I've been thinking a lot this past week about what I want from this year and what kinds of changes I want to make. I love the possibilities that a new year brings. It's a clean slate, a second chance. I want to share a few of my goals here, hopefully to help hold myself accountable!
1. Slow down. I am almost always trying to fill every minute with some type of crafting, computer work, etc. This is great for productivity, in general, but not so much for relaxation. It's okay to spend a few hours on the weekend watching TV with Michael and George. I don't need to be doing something all the time!
2. Try things outside of my comfort zone. This mostly applies to sewing and crafting. I want to try new things, things I've been afraid to try and fail at. The first thing on that list is paper piecing. I'm happy to say I'm currently tackling that one!
3. Learn to knit and crochet. I keep saying I want to learn and I never stick with it. I am happy to at least have finished up my first knitted project and am now working on a second. I really want to learn to crochet so that I can make those cute little amigurumi animals!
4. Grow my business. I am very lucky to have a supportive family and boyfriend, but I want to be able to contribute more financially. This means growing my etsy shop, releasing some quilt patterns, and also, bringing on sponsors here on the blog. I have thought about this a lot over the last few months and it seemed like the right next step. So, I am happy to welcome The Intrepid Thread and Fat Quarter Shop as sponsors! If you have a shop and you're interested in becoming a sponsor, shoot me an email!
5. Be more positive. I tend to worry too much and bury myself in negativity instead of putting my energy towards solving a problem. This year I really want to try to keep myself focused on the big picture, and not let the small stuff get to me. It's all about finding the good in each day.
I think that 2012 is going to be a great year! First of all, it's an even number, so that's always a plus. I just have a good feeling about it in general.
Thank you for your response to the Block of the Month! I'm glad you're excited about it! I'm going to spend some time answering a few questions before next month! In the meantime, we're kicking off the Sparkle Quilt Along here this week, so stay tuned! :)
Happy New Year!
Jeni, You could try out a knit scarf pattern I saw at the store the other day. It was chunky yarn on size 10 needles and was just a simple cast on of 30 stitches, then knit eight rows then purl eight rows - continue until you run out of yarn or feel the scarf is long enough. It was very nice in varigated yarn. Great goals for the year.
ReplyDeletegreat goals jeni! i still haven't taken the time to sit and write down mine. they are still spinning frantically around in my head.
ReplyDeletemy blog friend kim from newlywoodwards.com is also joining the block of the month quilt along. she tweeted both of her blocks (yeah - she's making two of them!!) this is my first quilt along and i'm so excited!
What great goals, especially about slowing down. I think all crafters feel restless at times when they should be relaxing. I seem to feel guilty about just sitting or reading a book because at the end of the time there is nothing tangible to show for it!! Really looking forward to following your blog again this year. Happy 2012
ReplyDeleteThose are some admirable goals. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThat sound like a great start!! I'm so excited for the sparkle QAL!!
ReplyDeleteI have never once glimpsed any negativity here. I love coming here because (among many other reasons) it is such a cheerful and inspiring place. But I am going to add one thing to your list: I am anxious for you to finish your cute Roadtrip Embroidery! (Did I miss it??)
ReplyDeleteThose are excellent goals. I might steal a few of them . :-)
ReplyDeleteThose are great goals! Good luck! I'm hoping to finally learn crochet this year too :)
ReplyDeleteLove your goals! They seem attainable.
ReplyDeleteGreat goals. I hate setting goals because I never follow them. I will have to sit down and set some goals this year and not keep avoiding it.
ReplyDeleteexcellent goals jeni! i really need to write my goals for 2012 down. i have them all in my head but not on paper/screen yet. one of my goals is to go to sewing summit this year! and the other is to make it into your friday faves! ;)
ReplyDeleteJeni - I love your goals. I'm trying to remind myself so slow down as well-I need to tell myself it's okay to just sit still sometimes. Somehow hearing someone else say it makes me actually believe it. Thanks. Happy 2012! Can't wait to see all that you do.
ReplyDeleteGreat goals! Try things outside my comfort zone is my favorite. It doesn''t really look like you have trouble with pp. Lovely color combination!
ReplyDeleteMost important goal: slow down. Then you' probably be able to reach your other goals more easily.
Happy week!
