Hello 2021!
Begin with the end in mind, start out the way you mean to go, and so on – these are not just sayings to me – they are a way of approaching things which, if I’m being perfectly honest, hasn’t always been well received for some reason. I have always been one to want to know the end goal before I start anything – because sometimes that will impact how I approach the task or project. Apparently some people view this as “questioning”… Whatever! It makes sense if you think about it!
I’ve also built a habit of writing down my goals, as they say if you write them down you are far more likely to achieve them. All this to say, that I decided to be a lot more intentional about my quilting year for 2021 – I’m hoping that doing so will allow more enjoyment and less stress with last minute stuff and an overall feeling of disorganization.
To that end – I created a 2021 Quilting Goals sheet that I wanted to share. I also want to share what my goals are – to hopefully inspire and for some personal accountability for myself…
I have opted to focus on a few different areas – Quilt It List projects (if you haven’t see that sheet, check out this post), charity, UFOs, a place for planned gifts and one major quilting goal for the year.
The worksheet has sections for each area – and I was somewhat conservative with the planned number of projects so I can see how this goes!
Quilt It List Projects
For 2021, my planned projects are: a stained glass quilt, a curved log cabin and winding ways. They are all patterns I want to do, and I very well may incorporate the curved log cabin into a charity quilt (I’m thinking QOV). Anyway- I set a target date for each – so that I have something I’m working towards.
My Goals for the year
Charity Projects
I have two separate types of charity happening here – I also quilt at a LQS, and there is a local charity that is always in needs of quilters. I have committed to myself that I will quilt 2 quilts per month for them as a minimum.
The other projects are 2 quilts for Quilts of Valor (QOV), as well as doing some small “quilts” for one of the local animal shelters. The last kitty we adopted came home with a cute little crochet blanket and it was his favorite while he got used to his new furrrever home. I thought this might be a great way to use my orphan blocks, while giving some adorable kitties something of their own.
UFOs
Instead of listing my UFOs separately, I grouped them together with what I need to do with them. So I have some that just need binding, some I don’t want to quilt and bind yet, but that I need to finish the tops, and some I need to write up patterns for – which include some from the binding stage. Altogether I plan to finish 9 UFOs, but along with that I plan to purge those which I don’t want to mess with. The same charity I quilt for has a sale each year to fundraise and I have no qualms about donating some things that no longer bring my joy. Yup… channeling Marie Kondo there…
Some projects ready for binding!
One Big Goal
My one big goal this year is to totally revamp my quilting area – which takes up half the family room. Thankfully I have a tolerant hubby and kids… We are spatially challenged though – even so I know that I could make better use of my limited space. So that is the goal.
I have some gifts planned, however I will keep those offline for the moment. 😊
I know that we’ve all experienced some challenges over the past year – but I really do want to approach 2021 with the mindset that we can make some great things happen! Will you join me in setting some goals for your quilting year? I will tell you I have some fun things planned for the Quilt It List community as well – so if you aren’t already on it, you should jump on my email list as they will be the first to hear about them!
Let me know what your goals are – is there any particular project you’ve wanted to tackle and just haven’t yet? I would love to know what types of things you’re excited about!
Let’s get quilting!
Amanda