What are you hoping to accomplish in 2020? Here are three of my goals for 2020. I hope they inspire you!

1. experiment more with combining techniques

If you’ve ever attended my Content, Concepts and Quilts: Approaching Quilting as a Graphic Designer presentation/trunk show, you know that I start all of my quilt designs with a concept, then research, then design. I don’t usually think about what techniques I’m going to use to construct the quilt. Once the design is developed, I then determine the best way to make it.

Sticking with just one construction technique (i.e. machine piecing, foundation paper piecing, handwork) sometimes limits what we can achieve. Back in 2017 I designed my Double Wedding Knots quilt. I didn’t know how I was going to make it at the time. Eventually, I figured out I could combine foundation paper piecing on my sewing machine and needle turn applique by hand to realize the design. Side note: Sometimes the trickiest part of combining techniques is sharing with others how to replicate the design. This is the case with Double Wedding Knots, which is why I decided not to publish it as a stand-alone pattern. There are a few key parts that really need explanation and demonstration in person so I only offer this pattern to quilters who take the workshop. I never publish a pattern that will frustrate a maker!

In 2019, I also played with combining Foundation Paper Piecing and English Paper Piecing. Head on over to this post to see how I combined these techniques (and the difference between the two) for my Rockstar quilt.

My most popular quilts ever (and one of my first published patterns), Bzzzzzz, was created in 2015 and combines traditional piecing and foundation paper piecing.

In 2020, I plan to explore how I can combine techniques to achieve other designs that wouldn’t be possible if I just stuck to one style of piecing. I already have a pattern in the works, combining two of my favorite piecing techniques— curves and foundation paper piecing. Another benefit of combining techniques in the same quilt is it keeps it interesting, especially if you’re a quilter who doesn’t like repetition (luckily, that isn’t me!). Also, it gives you a good excuse to learn and practice a new skill if you’re not familiar with a technique!

You don’t need to stop with piecing. Lots of quilters even combine quilting and finishing techniques. What would your quilt look like if you combined machine and hand quilting? How about adding embellishments like embroidery?

What new quilting skills do you want to try in 2020?

2. try a new craft

In 2019, thanks to an Aurifil Artisan challenge, I rediscovered cross stitch and translated one of my quilt patterns into a hoop project. It was a great portable summer project and a technique I hadn’t done since I was a kid.

In 2020, I’m looking forward to experimenting with weaving. About a year and a half ago, I was introduced to an amazing tapestry artist, Helena Hernmarck, and have been fortunate to spend some time with her in her amazing studio. Last week, I purchased a small portable loom. I’m hoping to be able to take some time to experiment and play.

What new craft do you want to try in 2020?

3. improve the documentation process

I love to share my work, including my (sometimes messy) process, with others. In 2019, I was fortunate enough to share my first online class with Missouri Star Quilt Company. I had big plans to add additional tutorials to my YouTube channel. Unfortunately, other projects took priorities. I’m hoping to produce new videos in 2020.

One of my big goals for 2020 is to take more photographs of my work and process. I’ll then have even more visuals to share with you in Three Things Thursday, the blog, and on social media.