2019 - A Fresh Start

This past year wasn't what I expected. I'm not saying it was bad, but I definitely didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked in terms of sewing and blogging. In looking back, I never even set any goals for 2018 so maybe that contributed to me getting derailed. But this year I really want to make every effort to set some goals and stick with them. Yvonne from Quilting Jet Girl is hosting a 2019 Goal Planning Party, so what better way to start the new year than to participate. I particularly like the idea of accountability partners to help each other stay on track.

2019 Goals

1. Block of the Month Sewing - this year I am no longer the bee mama of Stash Bee so I'm happy to just be a participant for the first time in a few years. In addition to making 1 block per month for Stash Bee, I plan on making 1 block per month of my own, my own dutch windmill block. I've made about 5 blocks so far and I have all the pieces (except for the white) cut out for several blocks so it will hopefully be easy and quick sewing.

2. Develop and implement a daily routine - my job hours are evenings and weekends so it actually leaves me time throughout the weekday to sew and blog, but I'm never consistent and easily get sidetracked. (Naps often come into play depending upon how late work went the night before). I'd like to develop a weekly calendar that blocks out specific times for me to sew and blog.

3. WIP List - surprisingly, I don't have that many major unfinished projects that I need to tackle, most of which are just waiting to be quilted:

• Moroccan Tiles Quilt (A Meadow Mist Design Midnight Mystery Quilt) - this quilt has been sitting in my closet for almost 3 years now, just waiting to be quilted. Now that I have my own longarm there's nothing stopping me other than coming up with a quilting design that I think will do it justice.
• Red & White Bee Blocks Quilt - these were blocks that I won at my local quilt guild and finally put together back in July. I finally got some backing fabric so all that remains is to quilt it.
• April Showers Quilt - this one is already on the frame and more than halfway quilted. I anticipate getting this one done in January!
• 2018 Stash Bee Blocks - I need to make some more blocks in order to get a decent size quilt and then put it together.

4. Sew from my stash - this shouldn't be too difficult as I have more than I really need. The only fabric I could anticipate purchasing might be backing fabrics (but I have a stash of that too!). Batting, of course, doesn't count.

5. Exercise more - Not exactly sewing related, but in an effort to get my health back on track I really need to get more exercise. I still have chronic migraines that sideline me more often than I'd like to admit. I used to play tennis competitively, playing year-round and competing on 2 USTA teams. I stopped when we moved to Florida (crazy, I know since we have warm weather year-round). I really should start playing again or at the very least, start cardio walking every day to get my endorphins flowing. I think that would definitely help.

So that's the plan. Here's hoping your New Year's is merry and bright, offering all the hope for the coming year.