I’m joining in with Sew Mama Sew to reflect on 2011 and make some predictions and set some goals for 2012 (using some of their suggested questions).

Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out?
I became aware of the modern quilting movement, particularly related to quilts made with solids and improvisational piecing.  Also, I keep seeing hexagons everywhere (like in this runner).

What were some of your favorite things related to sewing this past year?
My most favorite sewing thing this year was learning how to quilt.  I worked on five major quilts, along with a couple doll quilts.  Two of the quilts were for friends and I sewed them with four other women.  This “modern quilting bee” idea was one of my favorite parts of sewing this year.

What did you make that you’re most proud of? 
I love these color books, which I designed myself.  (This “designed myself” part is a big deal for me as I have been using tutorials and patterns almost exclusively since I started sewing.)

I also loved sewing this checkerboard quilt, which was my first major large-scale quilt that I sewed by myself.

What sewn projects have you seen this year that you absolutely love?
This quilt (with just in-progress pictures) from Oh Fransson is amazing.  How she has the patience to sew an entire twin quilt from 1 1/2 inch blocks is beyond me!

Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern to recommend?
I absolutely love Elizabeth Hartman’s The Practical Guide to Patchwork.  I hope to make at least one quilt from that book this year.

What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?
I am exceedingly grateful to the many, many generous bloggers out there who take the time to write up tutorials for sewing so many amazing things.  I’ve been able to teach myself how to sew (and particularly how to quilt) just by following those tutorials.  I still don’t do much on Facebook, have refused to join Twitter, and am resisting Pinterest (in an attempt to avoid being consumed by the Internet).  We’ll see how all that goes by the end of 2012.

Can you tell us what to expect from you in 2012? Any big projects or life-changing goals?
I have lots of sewing to do for Christmas that isn’t presents (like an advent calendar, a tree skirt, and stockings).  I also plan to sew a couple more quilts, Roman shades for our dining room, some kind of curtains for our living room, Handmade Christmas 2012, some commissions from friends, and lots of baby blankets.  I’m sure I’ll come up with more projects!

I’m also planning to write up three different tutorials – for Ellie’s quilt, my color books, and Nik’s T-shirt quilt (which I am just now finishing up).  I feel like it’s time for me to start giving a little bit back to the on-line sewing community that has given “sew” much to me!