I was thinking it might be fun to write down our upcoming New Year resolutions concerning what we would like to accomplish/learn in quilting this coming year.

Here are mine so far. I'm sure I'll add others, but these are my main ones.

1. Improve my machine quilting, esp. my FMQ!!!!! I hate my machine quilting and I know it's because I've only started and I just need to practice, practice, practice.

2. Finish 1 UFO a month. This one is made easier because I belong to a quilting bee called the "UFO Bee." This year we are doing a UFO Challenge, which means every month we sign up to finish a UFO. It helps that the rules are a bit loose. Instead of actually having to finish a project from beginning to end, someone can sign up to finish a top, though most of mine I hope to actually finish and get them out of the UFO pile! For those who sign up for the UFO Challenge, if we don't get our UFO done that month, we owe 1 yard of fabric to the kitty. At the end of the year we'll receive a raffle ticket for each UFO we've done & there will be a drawing for all the fabric. I'm determined to get 12 raffle tickets and not have to pay in any fabric, or at least that's my goal.

3. Dye my own fabric. I really, really, really want to learn to do this and I've got some great methods I want to try, including the snow dyeing that was posted in another thread here.

4. Keep up with the Dear Jane quilt that begins in Jan. I definitely don't want that to end up a UFO!!!! :shock:

5. Take both classes from Sally Collins when she comes to my local guild this spring. Sign ups begin in January and I plan on making sure I'm one of the first to sign up. I definitely do NOT want to end up on the waiting list and possibly miss taking a class from her.

So what do the rest of you plan for this coming year? Are there any techniques, classes, patterns, or other things you would like to accomplish?

Tiffany,
I love the idea of finishing a UFO each month - I know I have more than 12 so it'd work for me. Last year I set out with goals in mind - I did finish some of them... others, well, not so much... I'll start with One UFO per month - - - thanks.

Hmmm -- haven't got around to making resolutions yet for the New Year.... :oops: :oops: However, I do have several fabric kits that need making.... :D :D

No resolutions for me... I will be keeping myself pretty busy all year long :wink: :D :D :D

I don't do resolutions. I'll just keep trying to use up some of my stash.

Hey I am on board. But can't go as far as to finish one UFO a month, since I hand quilt,but will do one every quarter. I also want to get together with old friends at least once a month.

It sounds like you just made a resolution. :lol: Actually, I view resolutions to be the same as a goal. And I read once where if a person writes down their goals they are 70% more likely to achieve them, so I try to write mine down. It helps because midway through the year I can reread it and remind myself of what I had planned.

Thismomquilts, yay! Once a month we should post a picture here of what we have finished as a way to encourage each other to keep going. I would love to see what you are working on!

Shaverg, that sounds great!

I LOVE LISTS!

AS far as my quilting goals:
1.Finish all of my peiced tops and get them quilted!
2. Use up most of my scraps and stash....I say this only because I will buy new projects all the time rather than use it and I have so many that just need to used up! I love that feeling anyway!
3. Finish UFO's....I don't have many so this shoudl not be a problem. I have less than 12 ..so the monthly thing won't work.
4. put labels on my work..I am horrible about this
5. take pictures of my work.

AS far as other goals....
1. Get into nursing school ...2 more quarters before I can apply.
2. lose weight...actually run a 5 k race.
3. clean out closets and garage.....this is no easy feat with 6 kids...could taek years..lol

I would like to refrain from starting too many new ones until a few UFO's are done. Don't know if I will be successful. I am really bad at resolutions.......

My resolution is to start being more selfish with my time and do more of what I want to do. My kids are grown and one at home is a teen, able to feed and dress herself. DH can watch tv without me. He watches dumb shows anyway. :roll:

My resolution is to not make a resolution. That one, I can actually handle.

[quote=Tiffany]It sounds like you just made a resolution. :lol: Actually, I view resolutions to be the same as a goal. And I read once where if a person writes down their goals they are 70% more likely to achieve them, so I try to write mine down. It helps because midway through the year I can reread it and remind myself of what I had planned.

Yikes, you're right. And I put it in writing so maybe it'll happen.


:-D :-D :-D

That's my resolution as well. :D

I simply look at resolutions as goals I would like to reach. That way it doesn't sound as intimidating and I've always got goals. ;)

Well, this year I set a goal to make one quilt a month---and I did great for 2 months!

So, for 2010, I am going to TRY to finish up a few UFOs, use up some of my mountain of fabric and make several quilts for family members. But, I am not going to make a list of specifics, because that just causes me more stress!

I've never made quilting goals, so I had to think about this. Here it goes:
1. Finish the Triple Irish Chain
2. Make oodles of smaller pieces--crib quilt size at the most--in order to quilt them myself.
3. Buy as little fabric as possible so I can investigate what's on the shelves.
4. Make at least 5 items to donate. I'm thinking Linus Project.

There's another thread similar to this one. Maybe you posted there?

