Twenty Eleven was my first full year of writing this blog. The goal was to blog at least two or three times a week, and I’m pleased to see that I’m averaging just about three posts per week.

A more important goal was to give YOU inspiring tutorials and helpful information. Judging by the number of kind comments and photos of completed projects you’ve sent me, I think I’ve succeeded, at least some of the time. 🙂

In fact, I just received these pics of two adorable dollies made with the directions from the Topsy Turvy Doll tutorial. Judy from Israel made these as Hanukkah gifts:

judys-topsy-turvy-dolls-3 judys-topsy-turvy-dolls-2 judys-topsy-turvy-dolls-1 judys-topsy-turvy-dolls

Cute, eh?  Let’s hear it for Judy!

The Ghost of Projects Past

Many times over the years I’ve thought it would be a good idea to keep some sort of craft and sewing journal, tracking of all the projects I made.  It just never seemed to happen… until I started blogging.

Knowing that I can reach out to others with my ideas and inspiration is a great incentive for taking the time to document my crafty doings.  I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my little blog even half as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together for you.

As we look ahead to 2012, let’s take a look back at my 12 personal favorites from the past year.

(The links will bring you to the original post, many with tutorials, pattern reviews or helpful hints.  Clicking on the photos will bring you to the full size version.)

1.  Mug Caddy

I made these for gifts for Christmas 2010. Mine is now an indispensable part of my crafting area (you’ve see it in just about every What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday photo.)  Everybody that I made one for tells me they love it and use it all the time.

mug caddy organizer-Simplicity 2450

2.  How to Make Zipper Flowers

I never guessed that this would turn out to be my most popular post ever, by far.

If you don’t feel like making your own, I do still have a few for sale in my shop.

teal and gold zipper flower

3. Faux Leather Sketchbook Tutorial

This was a birthday gift for my son. Don’t know what he thinks of it, but I’m sure pleased with how cool it came out.  It’s still on my to-do list to make one for myself.

faux leather sketchbook close up

4. Altering a Too-Big Jacket

After losing a fair amount of weight this past spring, I did a closet purge.  This jacket went into the garments-I-like-enough-to-take-the-time-to-alter pile.  Every time I wear it I’m thankful I took the opportunity to size it down.

lavender moleskin jacket

5. First Mother’s Day Scrapbook Layout

No, I have not forgotten that I promised to share these techniques with you.  It’s on my “to blog about” list, and if it’s on the list it WILL get done, eventually.  🙂

first-mothers-day two page scrapbook layout

6. Knotted Bead Necklaces – Video Tutorial

I LOVE wearing all of these necklaces.  Not sure which I like more, wearing them or making them.  ***grin***

knotted necklace and bracelet set blue ceramic brass

7. Snowman Ornament Tutorial

It’s hard to believe it’s been five months since my quilting group made these in July.  I do still have several kits available  in my shop, by the way.

snowman-kit-all-3

8. Black Jeans Jacket

Another project that I suspected would become a wardrobe staple, and it has.  If you plan to make this jacket, make sure to read the review, this pattern has lots of problems.

butterick-5402-black-denim-jacket

9. Faux Shrug Top

I had a feeling this top would be perfect for the fall, and I was right, it got LOTS of wear.

simplicity-2364-raspberry

10. Felted Tote Bag

I’ve gotten far more use out of this than I thought I would when I started the project.  I just wish I’d made it a tad bit bigger.

felted-tote-complete-001

11. Steampunk Chameleon out of Polymer Clay

He’s still one of my favorites to wear.

steampunk-chameleon-002

12. Distress Crackled Elements on a Valentine’s Day Scrapbook

I LOVE how these came out!

valentines-layout-inspired-by-day-5-of-12-tags-of-christmas-large-flower-close-up

Here’s to a crafty New Year!

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2 thoughts on “Favorite Projects of 2011

  1. I LOVE the Faux Leather Sketchbook, but if I went to the trouble to make one I’d never write in it or let anybody else. Also, I got fabrics to make the chef’s hat and apron for my granddaughters. Will certainly send you pics when they’re done.

    I’ve enjoyed your posts so much! Looking forward to 2012!

  2. You had an incredibly productive year. Thanks for lots of great projects and posts. I also love that faux leather sketchbook. I am going to try the 2nd peanut butter bon bon recipe you posted. Younger son love peanut butter and chocolate.

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