2025 Summary & 2026 Plans, Dreams & Goals

I will not lie... 2025 was a challenging year for me and I am NOT a bit sad to see it fade away into the sunset!  I could recount the challenges and heartbreaks of the year, but instead I am going to focus on the blessings that I was reminded of whenever I was at a low point.  When one came to mind, I jotted it down on a small paper and tucked it into my Blessing Jar.

I will be reviewing them on January 1 and looking forward to a more pleasant year. 

I had a very slow year for custom orders... the blessing that came from that was that I had the opportunity to play in my scrap bins like never before.  My creativity grew and I think (?) my scraps diminished.  It is difficult to really tell, though.  No matter though...

Laura's Little House quilt reflects the books of the Little House series
& will be a Sew Along series in 2026

How many quilts did I make in 2025? Thirty-eight! (38) That includes counting placemat sets and bowl cozies as 1 project each.  I offered a pictorial summary of the quilts, minus  updated to include the last two finishes of the year - Laura's Little House quilt and the RSC Color Wash Hexagons - here.

I have estimated the amount of fabric used for the year at 117 yards... mostly from the stash.  I purchased one jelly roll and 1 FQ bundle from Modern Prairie and acquired a few pieces that were donated to me.  I feel really good about this number! 

2025 word - Trust - Here is a short excerpt from October...  I feel the same just a few months later and as Forrest Gump said, "That's all I'm gonna say about that. ;)

"Late last year I had settled on a "word of the year"... It was Trust.  I've haven't done too well with trusting the Lord through all the challenges and changes we have faced in our family this year.  As I wrapped up my third-quarter review I was reflecting on trust...

Do I trust the Lord in all that is happening.  Yes. Yes, I do.  Am I happy about it?  No, not at all!  I am frustrated and reminded that trust isn't something earned easily.  God has never failed me before... though the end result is quite different than I would have chosen."  

My daughter Rebecca, my Mom and I have selected a topical "Read the Bible in a Year" plan.  It will be a new approach for me... I've read it front to back, chronologically and alternating Old Testament with New Testament... now we are going by topic.  I think it will be an interesting experience and offer some new insight for me. I have a peace about the coming year.  In fact...

Shalom is my 2026 Word of the year.  It is so much more than just "Peace".  Here are just a few reasons why...

I welcome this depth of peace with open arms!  It will likely mean that I need to let go of that which I cannot control. The Lord's provision is ALWAYS not just enough, but enough that it makes one question... "what's this extra little bit for?"

I'll let you know how this plays out... I'm sure it isn't going to be in the way that I envision. I know well enough that I need to "hold on tight... we're going for a ride!" ;)

Plans and Goals for 2026- 

I am excited to say that the Little House sew along really is going to happen! I have the Butterfly Sonnet fat-quarter bundle from Connecting Threads on hand and will be finalizing my patterns and quilt math lessons.  Patterns & lessons will be published twice a month.  You can get a clearer understanding of what the "math lessons" might include by following the highlighted link above. 

Start date to be determined... So many new BOMs start in January... I want to hold back just a bit... probably February.  This will give me ample time to get all of the ducks in a row and not place too much pressure on me.  Remember... I need Shalom Peace in my life... no pressure! LOL.  There are only 9 blocks - the center of each block is 6-inches, surrounded by a log cabin layout that brings the finished block to a 16-inch square block.  The series will be finished by June... just before any busy summer-school's out-gardening season plans.

Laura's quilt is lovely, and I am pleased with it, but this second Little House quilt will have more of a "Caroline" feel... A little more refined or mature... I want to get the color placement of each block just right so that the "story block" doesn't melt into the log cabin blocks framing them.

Watch for details!

I have a few other possible collaborations.  I'll let you know if I have a proposal accepted. ;)  One may see me revisiting and republishing the Pieces from the Past series. 💖  

I have two "long-term" projects in mind for 2026... I'll join the Rainbow Scrap Challenge again.  This time taking inspiration from Yvonne at the Quilting Jetgirl on instagram with scrappy star blocks.

My second project is a Bookish Journal - made of 9-patch blocks reflecting the cover of a book (similar to Charm About you on instagram)

These "book blocks" could be prepped and "kitted" and used as a travel project.  Since I have taken to listening to audio books as I spend time in the studio, I thought this would be a good way to journal my "reads."

I've been asked by Rachael at Fiona Sandwich National Park patterns to choose a pattern and offer a tutorial on creating a "souvenir" National Park shirt using the reverse applique technique that I shared earlier this year.