I have a couple questions to throw out since you will be answering some. Would it be good to cut a bunch of 6 in. Squares of background fabric or will the square size be varying? Do you have any tips for squaring up squares? Maybe I will get faster at it, but it took me awhile . Thank you!
ReplyDeleteОчень хорошие цели! Я буду брать с Вас пример:)).
ReplyDeleteCrochet is way easier than knitting. Do a search for Craftyminx Crochet School... no better resource. Sorry for not providing the direct link... my smart phone isn't very smart sometimes. :) Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely thinking along the same lines, especially slowing down and learning new skills. Very intrigued to see what you are paper piecing up there!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure 2012 is going to turn out great for you :))
Your goals are perfect! I may need to reference them this year when things feel out of control :) I wanted to learn how to crochet to make the amigurumi animals too. They are so cute!! Oh I keep meaning to email you. I've been using the drawstring pattern and LOVE it!!! All of the bags turn out so cute no matter what the size!!! Thank you so much!!!!
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a perfectly do-able list! paper-piecing is on my list too. still kinda scared to give it a go. so far i have made one item and it was a disaster. need to get back on the horse....:)
ReplyDeleteGreat goals, Jeni! I love your paper pieced block.
ReplyDeletePs- I spy the single girl pillow I made you! Hope it is holding up well!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals! Looking forward to more fantastic things in 2012!
ReplyDeleteJen, do you know about Ravelry? it's an online community of knitters and crocheters, (Ravelry.com), check it out! There's one particular pattern that's easy, can be knitted quickly with success ~ 'Wham Bam Thank You Lamb'.
ReplyDeleteYou've got some great goals, love your blog!
Happy New Year, Jeni!
ReplyDeleteI checked out your sponsors and I'm excited to try them out soon (well, as soon as I can smuggle more fabric into the house without my husband noticing!). But seriously, after my favorite local quilt shop closed a few years ago I started shopping for quilting fabric online with Born to Quilt, which has disappeared from the internet, and eQuilter, where most fabric is a 1/2 yard minimum. Since I like to use lots of different fabrics in each project, having to buy a half yard of everything means that most of each fabric goes in the stash versus in the quilt. So your sponsors are going to help me with one of MY goals, which is to rein in the fabric spending without compromising my projects -- the fat quarter packs are going to be a much better way for me to make sure I have lots of goodies to quilt with, but in more manageable quantities!
I try to take time to read especially in the morning, for me my bible. Our days are so busy. I certainly don't get as much done as you do but my life is good.
ReplyDeletecongratulations on setting goals for yourself. I smiled when I read the part about it being a good year because it's an even number. For some reason both my sister and I feel the same way. I feel so much better when it is an even numbered year. I am actually not superstitious. I have enjoyed reading your blog and have made 3 drawstring bags from your pattern (which I purchased a few weeks ago). I have been inspired to collect some vintage sheets and have been working them into my projects. Thanks for your inspiring ideas!!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals, Jeni! I never think of you as anything but the most positive person! I absolutely love that about you. :)
ReplyDeleteI know 2012 will be a good year for you, Jeni! Your paper piecing looks wonderful! I'm glad you're sticking with the knitting, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what's happening with that paper pieced block - hope you share the details soon!
ReplyDeleteI would like to help on your last resolution. You are a big inspiration to me and I follow your blog religiously. I cannot wait for your next post and the post after that. Thank you for sharing your crafty life!
ReplyDeleteI have started your block of the month and am reading for next month!
I hear with trying things outside your comfort zone. I heard a quot once that"life begins outside your comfort zone", don't remember who it is by but it's definitely something i am holding tight to me this year. LOVE that first block you pictured, is that from a pattern?
ReplyDeleteNice post! I'd love to see you expand your Etsy shop--you've motivated me to try to vintage sheet quilt! I'm so excited and I need more vintage sheet FQs...
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiam is inspiring! Keep it up...
Good luck with your goals, especially the slowing down one (must learn to master that trick myself!)
ReplyDeletehi jeni! those are some great goals! i love that you mentioned slow down, I think its really important to have some down time. also excited that you're taking on sponsors and releasing more patterns, can't wait! :)
ReplyDeleteanna
I love paper piecing! Everything comes out so precise! My new year resolution is about the same - slow down... But your block of the month looks so fun!
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