2015 Intentions and dreams

Yes it's good to dream but most of the time I feel like my quilting desires have been infected by acute, chronic and make that even terminal ADHD.  Finding myself jumping willy-nilly from one project before a glimmer of another one catches my eye which takes me on another tangent which seems to be my new norm in these past years.  So my plan of attack for this year is to continue to FOCUS on what I'm doing.  Enjoying my endeavors and finishing the task at hand before allowing that monkey brain mind of mine to jump into something else.  In years' past I've embraced the blogging trends to finish my UFOs, start New FOs and even allowed my creative juices fodder to follow completely different directions when they wanted or more seriously when they needed to.   So with contemplation of what desires I have...

This year I plan to do the same  

**************   BUT   ************

this time with grace, acceptance, and going with the flow.  

In list style fashion my intentions are:

1- If I can get one thing done a week, I'll be happy.  Whether it's a large or small project won't matter to me, or even if it's just one step within a project.   I'll be content working with my hands and moving my quilting/crafting  techniques along to the next level.  As an incentive I'll play along with Adrianne from On the Windy Side in her 2015 Finish Along.

2- Through the years I have invested funds for tools to work my crafts and now ashamedly I have found that I've never used many of these items.  I plan to change that this year.   Allowing myself to play, learn and hopefully show improvements in my techniques and to stretch my creativity into other realms of quilting like art quilts and more Modern styles.  I'll only be able to achieve this dream if I allow that inner child to play and learn.

3- Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts has a challenge of Let's Book it that I sat by and watched longingly at last year.  I want to play too so count me in this year.  There are many patterns I've bought, printed, tagged and flagged that are still languishing on my shelves, containers and totes stored away.  Hopefully if I can get one of these done a month with Sharon's incentives as my carrot, besides experiencing the camaraderie with all the other participants which will be great company as I finally tackle some of these PIGs will all be a huge plus.

4- Jenny Beyer has a new QAL offered on Craftsy as the 2015 BOM which my jaw literally fell to the floor when I saw it.   Imagine all those tidbits of information she'll freely offer through Craftsy this year.   Yes please, I want to do that too so I just ordered her kit. I can't wait!

5- I'd like to improve my piecing skills.  By participating with miniatures is how I hope to realize this.  So last year (12/30/14 actually) I signed up at my LQS  Fibre Junction to participate in Carole's gathering for the Simple Whatnots Club, Collection 1, designed by Kim Diehl and Henry Glass Fabrics.  Since I'd joined mid way through it,  I've missed several of the sessions but that's fine with me.  Carole is an excellent quilter and does exquisite hand work.  They meet once a month for the next few months this year and I'll be able to share physically what my FOCUS has been  and get help with whatever area(s) need it.

6- The Rainbow Scrap Challenge is another desire to participate with this year.  


7-  As for my Counted Cross Stitch Arena, that needs movement there too, I am currently working on the Winter's Alphabet by Lizzie Kate and I hope to get plenty more realized by Year end.  Typically when focused I can stitch 2 threads a day so this year myplan is to do that but at least 3-4 times a week while I find that zen of needlework, a very happy place for me.

Enough plotting about it,

                           Happy New Year!

                                       Now let the Games Begin.....  
       

Jane

PS: Giggling and smiling now, as the acronym for these intentions spells out......... GAG wtf!  
Seriously, you just can't plan something like that.
LOL, ROTFLOL!!!!!

Will be putting SCARE into my day.

For 2013 I'm RE- Evaluating my plans and will be changing up my plan of attack in a couple of ways.

The OPAM (One project a Month) has been working for me. Some months I'm able to even complete two projects!  Albeit not large ones, but finishes none the less.  Examples of this are like a bag, cross stitch, an embroidered block, pillows, quilt top, beading, etc.....anyform of my creativity.    So I hope to continue on with this.

Two other practices  I'll be embracing are the ones shared by Judy Laquidera (aka Patchwork times blog) and Barb at (Cat Patches blog). 

