2024 Quilting Planning Party

Yvonne/Quilting JETgirl is once again hosting her Quilting Planning Party, a time to look back on the goals made for 2023 and then to consider plans and goals for next year. Let's see how I did meeting last year's goals, then we'll look ahead.

The Quilts

• I really feel like my quarterly check ins - 2023 Quilting Q1 Check In, 2023 Quilting Q2 Check In, and #2023QuiltingQ3CheckIn - showed that I met my quilt goals quite well. The goal of at least one finished quilt project a month got interrupted when I began the liturgical quilt project in September. But since my last report, I was able to finish Split Second, which I entered in the QuiltCon 2024 Fabric Challenge, though it won't be included in the display.

And also I finished Albersesque, my latest Bee Sewcial quilt.

 

Handwork

• In addition to the hand-quilting of the bow tie quilt this year, I dabbled in Sashiko, and stitched several Dropcloth samplers. What was especially fun with the samplers was stitching with Aurifil's 12wt rather than perle cotton. I became hooked even before they announced they'd be coming out with an 8wt this year!
• Though I was stitching on one thing or another during the evenings of 2023, I basically have abandoned the Gingiber tea towel I started. Still thinking I'll get back to it, but no love will be lost if I don't. That said, I feel like my handwork goals overall were met. I was consistently working on something.

The Community

• The goals of regular, frequent posting on the blog here and on Instagram, plus publishing near-monthly editions of The Scrap Basket were met. 

QuiltCon 

• I'm not going to make it to QuiltCon in Raleigh, but shipped off one of my quilts going in my place, so that's nice.

New Directions

• Nothing specific! One day at a time is my motto of late, and I plan to stick with it. Of course, I'm open to new opportunities - I just don't know what those might be yet. And here's where that liturgical quilt project comes in! It has been my primary focus all during quarter 4 and beyond. The quilted panels are staring at me from my design wall, and binding is ready to go. Trimming the panels to size is in progress!
• I also unexpectedly sold A Neon Moment. Selling any quilts was not a goal and notable enough to mention as having happened.

So looking forward to 2024, the overall goal is to think small, do what sounds fun, and enjoy the process. Though I'm thankful for the opportunity of the liturgical calendar project, I'm hoping this year is free of all-consuming large projects. That said, I do have several quilt projects already lined up.

Quilts

• Top priority are the liturgical calendar trio! I hope to finish them before tackling anything else this year. 

• Cozy quilt - this quilt along with Alison Glass will be a major handwork focus in the first few months of the year. I'm really looking forward to learning a new quilting technique and style.

• Baby quilt - needed for an upcoming shower. I'm debating whether one I already have finished would be appropriate.

• Finish Diamond Flare, the Seattle MQG BOM from 2023.

• Hourglass II quilt - I had 30 leftover quilt blocks stashed, and planned to either make them into a quilt or gift the blocks. I went ahead and included that project here even though on January 1, a friend offered to make a charity quilt with them. Perfect!

• A new Bee Sewcial prompt and quilt - I'm scheduled for July, so this is will be on the back burner for a few months. Meanwhile, I'll make nearly monthly blocks for my beemates.

• Blocks for a new group quilt opportunity, which I'll share more about when I work on them.

• New Seattle MQG BOM for 2024.

• Participate in the #PantoneQuiltChallenge2024.

• Other quilts as my whim dictates.

Handwork

• Cozy quilt fits here too
• Looking forward to trying out the new Aurifil 8wt
• Other handwork TBD

Community

• I plan to continue with the regular blogging and publishing monthly or so newsletters.
• I also plan to continue to participate in the Aurifil Artisan program, with several commitments upcoming.

New Directions

• Maybe not new exactly, but I feel the need for a studio refresh - recover ironing table, new cutting mat, new pins, organize supplies
• We'll see what comes up! 

So mostly, I want to work through that list of quilts, letting the unexpected sneak in there occasionally, and just see what the creative year brings. Though the list of quilts already in the works or planned is a bit daunting (ie. a clean slate would be nice), I think there's enough variety and element of the unknown that I'll enjoy them. If not, I'll re-evaluate! And as always, I expect there will be smaller sewn projects here and there, as they are a good breather, and I really enjoy them too. I'm definitely looking forward to a new creative year!

Linking up with Quilting JETgirl's #2024QuiltingPlanningParty.