STRENGTHEN, my word for 2023

Is it too late for a new year post? January has already been busy and I feel I have been productive but am already trying to do too much. There are sew many fun projects and too little time, as always. 

Last year I my word was "journey" and it really helped me focus on the fun in creating rather than how far away the finish is. That change in mindset helped me complete 3 quilted projects, 7 quilt tops and lots of other projects. 

My completed "Summer Camp" top designed by Pat Sloan

part of "Boo Crew" by Fat Quarter Shop 

My "City Lights" mini quilt from a workshop I did with Peter Byrne

"Star Baby" from a class by Mountain Star Quilt Guild 

In December I did a lot of reflection and my word for 2023 is Strengthen. With more consistent sewing, I have seen my skills improve and my focus is to continue strengthening those skills. I especially want to learn free motion quilting (FMQ), so I can finish all those quilt tops. 

So far this year I have completed a quilt, soon to be shipped to a new baby, joined in on Project Quilting season 14, and have amazingly stayed on track with Sewcialites 2 from fat quarter shop. 

1st completed project this year, a baby quilt.

Sewcialites2 blocks 1-12 using Tula Pink's  Tiny Beasts

And I did start playing with FMQ, enough to realize it's going to take a lot of practice before I feel comfortable doing a quilt. I have decided to make placemats while I practice so now you know what everyone will get for Christmas this year. 

Do you chose a word for the year? I never used to but last year having a mindset that I kept referring to really helped me to stay on track with both creating and other personal endeavors. I am hoping the same for 2023, that I will come out at the end feeling a stronger sense of me. 

Project Quilting 14.2 "A Hint of Pink"

When I saw the theme for the 2nd challenge of Project Quilting I was a bit flustered. I mean didn't you see my very pink pillow I did for the 1st challenge? I also have less time now that holidays are over and I really wanted to start practicing FMQ. Hence the Tula "Pink" pink owl placemat. May not be as intricate or creative but it did take a lot of work and courage to finally commit to free motion on something I show people. 

Looking forward to challenge 14.3. if you want to join in check out Persimmon Dreams 

Worried as I was about starting FMQ? Here are my first practice pieces from yesterday 😳 I have a long way to go, but I am learning and we all start somewhere

Project Quilting Season 14

Over at Persimmon Dreams, you can find all the details for a fun challenge called "Project Quilting." I found it a while ago and have had fun watching the amazing creativity. I decided to try my hand this time around. 

It's season 14 and for project 14.1 the challenge was "the first one". I went pretty literal for my project. I chose one color, Pink, and one shape, Triangle. 

My youngest helped design the block (again just one) and I turned it into a cute little pillow about 6" square.

Who knows if I will be able to complete all the rest but really enjoyed my first one.