Monday, January 4, 2010

Preparation week

I've been deliberating on how to tackle my projects this year, just like a lot of us. I even started to make a list of ufo's in my head. I overwhelmed myself so that was too scary to continue. Last year was my first in blogging and I had a motto. Do what I want when I want and it was all about fun and indulgence. It was the best, no gulit, no deadlines, no commitments. Doing what I love.
This year I have a loose list and it's in my head so I don't feel tied to it but I do want some of those projects and test blocks from last year to grow up to be quilts. I think a weekly goal is more likely to work for me.

Day one of the new year and I've already failed been tempted.

Lori is posting the steps to make this doll quilt and what a beauty. Cheddar Cheese and Crackers is a great wee quilt, the blocks are so cute and I would love a full size version but not just now, I'll be satisfied with this one.

I do have two deadlines and one is to finish this cot quilt. It's been so humid here that it's been difficult to have the wool batting on my lap. Even the blue washout pen is fading fast so I had to knuckle down. I re-discovered the fact that the wool makes me sneeze and requires drugs to combat it.

I did stick to my plan for the first week which was all about preparation so I have glued four Joseph's Coat blocks ready to stitch.

Forty six baskets blocks prepped as well.

I plan to take some applique on holiday so that's the reason behind all the preparation. I'm off to the cool sewing room to do some more of the same and maybe a bit of sewing too.

37 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

I like your blog motto. Love watching the progress of Joseph's Coat. Upon cleaning my sewing I discovered a stack of things to be made. Now I can put the fabric back in my stash and move on...my sewing room, my rules. :o)

*karendianne. said...

I like the idea of a weekly goal. I'm going to mull that over. Your blocks look fabulous for Cheddar Cheese and Crackers. Wow! So beautiful your work in photos. It makes everything so nice when that effort is put into things. I can appreciate that since it's not something I do well.

Oh, I never thought about the sneeze factor with wool. That makes nothing but sense! What I picked up on with your blocks for JCoat is the cut with the pinking shears. That's SMART! You're smart. I come here and I get smarter.

:) *karendianne.

*karendianne. said...

I guess I better ask "why do you use the pinking shears" for JCoat? Is there something special about that? I was thinking you did that for all blocks but I see that you don't. *karendianne.

Anonymous said...

Oh Janet...looks fantastic that cheddar cheese and crackers. I figure in 2010 I will just do as I please and take it a day at a time. No goals because ultimately they will get broken...no rules actually rules!!

Julia said...

Your blog motto sounds good to me..
I'm going to try and finish a few things off, but I'll do it when I feel like it and want to!
May still start a few new things too, a gal got to have some fun!
Julia ♥

Barb said...

Love it all!!

Jan said...

Your Cheddar Cheese and Crackers project is off to a great start! If I can get things under control here in the next day or so, I'd like to start one before I leave on Thursday. And your Joseph's Coat project is quite swoon-worthy as well!

Vivian said...

Look at all the lovely projects you have going. Every one is a bit different. I like that variety.

And I like your plan. Sounds like a workable guideline for the next year.

Kerry said...

Love those Cheddar Cheese blocks, and the Joseph's coat of colours. I keep looking at that, yours are gorgeous colours.

Anne Ida said...

Happy new year, Janet! You have some gorgeous projects on the way here! Best of luck on keeping up on your weekly goals!

antique quilter said...

just love the cheddar cheese and crackers, hope to start mine this week.
oh the baskets look great!!!!
good luck getting the quilts quilted ...
love the josephs coat blocks I am starting to regret not starting this quilt too...hopefully that will pass in the next day or two!
Kathie

Kaaren said...

The only person you have to account to is yourself, Janet. As long as you are happy doing what you're doing, then I think you have achieved your goals. I really admire that fact that you can jump from one project to another without missing a beat. I have no doubt that they'll all get done...in "you" time.

Enjoy your journey because I certainly am enjoying it following right along with you.

Crispy said...

You have the perfect attitude towards quilting. I only decided to get my UFO's done so I have room to make more :0). I bet you are getting soooo excited about your trip!!

Crispy

ranette said...

Oh I was so tempted by the Cheddar Cheese and crackers quilt with Lori, but I resisted...darn after seeing yours, I may have to go back and make one...it's wonderful!

I love having applique prepped and ready to do.

Unknown said...

I agree, you must have fun and do what you want when your want. Sometimes lists can be daunting. I, like you, have a list in my head. Writing it down doesn't always work for me. I love what you are working on so far and the Joseph's coat is a favorite!

FlourishingPalms said...

I sure understand about making goals / having resolutions. When one's quantity reaches double-digits, it can be daunting! But hey, there's always 2011, right? Have fun with your weekly motivational efforts - you're already doing a great job!

