All In A Year’s Work

A little string bag, all made from scrap fabric.

By Jackie Kunkel

As quilters, we sometimes tend to gauge our progress by how many project finishes we have in a year. It isn’t necessarily to have started them in that same year, but they must be finished.

Diaper bag for infant nephew.

Being a devoted and passionate quilter, I am no different than any other — I keep track. So I thought you might like to see some of the projects I was able to complete in 2010.

Interestingly enough, my first project, right, wasn’t even a quilt. I completed a diaper bag for my newly born nephew. I thought my brother and sister-in-law would like something stylish that didn’t quite resemble a traditional diaper bag. They loved it. It actually flew halfway across the world at that time, as they were in China.

Started about three years ago.

My second finish, right, was a quilt I had started about three years earlier. It was from a class that I taught at the local quilt shop, and I was finally able to finish my own sample. As you can see, it graces our bed.

My next project (see image at the top of the story) didn’t take very long. It was a challenge from another quilting blogger. I made this tiny little string bag, just big enough for some spending money, license, and cell phone. Love the colors on this, and it was all from scrap fabric!

New pattern from a friend.

Again, another bag! This one, right, was a new pattern from a friend and fellow quilting blogger. She had begun to design patterns and asked me to test it for her. I think it turned out great and, yes, it is quilted, too!

Next, I had a very important quilt to complete. My nephew was turning 7, and he kept asking his mom, “When is Aunt Jackie going to make me a quilt for my big boy bed?” No self-respecting, quilting aunt could turn down this opportunity. So within a month this quilt was completed. (See image in the gallery below.)

Of course, I threw in a project just for me. I love these floral fabrics, and so this lap-size diamond quilt was created! (See image in the gallery below.) It shouts spring, and I know we all could use a little of that right now.

"Fabulous."

The first time Steve Wilder wrote about me on dotCANTON, he showcased me with my first published quilt. This is also just for me, and it was featured in Quilt Magazine! It is called “Pop Squares.” (See image in the gallery below.)

The next one, right, is very indicative of some of my favorite colors. The magentas and fuchsias always call my name. Sprinkle a little purple and yellow and you have a quilt named “Fabulous.”

My next finish is a large one that I started years ago, as well. I love it! It is called the “Weathervane Quilt.” That is the name of this traditional block. (See image in the gallery below.)

Gift for daughter.

My quilting, blogging friend designed yet another bag pattern she wanted me to test for her. This hip bag is called “The Loft Tote,” and it was fun to put together! (See image in the gallery below.)

Last, but not least, was probably the most important quilt of all. This one, right, is a traditional block called the Hunter’s Star. A few years ago my daughter asked me to make her a black and white quilt with a little bit of teal in it. So I began this quilt in 2010 and finished it in time to give it as her Christmas gift. Needless to say, it was well received.

I hope you have enjoyed a look into my year in projects for 2010! Stay tuned for upcoming projects and a continued look into the world of a very dedicated quilter.

Jackie

To check out larger versions of the images below, click on any of the five and use the arrow left or arrow right button at the bottom of the larger image that pops up. To return to this page, click on the full image you are viewing.

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Jackie Kunkel is the owner of Canton Village Quilt Works. Her posts will appear occasionally at dotCANTON.com.

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