Planning for 2019

I have one more quilt to share for 2018, before I recap the year of quilting, so I thought I'd go ahead and tell you what I'm planning to make in 2019...

For 2019 I'll be using the Quilter's Planner and I'm super excited about it! Although this is at least the third year for the planner, it will be my first time using it. My plan is to use it as a daily calendar, quilt project planner and a journal of what I do, make, read, watch and think. For the first time, I'm looking forward to having all of my thoughts and plans in one place.

I'm currently trying to finish up some WIPs - I love starting the new year with a clean slate. Unfortunately my Bernina is in rehab, and since it's the machine I do all my quilting on, I'll start the year with several tops to quilt.

But I also have some new projects that I'm gearing up for in 2019! I think the reason I've remained interested in quilting for so long is the fact that there is always something new to try or something old that has a new twist. So my goal for 2019 is to push myself to new designs, colors, fabrics and aesthetics. Lately, I've been draw to neutral colors, natural fabrics, hand-printed looks and vintage/modern.

With that in mind, here are a few projects on my 2019 list:

The Quilter's Planner came with a magazine filled with patterns, including the cover sampler designed by my friend, Cheryl Brickey. I love the blocks and her setting is so unique! But you know me, I have to do something different, so I'll be making many of the blocks and setting them into a different design that I created in EQ8. My version will be in shades of blue and blue/green.

The second project that I'm excited to start soon is this "Plot Twist" pattern by Anna Maria Horner. I've been itching to do some appliqué again and I love the boho feel of this pattern. I've changed the design a bit (no surprise!) and will end up with a completely different look as I'm using white and silver Essex Linen for my background stripes.

Speaking of linen, I've been stocking up on linens and hope to utilize them more frequently in my quilts. They give such a nice textural feel. I'm also playing with new-to-me color combinations and spent several hours the other day mixing and matching swatches from my cut-up Kona color card. 

I'll be using this beautiful Kaleidoscope fabric in Sapphire for a background on something. It's a beautiful dark blue fabric created by weaving two different colors of yarn. It also has a natural linen-like texture. Not sure what yet - maybe the Atomic Starburst?

Another beautiful neutral I can't wait to use is this Manchester embroidered cotton. It has tiny plus signs embroidered throughout. I bought it from Cottoneer Fabrics and it washed up wonderfully. 

"Mirage", which is included in the Quilter's Planner magazine, is also on my must-make list this year. It was designed by Yvonne from Quilting Jet Girl. You know I want to change it up - maybe a darker background? It's going to be tough because I love this version so much.

I belong to a Design Bee locally and I'm looking forward to trying some new out-of-the-norm designs this next year. Each month someone presents a photo and we all make a block, mini or whatever inspired by the photo. This was my December mini quilt, inspired by the photo below it. I used Quilting Jet Girl's free pattern - the Diffraction block. After making 4 blocks, I added sashing between them and used the 6-Minute Circle technique to create the circle. It was a fun little project and I challenged myself to find a new-for-me quilting design. This one is found in Jacquie Gering's book "Walk".

I think those projects will keep me busy for at least part of 2019! I'm linking up with Yvonne at Quilting Jet Girl for her 2019 Planning Party. Be sure to check out all the other "Linkys" if you're looking for ideas!