It is New Year’s Eve today. Lots of people are looking back at their year and thinking forward to the new year. When I think of last year it makes me tired. We worked so hard to get our house ready for sale, listed and then sold. Planning the move was done by my husband but yikes, it was a lot of work! Then settling into the new house, getting things set up and figuring out life up here. It certainly wasn’t a year for loads of sewing, at least not in the first half of the year. I made up for that in the second half of the year though!
The above collage shows the nine quilts I made. Some of them had been started before our move but most were started and finished since I got up to Washington. My two favorites are the snowflake quilt shown in the center and the bold patchwork shows on the lower right. But they were all fun! Three of these quilts were sent off to Mercy Hospital for their use with terminal patients. (By the way, if you aren’t aware of Mercyful Quilts, click on the tab at the top of the page. I love helping to organize lap quilt donations for them). After I made the collage, I realized I forgot to show one other quilt I finished so to be accurate, there is actually a tenth quilt!
This collage shows a variety of projects I made in the second half of the year. From aprons to tote bags and placemats to teddy bears, I really had fun with these. I love having my sewing room organized and ready. When the mood strikes, I can shop the shelves and find something fun to work on. These sorts of projects keep me motivated. The variety is important to me in order to avoid feeling stagnant. Also, these smaller projects provide the satisfaction of a finish much sooner than quilting. My favorites here are the very spooky ghost costume and the two matching sundresses show in the center row. There are other items I didn’t photograph for whatever reason but those include another apron, a market bag for Julia, a nightgown, and a fabric toddler book.
I did take a look at the top post for 2022 as far as the number of views and it was my post on the Meadow Quilt. This quilt is a beauty and I loved making it because it was so unusual. It is one I would make again because I can see it down in so many ways – a fall themed quilt with leaves, a winter themed quilt with dark night sky blues and silvers on the back ground and snowflakes for the collage. It is the perfect blank slate for creative collage. It also is fantastic for using up scraps.
OK – let’s look forward. Goals for sewing? Just to sew. Make things, enjoy what I am making, and try, try, try not to let the comparison demons rob me of that pleasure. (Instagram – I am talking about you!) Otherwise, no real goals. I have enough fabric in the sewing room to make hundreds of quilt tops. The roll of batting still has quite a bit left on it. I think the only purchases I (might) need to make are backings. But you know I will keep my eye out for thrifty ways to obtain backings – guild sales, thrifting, etc.
Goals for 2023? Hmmm…. I will lose 20 pounds, eat whole foods, exercise twice daily, live a totally minimalist life, read all of the classics, meditate daily, and keep my house clean 100% of the time. Bah ha ha ha ha! I have one goal. This is to find a way to volunteer in my new community. I had a few services in California that I enjoyed helping out with. Now that I am here and settled, it is time to find something to give some time to. I have a couple of ideas to look into – this is my only goal.
Finally, I have to say I am enjoying getting back into a blogging routine. When I closed my shop, a number of people asked me if I would stop blogging. While I certainly wasn’t nearly as active on my blog this year (only 36 posts), I do enjoy the relationships within this community and plan to keep it going. I like the writing, the journal that is kept here, and the conversations with readers and friends. Let’s keep the discussions and sharing going this year!
Wishing all of you the best in 2023 – here’s to good health, creativity, happiness, and connection!
Linking up with Meadow Mist Designs Best of 2022.
So glad that you will continue blogging. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023.
Hi Judy! Hope you are doing ok with the crazy rain that has happened over the last day or two. Sounds like it has been pretty constant.
Keep in touch and have a wonderful year. 🙂
So fun to see a review of. your very busy, crazy year, but such a good year on so many levels! I like your quilting style, vision, or whatever it’s called – just making what makes you happy. The social media comparison thing is very real, and very annoying. So go with what makes you happy, and then share it with us! I’m thinking along that line this year as well, but haven’t had the bandwidth to even try to put all my thoughts in a post. Happy New Year to you, Ray and your family!
Hey Wendy – I hope you are feeling better by now. Being sick is the pits. Let’s set one more goal – more FaceTime visits! I really enjoy chatting with you. Happy New Year to you and the family!
I think you did great this year with all the changes you had. I agree, Instagram is great at bringing one down. And I thought your list of goals sounded like the list in my head, only 25 instead of 20. Your real goal seems much more pleasurable. Best wishes for a happy new year.
Hi Anne-Marie – I think there are fun things on Instagram – It just feels like it has changed recently. Maybe it is me who has changed. I find it less appealing though. Plus when I find myself scrolling along, it seems like suddenly 30 minutes have passed by. Is this a great use of my time? Probably not the best. :-).
Wishing you all the best for 2023. Lots of sewing and chatting back and forth!
You did quite a bit this year….closing a shop and moving such stress and work! Look at all the beauties you made and those darling grands that are enjoying every bit of you they can get. Wishing you a new year of creativity, love, health and laughter!
Same to you Kathleen – creativity, love, health and laughter – with that we have it all.
Enjoy the holiday!!
I like your list of goals and then the ha, ha! 🙂 I don’t even bother to make a list anymore but I have gotten into the habit of twice daily walks for the last 2 years and feel lazy now if I don’t do it. You had a move and still got a lot done – good work!
Walking twice a day – that is great! My husband and I try to get out almost every day for a good walk. We live in a rainy area so sometimes that makes it a challenge. But we are fairly consistent. I read your year end post and it is amazing how many projects you are working on and how many finishes you have. A number of your quilts are really large too! Well done!
Such as great review, you have so many awesome finishes for 2023. Thanks for linking up!
Thank Cheryl! Also – thanks for hosting the link up – It’s a fun thing to look back at the year and take note of the accomplishments.
