I'm thinking. How about a sampler. I got a block book and started blocks that I'd never done before. Odd angles, unusual seam joinings-really increased my skill level. From all these suggestions, I recommend restraint. Too many irons in the fire leads to burn out.

How fun for you. Looks like you have some great ideas. Can't wait until it's my turn.

Congratulations. Retirement is terrific. Only problem I ran into after being retired now for 18 years is there is so much out there I want to do and still want to do that I get in to too many projects and I am afraid i have a lot of UFO's but mind you I have learned a lot. I am not turning a lot of my UFO's into raffle quilts for our community center or charity. Still learning new things and never bored!!!!!!

Congrats on retirement! You'll find other things get in the way, so I suggest a dedicated time each day for sewing/quilting. My time is 1-3 PM when there's a program on TV to listen to and hubby uses that time to nap or do what he wants. Enjoy...and curved piecing is what I practiced on first. The Chopsticks quilt looks like fun.

Good for you. Have fun.

Congratulations...it will be fun to see the results of your bucket list! Fr your fused appliqué get the book Machine Appliqué for the Terrified Quilter. It is been such a help.

Congratulations on your retirement. Start with what is on your list. I find that every time I try a new technique it just leads me into more new things I just HAVE to do. The list is endless for me of what I just NEED to do. Even if I was retired not sure I would be able to do them all. Have fun, don't stress over it and just go with where each new technique leads you.

I like 3D style quilts and have made or have on my bucket list these patterns:
Escher Steps - you can find it on AQS
San Marco Square by C. Florence - http://theguiltyquilters.blogspot.co...co-square.html
Walking Labyrinth by C Florence - http://theguiltyquilters.blogspot.com/
My own creation - floating cubes http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...r-t221088.html

I would also like to try applique and jelly roll quilts though the applique scares the heck outta me!

Enjoy your retirement - I only get to sew 1 hour a day on the week days :( but spend the whole weekend in my sewing room :)

Ha ha! don't worry...it will be soon. :D

~ Cindy

WooHoo for you! Retirement is great! I just retired the 1st of April and love it! Every year I pick one skill to work on...it's easier to stay focused that way. Having time to quilt with others and learn from them has helped me..going to shows and taking classes has been great! My suggestion: relax,slow down,and enjoy the process.