Friday, December 28, 2007

Happy New Year!

Before jumping into my list of resolutions, I just want to take a moment to thank each and every blogger/quilter who has stopped by to visit me this year. Although I started my blog with the idea of it being more of a journal or record of my quilting, it has really turned to a more social outlet for me. I love sharing with you and reading your comments and in turn, visiting everyone and learning not only about your quilting but about your lives and families. You have become my friends. Although I have not met anyone face to face, you have become a part of my life that I cherish. So to everyone, good luck on your resolutions and a happy, healthy new year!

So here is my list of resolutions on the quilting front for this year:

1. NO NEW CHALLENGES or SWAPS! Last year I got myself in a real bind between my guild's quilt challenge and doll swaps and postcards, etc. I definitely bit off more than I could quilt! The exceptions for 2008 are the following: Sharon B's Take it Further challenge,a postcard swap with 6 ladies in the UK, and my LQS's redwork Snowman BOM which I think starts in February, but that's it!

2. KEEP CHRISTMAS ALL THRU THE YEAR - I had a hard time with Christmas this year. Not much spirit and lots of stress so I thought I would try to keep the spirit of Christmas in my heart all year long and at the same time get some Christmas projects done BEFORE CHRISTMAS! My idea is to complete one Christmas project by the 25th of each month. My hubby, also known as mini Santa, thinks this is a great idea! I have lots of patterns for wall hangings and different decorations that I would like to make and by the beginning of December I will hopefully have 11 new gifts and/or decorations ready to go.

3. FINISH ONE UFO EACH MONTH. I know some of you have a list as long as your arm, maybe longer! My list is under 25 which I think is quite reasonable and I am looking to keep it from growing too much longer. I have the list made which is the first step. Now to jump in !

4. USE THE STASH BEFORE SPENDING CASH! I don't feel overwhelmed by my stash but in the spirit of trying to be more "green" (help save the planet!) I want to use what I have before buying new stuff. I also admire the ingenuity of the ladies "down under" who recycle fabric through the op shops. I have some great blouses and skirts that would make great additions to my quilts. And I have some really beautiful fabric in my stash. Now is the time to set it free instead of keeping caged in my closet. Here's a green sewing blog. Check it out!

5. ADD SOMETHING QUILTY TO MY BLOG EVERY WEEK. I admire all of you who are able to blog every day! Unfortunately, I'm not able to do that right now but I think I can manage a weekly posting, if not two.

6. DO MORE HANDWORK. My DH and I watch lots of TV, mostly basketball in the winter, so I have plenty of opportunity to do handwork. I love redwork and knitting so I will try to keep a little basket of projects next to my chair. My hubby gave me a lovely book of stitches for crazy quilting and embroidery. I really admire Debra's work so I may try a little CQ while I'm at it!
7. TRY SOMETHING NEW. I have had a subscription to Cloth, Paper, Scissor for the last year and have not had an opportunity to try any of the wonderful projects. This year my goal is to experiment with 3 new concepts/projects.

On a personal level, I also have a few things I hope to do (it goes without saying that eat less, exercise more is on this list, AGAIN!):

7. READ TWO BOOKS A MONTH. This is a mutual resolution for my hubby and I. I'd also like to share what I am reading on my blog. I have found a couple of great books from fellow quilters and had some interesting dialogue about the books so I will be adding my book list to my blog.

8. LIVE A LITTLE GREENER. My DH has always been a big environmentalist so it was bound to rub off some. I bought reusable bags for the grocery store this year which I use quite faithfully. We recycle and have a compost pile which is used April through the first freeze. I will be looking for other ways to leave a smaller footprint on this lovely planet.

With this list, I should have a little time left over to clean my house occasionally, do some laundry, feed my DH and the kitties and go to work! LOL!!

8 comments:

antique quilter said...

I really enjoyed reading your goals for 2008.
So many of them are my goals too...
good luck!
Kathie

Libby said...

Great goals and resolutions . . . don't you wish we could say 'Give up housecleaning' and 'Eat cake at every meal' *s* Oh well . . .

Happy New Year, friend *S*

tami said...

Great resolutions! Those would ALL be great for me to resolve as well.

Lora Martin said...

These are very good resolutions. They are right along the lines of what I have had in mind. Here's to meeting goals with joy!

Anonymous said...

I really like your list of resolutions and will likely adopt a few of them myself! Especially the finishing projects before starting projects part:)

Mary H said...

Great resolutions! It would take me at least a year to accomplish what you want to in a month. Can I assume (hope) you don't work outside the home? Otherwise, I'm a real slacker! I can't wait to see the results of your resolutions each month. It'd be great to hear what books you've read also.

Cher said...

a lot of great resolutions-I think though that enjoying the friendships we make through our blogging is the best benefit of having a blog-enjoy your time off and happy new year.

laura west kong said...

I know exactly what you mean about No New Challenges. I wish I could participate in Take it Further, but I know my previous commitments would never allow it.

Latest finish and a preview

I am taking this one with me to Florida for Cayden who is now ON THE MOVE. Just started walking! Not sure why the pictures are so pinky! I ...