That should be fun!  I know exactly which block I want to use.  Arches NP has been on our travel bucket list for several years and we are going to make it happen in the spring of 2026!

Perhaps I'll be spotted at a few quilt shops while we travel... I'd love to offer a "Story Telling Quilts" program.  Do you have a favorite store/club/guild you'd like for me to visit.  Let me know by sending an email or leave a comment.  Be sure to leave an email address if you are an anonymous commenter.

Enough about me... 

What are your plans for 2026!

Keep Piecing!

Melva

Linking with:

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Tuesday Turn About at My Wee Abode

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Creatively Crafty at Creatively Beth

I Quilted This! at Quilting & Learning

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Plans, Dreams & Goals at Quilting & Learning

m

Quarter 3 Quilting Check-in

The other day I saw a mention that Christmas was X weeks away.  I don't remember the number, but it was alarmingly close and for a moment... I had a bit of panic.  And then put it out of my mind... thus the reason I cannot remember the number stated. ;) Hahaha.  

Do I care?  Yes... From a business standpoint, so that I am not dealing with last minute orders.  I would appreciate my customers to be well prepared and plan ahead.  

From a personal standpoint?  Not really.  It does seem that the summer zipped by.  And suddenly, here we are firmly in the fall season, and I am loving the days.  I have been relishing the moderate temperatures of the days, the cooler temps of early morning and evening, and I cannot forget the brilliant colors that those cool temps bring. I am making every effort to be fully present in every day/moment/conversation so that I am not missing the small blessings that are sprinkled into the ordinary of life.

As I turned the page of the calendar, I realized we are now in the 4th quarter and that it was time to review my list of goals I had...

❧ Taking my Story Telling Quilts program on the road.  Two new quilts on the "Art Wall" at the local library in March to celebrate World Quilting Month.

Again, I have not pursued this as aggressively as I could... I have my excuses... reasons... Basically, I don't want to travel alone and Dave's commitment to the water system that serves our community has not allowed for travel plans.  BUT!

I am still open to offering my Storytelling Quilts program to quilters - whether just a group or a formal guild. I'd like to keep the travel to within a 3-4 hour drive but could happily try to work out something via the web.  I am in southeastern Colorado and would consider travel to the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, New Mexico, Kansas and the Denver-metro area, possibly southern Wyoming or western Nebraska.  We I will simply make it work.  Hit me up!

I am on the schedule at the library to have a display of quilts on the "Art Wall" next year in March.  Plans for what quilts to display is still mulling in my mind, but I'm thinking of "Table Scraps" or "Table Talk."  Use your imagination to guess what it might include.

❧ Continue with my custom quilting and t-shirt quilts... I will also continue leaving a trail of love from my quilted hearts.

I've not had many custom orders this year... but it hasn't kept me from quilting and creating.  A small trail of quilted hearts has been made as we have traveled with our 5th wheel camper.    

❧ Continue my weekly Sew & Tell party

Sew & Tell is going strong and offers inspiration and creativity continually and I have enjoyed developing friendships with many participants and readers.

The Christmas in July blog hop was a fun event with 7 quilters joining the fun.  I had plans to host the Virtual Cookie Exchange hop, but the original hosts are bringing that, and the Halloween hop, back.  I've joined the list of bloggers for the "Out of the Dark" hop. I have my project ready to go and am excited to share with everyone!  Stop by on Tuesday, October 21st.

❧ With our Camping Journal Quilt complete, I am thinking of taking up a hexie project for some of my hand-stitching.  I've printed and cut 3" tall hexies.  These large hexies could easily become a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.  But I haven't settled on that yet.  TBD

My color wash hexagon project is completely laid out!  

Now begins the task of getting them stitched together.  I will do this by columns, starting at the far left (above - below it is the bottom row), getting about 1/3 of the total unit together and then piece in the stragglers.

❧ Compile the stories from our camping adventures into a book.

DONE! I ended up have it printed at the local copy store and placed the pages in plastic protector sleeves.

Compile patterns and memory book pages from the Pieces of My Life quilt and get them in a published format as well.  

 NOT DONE... Maybe in the 3rd 4th quarter. ;)

 ❧ Above all, I want to make certain that I am creating and finding joy in life through my quilting projects.

I continue to embrace the shortage of custom quilt/ quilting orders and joined the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  I completed 15 or 16 quilts from my scrap bin (also known as the unmade quilt bin).  

