Finishing old goals and setting new ones.....

Is anyone else out there in blogland working on finishing up any of your handwork goals set for 2009? I am pleased to say that I finished another of my quilt UFOs just in the nick of time. And I am thrilled with the results too.


Each year in July, we hold a Christmas in July evening for my quilt group. I try to give them a project to inspire them to get started on handmade gifts for the upcoming holiday. A number of years ago, I had the ladies bring in scraps of neutral fabrics. They sewed a patchwork top that evening choosing one of three sizes. I then gave them a challenge to decorate the patchwork using applique or any other technique they choose. I had to sew the three sample sizes and finished one immediately for my mother with a snowman which I unfortunately do not have any photos of. The second is partially done and is still on my UFO list. But I was suddenly inspired to work on this one as a way to use some of my vintage handmade lace I purchased in Brugge, Belgium. It was the perfect way to display this lace and give a winter feel to my home. I am calling this quilt Winter Lace.


The laces were double edged which made them perfect to 'quilt' onto the seams of the patchwork.

A few thank you's needing said for the ornaments I received as gifts in the mail. Ria sent me a cute little primitive wooden angel and Donna sent me a glass ornament in the shape of a toadstool. Thank you both for your thoughtfulness and these will become a treasured part of our Christmas tree.

I am satisfied with my goals achieved this year. I did get a good deal finished in spite of being sick most of this year. I find setting goals works well for me. It encourages and challenges me but I am also able to let go of my goals if they become unachievable. Do you set handwork goals each year? Have you been able to achieve many of the things you had on your list for 2009? Have you created a new list of goals for 2010?

And now for a little giveaway for the end of this year. Remember the coasters I had been making to give away in the name of stash reduction? I have 10 pieces of fabrics from various coasters leftover. They are scraps that I could place in my own scrap box but I thought it would be fun to share them with someone else. They are small pieces but work well for scrap projects or backing ornaments. This packet of fabrics would work well for quilters or stitchers alike. Just leave me a comment telling me about our goals achieved and those you hope to achieve on this post. I will choose a winner this weekend.

In the meantime, I wish you a very Happy New Year!