Friday, January 1, 2021

Happy New Year! PBS mementos, the year's favorites, and the annual reckoning

 

Postcard from a collection I purchased in Fargo circa 1996.  Published by the Gibson Art Company, Cincinnati.  Postmarked Casselton, ND, December 30, 1924.  Sent by Louise (no surname) to Miss Nora Buttke. Message: "Dear friends: We wish you folks all a very Happy New Year. I had planned on coming out for New Years but as it happened that I was not home for Xmas as much as I would have like to be. Would like to be for New Years now. We expect the Teetz family for New Years. Thanks very much for Xmas gift. Will See you after N.Y. then.  Friend Louise." 

Does it seem that there are more "best of" and "year in review" stories than in previous years?   Not just in quilting but in books, movies, music, and all manner of topics (some of which I follow and most of which I don't).  I think we have a greater awareness--noticing, measuring, evaluating, and certainly commenting more.   

Last week Judy Woodruff, PBS Newshour anchor, invited viewers to submit their mementos of 2020.  I was among more than 200 viewers who responded.  I sent photos of Shelter in Place, the quilt I created during the first shut down (mid-March to the end of May).   My entry was one of 20 chosen for their story!  Here is the link.    

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Cheryl at Meadow Mist designs is hosting the Best of 2020 link up.  Shelter in Place was definitely my favorite quilt.  Here's a collage of other memorable sewing.



I made 500 masks from March to May.  (I've made a few more since then but no mass production.)  The collage includes the vintage bias binding I used up when elastic was in short supply. 





I made mug rugs.  Top: birthday gift for a friend (with a matching mask). Left:  P.E.O. home fund gifts. Right: retirement gifs.









I made tote bags. Those in the top and lower right photos are made from vintage tablecloths and quilting cotton -- favors for the Magpies' meet up in February. The tote on the lower left is for a P.E.O. sister. 
 




I made many quilts. Here are a few.    

This documentation is a good lead in to the December stash report:   78 yards in, $80  /  46-5/8 yards out.  Year to date:  916-3/8 in, $1383 / 960-3/8 out.  Net reduction: 44 yards.  Hooray!



This is the 23rd year I've tracked fabric acquired and fabric used.  Acquired means purchased (with my money or a gift card) or received for free.  Used means sewn, sold, given away, or thrown out. (This last category included trimmings -- I toss slivers and dog-ears into a big bag. When the bag is full I weigh it -- 4 yds to 1 lb -- and count that as "out." After all, those orts [morsels] were part of the yardage that I counted as "in.")  


11 comments:

  1. I don't keep track myself, but I am using my blog more to keep track of projects. I am hoping 2020 and 2021 will be more yardage out. Interesting your weighing of trimmings but you are absolutely right. They were once part of the yardage and they are on their way 'out'.

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  2. Congratulations on having your wonderful quilt, Shelter in Place, in the PBS show. Thanks for sharing the link.
    The postcard was a treat - front and back. You have the best finds.
    Great job finishing so many quilts. They are lovely and will be loved by the recipients.
    Here's to a better, happier, safer, kinder year ahead.

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  3. You had a super productive 2020! Thanks for linking up and Happy New Year!

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  4. How fun to be featured on PBS! You had a great 2020. Wishing you an equally productive 2021.

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  5. Wow, congrats on being featured! It was fun to look through all 20. Yours is my favorite feature! Fun to hear what Louise wrote on that new years card! You had a great year for masks, mug rugs, tote bags and quilts! Yay!

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  6. You had a super productive year! Goodness, I wonder when you find time to read, let alone cook or sleep! Happy New Year!

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  7. I am an Aussie gal and I try to watch PBS Newshour whenever I am able. Congratulations on having your quilts showcased on the show. Goodness me, you have fashioned some amazing quilts in 2020. May you find much joy in the stitching of many more beautiful quilts in 2021.

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  8. You were oh SEW productive in 2020, Nann!! Such an inspiration to us all.

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  9. Congrats on having your wonderful quilt showcased in the News Hour story. I just spent a very worthwhile time reading the whole article. You sure had a productive year with projects big and small. I wish you a healthy and happily productive 2021!

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  10. A pretty impressive year! And congrats on being selected for PBS!

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  11. Oh my goodness... amazing accomplishments!
    Congrats on being in the PBS article!

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