MadCatQuiltsBOM 2017 + New Block: Pineapple

Last year, I started a BOM of blocks I had never made before. I have decided to continue this tradition so here is the very first post for MCQBOM2017!!

In 2016, I didn't choose any blocks before the month I would create them, but in 2017 I have a much clearer idea of what I want to sew. For MCQBOM2017, I will still be sewing blocks I have never made before, but they will all be picture blocks; Blocks that clearly represent an image. 

I don't use picture blocks in my quilting very much, if ever, but I often like the look of these blocks in finished quilts. I have compiled a list of blocks I want to complete this year, with a vague idea of how the finished quilt will come together. I have more than 12 blocks that I might want to sew, so as usual, there is a lot of room to move around or change in this project. 

With the 2016 MCQBOM, I tried to get out of my comfort zone color and fabric wise. I'm doing that again this year with several projects. For MCQBOM2017, I have decided on an all grey and black fabric pull. I'm not sure why. But I think this might turnout very interesting!

And now, without further ado, the January block for MCQBOM2017 is the Pineapple Block!

I chose the Pineapple for the first block bc it is a symbol of welcome and prosperity and I thought that was a good way to start off the new year. I found a few tutorials for this block on pinterest, but didn't use one in particular. My husband is joining me this year, but he didn't want his block shown this time. 

We also did a warm up block back in December that came from Molli Sparkles' Honey Pot Bee, an improve tree. 

Feel free to follow along throughout the year, or sew along! Linking up with Slow Sunday Stitching, Making Monday, Move It Along Monday and more link ups!

MCQBOM2016 - The Next Steps

Last year, I decided I would try to make a block a month, that these would all be blocks I had never made before, and that they would all match by using a pull of mainly geometric fabric from my stash, and so the very first MadCatQuiltsBOM was born.  

With only a few late arrivals, this BOM went really smoothly and quickly (if you can say that since it has a 12 month life time). For me, the hardest and most intense part of creating a BOM was coming up with inspiration for the blocks themselves. I purposely did not decide each block ahead of it's month. I made a folder of blocks that looked interesting and searched that, or used a block I had just seen, when it came time to pick that month's block. Since all my quilting is improvisational, it didn't matter if I had a pattern or not. A clear picture is all I use. 

I used fabric I had pulled in the beginning of the year, inspired by a few fat quarters I was gifted by my husband. Over the months, I would add to this pull but always tried to tie the blocks together with vibe of the original fabrics. 

My blocks tend to come out all different sizes, but I wasn't too worried about that and didn't think much on how the blocks would all end up together in the end at all. This challenge, for me, was mostly about getting the blocks done in the time frame allotted. 

That being said, towards the end of the year, I did find a fabric I really loved and wanted to incorporate as a sashing, so I started playing around with some possible layouts. Bc the blocks are very different, and all different sizes, I found a simple grid to be the most appealing. 

So now here we are with the very first MCQBOM getting stitched into a quilt top. Just as when I was creating the blocks, I'm not thinking much ahead, about the backing or quilting yet. I have put this quilt on my Q1 of the 2017FAL, and I'm hoping to work on it steadily until it's finished. 

You can check out the posts for this project here. I tried to link up to where I found the blocks or inspiration from the blocks whenever possible. I'll be sharing updates along the way!

I found MCQBOM2016 to be incredibly rewarding and fun and so have decided to continue the tradition and create another BOM for 2017. I even got my husband to sew along with me this time! I'll be rolling out my ideas for that BOM, which will be quite different, soon. 

Have you created or participated in any BOMs you are especially proud of? Share links in the comments! And feel free to use any blocks from MCQBOM2016 that might inspire you, or follow along in 2017. 

Linking up with Finished or Not It's Friday, as well as more links parties. 

Catching up with Bullet Journaling

Back in April, I wrote about starting my Bullet Journal a few weeks before, and now, 10 months later, I'm still keeping up with it. At the end of November, I finished the first note book I used (one I already had in my stash) and started a new book for December and the new year!

I've learned a lot about how to make BuJo work for me. And I've found that I really like to use this method of organization. I have streamlined many aspects that I started with but also added more items that help me track and organize more effectively. 
My journal is what BuJo-ers call a minimalist journal, bc it doesn't have fancy calligraphy or embellishments, it's not decorated with designs, drawings, or wash tape. This journal, for me, is purely utilitarian. 
That being said, I do enjoy using a nice notebook and pen. I'm currently using a Fabriano spiral bound notebook with graph paper and a Uni-ball black pen. 

