Good Bye to 2020 Hello 2021

Well my hubby made sure I stayed awake on New Year's Eve, he knows I am usually asleep by midnight but he knew how important it was to say Good-bye to 2020 and Hello to 2021. If you are anything like me you were happy to see it go. Shortly after as expected, I was asleep. I was dreaming of all the projects and plans I have for 2021. 

New Year's Day began by starting a Jitsi session for my favorite group of ladies. They are the members of Our Time To Quilt. I was happy to start the session so they could spend time together while working on Mary Mayhem's Mystery Quilt. Of course there was some Hand Quilting going on, oh and I mustn't forget the fabulous Double Wedding Ring. There is so much talent in this group.  I, however, only stayed for a few minutes as my journey was heading in a different direction. 

I did check back with them to see how their projects were coming along. Wow, is all I can say.  If you are a quilter and would like to hang out with other quilters you should join us on Sunday afternoons at 3:00pm Eastern Time (NY Time) on You Tube. Just look for Our Time To Quilt, we'd love to have you join us.

Back to my journey , it began buy collecting the fabrics for my 4th test pattern I am testing for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Once my fabric was selected I sat down to read the directions. The cutting instructions are where I begin. Where do you start? Are you one who reads the directions? Or are you one who just jumps right in, because you just can't wait to play with all that gorgeous fabric? 

I can tell you I was glad I read the instructions. Little did I know the fabric I had picked for the borders was shy by 3 inches. I would have only had my self to blame if I began cutting my fabric only to end up short. You could just imagine how surprised I was. I could have sworn there was more there than actually was. Phew thank goodness for those cutting instructions.  Next step to decide on another border fabric. I was off and running, no not with scissors I have too many projects I want to get done in 2021. 

Here's a little Tid-Bit for you. Surprisingly, I have a friend who tells me to get a grip on my O.C.D. and to move on when working on projects. She tells me I over think things too much. I still don't know what she is talking about. Me O.C.D. she must have me confused with one of her other friends. LOL Hmmm, I wonder if this what they call denial? I'll have to get back with you, the voices in my head haven't made a decision yet. It's best to move on when they are in this kind of debate. Better not to disturb them. 😉

Okay it is confession time. I may be just a little O.C.D. I admit I am one who cuts the fabric, all at once. I label them as I place them in zip lock bags. Each part has their own little home until needed. This may seem strange to some but it is how I have always tackled quilting. One cut at a time, one label at a time. 

I call tell you though, the way I tackle a quilt makes my friend just shake her head and sigh sometimes. I think the way I walk through the process drives her nuts. It is the only way I know how to keep on track so I know where everything is. She is more the "Fly by the seat of your pants" type, she still pulls off some amazing work let me tell you. They say opposites attract. I think we keep each accountable. We learn a lot from each other. I tell you what I would be lost without her this past year. She is always there for me, even when I'm walking through the process. LOL 

Did you set any goals or resolutions for 2021. I have learned to set goals. I tried to set resolutions once it didn't work out so well. Needless to say, they just aren't my cup of tea. Well, one of my goals for 2021 is organization. To begin I decided to straighten up my sewing room. Changes were needed so more creativity could flow without disruption. I am now able to get to my WIPs (works in progress) I have so sadly neglected. To do this, I created a staging station for them so I know which project is next on my list to do. It also let's them know I have not forgotten them. You know what they say "Out of sight, out of mind" well there's no chance of that anymore. 

Getting back on track, I am not quite finished with my inner sanctum I call my sewing room. There will be many stages of organization to have it running like a well oiled machine. So once I enter I am easily able to access my current obsession, I mean project. I am organizing my work stations to be more productive. I have my projects within my reach so there will be more finished projects in the near future.  

I have found a little snafu so to speak. Since I rearranged, I am now able to get to all of those quilt magazines and pattern books I have been hoarding over the years. I mean collecting for research purposes. At least that is what I tell my husband. Shhh it is our little secret. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not? I may find myself squirreling more than usual with all of those delicious patterns and appliques all within reach. I guess only time will tell. 

Stay tuned for other goals that include: beginning quilts I have wanted to do for many, many years, finishing quilts I have left alone for longer than I should have, then there is the counted cross stitch I was introduced to last year. You really don't want me to get started on the Heave and Earth Designs I have found myself drawn to like a moth to a flame. That will have to be another blog. 

Well, I have to run for now I need to bind a quilt for my granddaughter, quilt my grandsons and pick out the binding for his. No one ever told me having grand children would be this much fun. I will also be putting together the test quilt top that is due by January 11th. I must make some time for my Simple Yet Elegant applique blocks, there are also my Christmas In Jacksonville embroidery blocks that will require attention as well. Oh least I forget, Corona Ville House blocks from all the ladies who participated in the block exchange from Our Time To Quilt must come together just like we did during the pandemic. Well I'm off, in more ways than one. LOL

Here is to a New Year full of peace, love, and joy. Blessings.

Enjoy The Walk

Susan