Sounds great! Glad you are learning something new! We just spent 5 days at a ski resort. While the guys skied I worked on 'stretching my skills'! :) I practiced a lot of set in piecing on my sewing machine using the 'Quilters Acadamy - Senior Year Book'.

Here's the stars! I'm so pleased with how they turned out. They take alot of time, but WOW, I was actually surprised they turned out!
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The first ones I did...the book has you start with hexagons and then do baby blocks:
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thanks for mentioning this. it's a great pattern for a lovely quilt... here's a link to the free pattern http://www.maryquilts.com/boxed-squares/

I was drawn to quilting because it was a "new frontier" for me. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. I love challenges. I have a million areas where I need to improve. First, I am committed to learning to FMQ. I have learned how to create beautiful, perfect quilting with my embroidery machine, but I refuse to rely only on that. I will practice, practice, practice FMQ. Second, I am going to explore applique this year. I will have to try several methods to select one that works best for me. I look forward to that challenge. I think I will start with individual blocks and make the same block using different methods until I find my groove. Third, I want to branch out and try some different styles. I actually love vintage looking quilts, but I am also drawn to some modern quilt styles. I want to move between styles and color palettes more easily. I am sure there will be many more lessons in 2018, but I am rearing to get started.

My stretch this coming year will be FMQ and ruler work. I have tremors in my hands so trying either was a challenge. Always used my robotics instead but this next year I'm going to take a stab at it. Have a couple quilts that need it anyway.

Like Kris, I’ll be improving my FMQ skills on my sitdown longarm, which is new.
It’s a Bernina Q20, and it was installed on December 18. I’ve finished a couple of small projects like potholders and table toppers, but it’s practice time for the next months.
Also, I’ve just started pre-retirement, so figuring out how to manage my day all by myself will be a challenge.

Trapunto on a panel, ruler work on my HQ 16, fusible applique wall hangings.

If I manage to master those three I will be a happy camper.

I've done the 60 degree 2" stars EPP.
I have the new Brimfield block by paperpeices.com that i will start on new years day. it has curves in EPP.
my friend showed me how to do the opposing curves the easy way. put on the table and tape them togethere with scotch tape on the right side. then pick up and stitch together on the back. the tape keeps the shapes together and with an accurate seam.

Stretching a lot. Still can't touch my toes. Want to do some yogu and get my belly in shape.

Ran across an acrylic painting on abstracts. I've decided to paint with water miscible oils and want to do one/day. Then make a small quilt from the same design.

Does my class tomorrow (Dec. 30) count. It is FMQ with String and Story. I have only done two pieces with SITD so far.
She is going to repeat the class (no charge) in two weeks if anyone is interested.

I want to learn to do ruler work on my DSM. My husband gifted me with a class to be held in April at a local quilt shop that also sells Bernina machines. I have two machines. I will buy the special foot and a ruler set that is recommended in the class. I do a decent job with machine quilting and sometimes rent time on an LA. I really like the quilting process and just want to expand what I can do.