I use only four Symbols on a regular basis now, as opposed to when I first started. I use a Dot to denote any task or action I can complete, including an event. I use an X for any task/action completed, and an Arrow for any task/action that gets moved forward or back. I use a Dash for notes or lists. Occasionally I still use a little Eyeball for research. 

I've streamlined my Index to be easier to read. I use paperclips to keep important pages bookmarked while I'm using the journal, but plan to highlight important notes in the index once the journal is complete. That way, I can look at the index of an old book and immediately see important list/notes/etc... in this current notebook, I've become much better at filling out my index as I go.
My current Future Log is pretty messy. I want to make this work better for me going forward. I want to gather and keep all birthdays here.  I have only 6 months ahead in my current journal and am waiting to see if this works for me.
I have divided my Monthly Calendar into two main sections, one for daily activities, events, bdays, etc..., and one for my work schedule which includes multiple jobs, meetings, work related activities, etc... I also have a Monthly Calendar that is a money tracker and blog tracker. This I fill in daily, once I know what I have spent or blogged. Tracking my expenses and extra earnings on each Daily Log, and then listing it on this Monthly Calendar has replaced the old method I used for tracking expenses and earnings. 
I still use the Monthly Task list the way that I did in the beginning. I'm working to keep this area less cluttered and more easy to understand, as well. I will often use the bottom of this page to store a recipe or definition I think I might look back to. 
I've streamlined my Monthly Habit Tracker so that it is easier to read and has two sections: one to reflect the first half on the month and one to track the second half. Dividing the month makes it easier for me to see what actually got done, and keep my tracker neat. 
For January, I'm trying out a Monthly Cleaning Tracker. I have made lists of each item in each room I want to clean regularly. I have a section for each week of the month, and a space to check off what gets done which week. So far, this isn't working the best, so I might change the layout to be more like my Monthly Tracker in February. 
My Daily Logs have changes quite a bit since I started my Bullet Journal. I used to make one Daily Log per page and start them many days in advance. I have trained myself to work one day at a time, often with two or three days per page, and only start the next day midway thru the current one. This helps me not put off tasks by moving them too far in the future, concentrate on the current day's tasks, not make lists that are impossibly long, and achieve more of my daily goals. I also record my meals, feelings on the day, expenses and extra earnings on each Daily Log. These changes have been a huge help in making my BuJo more effective. 
I still make many Lists and Notes and bookmark the pages with paperclips so I can easily look over them when needed. 

I recently started a work BuJo for my out of home jobs. I'm not sure how this will work out and I'm sure there will be a lot of trial and error, but mostly I'm hoping I can use it to keep all my work notes and tasks organized. 

Overall, I find that keeping a Bullet Journal has helped me stay focused and organized in my day to day life and I really enjoy it!! It has kept me from depression many times by allowing me to achieve tasks, feel productive, and see results! I highly recommend this method if you're at all a list maker. 
Does anyone else keep a Bullet Journal? Share your thoughts and ideas here!

Honey Pot Bee January

Each month in the Honey Pot Bee there are two blocks to make. Make one, make two, make more!! For January I only chose one of the blocks selected. This is a block I've already made, but it was a good time to try it again. 

Based on the surprise block in Dec and the first blocks in Jan, it seems like some of the blocks in this bee might end up in my MCQBOM which will be announced and explained next week. So for January I only made the block that would not work for MCQBOM. It seems like the sawtooth star will be very popular this year. Perhaps that signals a return to more traditional blocks in the quilting community?
I never did a fabric pull for the Honey Pot Bee, so I decided that I would link these blocks together using the same background. Recently, I've been using this donated fabric for many uses and I thought this would be good here as well. 

I'm excited to see what other blocks are in store for my Honey Pot!

Linking up with Move It forward Monday, Making Monday, and Molli Sparkles on instagram. 

Something New: Borax Crystals

This is quite an old Something New. Last year, we had a brief period were we were making borax crystals and researching other homemade crystals. We furiously made crystals around xmas of 2015. That's around the time that I started this post. I had intended to make more crystals, take more pictures, and complete the post. 

But clearly, that's not exactly what happened. 

Around January of 2016, we stopped making crystals. But I still think this is a fun project and worthy of a Something New. 
Borax crystals are easy and fun to make and require only two ingredients (three if you want colorful crystals), as well as time and patience and a few supplies.. 

