Happy Sew Year!

 

I reread last year's New Year's post last week.  Throughout the year, I didn't put any pressure on myself--just as I resolved-- and just sewed what I wanted.  I didn't accomplish as much as I normally do.  Maybe you feel the same way.  2022 was full of all kinds of challenges as we continue to navigate through this pandemic and all the illness that surrounds this year. 

So this is one of the posts that I talk to myself and maybe you find yourself thinking the same thing.  I'm not resolving anything just trying to be more productive...

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#1:  Not resolutions, instead goals.

I am a list woman.  This past month I created a hilariously large list of quilts I would like to make or finish.  I keep one copy on the computer and another in my graph paper book (of projects).  What's on the list isn't important.   It's not about putting pressure on myself to finish every little thing on the list.  I don't care if these project gets done in 2023 or later. 

I just need a memory kick.

Lists help with that!  

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There was another factor that I thought about last week.  When I sew is as important.  Caregiving has in many ways taken over my life.  There comes a time when one has to carve out some time for one's self--even if it is only a few hours a day.

My husband and I are morning people.  We get up early (around 5 a.m.) and I tend to accomplish the most before 2 or 3 p.m.   I'm rearranging my schedule in 2023 to get more sewing done in the morning.  Doctors appointments and other errands can be done in the afternoon when my energy is depleted.

Now I'm wondering....  When do you get the most done?

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One thing that has helped me lately is having a project table set up in the sewing room.  I did this before the hand surgery and it was filled with projects that I hoped I could sew. It's a narrow table which fits well in my sewing room--but also I realize it keeps the amount of projects realistic.

 

The project table is like one big ol' checklist.  Everything is there and ready for piecing when I can get a moment in the sewing room.  It is absolutely satisfying to see the project  table become more and more empty as I complete projects.

Many of you probably have a very organized system to get your projects done.  The last few years most of my organization has gone by the wayside as I tend to family crises.  I need at least one place where I can relax and that is the sewing room now.  And speaking of organization...

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The other thing that is always written about this time of year is organization.

What I do NOT like includes storage solutions.  Do you know that the storage/organization industry generates over 11 billion dollars a year?  

Instead of organizing and hiding projects, how about just finishing them?  (This is me talking to me)

For me personally, out of sight is totally out of mind.  If I am ever going to whittle away at these projects, I need to have a visual image of what has to be done.  

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I'm hoping to go from this:

To this--a meme Sue shared last week:

In fact, I think it would be fun for me and you to yell "Yippee Ki Yay!" whenever we finish a project.  This is a fun idea for Friendship Fridays!

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I'm hoping that some of these thoughts resonate with you as you consider the new year.  What kind of sewing are you hoping to do in 2023?

Wishing you a safe and happy day!