The first week of 2015 has already slipped by! When each new year falls upon us, I think human nature dictates that we reflect and respond to the past as we push into the future. New Year’s resolutions tend to be the biggest outlet for those thoughts.
As quilters who thrive on sewing, a lot of us have very specific resolutions directed at our art/craft. Many resolutions tend to be goal-oriented with a specific outcome, such as “I will complete a quilt a month”, ” I will participate in two swaps this year”, “I will learn three new techniques”, or my personal favorite, “I will finish every project I start.” (Ha!) The resolutions start to read like a to-do list or a set of rules. Pretty soon, sewing becomes an obligation rather than a pleasurable experience.
Goals and guidelines are important, but so is the inherent reason for why we all sew. The most important resolution for me is to engage in mindful sewing: to truly be present in my approach and do my best work, inside and out. I made a list with a more do-what-you-love, love-what-you-do approach. Here’s sticking to these resolutions this year!
– Unless sewing is your job, quotas do not matter. No one is keeping score.
– If you don’t love it, don’t finish it. Change the pattern. Cut it up and turn it into a different quilt, or a pillow, or a bag. Straying away from an original design isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a mark of creative genius!
– If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. No one cares if you got “that” fabric first. If it runs out, new pretty things are on the way.
– You don’t have to cut up your favorite fabric. It is still waiting for its moment.
– Don’t forget to make something for yourself.
– Challenge yourself. Not sure how to use “Marsala” for 2015? See if you can’t incorporate it into a quilt or a project! Haven’t tried paper piecing yet? Go for it!
– You really can mix up that fat quarter bundle. It’s okay, I promise!
– Sign your work or do something special to make it your own.
Happy stitchy 2015!
What sewing goals or wishes do you have for the New Year?