What you'll need:
Borax
Water
A sauce pan or pot
Clean empty Jar
String
A pencil or popsicle stick
A spoon for mixing
Food coloring (optional)

This is an easy experiment/project but does require boiled water and some space, so an adult and a clean kitchen area are suggested if performing with children. 

Boil water and add to jar. Mix in borax some at a time until dissolved. Then add more borax, mix until dissolved, etc... until no more borax can be added. We got our borax at our local supermarket in the cleaning department. Borax is a mineral used in many detergents and usually comes in a cardboard box. 

Once your water is totally saturated (at this point add in your food coloring if desired), place a sting suspended on a pencil into the jar. I tied a knot in the end of my string for weight and volume. You can also use a crumpled piece of foil, an egg shell, a small rock, or any other small object that you don't mind being covered in crystals. Leave your project in a safe place at least over night but even for a day or two. 

Crystals will start to form in a few hours and will weigh down the string. If crystals start to form across the surface of the water, you can break them away. Where any crystals start to form more will attach to them, crystals will start to form on the sides of the jar. You can break them away, or you can leave them. After a day or two, you can remove your crystal, let it dry, and hang where you like. 

These crystals are fragile and after a long time they will revert to powered form, especially if kept in a warm dry place. If you jar spills during this experiment, the water/borax mixture will revert to power on the counter/floor, etc.. So be careful! These crystals will melt in water, so it's best not to dip them back in boiling water or leave them anywhere they could get wet. Overall this is a temporary experiment, but a fun one! You can empty the jar, scrap off any crystals that formed on it, to reboil and start again. The crystals are very pretty and it's interesting to see how they farm, what shapes and size they take, and how they revert. 

Let me know if you try this project!

Pantone Color of the Year 2017 + Solstice Sew Along

Last year, I had pretty strong feeling about the 2016 Pantone Color of the Year. A lot of people did. This year, I'm more meh. Pantone had chosen Greenery as 2017 Color of the Year, and it's a nice color. Their explanation of the color is hopeful:

"A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.
Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.
Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally. A constant on the periphery, Greenery is now being pulled to the forefront - it is an omnipresent hue around the world.
Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.
A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality."

Thanks, Pantone, that's nice. I'm not sure if nice is enough for us right now, but it is nice.
I might have gone with Alarm Red, a bright flashing hue that sends people into action, or Abyss Black, the black of the endless hole you want to avoid, or even Nest Brown, a color for bundling up, cozying up, gathering your loved ones and hunkering down for a long wait.   

Around the same time that I learned of this year's color, I also found Pat Sloan's 182 Day Solstice Block Challenge. That's one block a week between the Winter solstice and the Summer solstice. What a lovely idea! A nice way to pass time and make in the changing seasons. Living now in a place where the seasons are a drastic change, both in weather and in habit, this sew along really appealed to me. As I was preparing to start this challenge, it clicked; Greenery was a perfect fabric pull for this SAL!

I've made four blocks so far, two are not new to me and two are New Blocks. The first block is a good old solid churn dash. It was fun to pull fabric for this project with Greenery in mind. I'm also really excited that this challenge will be done mid year, and I can work on finishing it then, as opposed to some of my other BOMs that will take a year to complete.  Who else is participating in the Solstice Challenge? What are you color/fabric schemes?

What are your thoughts on Pantone's Color of the Year?

New Block: Oh, oh!

Recently I've had occasion to make two blocks of the Letter O. I didn't follow any pattern for these blocks but they were pretty easy. And I think they came out ok. 

I'm hoping to finish both these O objects this month! (Edit, One down!). I will probably end up making quite a few letters this year. 

What letter blocks do you enjoy making?

I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching, Needle and Thread Thursday (early? or late? you decide!), Monday Makers, and more!

Mat For Ollie - A Finished Mini Quilt

I made this small mat for a dog friend I've never met. I have met his owner, who happened to be my secret santa at work! 

I'm not sure exactly how large this mat is bc I forgot to measure it but I would guess it's about 18" x 20". This O mat is completely hand sewn using fabric from my stash. I know Ollie's mom loves elephants! I used a scrap of cotton batting for the sandwich, and a vintage fabric that was given to me as backing. 

This mini was hand quilted with turquoise cotton thread. I basted it by folding the backing towards the front on the sides, and rolling it on the top and bottom.  I didn't want to have big borders all around. I like using the back as binding to show the backing. I like that I can do a very wide boarder, or thin, or like this quilt, a combo of both!