Each month of the RSC I made four or five 6" blocks that I am calling Korner Kabin blocks.  When I started this project, I was unsure how I would place them all together in one quilt... the quilt is finished and will soon be gifted to a dear friend! 

I was recently chosen to become a Connecting Threads Ambassador.  Connecting Threads is the place that I purchase the Hobbs Heirloom Fusible Batting. It is my preferred batting to use.  I choose the fusible batting over spray basting every time!  They often have sales and if you want to make a purchase from them you can use the code ACTMelvaLovesScraps which is valid for 15% off sitewide.

Given the speed of which three-quarters of 2025 has passed by, I have started making a list of goals for 2026.  I'll let them gel for a while... I have time. ;)  

Self-assessment is a good way to review goals and priorities, and I feel comfortable with what I have accomplished.  As I learned years ago... that which you spend your time, money and thoughts are your priorities.  I also learned that if you really want to do it, you WILL make time for it.  So, I'll leave you with something to consider...

Do YOU set your priorities?

Or do you allow others or the world set them for you?

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Quilting Jet Girl

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

Mid-Year Check In

Yvonne over at Quilting Jetgirl hosts an annual planning party as well as quarterly check-ins.  I'm really bad about doing quarterly "check-ins". Not that I forget my goals for the year, rather, they are at the back of my mind, and I make the assessments mentally and for myself.

As a reminder to myself and you, my fellow quilters/supporters/readers here's what I had hoped for, followed with the progress and advancement of the planned item.

❧ Taking my Story Telling Quilts program on the road.  Two new quilts on the "Art Wall" at the local library in March to celebrate World Quilting Month.

I enjoyed having my quilts on display for the month of March.  I gave an "artist's talk" to a small group of library patrons.  They enjoyed hearing the stories I shared about various blocks in my Camping Journal Quilt, as well as the Pieces of My Life quilt that was displayed.

Admittedly, I have not pursued this as aggressively as I could... BUT!

I am still open to offering my Storytelling Quilts program to quilters - whether just a group or a formal guild. I'd like to keep the travel to within a 3-4 hour drive but could happily try to work out something via the web.  I am in southeastern Colorado and would consider travel to the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, New Mexico, Kansas and the Denver-metro area, possibly southern Wyoming or western Nebraska.

 

❧ Continue with my custom quilting and t-shirt quilts... I will also continue leaving a trail of love from my quilted hearts.

I've not had many custom orders this year... but it hasn't kept me from quilting and creating.  A small trail of quilted hearts has been made as we have traveled with our 5th wheel camper.  Read on to learn what I've been keeping busy with.  

❧ Continue my weekly Sew & Tell party

Sew &Tell is 3 years old!  The party has grown from just four participants in the first party to nearly 20 each week.  To those that have been faithful participants over the years I offer a heartfelt THANK YOU!  Each entry is appreciated.  I've enjoyed getting to know so many of you as you share your life journey through your quilts.  Your support and love for me as we go through the ups and downs of life is felt with every comment and party entry.

I am planning for a special Christmas in July blog hop.  The rules requirements for participation will be easy... share a Christmas project.  It could be a Christmas gift or a Christmas themed project.  One of my favorite Christmas in July stories can be found here.  Leave a comment or send me an email if you want to participate in the hop. 

Watch for details about the virtual cookie exchange blog hop...

 

❧ With our Camping Journal Quilt complete (you can see it in the library picture above), I am thinking of taking up a hexie project for some of my hand-stitching.  I've printed and cut 3" tall hexies.  These large hexies could easily become a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.  But I haven't settled on that yet.  TBD

No need for an explanation ;)

❧ Compile the stories from our camping adventures into a book.

DONE! I ended up have it printed at the local copy store and placed the pages in plastic protector sleeves.

Compile patterns and memory book pages from the Pieces of My Life quilt and get them in a published format as well.  

NOT DONE... Maybe in the 3rd quarter. ;)

 

❧ Above all, I want to make certain that I am creating and finding joy in life through my quilting projects.

I have embraced the lack of custom quilt/ quilting orders and joined the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  

I have completed 14 small quilts from my scrap bin (also known as the unmade quilt bin).  

Each month of the RSC I have made four 6" blocks that I am calling Korner Kabin blocks.  When I started this project, I was unsure how I would place them all together in one quilt... So far, I am pleased with the potential! 

