As the calendar has turned from April to May, it's time to review how it's going on finishing my PHD in 2020 with Quilting Gail.
The goal is to reduce the projects half done pile. I played along last year and didn't do so hot (had it been a real PhD program, I'd have flunked spectacularly). I've tried to learn from the poor performance last year so I can do better this year. The biggest error last year was starting nine new projects. That really distracted from getting the older projects completed. Last year by this time I had started three new projects, this year just one new project has been added to the list.
 |
| Unity, 2020 Bonnie Hunter Sew-In-Place Quilt Along |
Bonnie Hunter's Unity quilt along was just too tempting. It's also helped keep me excited about being in the sewing room. Getting finishes is exciting, staying excited while you get there is harder.
There was a finish last month.
 |
| Stripes from the 2019 Quiltygirl Winter Quilt Along |
The Winter Quilt Along project is one of 2019's irresistible projects. It's the second finish for 2020. So I'm 1/6th of the way to finishing my PHDs.
The next finish should be the Mosaic Mystery Quilt.
 |
| Mosaic Mystery Quilt from Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs |
The top and backing are pieced. The plan this month is to give both a good pressing and clean up the loose threads, then send them out for quilting. That's my May One Monthly Goal. If I can get that done, that sets me up for another finish in June.
Frolic is moving along slowly, though you couldn't tell that from what is up on the design wall.
 |
| Frolic, 2019 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt |
The effort in April was to finish the 9 patches and sashing strips needed to finish up the last three blocks. The pieced border will be next. I'm hoping to have Frolic to the finished flimsy stage by July.
One of other learnings from last year, is that I can make better progress if I limit the number of active projects to three, four if the fourth project just needs the binding. Once Mosaic Mystery goes out for quilting, the next to be finished project will be the Storm at Sea quilt.
 | |
|
If I can keep to this plan, there should be 4 quilts finished by July. That will not put me on track to complete my PHD, but it would put me on track to finish more than 7 quilts this year. That would be a record.
I had started way too many projects last year and began the year with 12 I think and that was way too many! just keep plugging your way through and you can get them done.
ReplyDeleteLofty goals! I applaud your ambition! I have tops that need batting and backing and a trip to the quilter also. Maybe I can get one or two to the binding stage this month.
ReplyDeleteFour quilts by July...that’s a good haul! I was thinking I hadn’t seen the Storm at Sea in a while. Looking forward to seeing that one finished.
ReplyDeleteI always see you making steady progress on your beautiful quilts, and think you are doing great! It's hard not to start new ones because that is what gets us all excited. It will be fun to see Mosaic Mystery quilted!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilts! I'm trying really hard to not get distracted with new shiny things.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed you can get the PhD this year!! Has working from home helped or hurt your sewing time? I would guess less drive time helps, but then if you don't have defined start/stop work hours that doesn't.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Something about being home more makes new projects that much more tempting. Maybe it's an attempt to add variety to the routine?
ReplyDeleteYou are moving right along. Your storm at sea is wonderful. I can see why your husband wants to see it finished and on your bed. I did notice that the four patch at the far left of the top row of Frolic is turned the wrong way. At least it's on the edge of the block and shouldn't be hard to fix. If it were in the middle I would probably just leave it.
ReplyDeletePat
Hi Kate!
ReplyDeleteYou've done extremely well to only start one project this year!!! You deserve a pat on the back for that!
I look forward to seeing your finished Mosaic Mystery!
And you're making progress on Frolic & Storm @ Sea ... you're getting there!
Thanks for linking to PHD in 2020!
Oh I just love how organized you are! So when you make your spreadsheets - how often do you check them to keep you on track? ( Like I make lists, lose the list, and start something new! sigh)
ReplyDeleteYou've made great progress! Those new projects sure are tempting--that might be my downfall this year!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your plan. The projects are coming along beautifully!
ReplyDelete