I intended this mat as placemat for dog bowls, as it's too small for Ollie who is quite big (even tho he's still a puppy!). But this mat could be used as just a classic mini quilt. 

This was a quick finish and the first finish of 2017. I did manage to put it on my 2017 FAL Quarter 1 List. I'm also linking up with Finished or Not it's Friday, Finish it up Friday and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday, and more.
Flounder was most helpful in the creation of Ollie's mat. Hope he doesn't mind a little cat hair. 

Year Of The Stash 2017

Last year, Quarter Inch from the Edge started Year Of The Stash for a lovely year of stash busting in 2016! This year, I'm not sure what's happening with YOTS2017. I've reached out to her, and am eager to hear what her plans are. I know I miss her posts and encouragement as I'm sure many in the quilting community do. 

To start out last year's YOTS we made a manifesto of our pledge to use more stash. Here is my 2017 manifesto: 
1) Use as much stash as possible. Last year, I said buy less, this year my mantra will be use more. I will still try to buy less, of course, but 2016 really gave me a good appetite for not buying. 
2) Incorporate some vintage, reclaimed, and or repurposed fabric in all work. I feel more satisfied if I'm using vintage and reclaimed fabric in my work.
3) Sew, Sew, Sew. I'm starting off another year hoping for a finish each month. I have a lot of stash to help me with this.    

And here is my fabric intake/output so far: 
Fabric Added from the Start of the Year: Bought - 1.25 yd, Gifted - approximately 12 yd
Fabric Added Year to Date: Approximately 13.25
Fabric Used Since Start of the Year: Approximately 3 yd
Fabric Used Year to Date: Approximately 3 yd

Late last year and so far this year, I've been good about not buying new fabric. Since vintage and reused fabric can be hard to come by, I do not restrict myself where it's concerned. I've gone to quite a few shops, and only came away with a small handful. Pictured above is all I've bought in January so far (although, just today I've been contemplating an online purchase...). 
I've joined quite a few on line challenges this year, and so far have shopped my stash! I hope to keep this up all year!
My husband has joined some of these as well, and it's good too see the fabric he pulls going to good use. 

What are some of the ways you will use your stash this year? How do you plan on keeping yourself motivated to use up and not buy?

Here is 2016's manifesto:
1) Buy as little new fabric as possible. I won't say buy none. I want to be free to get a great new piece here or there, patron indy quilt shops, or buy backing when needed. I'll buy used, reclaimed, and/or vintage fabric when possible. I pride myself on using these fabrics in my quilts, and need to scoop them up when they preset themselves. But I want to be mindful not to add too much to my stash!
2) Use some used, vintage and/or reclaimed fabrics in all quilts. Last year was the first time I used all new fabric for some quilts and it just didn't feel right. As I said above, I pride myself to use these vintage items, and I need to get back to that. I have such a wonderful collection in my stash, it needs to get out into the world!  
3) Organize as I go. When we moved, I started folding and color coordinating my stash and discovered that I have far too much fabric!! I barely made a dent before I filled up the entire space I'd set aside. I'd like to utilize this space better this year. I want to use up, organize, and consolidate during The Year of the Stash!
4) Sew, sew, sew! One of my goals is to have at least one finish per month, I'd also like to make one new block per month. Sourcing from my stash will help me as I have so many wonderful fabrics at my fingertips! 

The Bernina Sewing Center

In December, we visited The Bernina Sewing Center in Matawan, NJ. This store has all the Berninas and everything Bernina. Seriously, I've never seen so many Berninas. 

Obviously they specialize in Bernina sewing machines. They sell, repair, instruct and advise on the machines. They have sewing classes, lessons for the various machines, and vast knowledge of quilt making, machine embroidery and appliqué and more. They do not have much fabric, it's more of a service shop, but they have every accessory you can think of for the brand. This is a Bernina only retailer. 

Run by a husband and wife team, who recently took over this 20 year plus establishment, this is a fun and friendly quilting environment, especially if you love Bernina. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. 

Bernina Sewing Center
443 Hwy 34
Matawan, NJ 07747
Motto: "Enter as Strangers... Leave as Friends". 