As I reviewed my plans for 2025 that I shared in December, I also gathered some other data... Melva Loves Scraps was started in February 2013.  Since then, I have shared just over 1,000 stories/posts, had 843,000 views and more than 8,000 comments have been left.  

Only 970 of the stories are available to the general public.  I pulled (unpublished) the individual stories of the Pieces from the Past and Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail sew along events.  The stories are now only available with the purchase of a book.  Patterns are still available in my Payhip store - Pieces From the Past and Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail.

BUT... with a recent purchase of a Riley Blake Designs fat-quarter bundle I am considering hosting a "re-run" of one of the sew alongs.  Or maybe a new "story" quilt is needed... stay tuned!  

Do you have a preference or "story" suggestion?

How are your plans for 2025 playing out? 

On track?  Or do you need to realign?  

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

2025 Planning Q2 at QuiltingJetgirl

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

m

2025 Planning Party

 

As the year draws to a close, I am looking forward to 2025 and enjoying the calendar of Pieces From the Past quilt blocks that I made.

I did a review of 2024 last week.  Take a quick peek HERE for that story.  You'll find my comparisons of the what the stats show as the "Top 5" versus what my "personal favorites" were.

As a quick review of the goals I had for 2024...

❧ Taking my Pieces from the Past and Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail programs on the road.  
 
❧ Continue with my custom quilting and t-shirt quilts... I will also continue leaving a trail of love from my quilted hearts.
 
❧ With my fingers crossed, I think I may be able to complete our Camping Journal Quilt. 
 
❧ Make certain that I am creating and finding joy in life even in the midst of the move for Mom.  

I am pleased to say that I did reach every goal listed.  

Looking forward many of the goals remain the same:

❧ Taking my Story Telling Quilts program on the road.  I have multiple quilts now that could be included.  I was blessed to be able to present to a wonderful group of quilters in Greeley.  Would you be interested in having me visit your group?  Let me know, we can make plans!  I will have the new quilts hanging at the local library again in March to celebrate World Quilting Month.

 
❧ Continue with my custom quilting and t-shirt quilts... I will also continue leaving a trail of love from my quilted hearts.

❧ I'll continue my weekly Sew & Tell party, and I've signed up to be the hostess for three TGIFF linky parties.  In early December I saw that many participants of the Virtual Cookie Exchange party were disappointed that it was the last one as the hosts were ready to hand up their party hats.  I'm considering picking up that "baton" and running with it.  If I were to continue the tradition, who would be interested?  Leave me a comment... If there is ample interest, I'll make plans for it.
 
❧ With our Camping Journal Quilt complete, I am thinking of taking up a hexie project for some of my hand-stitching.  I've printed and cut 3" tall hexies.  These large hexies could easily become a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.  But I haven't settled on that yet.  TBD

❧ I need to compile all of the stories from our camping adventures into a book to accompany the Camping Journal quilt.  Which means I will be looking into a blog-to-book option.  While I am at it, I will gather all of the patterns and memory book pages from the Pieces of My Life quilt and get them in a published format as well.  

 
❧ Above all, I want to make certain that I am creating and finding joy in life through my quilting projects.

It seems like a pretty vague list... but I am okay with that.  

Like last year, I have no plans for another sew along.  Of course, we know how that turned out ;)  The idea for the Pieces of My Life quilt came along in February.  Will the same happen again???  I will simply wait and see.

Last year my focus Scripture was:

This life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!  ... the joyful anticipation deepens.

In looking back over all that happened, I feel that the year was more of a lesson of patience. A very long lesson of patience. ;) Patience and anticipation are similar... As the year went on and the lessons continued, I forgot the joyful aspect. We had some camping adventures... most with our little brown dog, Shelby which helped to make the adventures more exciting and joyful.  I mean an excited and friendly dog that loved to smell and explore and say "hello" to everyone she met certainly helped with the "childlike" joy.

I've been considering a focus word or Scripture for the coming year and Proverbs 3:5-6 has been showing up in numerous places... since October!  Just recently, verses 7 and 8 were included with it...   

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Do I understand exactly what the Lord intends to do with this?  No.  But I would be foolish to think that I did!  

Happy New Year!

Melva

Linking with:

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Creatively Crafty at Creatively Beth

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Planning Party Linkup at Quilting Jetgirl ~ 

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

m

Best of 2023 & Year-end Review, 2024 Planning Party

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to review the highlights and progress of the year.  Goals that I had for 2023 were:

❤  Make "quilted hearts" and spread a trail of love as we travel and camp. To date, 58 hearts have been released into the world.  Sadly, none of them have been "reported".  My husband said, "it's because you leave them in up on mountains, hilltops and remote trails."  LOL!  Well, perhaps there is that. 

