2020, with Vision

Isn't it ironic that the year 2020 also implies perfect vision? It would be so nice to see ahead, clearly, and know what 2020 has in store. But maybe not, if it's new challenges that lie ahead.

As much as it's within my control to plan a year's worth of sewing and quilting, here's an overview, not a list, of my intentions. I've never been a list sort of person because the burden of the list, and the guilt when I don't accomplish things, is too great.

Primarily I want and need to slow down quiltmaking! As many of you know, I have way too many quilts. Though I've never kept a life-long list of quilts made, through 40 years of quiltmaking the number is surely into the 400s-plus, especially as I made many quilts while giving free beginner quiltmaking lessons (called Stitchin' Mission), and donating those quilts. I know for a fact I made 94 quilts in the past seven years. Since moving to Florida where a quilt isn't even needed for 10 months of the year, I must stop "quilt production." So, my intent is to make more slowly.

If I focus on what's already been started, I'll have plenty to do. Three quilts are ready for quilting.

LindaNova (TulaNova pattern), 60" X 60"

My 2019 temperature quilt top is done! It's 74" X 86". The far right column of blocks is the color key for the quilt, and that one white/gray block in the right middle is the label.

Grandma's vintage quilt top, 67" X 88", requested by granddaughter Celina, has been thread-basted and I've begun big stitch hand quilting.

I'll continue to English paper piece blocks for my Prudence Quilt.

I still have the Spinning Wheels English paper piecing going.

I'll continue to make blocks for my Color Block Postage Stamp Quilt (to donate). Blocks are 8" X 8".

I'll continue to make blocks for my Sunny Lanes Quilt (to donate). Blocks are 8" X 8". My free tutorial is here.

I'll continue to make house blocks for my Village Houses Quilt (to donate). Blocks are 5" X 6-1/2".

I'll finally settle on a layout for my Triangles in a Square quilt (to donate). Blocks are 4" X 4".

 

Still, I will allow myself to start new quilts. Whether it's a "Squirrel" quilt that attracts my attention, or a challenge announced by Central Florida MQG (the first challenge will be revealed at our January 13 meeting) or the Modern Quilt Guild, I will participate by making a quilt large to use stash, be useable, and be donated.

So my three key words, related to quiltmaking in 2020 are:

1. Slow - make quilts at slower pace
2. Large - make quilts big enough to use stash and cover people (not pad walls)
3. Donate - give them away

This might be the year I finish crocheting my Moorland afghan, a 2017 crochet-along by Attic 24. I'm awaiting the February delivery of a comfy, aqua-colored, swivel-glider chair for my sewing room, and this will look great on it.

A short stack of clothing fabrics are in my stash, so a few shorts, tops, and a dress are in my future.

A good teaching schedule is set for the first half of 2020 (See "Schedule" tab above.) so between those and regular Central Florida MQG meetings and Sew-Ins, and weekly Big Cypress Quilters meetings, I'll be centered on quiltmaking. And line dancing. And ukulele-playing and singing. And Bible study (Our Friday group will start "Seamless" in a few weeks). And walking or Walk at Home videos on YouTube.

Don't I have plenty to keep me occupied? No list to tick off. No pressure. Only good intentions.

As for "the rest," I'll face everything with God's help, appreciating and giving thanks for whatever pleasures, and whatever challenges arise.

Happy new year, my friends! Linda