2017FAL Q1

It's that time again, folks! The 2017 Finish A-Long is here. Find out all you need to know over and Mrs Sew and Sow's blog. 
For last years Finish-A-Long I chose 5 finishes each Quarter. But since I only had 5 finishes all year, that seem like a bit much. This year I plan to have three finishes in each Quarter, which seems a little more reasonable. It will be a goal again for me this year to have one finish per month. So, without further ado, here is my 2017Q1 list:  

1. Finish Quilting, Bind, and Label Maybe Lyz Quilt

This one's been on the FAL for a while, time to finish it up!! Quilting this one is also my OMG goal for January. unfortunately, I have already hit a snag, I can't find my thread!!

2. Finish Piecing Top, Make Backing, Baste, Quilt, Bind, Label, and Use, TOM Mat.

When I gave Elvis his mat, Tom indicated he wanted one as well. Since Tom looks quite sad sitting on the cold floor, I'll try to finish this one right away.  

3. Finish Top and Backing, Baste, Quilt, Bind, Label and Name MadCatQuilt2016BOM Quilt

This has a long way to go, but let's get it done!

Bonus: Gift Mat

This is a special gift and still a secret. 

Okay, so I threw a bonus in there, too. I'm hoping to have more finishes than ever before this year, so why not?

You can check out my 2015FAL (5 finishes) here. And my 2016FAL (4 finishes) here. 

I'm excited for my third year of this huge FAL. I'm excited for new hosts; thanks for running the show, guys! I'm linking up with the FAL, Move It Forward Monday, Making Monday, and more!
Who else is joining up?

New Block: Improve Tree + Honey Pot Bee 2017

For me, this year might be the year of the BOM. There are just so many great ones out there! A BOM that's really interesting is Molli Sparkles' Honey Pot Bee. This project is a cross between a BOM and a block bee. Molli says there will be 2 blocks each month, with maybe some surprises added in. 

This block was actually one of those surprises! Molli announced this block in Dec as sort of a warm up for 2017. 

I made mine hand sewn and scrappy, using vintage wool and some fabric from old jeans. 

Mine is pretty wonky, of course. My husband is a beginner machine sewist and his came out quite neat!

It turns out that the MadCatQuiltsBOM2017 (more on that soon) is all about picture blocks so I thought that this would also be a great as a warm up for that BOM as well!

My husband is joining the MCQBOM for 2017, so he created the improv tree block, too. 

My color palate for the MCQBOM2017 is all grey so I made this block in that color way. But that means I still haven't figured out a fabric pull for The Honey Pot Bee. I Hope I will have by the  time I get to the January block. 

Please continue to share the BOMs and FALs your working on this year! Who else is joining the Honey Pot Bee?

I've linked up this block on instagram at #honeypotbee and am sharing it with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching as well as other linky parties this week!

2016FAL Q4 Wrap Up

For all my Quarters in the 2016FAL, I had 5 goals, except in Q4. Since little got done for Q2 and Q3, I decided to take it easy in the last part of the year: 

1. Finish quilting, bind, and label Maybe Lyz Quilt. 
Worked on, but not finished. 
2. Baste, quilt, bind and label Alabama Quilt Top. 
I did baste this quilt, so one less step for next time. 
3. Make a back, baste, quilt and bind the Vintage Squares quilt.
 I think I basted this quilt?? The end of the year was such a blur, I honestly can't remember. 
4. Finally finish Ohio Stars quilt.
Finished!!

Many of my 2016 finishes were gifted. What a great feeling!

For Q4, I'm 1 out of 4 and for the year only 4 finishes on my FAL (5 finishes total this year). This was my second year participating in the Finish Along, and I feel like I did better than the previous year. I may not have made more, but I made some and stuck with it and had a great time. I wish I had had time to look at, comment on, and take inspiration from other quilter's posts more. There's always next year. 

Thanks to all who participated, ran, or followed the 2016FAL and special thanks to those who visited my posts about it. 

Bring on 2017!!

Shelfie 003: My Favorite Whelk.

The knobbed whelk, pictured here, is the official state shell of New Jersey. 

Please share your state shell!!

OMG2017 Jan - Everything old...

... is new again! 

Time for a new year of OMG but I'm starting off with an old goal. This month, I would like to finish quilting (at very least) the Maybe Lyz Quilt. This one might be a tricky goal bc I seem to have miss placed the thread I'm using. 

I finished my DecOMG goal, so let's start the new year off on a roll. Linking up with Elm Street Quilts. 

New Block: Plus Squared - Last MCQBOM of 2016!!

