Wednesday, January 1, 2020

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

21 comments:

  1. No, not a list but 9 WIPS awaiting! 😃 Maybe you could fill some extra slow-down time to play the ukulele?! You haven’t mentioned it for a while and I’m wondering if you are still playing?

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    1. Oh yes! I’m still playing the uke, and singing and did mention it in this post.

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  2. I got an Acu GO! for christmas and one of the "cubes" has the die to make these pieces.... a bit bigger but I am going to go for it..... must use stash and the faster the better.....

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  3. I have been blessed in 2019 with four new grands/greats! I can plan and make quilts for them this year. It may be a while before they get them because I cannot quilt on my DSM and I can't go home to my longarm!! I like your plan to be intention and you are definitely tackling projects that are long-term and slow. I don't do lists either, but I may when I get home with all the quilts I need to get quilted!!

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  4. Very reasonable, Linda. Not so lofty. That's the way to do 2020

    I admire all of your projects. Have a great January 2020 just enjoying yourself and your friends. Doing good things❤️ You are loved dear Linda

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  5. Happy New Year , Linda! These are all wonderful projects to occupy your time and assuage your creative energies. Both Kirsten and I love your temperature quilt!

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  6. Your 2020 is sure to be full of color! Happy New Year!

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  7. Great plan Linda! I loved the idea of the "squirrel" quilt moment : ) As I am myself very much a squirrel quilter...

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  8. Looks like plenty to get you started! Hope it's a joyful year of creating for you - whatever that might look like.

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  9. Wow, what a lovely and colour array of projects. You won't get bored in 2020 and there will be new things which will catch your eye along the way (I like how you describe them as "Squirrel" quilts).

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  10. I think that your key words for 2020 could easily be mine as well. I love to make quilts and sometimes feel like I'm a bit out of control with them but someone can always us a quilt, so I keep going. LUV your temperature quilt! Happy New Year!

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  11. Looks like you have a busy year ahead! Happy quilting in 2020!

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    1. (Genevieve, you're a "no-reply commenter" so I could not reply to you personally.) Thank you for your good wishes. Oh, I hope my year isn't TOO busy! Really, I just wanted to share the quilts I have in progress, with no expectations of completely finishing them. I so dislike setting quiltmaking "goals" because of the uncomfortable pressure I feel to make-make-make. This year I hope will be more about enjoying the process more slowly. Happy 2020 quilting to you too!

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  12. Just looking at your WIP's makes me happy - your use of color is just fantastic. I cannot even decide which one I like best. Maybe the LindaNova or the Temp quilt? Using hand quilting on the soft quilt for your daughter is a great idea. It seems to call for it. Just beautiful work Linda. Have a fun year of finishing some of these amazing projects.

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  13. You have many wonderful projects already in the works to keep you busy. I'm glad you're allowing for those squirrel projects that just have to be made. I'm trying to stay open to that this year too. Mostly I wish for you to simply enjoy whatever you make whenever you make it.

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  14. So much beautiful colour in this post. I think I love everything.

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  15. No pressure...that's the way.Lol. Happy New Year to you too Linda!

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  16. I just hopped over because of the picture in the Beauty Pagent: What a wonderful and totally amazing temperature quilt! xo Melanie

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  17. Sounds like a perfect non-plan plan to me! You have so many impressive projects to whittle away on and enjoy the pace! I laughed at your goal of going bigger. After making two larger than Queen quilts in 2018 I started 2019 with baby quilts! I think I might be ready to go back to bed size quilts again. Although I am always surprised how little a dent even those big ones make in my stash. Mmmmm....curious. Happy 2020! And, yes, I am typing this comment on my Mac!

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  18. Hello Linda! Just discovered you thru Kelly at "My Quilt Infatuation" and all I can say is WOW! Love your use of bright happy color. Your temperature quilt is beyond gorgeous!!! Can't wait to catch up with your blog.

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  19. Thank you so much for visiting, Cindy! I would love to reply to you personally, but you are a "no-reply commenter." I hope you see this! I appreciate all your kind remarks about my temp quilt. Believe it or not, when I started, I was certain I'd made a big mistake with my color gradation. In fact, as our hot Florida summer continued for months, I added three more colors to the top of the temperature range, just to have a little more variety of color! I am quilting it now, and though progress is slow, it's gradually moving forward. Thank you very much for taking the time to comment!

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