The first chapter of 2026 is complete, and we are beginning the new chapter we call February. It is the shortest chapter of the year... though, sometimes, it can feel like the longest.
I'll be reviewing all that I did during the writing of that first chapter. But first, let's take a look at the featured quilter from last week's party. You all kept me really hopping all week! There were 32 links shared! I think this was the largest party I've hosted. Thanks! I am thrilled (and honored) that so many of you are willing to share updates, progress, finishes and personal thoughts and comments. I feel that I've come to know many of you on a more personal level through your comments and blogs. I love hearing about how you made decisions on pattern choices and options, color selection in addition to hearing bits here and there about your personal lives.
Now, on to my January summary...
I completed two quilts - The Vintage Rose quilt and Caroline (the second Little House Sampler quilt). I also announced the beginning of the Little House Sew Along. Details for that can be found HERE.
I made six blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - 3 positive and 3 negative Scrappy Wonky Stars. I am ready to begin a new color, which is going to be green. My neutral bin of scraps has expanded since I finished "Caroline" for the sew along so I think that making the negative blocks will not be much of an issue. :)
I listened to 8 books and have pieced 8 Bookish Journal blocks.
And I wrote up the tutorial on how to make a NPS shirt using a reverse applique technique.
January was a fun chapter... I've enjoyed the slower pace and managed to get 2 years' worth of photos & memories in a photo album. I'm ready to tackle 2021 and part of 2022. I even pulled out a few photos from a calendar that I saved to do paper embroidery. I have them tucked away for now. I will pass on as a small gift to friends or rotate the few that I have framed an on the walls with the seasons. :)
I look forward to the second chapter of the year and am confident that the "Shalom" - the wholeness and completeness and state of nothing being broken or missing, well-being, harmony and prosperity - will continue in our lives.
We are coming up on the 1-year mark of the fiasco centered around the baptism of our granddaughters and the separation/chasm in our family that resulted. It's been too long since we saw and hugged them. We did see our (step)grandson at a basketball game in December. It was wonderful to love on and hug on him and his mom was so appreciative of the support we showed him.
If my calendar calculations are correct, he should be with his dad and our daughter on the 7th as we plan to go watch another of his games. Since it is a weekend that he's with our daughter, the girls may be in attendance of the game as well. We've missed them all deeply. Prayers appreciated!
We visited a local thrift shop recently and this panel called out to me. It was a little like the Marco Polo game... Marco! Polo! As I took it off the hanger it was on, it got louder... "Take. Me. Home!" I obliged... I have no idea what I will make. But I'm open to suggestions!
Leave a comment...
Time to go... I have green scraps calling out to me. I need to set them FREE!!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
Linking with:
Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do
m
I pray that you see and hug all of your family on the 7th. I understand how and why that panel jumped into your basket! It was meant for you! Will you cut the panel apart and set the words amongst some scrappy sashings?--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteYou accomplished a lot in January, Melva! That panel is sweet - I bet you'll make something beautiful out of it. Have a wonderful Monday!
ReplyDeleteYou got a lot done in January! I love the finished quilts.. thanks so much for the feature! xx
ReplyDeleteYou definitely made the most of the first month in 2026. Hopfully the second is just as productive. Hope you get some good family time as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy bee you've been, and you seem to be deriving a great deal of quiet joy from it all. I ache for your heartache with the separation. Your prayer request is on my calendar, and you can bet I'll be praying this week!
ReplyDeleteYou have had a great first chapter Melva. It’s wonderful to see all of your projects. Hope your attendance at the game this week means you get to shoe the littles some love. Thank you for hosting us all and for sharing your post on To Do Tuesday. https://quiltschmilt.ca/2026/02/01/sunday-summary-235/ 🤗 Carol
ReplyDeleteJanuary was a great first chapter for you, Melva. Your quilts are lovely. I'm glad it was a good slower time for you. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteWow, you did a lot during this month, bravo for these beautiful finishes! Thank you for hosting the link party and for sharing and linking up with Patchwork & Quilts!
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