Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Back and Forth at the Same Time #2

I was planning to look back on the quilts I've made in the 2010 and chat about some quilting plans for the new year, but I was struck by a discussion thread over at Sew, Mama, Sew.  So(or should I say sew :)) I'll save that for tomorrow's post. Instead, I'll play along with their prompts and would love to hear your thoughts about what sewing in 2010 meant to you and what you think the future holds.


Looking back on the sewing scene of 2010, what trends stand out in your mind?
This might seem a wee bit self-serving, but I genuinely believe that the biggest trend on the sewing horizon these days is the making of contemporary quilts that are both beautiful and functional. I think there's a slew of young and young at heart sewers who want to make quilts, just not exactly the way grandma did.
What were some of your favorite things? (Trends, fabric collections, patterns, blogs? Whatever you really loved.)
My favorite thing is the mini explosion I see of downloadable patterns. Knitters have been doing this kind of thing for a few years and those of us who sew are just starting to get in on it. Now what we need is a Ravelry-like site for sewers where independent designers and crafty folks can have an online community to swap ideas, sell patterns, and generally display their talents. BTW- I love Burdastyle, but that doesn't fit this bill in my opinion.  
What was your very favorite fabric collection or print? (If not listed above.)
I may be biased, but I was pretty partial to my friend Kathy York's collection for Clothworks.
What was the best thing you made in 2010? (Be sure to share a photo!)
I do a lot of sewing, so it's hard to pick one item, but I feel like the Hexagon String Baby Quilt that I designed for Quilt Scene Magazine was definitely one of my favorites.

 What is one of the best things you saw that was made by someone else?
This might be a weaselly way to answer this question, but oh well.... I have seen so many beautiful creations over the past year that I can't, no matter what, name just one. I do have a bunch of beautiful crafty images faved over at flickr and I'd invite others to be as inspired by them as I've been. 
What do you think 2011 has in store? (Again, trends, fabric, patterns, etc.)
I think the past few years have seen a growing fascination with all crafts and designs Japanese. While I've really enjoyed this, I think this year's trends may be a bit bolder and more color-based than what you tend to see in the Japanese aesthetic. I think there's a real interest in simple, strong designs that focus on color. 
Anything you’re ready for the sewing world to get over?
Not really. I think we're a pretty decent bunch and if something isn't your cup of tea, just don't make it or buy it.
What’s on your sewing agenda for 2011? What are you excited about? What would you like to learn more about?
I've got lots more quilts and quilt patterns planned for 2011 and more personal clothes sewing with knits. I've been a bit wary about working with knits in the past but I'm ready to get over that.

9 comments:

Poppyprint said...

Hey, that was cool. Thanks for sharing your thoughts/answers to those questions. Happy New Year!

Diane said...

I agree that we may be seeing more bold prints and colors in the coming New Year. I think, for me personally, that stepping outside my comfort zone to manipulate and 'change' fabric surfaces is at the top of my to-do list this coming year. Blogs have been such an inspiring influence for me. That said though, one of my resolutions is to spend a little less time on the computer and more time at the sewing machine! Best Wishes!

Esch House Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll really have to check out Ravelry even though I don't knit (I can only handle one obsession at a time :)).

I have been thinking about downloadable patterns too.

MicheleStitches said...

Woven is currently in its beta stages, but I think it's goal is to be something like a Ravelry for sewers. You might check it out: http://www.thewoven.org/login.php?accesscheck=%2Fhome.php

MicheleStitches said...

Just an addendum to my previous comment...I have not really used "Woven" so I can not personally recommend it. I was only letting you know of its existence.

Rachel at Stitched in Color said...

I enjoyed hearing your perspective. I am so partial to the strong use of color. I'd love to see more of that going around like you said!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! I love your books and find your work truly beautiful and inspirational! Happy Holidays!

maeve said...

I agree with your comments, and I think you are definitely in the forefront of the new movement. I love your latest book, it is an instant favorite, so full of color and creativity. I plan to purchase some more of your fabrics to play with in the coming year.

Vernon Sims - Editor said...

i found your predictions intriguing and inspiring. i am interested in trying bold prints with bold colors this year