Well last year I made a list of quilts I wanted to make and guess what, I made quilts this year but not 1 of them!! Oh well at least I made some.
So I'm going to start off with pretty much the same list. I would like to do either a URR (Underground Railroad) or the Pioneer BOM. I want to piece and quilt it by hand.

I want to make a Red/White/Black Hunter Star

at least 5 or6 Baby quilts to donate

and I was going to say learn at least one new quilting skill or technique but if I make the URR or Pioneer BOM that will cover that as I don't yet hand piece. I've collected a huge assortment of Kansas City Trouble by Moda and other CW repos especially for this project.

My other goal is to use as much fabric from my already overwhelming stash as possible without buying more unless its something I really need for a project. Also finish at least my 2 most recent tops. One only needs binding and a label the other still needs backing fabric (which I DONT have in my stash) and be sandwiched and delivered to the quilter.

I think if I get this done it will be a pretty busy year.

Muriel
Ak. Angel

I guess my resolution or (goal) is to get my ufo's done. I am always starting stuff for me then put it aside to make something for someone else. I put a BQ quilt away to make my mom a quilt 2 years ago. Its still staring at me in the same tote I put it in and it hasn't moved. I better dust it off. I have several of those actually. So I guess my goal is to get back on the for me stuff.

So nice to know I am not the only one that does this!!! When we bought this house 6 1/2 years ago, I bought fabric to make a quilt for our bed, with matching curtains. Yup, you guessed it....it is still waiting. :( On the up side, I have done a queen size for my parents, 2 doubles, lots of small projects, AND went back to work full time. (Which really cuts into "me" time!!!!)

Current project is a very large quilt for my step-son and his new wife. It is sandwiched and ready to go. The plan is SID around the large blocks, then DH and I will hand quilt hearts in the centre of each block. My goal on this one is to have it finished by their first anniversary in May.
Smaller projects planned...I have LOTS of 5" squares from swaps here, as well as some I have picked up from Missouri "deal of the day". Lots of those will be made up into grandbaby quilts, and charity quilts.

OK...so much for not making any NY's resolutions!!! LOL

Hmmmm, let's see:

1) Work on UFOs. I've finished 3 this month and I want to work through them. I'm okay with having pending quilt tops, but the half finished and stashed away quilt tops/misc projects bother me, so I want to get through them!

2) Buy minimal amounts of fabric. My official "goal" is to buy no fabric, but I know I'll need some backings and misc accents, and the new (and last) Wizard of Oz line comes out next month. So as long as I'm mostly buying nothing, I'm happy. My stash is threatening to eat me, so it's time to use it

3) Use patterns I have! I have so many books and misc patterns and they just sit. It's time for them to be used, in combination with my stash fabric, and become quilts!

4) Learn how and actually make a crumb quilt. I'm saving the scraps, let's hope they go into something!

5) Make and finish a quilt for my mother. I got the "you made quilts for everyone else" guilt trip a few weeks ago...

And then the not quilting ones:
6) Move into my house Jan 2. Unpack shortly thereafter.

7) Be with the boyfriend come next Xmas. We're at 1.5 years, which is almost double my old record. I want to keep him around for longer :)

i only have one goal that i'd like to achieve

1) no outside quilting work for 6 months.

i've already broken that goal and had to take an order for 2 quilts last week.

my hope is not to take any more after this so i can focus on the Jane Cyber Block Party.

I haven't thought it through very well, but here's my "off the top" list:

1. Stay up to date on the Dear Jane Cyber Sew
2. Complete the Indian Orange Peel that I'm at 1/3 through, I refuse to let it become a UFO, it's way too beautiful!!!
3. Take 1 sewing class a quarter at my LQS. I have a few favorite intructors that I want to stay in touch with.
4. Attend the monthly sewing class at LQS that is on (generally) the last Friday of the month, goes from 1:30 - 10:00 and has the nicest group of ladies. You get to just sew and sew, chat, eat...totally fun and best part...no kids!!
5. Make my DH a quilt. In all my years of quilting, I have never done it! Can you imagine!??!!
6. Do the best I can on the IRR that I'm participating in.
7. Stay up to date on the Board... ;)

Okay, probably forgetting something, but this is a start

Good luck with #7.
What is a Crumb Quilt? Do you have a pattern I can see.
Sounds like a scrappy.

I have 2 tops that I'm trying to hand quilt. One is fairly recent, but the other one...well, let's just say it's become a family joke. So I'm going to start small--my resolution is to finish at least ONE of these quilts (probably not the family joke!)

I'm not big on resolutions either but here goes...

