Looking Back at 2020

What a year it has been, what with the global pandemic throwing a spanner in the works.  So it has been interesting to look back through the blog posts to see what I’ve managed to achieve this year.  Some old projects finally finished, plus a few new ones, and I enjoyed taking part in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge again this year.

I finished my Autumn stitchery in February.  Hand embroidered and hand quilted, I really enjoyed stitching this little wall-hanging - this is a free pattern from Crabapple Hill Studio.

Autumn stitchery

Several items were stitched for the caravan.  Christmas Coins was an idea copied from Jocelyn of Canadian Needle Nana blogspot, and I made my version into a tablecloth to use in the caravan over the Christmas holidays.  Using up some birthday fabric featuring caravans, I stitched an apron, placemats, and a small bag to carry Robin’s can of beer and a glass to Happy Hour.

Sewing for the caravan

Tane Mahuta was finished in April wwhile the country  was in lockdown, and was inspired by the Tiny Tree stitch-along by Temecula Quilt Co.   Using two New Zealand batik designs, kowhai tree and ferns, I decided to make the blocks a little bigger and stitched pinwheel blocks instead of the multiple block designs which were offered.  I like to imagine the two fabrics show sunlight filtering down through the branches of this magnificent tree.  My little wall hanging is a tribute  to Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest, which is New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree.  Growing in the Waipoua Forest of Northland, New Zealand it is  estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old.

Tane Mahuta

Under the Sea was one of those long winded projects I was pleased to complete.  Under the Sea was a free stitchery  Block of the Month sew-along, by Willowberry Designs.  I increased the size of each block, and certainly enjoyed stitching each one.  The whimsical designs are highlighted with fabric pens. Although these blocks were stitched in 2010, they were packed away and took me all this time to find them again and complete the quilt.  I’m keeping this one for future great-grandbabies.

Under the Sea

My great-niece Kate turned 21 and had requested a blue cushion so I was happy to oblige.  This was during our second partial lockdown so we were unsure if we could actually attend her party or not.  But there was a last minute reprieve when the levels went down, allowing for gatherings to take place.

Kate’s 21st Birthday Cushion

My pin wheel travel blocks from our UK trip in 2008 as finally made into a table cloth in September.  I remember taking my bag of blocks and pen everywhere we went and asking people to sign them.  While in England we travelled far and wide, visiting castles and cathedrals  and all sorts of interesting places.   I have signed blocks from Dover Castle, Bodium Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and the amazing Buckingham Palace!  Although the Queen was not there to greet us, we were certainly impressed with the beautiful state rooms, all done out in crimson, white and gold – such a sight to see.

Lots of memories in these blocks

And I’m pleased to have completed two of my RSC projects.  I’m so pleased with my Colourpoint Cats, beautifully quilted by Linda of Taupo.  Ans my Selvedge Spools is a pretty addition to the sewing room.

Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects completed this year

But I have to say that I’m most proud of my socks!  The blue pair took me a couple of years to finally get to the finish line.  But once I had some extra tuition and finally mastered those tricky heels and toes, I went on to knit even more, deciding them I wanted them to be a little longer in the top.  These cozy socks are knitted with 12ply wool, so will need hand washing, not that it will be a problem, and come next winter, I’ll have the warmest toes in town!

My new wool socks

As well I’ve stitched five children’s donation quilts, made a dozen or so draw string bags, all for the Foster Hope Charity.  Plus knitted umpteen little baby beanies to donate as well.  These little hats are quite enjoyable to knit, and I have used up all my partial balls of wool which have been hanging about for ages. These three blue/white ones were knitted on a recent caravan trip away and used up the ends of some left over wool.

Three more baby beanies

And celebrated my 75th birthday, so all in all, it’s been quite a busy year!

Many thanks to all blog followers, and those who take the time to add a comment  or two, it is much appreciated.  It has been so nice to follow other blogs as well, see what is happening in other countries, and admire your projects too.  Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year, keep calm and keep stitching.