❤  While it wasn't an official goal, but a challenge I stumbled upon while perusing through Instagram, I enjoyed the 52-week Mini Quilt Challenge.  There were never any "rules" that I saw, but most of my mini quilts ranged in size from 3"x5" to 5"x7" with a few 6-inch minis sprinkled in.  I used multiple orphans and tried new techniques and ideas.  Some resulted with fabulous results, and others were merely "just ok."

❤  As I tidied up my studio last year, following several months of illnesses, I found an extra jellyroll and pattern book for such an item.  I stitched up two quilts during a few snowstorms.  They were lovely and both found new homes this year. 

👀  The laser light that I received in my Christmas 2022 stocking has been used a few times, but I have not found that I "can't live without it" tip or technique.  As I get time, I will give another try.

❤  I was successful in getting my Pieces from the Santa Fe Trail sew along compiled into a book.  I held a book signing event at the local library as the local "Santa Fe Trail Days" celebration kicked off.  I also presented at the Heritage Center in Boise City, OK.  

❤  As I considered another on-line sew-along event, I opted to take a pass.  I was never able to develop an idea that I was really excited about.  I have learned that if your heart is not in it, it is evident, and others fail to get excited as well.  

I did, however, continue hosting my weekly Sew & Tell party.  It has grown to have an average of 15 participants.  

❤  I was blessed with the opportunity to finish 11 quilt tops for others and numerous t-shirt quilts and orphan block projects, bringing the total finished quilts to nearly 30 for the year!  When you get to do what you love for your job, it is rarely "work".  Which is why I am able to still enjoy all of the small projects I took with me as we traveled and unplugged.  It was something that I was able to do to rejuvenate my creativity and it was FOR me.

The most popular blog posts were as follows:

#1 - Create for Joy featured mini-quilt #35/52

#2 - Whimsical Wednesday featured some fancy quilted hearts

#3 - Therapy in the Studio featured my granola recipe

#4 - Wayward Wednesday featured a quick little bag that was just too fun for many to resist the temptation of making.  I'm not saying go check it out, but if you do, be warned... it is a DrEAMI NOW project.

#5 - An Angel & Her Wings ~ When I received the news that a HS friend had committed suicide, I felt compelled to create a mini-quilt, #16/52, in her memory, inspired by a photo that she had shared on social media. It resides with her loved ones on display in their home. It was healing for me to be able to express my love for her when words would not come.

As for my personal favorite finish for the year...  

The quilted wall hanging of a local landmark, Simpson's Rest, that was commissioned by a customer challenged me and helped me to grow as a quilter and artist.

The sandstone bluff is home to the "TRINIDAD" sign and the final resting place of George Simpson.

So, how did I do? All in all, very well.

The focus scripture for me was from 1 Corinthians 7:32 (The Message)

I want you to live as free of complications as possible. 

We did well with this focus.  When we began to feel that we were stuck in a rut, we would take a few days to unplug from the world, find a remote campsite and relax.  We would evaluate, nap, enjoy walks, sleep 10-12 hours at night, laugh, talk and read.  We would always return home refreshed and ready to get back to our routines.

As I followed the Read the Bible in a year chronological plan with my daughter, and started considering what the Lord might have for us in 2024 I felt joyful anticipation.  There are many things we have been praying for and striving for... and then I read this in Romans 8...

This life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!  ... the joyful anticipation deepens.

As I look forward to plans for 2024, I really do feel a joyful anticipation.  A few things I am hoping to see come to life are:

❧  Taking my Pieces from the Past and Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail programs on the road.  I'll be developing a mailing list of those that participated in the on-line sew along events as well as quilting groups that are within a 3-4 hour radius from our location, Trinidad, Colorado.  Would you be interested in having me visit your group?  Let me know, we can make plans!

❧  I'll continue with my custom quilting and t-shirt quilts... I have 4 in que, two for customers. I will also continue leaving a trail of love from my quilted hearts.

❧  With my fingers crossed, I think I may be able to complete our Camping Journal Quilt.  This year I completed two borders that included at least 55 different blocks, including a sign for each location and a block for each night's stay. (I've kinda lost count and I am a little behind...) We made many memories on our journey and Shelby has approved of every one of them. LOL!

