Yesterday in the midst of a quiet first day of the year, I was contemplating that we are almost a quarter of the way into this century! Just 23 years ago, we were nervously entering a new millennium with more than a little dread of what awaited us. But here we are -- still moving forward!?!
My family was together for a few crazy hours last week (although Grandma had to put down her Mom foot -- boy, can young ones get wound up!?!). I hope you were able to gather with friends and/or family for some holiday cheer!!
I spent New Year's weekend with tea and cookies hiding in my sewing zone -- reviewing my 2023 accomplishments and setting some (okay, perhaps too many) 2024 goals. In 2023, I set four goals plus I wrote out a list of potential "new projects" in the hope of being less overwhelmed with all the exciting "new projects" that are thrust into my view (daily) by Instagram scrolling?!?
I've reviewed my progress at the end of each quarter, so today's comments will be brief and focus on my satisfaction. Suffice it to say that two of my goals were accomplished or acceded -- I let go of more quilted pieces than I finished (yea!!) and I finished another half dozen old UFO's!! Progress on one more of my goals was moderate -- I quilted three of the five tops made in 2022. Three of my new 2023 projects came from the list of seven projects (but I did cave to "exciting" ideas from Instagram at least three times -- two of which are completely finished so in my mind, that was okay). The fourth and final goal was something of a fail -- to deal with all the antique quilt tops. The only two I "dealt" with were ones I sold -- I didn't touch any of the other seven.
I suspect lots of folks resist setting goals because they expect to fail based on past performance, but I feel like even modest success makes the "setting" worth the effort. My annual goals are a guidance system that help me re-center. I write them down in my daily work journal (which keeps me accountable) so it is easy to revisit them regularly both to look for a "new" project and to encourage focus.
So New Year, New Goals!
1. Try again to deal with the antique quilt tops!?! Just had an idea -- perhaps a self-challenge where I "draw" one out of a hat to work on for two months???
2. Quilt the tops I made in 2022 and 2023 -- there are five big ones and five small charity quilts.
3. Give away fifty yards of fabric -- this is so hard for me, but I definitely have more than I can use?!?
4. Still eliminating UFO's -- I must be close to the end of this aspect of my work but five popped up in the weekend tidy-up of the sewing room.
5. Let go of more pieces than I finish -- this goal reduces inventory for the benefit of my heirs???
And face it, it gives me a reason to keep piecing!!
6. Not quilting but I need to use up yarn -- so use at least 12 skeins/batches from the stash!
PLUS revisit my list of "already on-hand" projects when I get the itch to start a new one.
All this reflection and sorting and planning and tidy-up always results in impulsive sewing! Pawing through UFO's triggers me and next thing I know I'm laying out blocks and piecing more blocks, making a plan, modifying for a quicker finish . . .
. . . now that box of squares and 9-patches left over from the 2013 Civil War hand-piecing workshops during the Gettysburg battle commemorations are a wheel-chair size lap and a large lap robe size quilt tops. I might even be layering them later today?? And just like that one of the UFO's will be crossed off my list. It's a good start on the goals list!
The yarn stash got some attention, too. Now there are two new projects lined up that I enjoy knitting -- a pair of High Desert socks and a Musselburg Hat -- both use bits and bobs of yarns plus most of a full skein! I've knit each pattern several times and once set up, they are somewhat mindless knits that occupy my hands well during webinars and meetings. Plus they are great gifts to have on hand!
Both patterns are available on ravelry.com if you are interested in checking them out.
Because "goal setting" works so well for my stitching efforts, I also decided to set some genealogy work goals. I enjoy the discovery process and have definitely embraced it over the past three years but my curiosity often lures me down interesting rabbit holes that distract me so I end up not getting to the end of a particular research effort. Maybe goals will help??
Time will tell!
So lets launch a New Year and embrace contentment in our lives
Find ways to use your skills and your passions to support the people around you!
Step up to defend people and the earth to leave a legacy of kindness and respect!
Be courageous every day.
Happy New Year!!
Mary
Commendable goals, Mary!
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