Something new for 2011

This year I will focus on completing projects.

Not just new projects that I start in the New Year but projects that I have already started. Many things work against me in this goal; one, that I am the world’s biggest procrastinator. (There I said it…. But it doesn’t make me feel any better.) Two, I have yet to clean out or establish any sort of order in my sewing rooms. Yes, rooms. I have made such a mess of my sewing room that I have expanded (exploded) into our bedroom. See above picture of the mess in my bedroom ;)

My modes of inspiration and encouragement will come from two online places; Patchwork Times by Judy L and Stashbuster’s yahoo group. Both are hosting 2011 UFO Challenges. By participating in one, I can easily qualify for the other. The big question is, can I commit to it and finish it?

When finishing these said UFO’s I will be trying out a “no buy” on fabric. I will however be able to purchase some neutral backgrounds, solids, backing and binding fabric, but only fabric to complete the UFO currently being worked on/finished. I must shop my stash first before going to the store.

I can only start something new after I have finished two UFO’s. Finishing includes machine quilting, binding and label. (I have a huge habit of starting and bagging projects, right now I am close to running out of bags, should be a clear warning sign but somehow I keep missing the signs...)

Cue the song (Tesla version) “Oh, Signs, Signs, everywhere there’s signs, blocking up the scenery breaking my mind, do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”

The best intentions....

Sometimes go without happening. In my case my best intentions for a homemade Christmas were a bust. So I am leaving the Christmas countdown header to remind us of what is ahead. The pictures above are gifts that I did manage to make.

While looking back I think of the highs and lows of 2010. Highs - Finishing grad school and walking across that stage, my brother's wedding, Graham coming home for Thanksgiving, Uncle Jim, Savannah and Tiffany visiting twice! Lows - Grandpa's health, Brian's dad's health, losing Amos to cancer RIP my furry friend.

So here is to a Happy and Healthy 2011.

I have lots of great plans for the New Year starting with a couple of challenges to complete things from the past and get on with the future! I will be posting these new and exciting things starting New Years Eve.

Handmade Holidays 2010... My Challenge.

This year I fully intend to make everything I need from gifts to decorations for Christmas. There are so many wonderful free patterns and tutorials that I don't even need to spend money on patterns. I have tons of fabric but not a lot of time.



From Aprons to bags to purses to kitchen acccessories to book covers.... do you see my dilema now??? How do I organize myself so that I can accomplish this handmade holiday without killing myself or my husband???



Then I have a list of must have holiday decorations such as holiday buntings, new stockings to hang by the fireplace and the dogbed makeovers....



As of today there are 24 days until Christmas. I have a gift list of at least 12 people as of today. That gives me at least two days per person to get it all done! Yikes.