Lori said...

Quilting won't be fun if we let ourselves get overwhelmed. I think you'll find a good balance.
Love your projects!!

Meredith said...

Good luck on your gaols. I am tempted to make that little quilt myself. I find setting goals gets more done. Have fun!

Nedra said...

I have an antique quilt that is the same pattern as your Cheddar Cheese. Love it.
I know a lady in England who followed my blog to yours and just made the Joseph's coat. She blogged about both of us being her inspiration. I laughed because you are doing all the work, while I just sat by and enjoyed your lovely handiwork.

Janet said...

46 baskets sounds like some applique alright! :0) I love your Cheddar blocks - I was thinking about a full size quilt too - the blocks are fun to make.

Sharon said...

You've got some great things prepped for vacation. I was so glad to just sit and stitch while away, it made all the prep worth it. Your baskets quilt is going to be amazing!

Unknown said...

I LOVE the idea of a weekly goal as I too am trying to get sorted - I've one project in mind to complete this month but just can't find it, but I do so want to make a dent in my UFO pile (though there are new enticing design ideas pulling at me), I've found a 8-9 year old project and have started working on that - so my weekly goal will be .....

Shirley said...

Hi Janet,
I have posted on my blog my monthly list of things to do. I have done this list for the last 12months. It isn't always successful. I think I add too many projects and the month just disappears. This time i have put less on it. What it does do however is concentrate the mind and at the end of it you can see what has been achieved. I also leave a space on the list to do things that are a bit more spontaneous - variety being the spice of life. If I can aim for 75% finish then I call that a good result. Good luck! Look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2010.
Shirley ( stitcherydo ).

Cardygirl said...

Great projects....love your Joseph quilt.

Karen said...

I see you got tempted on Lori's quilt project. I wish I could sew right now as I would be joining in, too.

Thimbleanna said...

Whew! That's a lot of blocks and I love them all! And now I can see how those Joseph's Coat blocks go together -- I never could quite work it out before!

Dolly said...

I think you should stick with that motto.......wouldn't want to forget why we do this stuff..........it's for FUN !

I love that you're fanquilting that cot quilt.......sorry about the sneezing. The antihistamine would make me so drowsy that I still couldn't quilt. Humidity often makes my needle squeak and be difficult to get through the layers, too.
Anyway, have fun........I love your prep ! I have a long day of waiting room time coming up soon.....I know I should prep like that too !

Nat Palaskas said...

Janet, oh I like that you are keeping list of ufos in your head! I do that too LOL! I love the cheddar cheese and crackers. What an unusual colour - Hugs Nat

Barb said...

Hi Janet -
Happy New Year.
All your project look great. the little baskets are so cute.
barb

linda said...

That Joseph's coat is amazing. Love the blues.

Robin said...

Ah... it is so hard to resist the siren call of something new. Why fight it? Especially when it's as lovely as that little doll quilt? :)

I like goals and lists. I feel like they help keep me focused. Having a weekly goal sounds like a good approach-- so long as it's not too big! :)

Your cot quilt is looking so wonderful with the hand quilting. Can't wait to see it all finished up!

Miriam said...

Beautiful work Janet. A great start to the new year!

Shelina said...

It looks like you've got a great plan - and are making so many pretty things. That cheese and crackers quilt is tempting me too!

Anonymous said...

Hiya Janet :)

You are one talented lady! So many pretty quilts. That one in the post below with the flowers and such is absolutely gorgeous! There was one featured in Homespun last year that was similar (maybe the same one?) which I am dying to find time to make for my little girl. I am a lover of bright colours and fiddling with detailed pieces, so it suits me right down to the ground.

Happy creating :)

Karen xx

P.S. The title of your blog is very clever - I love it.

Cathy said...

Cheddar Cheese and Crackers...what a great name for a quilt! Can you please tell me what pattern you are using for the basket blocks, they are so cute! Cathy

Corrie said...

gorgeous! everything! just gorgeous! sometimes when I start a new project or blog a WIP I wonder uh oh will someone in blogland ask what happened to that other project!

but I think we're all alike, lured by the thrill of starting something new! my problem is the WIPs for knitting, crochet, stitching, quilting, sewing and so on!!!!

oh and the pics from berry are gorgeous! must fit in a trip down there and find somewhere for hubby to sit with the kids while i look in that lovely shop!

Corrie:)

Beth Karese said...

I really like the weekly goal idea!

Lori's little quilt-along has been tempting me, and after pulling different fabric combinations... then putting them back... then doing it again & again over the last few days (silly me)... yesterday I decided I'm definitely "in".