Give myself more time to play with my fabric without guilt.
Try to shop at home more and rediscover the wonders of my stash.
Be as kind to myself as I tend to be with others.
:)lots2do

Oh! I love #7! I'll have to add that to my list.

dglvr - You can find the crumb quilt here - http://quiltville.com/

Crumb quilt, you take tiny bits of fabric, and sew them together to make larger blocks. That's it. No specific pattern, or cutting or grand design, just grab from your scrap bag. So I'm cutting scraps into various sizes with 1 1/4" being the smallest piece. Then anything between that and 1/2" goes into the "crumb bag" and will theoretically be used in a crumb quilt. Grab and sew

Google image search, check out the various pictures: http://images.google.com/images?oe=U...N&hl=en&tab=wi

I already have to make additions to my list.
I really want to make at least 1 D9patch quilt. It might end up being one of the baby quilts I don't know but this one I really want to do.
Then today I remember I never found the backing fabric for my nephews quilt I wanted to give him this year so the new goal is to have it done for him by his bday in April.
Then I would also like to make 1 quilt for each of my sons and their wives, might not be this year but it is going on the list just the same
o.k. I just keep adding things as I go.
BTW, I already blew the one for not buying anymore fabric while at Joanns today...lol but while they were cutting it I told them and said well its not 2010 yet so it doesn't count right....lol

I generally get around to my resolutions list in February, you guys are cramping my style, being so on top of things~ :lol: (http://aliaslaceygreen.wordpress.com...tion-take-3-4/)--This was last years somewhat resolution...
Uh, yeah, well....
All good ideas, indeed...

THe UFO situation is indeed one that needs addressing. I don't have as many as some, and many more than others, :thumbup:

I do plan to organize my thoughts on this, after Christmas. And AFTER I go to the grand opening of the LQS on Saturday.... that way what I buy there doesn't affect any resolutions to stop buying fabric...

(you can SEE how hard it is for me to make a resolution!! Even the idea that some of you will be stopping BUYING has put me on the defensive!)

ok, to get the new year's goals in writing>>>>> : )

1. ORGANIZATION !!! my oh my i am trying to get a head start on this one, since my sewing machine is down anyhow, might as well be getting that ole room cleaned up and organized for the new year!

2. finish UFO'S like Tiffany i would like to finish up some ufo's...my goal, to finish one for every new project i start.

3. to complete one (small-give away type project) each week...table runners, placemats, candlemats, pillow cases...

4. to enter at least 2 contests/shows/challenges in 2010.

5. to take at least 1 class a quarter

6. learn at least one new technique

7. volunteer 1 day a week at the local women's resource center, (maybe teach someone to sew :) )

ok, i was going for 10, but guess 7 fills my plate well enough :)

that sounds like a great idea

Phew! I feel exhausted just reading yours!! Good luck :)

Ok here is my list of goal:
1. to make one complete (start to finish) quilt every 3 months.
2. to finish one ufo a month (I like that idea)
3. to stop procrastinating, that is what got me in this mess I have now.... which leads to....
4. clean out the clutter... I have saved stuff for 30 years, I have a small house now and need to rid myself of this mess.
5. lose weight. I have a lot of that saved up!!!!

Having it in writing may push me to complete it.
We need to revisit this in 3 months and see how many of us are on track!!!!

I like #5....I also have a fair bit saved up. LOL We started a "Monday weigh-in" at work a few months ago. No one has to say how much they have lost, or gained, but just knowing you are not trying to do it alone really helps.

I made a resolution years ago to not make any more resolutions. It is the only one I have ever kept. That being said..........I want to finish a quilt I have on the frame and make a baby quilt for my neice who is expecting her first baby on my birthday!

We could start a thread for UFO completion. No other membership rules, just try to do a UFO a month and then post pictures

This should be a good one, I am very goal oriented by nature.

1. Studio addition, I need to start and finish the addition to my studio and have a place to hold my growing collection of memorabilia and sewing machines

2. Add to my collection of sewing machines, try to buy the ones that are on my wish list before they are too hard to find.

3. Add to my fabric stash

4. Make a lap quilt just for me

5. Expand the amount of sewing machines in my arsenal to use for quilting

6. Keep learning more techniques and applying them to the quilts that I make

Now for the non quilting version...........

1. Buy a vintage Tractor and restore it

2. Find and buy a late 30's or 40 something pick up truck to use as my main mode of transportation for the farm and running to town to get what ever I need.

3. Start building the new family homestead so that my FIL can live in the house that is already there and he can be looked after and still have some independence.


Billy

I would like to complete 6 quilts this year for family/friends and 12 smaller for the hospital.

I also along with DH are going to plan more and FOLLOW through with our plans. No more being lazy! heh

I think this is an excellent idea!!!

Speaking of UFOs, I've got one down on my sewing machine right now. Darn thing is due Jan 4th & I really need to get it finished. I've got most of the quilting done but I can't seem to find a marking pen that will work with the outer border. I've tried white, yellow, and blue, but none of those shows up enough for me to follow the lines. It's a civil war fabric in green, black, and white so I would have thought the blue or yellow would have worked but no such luck. Now I need to go find a red chalk pencil and see if that will work. If not, I guess I'll mark it from the back and just sew it from there.

Billy, those are some ambitious goals! I envy you being on a farm. I hate (HATE!!!) living in town and not having the space I'm used too. I find being in town is too noisy and at night it is too bright. Still, considering that many people don't have homes right now I shouldn't complain. I do miss looking out my window and seeing land instead of my neighbor at his kitchen sink. :|