Saturday, December 26, 2020

The Best of 2020

 I hope all of you have been enjoying (the best you can) the holiday season.  I always spend the last few weeks of every year, reflecting on the past year and planning for the next.  Every year Cheryl (Meadow Mist Designs) holds the Best Of event.  I thought I would share some of my best finishes of 2020.




One of my favorite finishes for the year was probably this scrap quilt I made back in June.  I love to make string blocks and I really love to make them in all different colors and block sizes.  This quilt was actually similar to one I made (and sold) years earlier. 



Every year I feel quite blessed that I am able to donate my time and materials to make donation quilts.  One of the big donations I made this year was to put together seven quilts for Covered in Love.  The blocks were made by quilters all over the US and I got to put them together in all sorts of designs.  I was able to lay them out seven different ways.  You can see them all here - it is hard to believe this simple block created so many quilts.  

There were other events I was also able to participate in that gave quilty hugs to others - I donated a few to Merciful Quilts and to Quilty Hugs.




I had plans to submit a book proposal in early 2020.  Of course the pandemic kind of threw a wrench in those plans.  So I decided to release the designs as downloadable patterns.  My first Scrap Mixology pattern release was Well-Suited and was released in October.

The above quilt was the third or fourth quilt I have made using the pattern and is so far my favorite.




I finished three Rainbow Scrap Challenge Quilts this year.  This one was my favorite.  My plan so far is to work on five different designs in the coming year.  I have already made test blocks on all of them!





My most popular post and the post shared the most by my readers was another Scrap Mixology pattern release - this pattern is Two Bits. Again, there are so many ways this block can be laid out to create some great looking quilts all from the scrap bin! 


Almost all of my quilts in 2020 were made with scraps.  I thought I had made at least a few quilts from fabric in my stash but my scrap bins seem to have kept me busy all year.  No complaints here - I love making quilts from scraps!

2020 was not the best year for many and I am ready to see it gone.  Next year will be more scrap quilts from the scrap bins and the orphan block suitcase.  I will also be releasing more Scrap Mixology patterns - hopefully starting in January.  I know many of you have ordered all the ones released to date and I really appreciate the support.





A big thanks to Cheryl for hosting the event and here is to 2021 getting us all back to a better life!


22 comments:

Georgia said...

Cynthia, you have been very productive during 2020, and I can't wait to see what you will show us in 2021.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you have been busy in the sewing room this year and all looks so pretty

The Joyful Quilter said...

You made some really wonderful scrap quilts this year, Cynthia. I love them ALL!!!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

these quilts are just gorgeous - I believe that you are the "Master of Scraps"... you have such a great eye for color and design

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Beautiful quilts, a busy year! I love your string quiit, so pretty !

Sylvia@Treadlestitches said...

Thanks for all the "scrappy" inspiration this year! I look forward to seeing what you've done every week.

quiltingbydawn said...

There are some great scrappy quilts here! 5 RSC quilts in 2021? Wow! Can't wait to watch.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I love all your designs, but the ideas you come up with for string blocks are always my favorites! That first quilt you showed is just gorgeous!

MissPat said...

Cynthia, you outdid yourself this year and all the quilts you put together for CiL were wonderful. I can't pick a favorite from your best of list, but the string one strikes my fancy.
Pat

Susie H said...

Beautiful job, Cynthia! Your scrap bags contained some wonderful fabrics and your color play is spot on. I'm still blown away with your strippy quilt!

Cheryl said...

Great finishes! I always love your scrappy quilts and I think that the string quilt is one of my favorites, I love how the colors and prints all blend together.

scraphappy said...

You always have so many great scrappy patterns going. Thanks for the constant inspiration.

Calicojoan said...

Oh my goodness, I want to live in your scrap bag! I absolutely love scrap quilts. I'm sorry your book didn't happen, but I love being able to download a pattern. Scrap Mixology is a perfect name for your delightful quilts!

Quilting Gail said...

Love your quilts!
And your blog title ALWAYS makes me smile! Always!
Happy Quilting!

Ivani said...

Beautiful quilts. I specially loved the string one.

Mystic Quilter said...

All are gorgeous but I think my favourites are the first and the fifth!

Dawn said...

Not only are you a very talented quilter and designer, you have a big heart. Thank you for making so many donation quilts. You make the world a better place!

Mel Beach said...

Your quilts are scraptastic!! I love all the bright colors and designs using your scraps and adding joy and comfort into the world!

Heide said...

What beautiful, fun, and colorful finishes in 2020! Happy New Year!

Nann said...

Cynthia, you have provided me and so many other quilters so much inspiration during this memorable year! Thanks for the encouragement and all the ideas.

Allison said...

Great to see five of your quilts all in one post. I've enjoyed following your quilt making through 2020. I hope your plans for quilts and more get off to a good start in 2021. Best wishes, Allison

Małgorzata Kreft said...

I love to sew from scraps! Your quilts are great, happy New Year!

01 09 10