I found this block while browsing The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts. She credits it as coming from Quilty Love. I thought this would be a neat block to finish my MadCatQuiltsBOM for 2016. It showcases a lot of the fabrics I've used throughout. 

This block came together quickly and easily and I would definitely make it again. I like how it turned out!! I forgot to get a group pic of this block with it's 11 cousins before I started sashing the others. I was just so excited to get moving!! I will be posting a MCQBOM2016 post wrapping up the blocks, and showing what I'm doing next, soon. And be on the look out for Mad Cat Quilts 2017 Block Of the Month! I'm working on the blocks and intro post for that as well. 

Which BOMs is everyone joining for 2017?

December in Review

Another year done. Amazing. 

Everyone's been talking about how 2016 was BAD year. Sure, a lot of bad things happened this year. A lot of bad things happened last year. A lot of people said 2015 was a BAD year.
Personally, some bad things happened. Some terrible things. But some wonderful things happened, too. I feel alone in this, but despite the bad, I'm happy with each year and I'm happy to move on to the next. 
Globally, and locally, some bad things happened but I'm taking this time to gather my community, gather my family, and move forward with love and hope. 

1) Before. 2) Amaryllis blooms. 3) Classic in the 'hood. 4) After. 

We got a record player! Hooray! Whatever took us so long? Now, when we are adventuring, we are keeping our eyes out for records. The beginning of the month saw much of this as I was participating in @JerseyCollective. anyone interested in NJ should follow their insta.

1) An OG xmas. 2) Balmy Belmar. 3) Asbury Park, my heart. 4) Bayhead in the spirit. 

Also in the beginning of the month, the beach was key. Morning walks were still in effect and what a lovely site the beach is in Winter. But, man, Winter gets cooooollllld! I've gone on hiatus until it warms up a bit (or I buy a proper Winter coat). This should give me more time for quilting. I had two finishes in December!

1) This cat house is a favorite find of 2016. 2) Porch life. 3) Neighborhood kitties in their cold weather coats. 4) Checking me out.  

Despite the cold, it was a pretty good month for #watchercats! Our kitties at home are going thru a transition, but we're working hard to keep them healthy and happy!

1) Pitstar. 2) Friends. 3) Chicken. 4) Tom.

We were very lucky to see lots of family and some friends over the holidays. A goal for this year will be to see people more regularly! Hopefully we can see many people who live near and far. 

1) Beach jewel. 2) Museum cat. 3) Goodwill finds. 4) Goodies window.

Nothing more to say, 2016. January, on to the new...

2017 Goals

As the last year ends, I start to think about things I want to accomplish in the coming year. Things that I want to exert my energy and thoughts to. I find that making this list helps me keep them in my thoughts and have a guide to live by. My overarching goal is always to Live More Mindfully. Here is my list for 2017:

Work on Personal Endeavors as Much as My Job
In 2015 I wrote: "I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me". Ever since then, I have been working towards this goal, that has come to not only encompass Art but also other important aspects of my Life outside of a job. After we moved, in late 2015 and early 2016, I tried very hard to take a break from a job, I tried to work outside of the house less and in the house more. It had mixed results but it gave me a lot of insight into myself and how I work, and what work means to me, both my own and my job. This year, I plan on further committing to working a job less and working for myself more. One idea I have for this, inspired by my new beach town life style, is to make Summer the time that I work my job more and play harder, and Winter the time that I focus on my own endeavors. Seasonal living is totally new to me, but I see many possibilities there. 

Be a Better Quilter, Be a Better Blogger
I want to increase my quilting skill, learn more, push myself. I want to be a better and more consistent blogger. 

House, Cats, Plants, Family, Friends, Health
Another goal to level up in aspects of my life. This goal includes things like; eating better, drinking more water, exercising more, daily walks, daily stretching, cat contemplation and cat care, making our house more truly our home and being better at caring for it, heading towards a more minimal lifestyle and getting rid of things we do not need, organizing, using up and not buying new, reusing, recycling, keeping our plants healthy and happy so that our home is rich and lush, keeping up with my bujo, making sure to catch up with and stay in contact with family and friends, making sure to be mindful of the health and happiness of my immediate family, my larger family and my community, and there's more!  But this goal is overall, to strive for a more caring and mindful way of life. 

Less TV / More Books
I watched a lot of TV in 2016. Not actual TV bc we don't have that, but a seemingly endless stream of mindless consumption of media. Already, after major life changes in December 2016, I've started to watch way less. I've watched some, but moved over to more movies, and more mindful watching. But I could and should always read or listen to books more. 

