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Saturday, February 7, 2015

February Goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes

After my dismal failure to meet last month's goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes, I had just about decided not to participate in the challenge any longer.  When the end of January came and that goal remained unmet, I was a bit hard on myself.  Which is silly considering that quilting is a hobby for me, it's big part of my stress relief strategy.  I work in a competitive environment with goals and hard deadlines.  That wasn't something that I desired being part of my quilting life.  But without some goals, it's easy for me to just hit the recliner when I get home and not make the effort to get upstairs and stitch a bit.  I honestly feel better after I sew for a bit, there's not the same satisfaction from spending the entire evening in the recliner.  So I'm back for the February installment of A Lovely Year of  Finishes with the understanding that "finishing" isn't going to be a quilt each month, but something that moves me towards a finish and that works in my often hectic schedule.  

 Last month my goal was to get the borders on the 2014 Rainbow Scrap Challenge Sampler Quilt. 
 Rainbow Scrap Challenge Sampler
By Angela Feldbush of Soscrappy
Of course when I set that goal I was planning on adding a few strips of fabric as the border and calling it good.  But I wasn't happy with that plan, so an idea for a pieced border took root.  A pieced border takes a lot longer than cutting a few fabric strips and sewing them to the sides.  So my goal this month is to just finish the borders.  Getting them all sewn on is a bonus, the real goal is to just get the borders to the point they are ready to be sewn on.  I've made a pretty good start on getting the pieces made.  


So that's the plan for February. Check out all the other February goals for a Lovely Year of Finishes over at Sew Bittersweet Designs.


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8 comments:

  1. PattilouFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    I love how quilts morph! Your RSC14 quilt is just stunning. I really would love to see the finish. I hope you post it on the '15 challenge.

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  2. Val's Quilting StudioFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Kate today's post were my thoughts put into words! I haven't done the ALYofF....as I too am also too hard on myself when a goal isn't met...thus found myself last year really pushing myself to get things done...and sometimes it wasn't fun. BUt like you said, quilting is not just a hobby, but a stress relief. I'm still not doing the ALYofF...but like you, need some kind of goal...thus as I return back to work next week, knowing I need to be restful and slow....I'm going to set out to incorporate 30 minutes a day of sewing after work. Just come home, take Jackson for his walk, and between that hour and half after dinner and my evening shows begin (Which means hand stitiching) I'm going to sew. Thanks for you post today! Nice to know I'm in good company! :V (Hmmmm maybe I'll add some kind of "daily" total to my sidebar to keep track of my hours until I get this habit done pat????)

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  3. Vroomans' QuiltsFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    Don't beat yourself up - it is to be fun. If it is progressing at what rate you are able at the time, that is a good thing.

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  4. Alycia~QuiltygirlFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:54 AM

    Never beat yourself up - goals are to be worked on, and it's okay to "keep working" I like your borders and it will be fantastic.... relax - let the stress go away!

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  5. Heather NorthFebruary 7, 2015 at 12:49 PM

    I can totally relate to your post. I've also learned that I need to set goals that both motivate me to spend some time sewing each month and fall into the range of reasonable in the time limits each month gives me. Your new border design is already shaping up to be an awesome addition to your quilt. The extra time will be so worth it in the end. I'm glad you didn't give up and have joined in ALYOF again this month. By the end of the year you will be thanking yourself for continuing to challenge yourself.

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  6. brandyFebruary 7, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    this is gorgeous! can't wait to see the finished quilt:)

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  7. MartiDIYFebruary 7, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    That's exactly how I felt last year or before with the stash busting and design wall linky's at Patchwork Times. I did quit, but this year I decided to do it again but with my terms. If it's not the same goal as everyone else, that's ok. If you like having a goal, then participate with your own caveat that you don't HAVE to finish, just that you would like to. And if you have the same goal for 3 months, so what?

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  8. LynneFebruary 9, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Yep, I've come to realise that it's important we remember that this is our hobby not a matter of life and death! I feel so much better now that I'm not pushing myself to meet 'goals' every month -- and I'm getting a lot more done!

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