2023 Quilting Ambitions Q2 Check In

Way back in December of last year I posted about my 2023 quilting goals and linked up with Quilting Jetgirls 2023 Planning Party.  We are a little more than halfway through the year, so it's time to take a look at how those plans are going and to link up with the 2023 Q2 Check In.  

2023 Ambition #1: Finish some quilts, make progress on some quilts and start some quilts. 

I've moved a few projects along this year, but no finishes yet. Back in December this year's plan included 4 new projects, but I ended up adding a 5th.  Not much progress on the older UFOs, but there has been some good progress on projects started in 2021 and 2022.  I still have a little over 5 months to get in a few finishes.  I've done a much better job of starting new stuff than I have finishing off the old stuff so far this year. 

2023 Ambition #2: Acquire a new skill. 

My plan was to learn to quilt my own projects now that I'm retired. I've not done anything on this front as yet.  

2023 Ambition #3: Stitch 15 minutes a day and post associated linky party.

So far there have been 25 linky Stitching Stuff linky parties with an average of 12.6 link ups so far in 2023.  I've managed to stitch 85% of the days in 2023, which is much better than I did last year. My goal for 2023 is to stitch at least 75% of the time.  

2023 Ambition #4: Sewing room clean up.  

• Press, cut and sort scraps: progress
• Organize yardage: no progress

I did really well during first quarter at taking a half day on Sunday to work on the sewing room clean up.  I've not done so well at during the 2nd quarter.  Something to refocus on for July, August and September. 

So I need to refocus my efforts for the later half of the year if I'm going to achieve all my quilty goals for 2023.  

2023 Quilting Ambitions

With just three more days in 2022, it seems like a good time to set my ambitions for the new year.  Plus it's time for Quilting JetGirl's 2023 Planning Party. 

I usually review quilting accomplishments after the year ends, so I'm going to jump right into my ambitions for 2023. 

Ambition #1.  Finish some quilts, make progress on some quilts, and start some quilts.  

The last couple of years I've focused almost 100% on my UFO list. That hasn't produced the best results. The plan for this year is to focus on finishing off the 2021 and 2022 mystery quilts first. I've also picked three UFO's to make progress on, but not necessarily finish. The plan includes 4 new quilts for 2023.   

My goal is to finish some old stuff, but play with some new stuff too. My new project diet the last few years just hasn't been a lot of fun and may be one reason why my enthusiasm for the quilting room took a nose dive earlier this year.  Looking back I finish more when I have more new projects on the list. We'll see if this approach leads to more finishes or if it just ups the UFO count by the end of the year. 

Ambition #2.  Acquire a new skill.  Now that I'm retired, I'm hoping I have the time to quilt my own projects.  Plus with the reduced budget that comes with retiring, it will be more cost effective. I probably won't quilt all my projects, but will be more selective as to what goes out and what I keep to do myself.  But first I need to learn how. I'm not sure if I'm going to try for a quilt as you go for my first effort or if I'll jump right in on one of my throw sized UFO's.  I'll decide that later. 

Ambition #3. Continue to strive to stitch on something for at least 15 minutes per day and keep up the associated linky party.  I designed a new button for 2023. 

I'm hoping to do much better on keeping up with my stitching time next year, my goal is to stitch 15 minutes a day at least 75% of the year. 

Ambition 4.  I really need to do a good sewing room clean up, which means getting control of my stash.  My plan for 2023 is to press, cut and sort my scraps. 

I don't have as much as many do, but some of the scraps have been sitting in the bags for 16 years.  

I also want to organize my yardage.  I've been building my retirement stash for years, but a lot of it is in plastic bins that I can't see. Getting it all sorted and into the stash closet would really improve my ability to select fabrics for new projects. 

There is no stash usage goal for 2023. I long ago learned that it's just not a meaningful metric for me.  Maybe that will change this year, I've been tracking my usage for years, it's just never that impressive.  

Those are my main ambitions for 2023.  My work status isn't completely resolved. Right now I'm thinking my retirement is permanent, but things could change on that front. Even if I do go back to work, all the ambitions should be doable. Though my motivation to learn to quilt could be lessened a bit with less available time and a higher budget.  

Linking up with Quilting Jetgirl for the 2023 Planning Party.  Good luck with all your ambitions and goals for the new year.