❧  Since I am anticipating a down-size and move for Mom in the spring, I am certain that there will be a significant amount of time taken up with that and that it will likely take away some time from my studio.  But since I rely upon my therapy sessions in the studio, I'll have to make certain that I am still creating and finding joy in life.  

Thanks for joining me for the 2023 Review, Top 5 and Planning Party!  But before you go, tell me...

What do you do to maintain a proper balance in life?  

How do you refresh and restore when you are feeling in a rut?

I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Best of 2023 party at Meadow Mist 

Planning Party at Quilting Jetgirl

m

2023 Planning Party

 

It is the time of year that many of us take time to reflect on the previous 12 months, assess, and then make plans for the coming year.

You can catch my review at Best of 2022... since the past several months have been physically challenging for me I long to simply "dip my toes in the waters" and wade in slowly to 2023 rather than doing a polar plunge.  So some first quarter goals are as follows...

We have a January business trip planned as well as making tentative plans for a camping trip in late February/early March. We have reserved the first two Harry Potter books and I am making a few quilty plans as well to be able to pass the time on the road.  I have two EPP Postcard blocks ready to go.  These two blocks will wrap-up the documentation our camping adventures for 2022...

My daughter sent me a fun project idea ~ I Found a Quilted Heart ~ ❤... and this is a perfect project to occupy my hands as we road-trip! 

Here's the story of how it all got started...

The most random thing happened while vacationing in Nevada.   Three sisters and our husbands took a day trip to Valley of Fire State Park.  After an afternoon of hiking, exploring, and soaking in the beauty, it was time to check in for our return flight.  We drove to Rainbow Vista, as it was the only location in the park with cell phone service.   While the three sisters look for just the right place to get that coveted cell service, the husbands searched a cave off in the distance.   Following a deserted trail around the back side of the cave, the most incredible gift was found: a little quilted heart with a tag reading, “I need a home.”

Well, it certainly found a perfect home! We may never know who placed that quilted heart in the desert of Nevada, but we are thankful for it.  This beautiful little heart started a whole new purpose for us; blessing others with the same simple act of kindness.

Have you heard of I Found A Quilted Heart?  

I'd like to hear from you if you have... Have you found a quilted heart?  Did you report the quilted heart?  Have you ever made hearts like this? 

I have enjoyed making smaller, improv mug rugs or postcards over the past few years.  Recently, I was inspired by something I saw on Instagram (Sorry, I don't remember who to credit) but this is one of the first projects I'll be making when I decide it is time to return to the studio.

I have been fiddling around in there with various things... I gave some special attention to the wood flooring the other day and I have it looking shiny and clean again. I cleared the various piles of project remnants that lingered after finished the Dresden Quilt and have my retreat quilt in que for finishing.  I also pulled out an extra jellyroll that I had purchased as an option for the retreat quilt as well as a pattern book that I was gifted a few years ago from one of my daughters.

One of my Christmas gifts this year was a laser light that will attach to my sewing machines.  I am excited to get it set up so that I can try it out.  For years I have had a piece of tape on my sewing table making a center line as well as the 1/4" seam, but this will offer a longer line for larger HST units.  It isn't complicated to attach... just some sticky velcro... but I need to decide on the perfect position on the machine so that it isn't in the way and won't easily be bumped and knocked out of position.

Have you ever used such a tool?  

What are your thoughts?  

I'd love to have some feedback or suggestions.

A little longer range... I'll be working on getting a pattern book for the Pieces of the Trail Quilt printed.  The owner of the quilt shop in Raton, New Mexico is interested in doing another block of the month event.  So, I really need to get my ducks in a row and get a pattern book ready to sell.  I'll be using the same printing company I used for my Pieces From the Past book ~ Blurb.com.  I had considered making or creating a calendar with the patterns, but simply haven't found a good source or program to design something like that without making a big investment and learning how to use a new program... but to be honest... I haven't spent a great deal of time researching it either.  Maybe Snapfish or Shutterfly has something that would work...

I have been considering hosting another sew along for 2023... I am definitely interested but need to take some time off to be able to plan and design with fewer deadlines and pressure than what I put on myself this year.  If nothing else, I have learned from the lesson of caring for my health, which I had apparently taken advantage of this past fall. Be sure to watch for some details to come in the spring!

Thanks for following my thoughts, plans and dreams... I hope that you will continue to be one of my faithful readers! 😘

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Planning Party at Quilting Jetgirl

Put Your Foot Down at True Blue Quilts 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate