First, let's look at my goals and see how I did.
2018 Goals
Goal: Maintain CommitmentsI kept up with both my online bees and was a part of the Modern Plus Signs Blog Hop to promote the fantastic book by Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs and Paige of Quilted Blooms.
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| From the Modern Plus Signs Blog Hop |
Goal: Finish The Big Five
I had five bed-size quits on my list this year. The smallest of those (twin size) is about one hour of television from being done. The others, not done. But I'm optimistic that I will finish at least two of the remaining "Big Five" in 2019. Reality is that I just don't enjoy making large quilts, especially layering and quilting them.
Goal: Track Fabric Usage (aka use more than I buy)
I did this faithfully for the first six or seven months of the year, then I got behind. I wouldn't blog a finish until I calculated the yardage used. This meant I got behind and gave me a chore. I decided the calculations were taking up precious sewing time and stopped tracking. I know that I used way more than I bought, though. I did pretty well at not buying much this year.
Goal: Try simpler version of Quilter's Planner
I tried the Quilter's Planner in 2017 and it didn't work for me. I bought a pretty blank book for 2018 and turned it into a tracking notebook. It worked well for about six months, twice as long as I lasted with the planner. It turns out that the blog and a simple Word document are all I really need to keep track of finished projects, so I'm calling this successful since I figured out what works for me.
Goal: Remember that "It's okay watch from the sidelines and still be inspired"
That phrase is in quotes because it comes directly from Diana at Red Delicious Life. This was my second year using this goal and I think I did fairly well. I did several Quilt Alongs but I kept up with (or at least eventually finished) them all. And there were some I planned to do that I decided either the timing was off or I didn't love the design so I skipped them. I'm calling this a success.
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| Tish's Fireburst QAL was my favorite this year. |
This is always one step forward, two steps back for me.
Goal: 12 Quilts for Project Linus
I blasted through this goal with 16 quilts donated to my local Project Linus Chapter and a quilt to go to those impacted by Hurricane Florence.
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| Quilt going to those impacted by Hurricane Florence |
2019 Goals
Goal: Maintain CommitmentsI'm in just one bee this year, Stash Bee, and I'm a Hive Mama. My other bee is moving to a different format where we can choose what to be involved in. I'll be working on charity blocks with that group, as hostess in January and then I'll make blocks for the other two quilts throughout the year.
Goal: Balance Old Projects with New Ones
This is one area where I did really well in 2018. Thanks to the PhD (Projects Half Done) Challenge with Gail of Quilting Gail (full update on my PhD coming soon!) I completed a lot of projects that were started prior to 2018 and *all* projects started in 2018. It did feel limiting sometimes to not be able to start new projects, which is where the balance comes in. I don't have a super concrete idea of what this looks like, but to quantify I'm thinking completing at least 7 of the 10 projects started prior to 2018 that are not yet completed. I also have a loooong list of possible projects for 2019 (from fabric I already own), so maybe not more than 6 that are started by not yet complete? Those are good to shoot for.
Goal: Limit Buying Fabric
This one is hard, but I have so much fabric. And, as mentioned above, a looooong list of projects/potential projects with fabric I already have. I really, really want to focus on using what I have. I was given two Christmas gift certificates; my plan is to buy any fabric needed for QALs with those certificates or use what I already have. Beyond that, perhaps an occasional background fabric to use with fabrics I already own.
Goal: 25 Charity Quilts
My annual goal has been 12 quilts for my local Project Linus chapter. I knocked that out of the park this year with 16. I'd like to donate 25 quilts in 2019. A minimum of 12 will be to Project Linus, others may go to things like Hurricane Florence or other needs that I can help meet.
Goal: Involvement in Online Quilting Community
I think this is one I haven't written down before. I get so much out of the online community, I don't want to forget that those online connections matter to me. This could take many forms, and really I'm looking to continue what I've been doing. I've participated in the Finish Along since I discovered it in 2015 and I like to visit projects that catch my eye and comment. I love Quilt Alongs and I have my eye on a few for 2019. I like chatting with the quilters whose bogs I read regularly and with those who comment here.
And so that's my look back at 2018 and my look ahead to 2019. Happy New Year!
Great set of goals. Many resonate with me. I really need to focus on using what I have and I’d like to do more charity quilts this year. Actually one goal could really help with the other! Best of luck with your 2019 goals!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's awesome that you were able to exceed your charitable quilt donations this year and I know that they will all be greatly appreciated. I hope that you have a wonderful 2019 as you work on these goals. Thank you so much for sharing and linking up with the Planning Party!
ReplyDeleteGreat job following through and just figuring out what works for you! Yay for sharing so many quilts! I’ll be interested in seeing what QALs you do in 2019. Happy new year, Emily!
ReplyDeleteYou had a good 2018, at least you made some of your goals and hit the one out of the park. Your goals for 2019 sound pretty reasonable. Good luck with all your projects and goals this year.
ReplyDeleteI think you did really well with your 2018 goals and the fact that you finished so many charity quilts is astounding to me! I didn't put making any charity quilts on my list, but I really need to do so in order to reduce my stash as well. Best of luck on your 2019 goals.
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