I have always tried to learn something new and challenge myself each year. I did my first appliqué in September on a baby quilt and I enjoyed the process so I plan to do some intricate appliqué in 2018 like vines, flowers etc. I also have a new embroidery module for my new machine so I will take a class on machine embroidery so it doesn’t just sit in the box.

This year my major goal is to learn to do curved cross-hatching with long arm rulers on my sit down Gammill Charm. I have a queen sized quilt top from 5 or 6 years ago that I've been putting off quilting because I want to do curved cross-hatching in the squares of varying sizes, as shown in image 2 in this link.

http://www.ctpub.com/simply-retro-wi...lle-roskelley/

I am not sure I will be stretching but I always wanted to do a kielidascope quilt and some sort of log cabin. Also would like to make a quilt to use as a bedspread on my bed. And improve my FMQ and machine embroidery on finished quilts! Lots on my plate!

Almost everything I do stretches my skills on some level. I seem to have this need to push every project to a higher level. I always seem to have "what if" moments which I cannot resist.

My FMQ is starting to improve. I hope to get better next year!

My daughter wants a 'Giant Dahlia' quilt. I have been pondering how for a while now.
Good thing she said she was not in a hurry for it.
Mike

I envy you learning paper piecing. I am left-handed and dyslexic, so paper piecing is out of my league. I can do really fine applique, however.

I have signed up for an applique BOM - that's my stretch this year. As additional goals I am going to get my sewing areas organized better and finish up older projects.

I do like to try something new every year. This new year I also want to focus on all the projects I have fabric for, and incorporate new techniques into them. Expanding beyond SITD and echo, and try to do a project a month. Life gets in the way, and there is so much fabric and so little time!!

I'm hoping to stretch my skills, but am not sure what direction that may take. I've got everything ready to start the "Catch Me if You Can" pattern. I've done plenty of paper peicing, but this adds curves so that will be something I've just started working with.

I also want to do more FMQ with the LA.