something scary and find it not-so-scary after all. Over here, that was starting to teach online/zoom and virtual quilt classes this year. For those of you who had the chance to join me for the improv design curves or Sunbeam zoom classes last fall, you know they are a total blast. Getting to see some of you and chat and share our enthusiasm for quilting while learning new techniques was the best part of the year for me.
Classes will be a major part of CGQ going forward, so watch for news on schedules. You can now purchase the Precision Piecing/Improv Design class in full to do anytime you want. This workshop is ideal for those new to sewing curves – you’ll be pro and up for anything after this! Class includes basics of curved piecing and all about using your Classic Curves Rulers (plus or original) such as sizing up or down your blocks and playing with layout to create a variety of shapes and designs.
The next live session of this best seller is February 28, 29 and March 2. <<click here to register>>
Also on the calendar right now: Sunbeam (January) and Metro (February). Hope to see you there!
All in all, this space turned out to be very happy and productive in 2023. I hope you feel the same about your creativity. What’s on your crafty to-do list in 2024?
See you next year!
