On this last day of 2019, as I reflect on my quilting journey, I feel that there has been no other year as momentous and pivotal for me as 2019. This year had so many firsts – my first quilt shown at an international, juried quilt show, my first quilt accepted for QuiltCon, my first pattern published in a magazine and my first year as an Island Batik ambassador. Quilting transitioned from being a hobby and a passion to becoming a side hustle. It is hard to pick five “best” posts to feature in this post but I shall try to pick my favorites. Here they are in no particular order. I will be linking with Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs for the Best of 2019 party.
Justice Everywhere was shown at the Houston International Quilt Festival as part of the Modern Quilt showcase. I was given an opportunity to give a “gallery talk” on my quilt and modern quilting in general. It was so heart-warming to have so many of my friends – both quilters and non-quilters – come to the talk and support me. Justice will also travel to Austin for QuiltCon. Click on link above for a description.
Early in December, I received word that Divergent was accepted to be shown at QuiltCon in Austin, Feb 2020. I submitted it for the Stripes challenge. Description: Divergent uses stripes as a design element in multiple ways – the subtle background stripes using two similar greys, the straight line quilting that appears as stripes, the divergent stripes running horizontally and the variations in color making a set of subtle wavy stripes.
Curve Illusions is my first quilt pattern published in a magazine. It appeared in the November 2019 issue of Make Modern. The fabric for this pattern was provided by Island Batik. As the name suggests, the appearance of curves is just an illusion. The pattern entirely consists of triangles and rectangles. As I was designing this quilt, I realized that optical illusions in some way are the inspiration for most of my quilt designs.
2019 was my first year as an Island Batik ambassador. Purple Mountain Majesty showcases an Island Batik collection from Spring 2019 called Quiet Shades. This quilt is inspired by the song America The Beautiful.
I made this quilt, Circular, for an Island Batik challenge called Make it Modern. I wanted to try this negative quilting technique. Outline various motifs like circles, squares and triangles in the negative space and quilt them as though they were regular blocks. Not sure it has another name. This is truly one of my favorites for many reasons. I plan to finish it (needs binding), think of a new name for it and possibly write a pattern!
Purple Mountain Magesty is my favorite.
2019 sure was your year! I just love Divergent. So many layers… All your designs are so very clever, Vasudha, and I think this is the beginning of more than a side hustle, my friend! I need to go write my own post!
Stellar quilting accomplishments in 2019 and best of luck for continued success in 2020!
Hi Vasudha! I am so happy for you and how 2019 has turned out for you. I’m also happy for myself, that I got to see this pivotal year in action. You are on the cusp – dare to dream big because I think this will be much more than a side hustle for you if you chose it to be. Your talent already shines through. {{Hugs}} and Happy New Year. ~smile~ Roseanne
So many great quilts here – glad to have shared one year with you as an ambassador. Will keep an eye on you – your work is amazing.
Your quilting journey has really taken off. Congratulations on all of your firsts!
You had an awesome year. I can’t wait to see what you create in 2020.
You’ve had a beautiful quilt year – congrats!
Making it to the Quiltcon ((twice) AND being published – all in 2019!!! It has been a year full of accomplishments. I should be jealous but I find myself celebrating your success like it were my own. Love your work and I am proud to call you my friend, Vasudha!!!
All beautiful quilts and plans for the new year. Yes, please do make Circular into a pattern for us. Best wishes for 2020.
Congrats to such a wonderful 2019, I wish you much quilting in 2020!