So, a month or so ago I posted a partial mock-up of a bunch of scrappy HST's I'd been stitching at the quilting group, in an effort to encourage others to begin using up the mountains of scrappy pieces we have stored there. Originally planned to be another nursing home quilt, but a couple days before Christmas a family of 6 in a neighboring town lost their home and all their possessions in a fire. Time to push this project in another direction. So, here's where we are tonight, scrappy HST's sewn together, borders added, backing fabric found in the stash, and now all layered and pinned, ready for a quick machine quilting and binding next week so we can get it delivered to the family asap.
The top:
and the back, I love this sweet pale green with all the bubbles.
So, where does that leave 17 in 2017? I had 17 projects listed, seven are now finished, another 5 were inched forward, and absolutely nothing done on the remaining 5. As for the reverse side of the list, the Opportunities definitely won out, with 9 projects listed, 8 of those are finished and the last one you've just seen in it's 'ready for quilting' state.
Still mulling over whether to join in the 2018 challenge, which actually sounds like it "could" be a bit easier, with six UFO's and six new projects. What this year taught me is to never underestimate the power of the distraction to completely take over your carefully planned pursuits! I think the biggest disappointment was not finishing even one hand quilted project, of which there are three ongoing, all either queen or king size. Finishing at least one in 2018 will be one of my major goals for the year!
If you care to look, all of this year's finishes can be viewed under the "2015 and Later" tab at the top of the blog.
May your new year bring you good health, good friends, and an abundance of good quilting time!
10 comments:
You do so much good with your quilt ministry!
My goals are to quilt what I can, when I can, and to try not to start more than I finish. How is that for precise goals? :)
You have a wonderful quilt ministry and this latest one is lovely.
Some of my projects have not been touched in ages and to start back on them would seem 'new' so I doubt I'll shoot for six actual new ones this year.
Happy New Year ! :)
I love that way of arranging HSTs! You have accomplished a lot this year, even though maybe not the things you had hoped to get done. I think I need to get my HST baggies out and see what I can do with them - oh, I guess I have other priorities before this, but you never know. First I have to get home and we should be there in a little over a week! Yea!!! There's no place like home.
My unrequested advise is forget the lists, jump off the bandwagons and sew/quilt when you can. Touch others, lift them up, share your talent, create beauty as you share love. You had a successful year because you cared and gave to others. And I love that you can shift direction when the circumstances change in your community. That is so special. Happy New Year.
Oh I love the colors in that quilt. Beautiful. Happy New Year!
This one came together beautifully, and it sounds like just in time to help those in need. They will be delighted. Good luck working through that mountain of scraps and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Liking your description of 2017 being a year of distractions or rather opportunity quilts...having a brand new 2018 calendar to look at opens up many possibilities and goals to aim for...I found it helpful to have that list for this last year - we must focus on the positive completions no matter how many!
Don't beat yourself up about the quilts you didn't finish, but rather celebrate the ones you did. Life happens, and more importantly, making quilts should be a fun endeavor and creative outlet. You've done well, and have a blank slate in the new year. Keep makin' to make you happy! Have a great 2018!
Your opportunity quilts have been a blessing to many and this latest one is marvelous. You and your ministry can take those scraps and do wonderful things. I have to remind myself occasionally that "the list" is a guide not the master.
I think the opportunities are priceless in their own way. You'll figure out how to make a better balance if that is indeed a priority.:) We really don't need to be slaves to any one list!
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