A New Year!

It's hard to believe we've made it to the end of another year, y'all! Most of you probably aren't surprised to hear me say I'm ready to kick 2016 out the door and start fresh with 2017. Once again, Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl is hosting a goal setting link up (with prizes!) and I decided to hop in on the fun!


Last year, I had a big list full of quilting goals and I'm proud to say I've reached some of those goals. I learned how to paper piece and really liked it! I also made some quilts to donate, but I still have to actually donate them. I fell off the wagon when it came to staying consistent with my blogging, as well as giving my blog an update. Surprisingly, I had quite a few commissions this year as well! All-in-all, I count my quilting for the year quite successful.


This year, I'm approaching things completely different. This past year has worn me down. I like to think of it like a river wearing down stones until they are nice and smooth - it makes everything that has happened feel much more positive that way. :) Rather than make a huge list, I've decided to keep things simple. In fact, I've narrowed it down to 3 things. It made me uncomfortable at first because this list feels selfish (there's a lot of me and I in it), but I've thought on it for a week or so and I think it is what I need this year. 


1.) Choose Joy
This has been a mantra of mine during tough times, though it is definitely easier said than done sometimes. I try to remind myself everyday that there is always something to be thankful for. It may be as small as a dog wagging its tail when it looks at you or an extra chicken nugget in your lunch. I'm determined to fill my mind with all those joyful, happy things this year!


2.) Treat Yo' Self
So many people make it a goal to sew from the stash and spend less. I did so out of necessity for a long time, but things are different now. I no longer have to scrimp every penny to make ends meet. I don't have to take on commissions to keep the bills paid. This year, if I really want some fabric, I'm buying it. If I want to catch a movie or dinner with friends, I'm going to. Not to say I'm going to go crazy with spending (I'm saving up for a house!) but I don't want the anxiety that has engulfed me in the past to keep me from enjoying the fruits of my labor. I want to feel free to have fun!


3.) Take Care of Yourself
Over the last couple of years, I have run myself ragged. At times, I would work myself so hard and spread myself so thin that I would get sick. I have been plagued by aches and pains and unexplained 'yuckiness' and, looking back, it was because I didn't take care of myself. My goal this year is to get back to putting myself first some. I want to get back to working out. I used to be strong and fairly athletic - I want to get back to running, dancing, and yoga. I want to get more sleep. I want to stress less and smile more. I'm already getting a start on some of this (despite being sick for Christmas, I've laughed until I've cried multiple times, which is definitely good for the soul!), but I'm making an effort this year to be mindful of myself and what I need.


I hope y'all had a Merry Christmas! And if you celebrate other winter holidays, I hope those were wonderful as well!

Goals: A Very Wordy Post

Howdy y'all! It's hard to believe it's nearly Christmas, where has the time gone?! I was going to save this post until after Christmas, but my work schedule is crazy (I work the 22nd through the 31st without a day off). I've been in reflection mode for a while, especially about my quilting and this blog, and I finally compiled a list of things I want to remember throughout the coming year. Even better, Yvonne over at Quilting Jetgirl made an end of the year linky party to share your resolutions on! There's also the chance to win some awesome prizes, so check it out!

I'm sure I'll think of some more things that I want to do, but these are at the top of my list this year!

• Make a quilt to give away. Now that I'm becoming more confident in my quiltmaking, I want to use it to give back. I have a stack of solids that I won a little while back and I plan to use them. If you follow Quilting Jetgirl, you probably saw her sampler quilts that she made using the same solids! I'm planning on using her free block tutorial as a basis for mine.  
• Try new things, with the main one being CURVES. I've been meaning to tackle curves for a while, but I keep putting it off for one reason or another. I've got a pattern in mind by SLOstudio that is supposed to be good for introducing yourself to sewing curves, so I'm determined to tackle them and at least see if they're something I want to keep trying.  I'd also like to attempt some paper piecing as well.
• I've had a pixel quilt on my mind for as nearly as long as I've had this blog. Candy Coated Quilts is actually the blog that really brought it to mind because I saw it from planning through finish. Again, I kept putting it off because it intimidated me, but after finishing the Legend of Zelda baby quilt for my boss, I feel like it's within my reach now. I've been doing some of the mathy/planning stuff, so I'm nearly ready to get that show on the road! 
• Finish some WIPs! City Blocks is still folded neatly on my fabric shelf with the fabric for backing close by. I've been wrestling with quilting ideas for months and I think it's time to just jump in and get it done. I also have my Orange Peels! I'm really close to having enough peels for a top I think, so I'll hopefully get that one pieced soon. I want to get those guys done so I can snuggle under them!  
• A quilt for Mr. LBC. He hasn't asked for one or hinted at wanting one; typically, he'll just steal whichever one I'm not using! :) I would really like to make him something special though. I've been tossing ideas around, mainly featuring A LOT of applique, but I'm not sold on anything yet. 
• Label, label, label! I've started this the past few months, so I've got a bit of a head start! I plan to label anything that comes out of my sewing room, whether it be a quilt, pouch, mini, etc. I really like labeling now that I started it, so this is something I'll be happy to continue. :)
• More consistency with blogging. When I first started blogging, I tried to post something 2-3 times per week and, honestly, it drove me crazy! I work 40+ hours a week and had other responsibilities that made it where I couldn't generate enough content for that many posts for very long and it made me feel like a failure. Although I don't want to get back to that sort of expectation, I would like to get more of a schedule or rhythm so that I don't go from posting 3 times in one week to being silent for nearly 3 weeks. My hope is to post at least 1 time per week, with a over achiever goal of posting twice per week. 
• Along with consistency with blogging, I'd like to clean up and update my blog a little bit. I am far from a computer whiz, but I plan to learn some and attempt to personalize my blog a bit, as well and make it easier to find things in my archives. 

I have other plans and goals as well, such as being more active and being more organized with my time, but these are my main focus in the sewing side of my life. What about you guys? What do you have planned to try/accomplish in the coming year? I'd love to hear!

I'm sure I'll be back before then, but just in case I'm not, have a very Merry Christmas, my quilty friends! :)