Love your unrealistic goals…and then the real goal!!!
Happy New Year and best wishes for a happy and healthy year ahead.
Thank you Nancy – I know myself well enough to know I am not going to stick with the usual New Year resolutions. But sewing more and making what I am in the mood for… that is one I think I can stick to!
Happy New Year to you!
I love your brighter Meadow quilt ❤️! We moved this past year too and I just about have sewing room done, made my design wall boards recently. Your granddaughters are lucky to have you making so much for them! 😻
Hi Pamela – The design wall is one thing I have yet to complete in my sewing room. There are two spots where it might work out. I just need to get it done. I hope you are happy in your new home. Take care and Happy New Year!
I have always looked forward to reading your blog posts and now we get to share your grandparent times too which is always interesting with young ones!
Nothing like being close to seeing all their moments growing up. It was a good move and well worth the energy. I use to make so many PJs and nightgowns for my grandkids when they were younger. And the pleasure of it was so rewarding. Happy New Year and looking forward to more posts even if it’s a healthy recipe to keep us all motivated to eat well cause M and M’s sit in a bowl next to me while I sew!
Oh dear Kathy – if I had a bowl of M&M’s next to me when I sewed, I would have to constantly refill it. Those are one of the things I can’t stop eating – my favorites are the peanut butter M&M’s! My sewing room is upstairs, the food is downstairs so I make a trek to the kitchen for a snack. It helps me a little – I have no willpower. (Ask my kids!!)
I do enjoy being with the grand children and I know, like everything else, it will pass far too quickly. So I am trying to focus on it now and really enjoy our times together.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
A completely understandable hiatus for a great cause! It makes such a difference to be there for the little people and know them as they grow up. Completely worth the time and stress! I love all your projects (and the granddaughter pictures) and look forward to more great things in the new year. Happy 2023, with a big hug!
When I are up, I lived on the same street as my maternal grandparents and about three miles from my paternal grandparents. We had dinner with one set on most weekends. I think family is so important and while we live just over an hour’s drive from the girls, that is much closer than a 13 hour drive! I know you are the same, wanting to have a special relationship with your grands. It is so important. All the best to you in the New Year Mari. I have a feeling 2023 is going to beat 2022 by a long ways!!
I’m keen for a less-tired year too – here’s hoping 2023 can deliver on that for both of us! Love your quilts and your one goal, and I love how much time you got to spend with family this year. It looked pretty special. All the best for 2023, Bernie!
Exactly – we need a ‘less-tire’ year! That is the perfect way to say it. You have had loads going on, especially with your son and his graduation. Those are big transitions for a mom. Happy New Year Kirsty.
Moving takes so much time and effort. The joy I can pick up in your tone about the transition says to me that all that time and hard work was more than worth it! I wish you nothing but the best for 2023, and I am so glad to catch up with you, whenever you have time to post and share.
Happy New Year Yvonne! I know you can totally relate to the stresses of moving – you have certainly had your share. It has been totally worth it. I always enjoy chatting with you, seeing your work and watching the progress of your design business. All the best in 2023 to you and Michael both.
Happy New Year! I’m glad that you are continuing your blog, loving your new home, getting to be a more hands on grandma, and looking for a place to volunteer!
I love reading other people’s resolutions and/or goals. Mine this year are: keep a log of what I’ve read, travel a bit, sew a lot, and try to get back into a sleep routine. I lost my ability to drop-off to sleep when I was under going cancer treatments. It is time to reclaim my ability to rest and sleep!
Hi Torry – poor sleep is so disruptive. This must drive you nuts. I hope you are able to solve it. I did keep a log of books this year! I need to go back and take a look at it. Sounds like a good plan for you this year. Happy New Year!!
Yes, you certainly did have a lot going on last year! I especially enjoy seeing the projects you make for your grandchildren. I love the idea of finding a meaningful volunteer opportunity as your new year’s resolution for 2023.
Hi Rebecca – Thanks so much. For 2023 – the pace of life should be much more normal. I am looking forward to that! Finding a volunteer project is feeling like the right thing to do. I will still organize Mercyful Quilts but that is a different sort of service project. So it is time too look into something in Port Orchard. It is so strange not knowing the community after having lived in a town for 29 years. But this is a good way to get to know it. Take care and I hope 2023 is a very good year for you and your family.
Fun review of your year of the big move, Bernie!!! That Meadow Quilt is breathtaking!!! Beautiful photo backdrop, too!!! I enjoyed perusing you collages of finished quilts and finished projects, too!!! Happy new year!!! I’m interested in hearing what volunteer project you join!
Thank you Nancy. I am just starting to look at volunteer opportunities. One thing I want to do is work with Friends of the Library. So that is on the list. But nothing solid just yet. There are always things to do to support the community so I am sure I will find the right thing.
Take care, B.
I’m so glad that move is behind you and you are settling into your new community. I’m sure being close to those sweet girls helps. Do you get to see Julia very often? The peek at your back yard (the Meadow quilt) looks beautiful. I can only imagine how much you are enjoying your new surroundings. Think you will eventually do some touring around your new state?
Hi Linda – hmmm, we see Julia about every three months or so. But after she graduates in June she is hoping to find a job up here. She is in that stage of what kind of job do I want, how do I find it, etc. So we are just waiting to see how all of it plays out. we do love the surroundings – it is very green and lush. I can’t say I even mind the amount of rain. It is just part of the deal here. For Christmas I gave a book to Ray of day trips in Washington and there are lots of cool things to do – We have been checking out everything in a rough one hour drive from here and that has been a lot of fun. We haven’t been too far north or east though.
I hope all is well with you. Your grands are growing up too fast – just like our girls. I wish they would just slow down!