Current state of a modern quilter’s WIP list | Q1 Finish-A-Long 2019

A new year has just been rung in and with-it usher’s in a new year of quilty projects!

If you caught my Review of 2018 and Goal Setting for 2019 post, then you know clearing my WIP pile is just one of my goals for this year.

While I have a spreadsheet with all my projects, I also like to participate in the Finish-A-Long. This is my 4th year joining, and I always find it helpful in moving my WIP to the finish line.

Even if I don’t get everything done on my list (which I normally know ahead of time that I won’t!), it’s nice to check-in every quarter, go through my list and write an update for each. The process is more often than not a surprise on how much I’ve actually gotten done!

Sonata Showcase | Modern Aztec Quilted Table Runner

Have I ever told you that I used to play the piano?

As in 6 years of lessons and quite a few recitals when I was little girl? Yup, and I hated most of it!!

Don’t get me wrong, I loved being able to play once I learned the song. But ALL that practicing was just the pits to me. My brothers would be off playing games or watching cartoons and all I wanted to do was join in the fun. Instead, I had to sit at the piano playing the same song over and over again until I got it. And don’t get me started on being the entertainment during the holidays for friends and family 😉 Ha! Good times!!

Best of 2018 | Top 10 blog posts of 2018

It’s that time of year where I round up your top 10 favourite posts of the year!

I love this post as it’s fun to look back and see which project, tutorial or update resonated with you the most.

So, let’s dive right in, shall we?!

2018 in Review & Goal Setting for 2019

What a year 2018 has been!

It’s had some amazing ups and some really low lows, but that’s what life is all about, right?

These ups and downs that force you to take stock of what’s important to you and learn to navigate those unexpected waves. It’s a juggling act, but one that I’ve gotten better at navigating. One of the main things that help me is my attitude. I’m definitely a glass half full kind of person. There is so much negativity in the world, you sometimes have to bring your own sunshine. And one of the ways I keep my joy is through quilting and being creative.

Home for the Holidays Irish Vortex Quilt | A modern Christmas quilt

Are you team holiday quilts? As in, you bust out your favourite Christmas themed quilts this time of year?

I’ve always thought they were cute, but never actually wanted one in my house. Is that bad?

I just didn’t get the appeal. But then that all changed when I designed the Irish Vortex quilt pattern, for which I was entirely inspired by the holidays.

I didn’t recognize myself!

2018 Ultimate Holiday Stocking Stuffer Guide for Quilters

Are you a stocking stuffer lover?

My brothers and I used to be so excited for Christmas morning and would wait (not so) patiently for my mum to get up. Inevitably, one of them would sneak into my mum’s room and get her to give us the “OK” to open our stockings.

Ours normally included such goodies as gum and clementines (remember the days when they were only available for a few weeks at x-mas?), which I just adored.

Double Windmill Quilt + Pillow featured in Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine Issue 67

Photo by Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

Do you ever have an idea or an inkling to do something, but you kinda hold off until you feel a little more ready?

That’s how it was for me with submitting ideas to magazines. I had it on my list to try for quite awhile but kept putting it off thinking “I probably need more experience.” or “will my idea be liked?”.

But here’s the thing, those questions will continue to be asked until you actually DO something.