Best of 2015: Linky Party

Let's just say, picking 5 posts was quite a challenge. It was fun to go through all the 2015 posts and revisit some long forgotten projects. As a bonus I have titled them with "Best of" awards. Some were fun, some were traumatic, but all were worth it! Thank you Cheryl for hosting this link up, it's been great to see everyone's favorites from the past year. Head over to Meadow Mist Designs to get in on the fun!

Best Perseverance through Tears: Bias Strip - Score 9

This quilt caused the most misery and trauma this year, but turned out amazing. The struggle came from the curves, getting all those petals to sit flat, and making a cohesive quilt, put a damper on the fun. In fact, it was downright painful at times. Then after all that effort, I took a huge risk and decided to hand quilt using black Perle cotton thread with a flower pattern. That wasn't painful, it just took a long time. The pattern creates such a cool effect on the quilt overall.

Best Skill Learned: Zippers 

Thank you to Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty for sitting me down for a zippervention. This little Sew Together Bag was my first go at zippers. Might as well try with something with multiple zippers for my first attempt. Good thing everything went together smoothly and I have since stretched my zippering skills to pouches and hand bags. Don't worry Michelle was rewarded for her time and effort.

Best Out of Comfort Zone: Picnic Pinwheels 

Ok, this was going to be called "Best Pattern" but it's my only pattern, so that wouldn't be right. Joining up in the New Block Blog Hop, I created the Picnic Pinwheel block. From the block tutorial, I then wrote up a pattern for a baby and throw sized quilt.  You can download the pattern here. 

Best Quilt of 2015: X-Ceptional

X-ceptional is part of Gerri Robinson's book, Quilted Living and Fat Quarter Shop's Summer Book Tour. I was so excited to be apart of their hop and loved working with Gerri's book. It was hard to narrow down just one quilt, and since then many patterns have made my to do list. Through every step of the quilt making process, this quilt was my favorite. I just love it. Out of all the quilts on my quilt rack, this one is used the most. 

Best Pattern Test of 2015: Sea Star

Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs put out a call for pattern testers early this year. Of course, I couldn't resist. Last fall I tested the Looking Glass pattern, and fell in love with Cheryl's designs. Sea Star was no different, her patterns are easy to follow have great visuals and directions. If you are looking for new projects in the the new year, Cheryl's patterns are a must try. 

Linking up with Meadow Mist Design ... 

Hopefully you join the fun and create your own best of post (link is open until January 2nd), or at least reflect back on the year to admire some of your favorite projects!  Everyone have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year. I will see you again in 2016. 

-Patch & Chels