New Year's Resolutions

I'm afraid I make the same two or three resolutions every year and that means I don't reach them, right? But still,  I am not opposed to thinking of a new year as a fresh start - they say it's never too late and that giving up is the only way to fail. So...once again I plan to eat better, shed some pounds and get more exercise into my life...oh. I mean 'Move More'. That's the way to think about it, they say. Don't use the 'E' word!

As for quilt goals I have decided, after reviewing the last two years, that though I've had great fun doing new projects I really WANT to get some things done from the past. If I can't finish at least a few of them by the end of this year, I will get rid of them. If they aren't important enough to finish up they will not take up space in my house or cause guilt in my head any longer. You heard it here!

I've chosen the following. The photos are not full views...just enough to get an idea. I will machine quilt all of them.

Mexican Star - Wall Quilt

Flags - twin size  - nice Americana look for one of the beds at the cabin.

 Coins - lap size probably ...started years ago with left over pre-cut strips from another project





Pink 25 Patch...crib size - no particular destination - This was also started as a way to use up my 1.5" strips!

Square in Square - Twin bed size....Also destined for the cabin. I used up a lot of my 2.5" strips on this one - but not all unfortunately!

These are by no means the ONLY unfinished projects I have... but I have to start somewhere and these are either close to the finish line or just projects I'm tired of looking at.

Do you make resolutions?

Quilter Makeover

 Not me but I look just like her!

(Sorry, but I had to get your attention!)
Some time ago I was going through some papers in one of my many three ring binders of ideas and notes and came across a list I'd seen in an article by Barbara Wysocki called 'Quilter Makeover'.
We are familiar with cosmetic 'makeovers' - a new hairstyle and/or color... or a new make-up or technique. (I had one once and it was really fun but ever since then I've felt I need a brow wax periodically!)

Our quilt selves might also get a lift from a makeover!


She suggested trying:

• a new color scheme - break out of your usual favorites
• a different technique -  something you haven't tried. I take inspiration from vintage quilts and want to try things like reverse applique, stuffed work and English paper piecing.
• a different style - pictorial, contemporary, scrap, regional, the new 'Modern' 
• different sized projects - small, wall, doll, table, lap 

As we approach a new year I am thinking again about ways to expand my experiences with fabric and design. Last year I tried to have a 'theme' of experimentation each month. I'll report on how that went at year's end.

 Do you have any ideas for your quilt makeover in 2013?