Hand Poked Tattoos
In 2016, I started learning the art of Stick and Poke tattooing. I plan to continue this in a more purposeful manner in 2017. 

Travel When Possible, Explore When Not
We were unable to travel far in 2016, this coming year we are slightly less tethered so I would like to travel more. When we cannot travel, exploring near our home should be a priority.

Quilt More. 
No further explanation needed. 

That are your goals for 2017? Leave them in the comments, or leave a link to your posts!

For reference, here are my goals from the previous two years. 

2016:
Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work 
For 2015, I wrote "I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me". And this past year has taught me that this is a very difficult task. Nearly Impossible. I am excited to carry this goal over and continue to work towards it.  
Quilting
As a way to work towards goal number 1, I need to work more on my craft. Some things I want to work on in this area are to improve my skills, be involved in at least one market, and one show, have a finish every month, and generally make more! 
Blog/Shop/Sales
In 2015, I made great strives in my blogging. I want to keep that up with regular blog posts. Like, really regular! I learned last year that I need take 1 month off from blogging. My slowest time for posts is over the summer. I failed to update shop regularly in 2015. This is something I hope to do. Hopefully that will result in more sales, as I would like to gain practice at selling, packaging, and gathering customers and followers to widen my community. 
Draw More (some).  
To inspire this goal, I've started a secret project. Something that might help this would be to do a drawing a day for a year. 365 drawings might be a weighty goal, but I'm going to try!
Deadlines
I want to learn to set and complete more deadlines for myself.  
House and Home
I want to continue to get better at taking care of my family and our home.  
Exercise/Diet/Cooking
I want to get better at taking care of myself and my health. I'd like to exercise at least 4 times a week. I want to stretch every day. I want to continue to make and eat wonderful and healthy foods. 
Wardrobe/Use Up, Don't Buy
I plan to continue my wardrobe project which I worked on last year. And I want to strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle more in my everyday life. I'd love to be able to not buy anything (besides food, necessities, etc...) for at least 6 months out of the year 2016.  
Community
Now that I've moved, I need to get involved! Step one - get a job I love! I also want to make sure that I stay in touch with my old community, so friends will be a priority this year. 
Read More
'Nuff said. 

2015:
Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work - I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me.
Sewing/Blogging - More sewing and more blogging about it! I want to work on my online shop. I must do one market, or fair. 
Take Better Care of My Health and the Health of My Family/Take Better Care of the House - In all the hustle and bustle of work and life this is something I often forget to pay close attention to. I want to always be striving to make a better house for my family and plants and keep us in good health.
Stay in Touch with My Friends - I'm fairly antisocial by nature, but I love my friends and care to make them feel appreciated. 
Use Up, Don't Buy -  I need to reduce all things in my life and and make better use of the things I keep. 
Wardrobe Makeover - One thing I have far too many of are clothes. I must make my wardrobe more manageable and stop buying clothes!  
Travel when Possible - Always more exploring to be done.
Read More - I can only remember reading three books last year. Pitiful. 
Move Out of the City - It's time. 

2016 Goals Review

In the beginning of recent years, I like to make a list of goals for myself. These are goals/paths that I set for myself, things I want to be mindful about in the coming year. Here are my 2016 goals, some thoughts on them, and posts that are related to each: 

Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work
For 2015, I wrote "I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me". And this past year has taught me that this is a very difficult task. Nearly Impossible. I am excited to carry this goal over and continue to work towards it.  
This is a continuous goal for me and I'm still working on it. 2016 was a very challenging year for me in many respects, but in this one particularly. I do think I have made strives here, and I do think it has been a present thought and idea this year, maybe in a way that it hasn't before. One could say that this blog is a diary of this goal in many ways. 

