Planning My 2017 ~ It Isn't Easy!

Here we are at the end of another year!  It seems that every year flies by faster than the previous one.  In a blink of an eye we are ushering out the old and welcoming in the new.

That means it must be time to reflect, plan and start with a fresh slate for 2017!  If I didn't blog I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be as organized as I am.  Which in reality doesn't seem that organized!  It also means I'm able to go back through 2016 and revisit what it was all about.

A good way to start the New Year off on the right foot, joining in the 2017 Planning Party hosted by Yvonne @Quilting Jet Girl.   

Last year started with the use of my first quilting planner.  The 2016 Quilter's Planner was helpful to me, yet I wasn't as consistent as I wanted to be about making use of it.  This year with the 2017 Quilter's Planner, I will give it another go and try harder to keep up with each month.  

2016 was my year to try new things!  New techniques, new ideas, new avenues.  And if I could squeeze a lot of quilting in between...all the better!  What did I learn?  What did I try? I'm glad you asked! 

Knife Edge Binding

Mitered Corners 

Knife edge binding is another way to finish off a quilt instead of the tried and true binding method. I've only done it once...but I did it!  

Mitered corners was something I tackled because of the quilt, not so much because I wanted to do it!  I think it will take a lot more practice on my part.  I also did my first fancy flanged binding!

Spray Basting

Glue Basting

It's hard to with all the years of quilting under my belt that I had never tried spray basting!  In truth, I only spray baste small pieces even now!  

Glue basting turned out to be one technique I loved!  Especially with the curves of a drunkard path block.  I most certainly will use it often!

Raw Edge Weaving

Six Minute Circle

                                  













I had seen so many amazing things being made by weaving fabric on Instagram, that one day I went off the deep end and grabbed my bowl of 'shavings' to try weaving my way.  Raw edge weaving has made it in to a couple projects so far, with several more in the works.

The six minute circle changed my life!  Dramatic!  I had so much fun making all kinds of circles using this method.  I love making circles where I don't have to match up seams!

Faux Trapunto

Hand Quilting

Much like English Paper Piecing, I could never understand why anyone would hand quilt!! And just like EPP I was immediately obsessed with it once I tried it.  I've since done a few other pieces and hope to add that to the 2017 line up!

Hands down my most inventive moment of quilting this year was my Faux Trapunto experiment. I've since taken it to another level, trying a few things here and there.  It will make many more appearances both on my blog and ... in publication!

Pixie Ghost

A pixelated quilt had been on my bucket list, although I was thinking much bigger than this little ghost!  I used the interfacing method because of the size of squares I used.  I have mixed feelings about this method.  But I tried it...I tried!

Star Thistle

And the proudest achievement of 2016 for me?  This will come as no surprise I'm sure! Star Thistle.  It was my first paper pieced pattern/design.  It was also the reason I opened a pattern shop on Craftsy.  Both huge milestones for me!  I have another pattern ready to add to Craftsy, but think I'll hold off until after the Holidays.  That being said...if anyone has any time to test it between now let me know!  It's a basic, simple pattern.  

What are my plans for this next year?  What are my goals?  What are my resolutions? Much like every year, I try to layout what I want my year to look like.  And much like every year, well made plans change constantly.  It isn't easy for me to make and stick with anything! 

I want to be more organized.  From quilting to life.  Pretty broad, right?!  If I can be a little more organized that the year before, that would be a success for me.

Patterns.  Yikes!  This is one I say every year and one goal I can't say I really have accomplished to my satisfaction.  I get very frustrated and freaked out about writing patterns.  Confidence building is ongoing especially in that department!

I would love to do more tutorials!  If I could do half a dozen, I'd be happy!

I need to start taking care of me!  Selfish me!  With each year that goes by, there is this thing that happens...aging!  Yup!  I said it...I ain't getting any younger!  From mind, body and health, it needs a little (or a lot) more tender loving care than it use to!

It would also be in my best interest to 'get out' more.  I'm not a social butterfly at all!  I'm content to stay at home in my cocoon.  I'm not sure what this will look like, maybe take some classes, take a hike, or take a drive.  It might even mean that I need to work on and build better relationships with the people I already know on-line and in person.  I always feel like I'm not as outgoing as I should be or would like to be.  

The biggest goal is simply to quilt, learn and explore.  Test the boundries, push the envelope.  Quilt from the heart.  Do me, do the best me and do me proud.  

Which is what I wish for all of you!  Do your best, do what makes you happy!

LINKING:

Let's Bee Social

Needle & Thread

2017 Planning Linky Party