 

Judy's idea of Getting It Done is to list 4 items at the end of each month to work on or towards a project in the upcoming month. It can be as small or large as you want like make 4 blocks, or cut out borders for a different quilt, etc.... Sounds like a nice way to help keep me focused and yet continue on the many UFO's I have in.

 

The other is for the  NEW FOs challenge that Barb of the Cat Patches notoriety has been posting and hosting for awhile. This will help me to get started on the many PIGs I have in and also let me sew them in a timelier manner incase more fabric is needed for the finishes without going to archived stores to find the border /binding  materials... lol..     This will allow me to go where my muse wants to send me and I can play.

 

Above all I plan to try to keep more of my "balls" in the air longer but with success and JOY.  Not getting stressed out if I drop a ball  once in a while. 

It seems like my house is clean but then I don't get to my crafty self, or I'm quilting and sewing and getting many steps done there then the desk becomes buried with things needing my attention,etc...   This seems to be the occurance throughout my life.      How I 'll  manage this better is to limit my time and savor each part of my day. I want to keep going and maintain without getting the feeling of being so overwhelmed.   Anyways that's my plan: The SCARE method.  That acronym stands for  sewing, cooking, arranging my home (cleaning/organizing), reading (meditate,relax) and Exercise not necessarily in that order either.   To view each day with more Joy and enthusiasm.   After talking with a friend this morning I thought the letters moved around a bit would be a nicer remembrance by usingit by this,  CARES. 

 

I am embracing 2013 with heartfelt capabilities and gratitude

for the many blessings I cherish and am priviledged to have. 

 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and one filled with all your heart's desires.

 

 

St Patricks Day freebie and stash report week #4

While doing some follow through on the internet, I ran across this cute XCS pattern offered by Brooks Books. Cute a small. Could be just right for St. Patty's
As for Stash Report for Week #4 It remains the same as last week. I am realizing if I want to succeed with this 100 yards used, I need to use up at least 8 and 1/3 yards per month. Yikes! I best get a groove and move on. Now that puts it in perspective. Of course I count it when the project is completed not just cut.

Here's my report of stash for week #4


Used this week: 0
Used Year To date: 2.5

Added This week: 0 yards
Added Year To Date: 10

Net Fabric Gained (Loss or used): 7.5 yards

If this was a race, I think I'd be in last place. No I'm not rhyming here, just realizing that if I want the stash to move I better concentrate more on the steps needed to get projects finished.
As for the one a month challenge that I did last year, I still want to keep that challenge going. So far so good, but I also would love to do as last year and complete 2 projects each month. If life, pain, commitments and such get in the way, then 1 a month is better than none.

Happy Stitching,
Jane

Election Day

Today, history is being made. I do wonder what direction this country will go in. Being an optimist, I believe all things are possible, yet at the same time believe each one of us makes a difference. We all contribute positively, negatively or if no preferences made, then we each add to the burden of others, thereby without our input, makes a difference.
I want to be a positive being in all I do. I feel like I always try to maintain myself with grace and dignity. Usually when I'm faced with challenges, its difficult for me to move forward. Although I feel I do move forward just with my thinking and appraising a situation. Recently friends sent me a distressing email. I truly was surprised at the flavor of the note. My response was to clarify my intention and to soothe their egos and yet personally I have written them off. When hurt by something or someone, I'll forgive them but, I will no longer hold them close or to trust them again. So this friendship will be now of my convenience, if it is to be at all. They did once hold a dear place in my heart and were good for me and my family when I needed them and when they also needed me. But clearly that time is no more. It is time to continue moving forward.
My stitcher's angel gifts were received by Cuny from the Netherlands. In this blog you can see her or it might be her daughter Karen, modelling her apron. I am so glad she likes the gifts I made for her. I truly enjoyed this swap and am so glad I was able to fulfill it so pleasantly.
Well, I have a sick grandchild here today who is yelling MeMe! So I'll go comfort her. Enjoy your day. Today DH and I will vote, then go on to visit PGS#1 at his school. His birthday was the day before Halloween when we were in VT at a Cooking show and couldn't visit him, so we'll celebrate with him tonight.
Take Care.

Jane