It's here - the new year (well, almost....). And there is something about a new year that suggests new opportunities, new beginnings, a fresh start. Technically the days are just rolling on - and we can have a fresh start whenever we choose. But most of us choose the new year - and why not?!
Last year, a friend did a terrific presentation at my local guild, filled with awesome suggestions for things to try in the new year. She's on holiday, and I haven't been able to reach her to get permission to share her amazing list....so I'm going to offer up some suggestions to you for 2019 to help you find your creative spark and have a spectacular 2019.
Try Something New
Nothing revolutionary in this suggestion - you see it across all areas, from financial to spiritual to creative. It's a sound concept - some of us need something new to break out of the regular, the routine, the stagnant. What could this "new" be?
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- A new technique: is there a technique you've shied away from? Something that scares or intimidates you? For me, English paper piecing (all the rage, I know) holds NO appeal. It is lovely, the quilts are beautiful, and I have a friend that has AMAZING EPP templates....but no draw for me. So nope, that's not on my "try something new" list. But....I want to explore embroidery more. I don't do much - just a bit of hand embroidery, but I'd love to try some more machine embellishment and expand my skills.
So what could you try? Paper piecing? Embroidery? Applique (yes, I went there.....)? Improv piecing? Dimensional piecing? Mixed media? Thread painting? That's an aspect of quilting that I have ALWAYS loved - that there is something for everyone!
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- A new size: yes, I'm serious! Do you only do larger projects - bed quilts, lap quilts? Well, what about something smaller? You might just get hooked on it! And don't think that smaller is faster - I can tell you that often (not always), smaller is challenging and CAN take as long as larger projects. Try it and see! There is a renewed interest in minis (and guess what I have coming out in the fall....hmmm...what could it be <VERY BIG GRIN>?).
And for you folks that do small projects - table runners, mug rugs, wall hangings. Those are terrific! Really! But push yourself and do something a bit bigger! How wonderful would it be to snuggle up under something you stitched yourself?! There are some awesome, quick to stitch lap quilt patterns out there. Try one!
Do Something New:
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- Take a class: Your local quilt shop (or if you don't have a local quilt shop (sob), your local craft store) probably offers a range of classes. Perhaps they have a class on a technique or pattern you haven't tried. Sometimes taking a class on a skill you already have - say paper piecing - but is a bit more challenging can help you hone your skills. And you will probably pick up some tips and tricks from the instructor and/or fellow students.
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- Take a workshop: Wait - isn't that the same as a class? Not necessarily. Sometimes it is. But often workshops are longer in time frame and intensity. They may run a few hours, all day, or several days. Often they involve guest teachers, so you get a fresh perspective on a technique or approach.
Go Somewhere New:
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- Shop Hops: If you are fortunate enough to be in an area with multiple shops within driving distance, they often do shop hops. Shop hops are organized events around a central theme (in our area, they do a Corn Maze Shop Hop in the fall) or a time of year. Area shops get together to set the theme, develop a schedule, and often offer prizes and incentives to participants. Gather together some quilty friends, form a caravan, and travel from shop to shop. What a great way to see shops you might not frequent, see new fabrics, new projects, and meet new people.
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- Quilt Cruise: Let's see - a cruise ship, unlimited sewing, fabulous food. Yup - sign me up! I've done one, and I can tell you that for me, a quilt cruise is the best of both worlds. Most have virtually unlimited sewing time, a choice or menu of projects and instructors, and a great bunch of new quilters to meet.
Am I doing all of these things? Ummm yes and no. Personally, I'm not traveling, taking classes, or taking a cruise for myself. But....I am going to be teaching new folks all over the country this year - so I will be going somewhere new, meeting new and amazing quilters, and trying some new things, especially machine embellishment.
While I am NOT making a list of resolutions - let's face it, I won't stick to the list. Age has brought wisdom, and that much I DO know! I am making a list of goals. Want a peek at my goals list?
GOALS FOR 2019:
- Math: math is my nemesis. Really. I LOVE designing. I do. And that's the easy part. The hard part - the math! I recognize that it is my problem area. I plan to work on it. Insider info: I get all my patterns tested, ideally by two different testers. Most are also edited by a technical editor after that. And yet....errors still pop up. I know that no one is perfect. But working on the math (Goal #1) will also help with Goal #2.
- PPP: Practically Perfect Patterns. It is a goal - and an ideal. I'm working with my pattern testers this week to hone the testing process to produce (wow - sooooo many "P"s in this goal!) more accurate patterns. Wish me luck!
- Down Time: this has sadly been lacking of late, so I am going to work on penciling in more down time for fun activities with the hubby and with the new grand baby!
- Growth: personal and business - I need growth in both. And both have similar areas that can grow, surprisingly. Happiness can grow by tamping down the "happy killer" - comparison. I'm SOOO super guilty of this - I compare myself (personally and professionally) to others instead of rejoicing in what is uniquely me. And folks, I'm not the first to tell you - comparison is lethal! Let's all try to appreciate what is unique and special about each of us and NOT try to live up to what we THINK is the reality of others. Deal!
What about you, dear quilting friend? Are you looking forward to a new year, brimming with possibility and promise? Share with me your thoughts on what will make 2019 a spectacular year for you!
Don't forget - Kate and I have something fun in store for you in January! Subscribe to the Adventure Quilt newsletter to get all of the details about this exciting new quilt-a-long!
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