Quilting
As a way to work towards goal number 1, I need to work more on my craft. Some things I want to work on in this area are to improve my skills, be involved in at least one market, and one show, have a finish every month, and generally make more! 
This goal is almost ever present as well. I certainly didn't complete the fine print of this goal. But there's always next year. This goal has some tangible posts. 
Basting Party
Shoofly Variation
Snowball
Baby Blue
Basket Weave
Orange Cat/Grey Cat
Original Mini
Drunkard's Path
Tree Of Life
Diagonal
Failed Star
Equilateral Triangles
Wrench Variation
Railroad Spike
Wrinkly Old WIPs
Economy Block Variation
Corner Block

Blog/Shop/Sales
In 2015, I made great strives in my blogging. I want to keep that up with regular blog posts. Like, really regular! I learned last year that I need take 1 month off from blogging. My slowest time for posts is over the summer. I failed to update shop regularly in 2015. This is something I hope to do. Hopefully that will result in more sales, as I would like to gain practice at selling, packaging, and gathering customers and followers to widen my community. 
While I did make good advices in my blogging, all else was a bit of a wash. 
Giveaway
Blog Goals
Quilts for Baby
Commissions

Draw More (some).  
To inspire this goal, I've started a secret project. Something that might help this would be to do a drawing a day for a year. 365 drawings might be a weighty goal, but I'm going to try!
I haven't revealed my secret project formally, but I will soon. I came nowhere close to doing a drawing a day. I will say that, while I did not draw as much as as I wanted, I did draw some. 

Deadlines
I want to learn to set and complete more deadlines for myself.  
This goal didn't make it too far, and there aren't really any post about it. But this one kinda counts:
Bullet Journaling 

House and Home
I want to continue to get better at taking care of my family and our home.  
Another never ending goal. Overall I feel great about my house, my home, and my continued commitment to taking care of my family. I'd like to have more post to show of this in the future.
Shelfie 001
Shelfie 002

Exercise/Diet/Cooking
I want to get better at taking care of myself and my health. I'd like to exercise at least 4 times a week. I want to stretch every day. I want to continue to make and eat wonderful and healthy foods. 
What a great year it was for me about finding out what works for me! And what doesn't, of course. 
Winter Citrus
Juicing at Home
Juicy Update
Smoothie Bowls
A Week of Bowls

Wardrobe/Use Up, Don't Buy
I plan to continue my wardrobe project which I worked on last year. And I want to strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle more in my everyday life. I'd love to be able to not buy anything (besides food, necessities, etc...) for at least 6 months out of the year 2016.  
I did well with not buying too much and being mindful when I did or didn't. I could have done better. There are many aspects of this goal that will be renewed for 2017. 

Community
Now that I've moved, I need to get involved! Step one - get a job I love! I also want to make sure that I stay in touch with my old community, so friends will be a priority this year. 
I started to make headway on this goal in 2016. I got a job, and I started exploring my new home. I love where I live. I would have liked to see more friends, but I didn't do a terrible job this year, I think.
A Night at the Fair
Student Pillows
The Roadside Diner
More Student Pillows
Circus Drive In
Summer Break
September Plant Update
October Plant Update
November Plant Update
December Plant Update

Read More
Nuff Said. 
I read a good amount in 2016. Below are the the books I've already blogged about. There are a few more that need posts.
Deeply Nourished
Ready Player One
Out Stealing Horses
The Magic Art of Tidying Up
Neither Here Nor There
Bangkok 8
Asbury Park Reborn
Saga
Simple Matters
Blood Oath
Ringworld

I will be carrying over, or amending many of these goals for 2017 and adding new goals as well. I very much hope to continue to be as mindful as I was in 2016 and to become even more so in the future.  
 

Ohio Stars: A Finished Quilt

This quilt has been in the works for many years. It has been in every quarter of both Finish Alongs I've participated in and now, in Q4 of my second year, I've finished it!! Here is my Q4 List.

The inspiration for this quilt started when I wanted to try making a Ohio star. Later I decided I would complete the quilt and gift it to a certain someone. So I worked diligently on it... for a while. 

But then inspiration ended. Somewhere between basting and quilting, I lost my nerve, so to speak. I liked the quilt, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to give it to whom I had intended. It took me ages to finish once doubt was in my mind. 

Now that the quilt is finished, I love it! I don't know where it will end up, but I'm happy that it is complete. 

Ohio Stars Quilt uses new, vintage, and donated fabric. I tried to incorporate colors that are rarer for me with tons of yellow and green. The backing is a single piece of vintage cheater fabric that lived its former life as a tablecloth. 

This quilt measures approximately xx x xx and has a new cotton batting, and a rolled binding. It is completely hand sewn and hand quilted using cotton thread. 

Having had this quilt in the works for so long, I think all my cat helpers worked on this one with me at one time or another. 

I'm linking up today with Needles and Thread Thursday, Finish It Up Friday, Finished or not, It's Friday, the 2016 Finish-A-Long, and more!