I have my list of UFOs (UnFinished Objects) and TBQs (To Be Quilted) for the new year updated and ready for reference, but I have found that looking at that list for the whole year is just too overwhelming. I makes it feel like it is an impossible endeavor.
Instead, what seems to really work for me is breaking it down into quarter segments. These are projects that I want to focus on, while it also leaves me some room to approach other works as they come up. Any time of year is a good time for new starts, right? (grin)
January to March 2026 Goals:
1. Tilda Christmas Whimsey. Just waiting for the additional fabric I ordered on etsy to finish this darling project to a flimsy (un-quilted top). It can be quilted later before next Christmas preferably. A very simple and easy block that should go together quickly.
2. Square Affair Half Pack quilt. This is another easy project. It has also been a good lesson for me to not purchase kits that will distract me from making the quilts I REALLY want to make! Those easy projects satisfy our need for a quick one though! I had hopes in this project to be one I really liked because it has the potential to be a big stashbuster. I have many half yard pieces in my stash that I could pull and make some quick quilts to gift and donate. This one finishes at 50" x 59" - a great throw size.
3. Neon colored floral block using a double needle to applique the stained glass design. I have never tried this technique so it will be a good one for a quiet afternoon to sit at the machine when I feel calm and motivated. I am planning on this to be the center square for the upcoming SAHRR (Stay At Home Round Robin). Quilting Gail's announcement for 2026 can be found here. I'll have to push this to the top of the list because it is due by January 14th.
4. Piece & Plenty Baskets BOM. I have 2 blocks completed. I need to make efforts to getting one block done per month in order to get this to a completed quilt top. I love the fabrics and they are a pleasure to work with (quality soft cottons). This project is from 2008!
5. Jaye's Bouquet. Aiming for a block or two to have the embroidery finished. I am making slow progress but it is coming along beautifully and I don't want to mess it up with hurried stitches.
6. Montmellick needs the broderie perse rows to be appliqued and sewn on. This step has been a big snag and I need to get over this hump and move on to the next step soon! I recently dyed the pieces so they match the background fabric. This is one of those projects I was referring to as being a quilt I really want to make.
7. Strip It Earth needs its binding applied and sewn down. It is easy, fun, hand sewing for the evenings. It is a large quilt, 90" x 90", so it will take a few days/weeks.
8. Fat Quarter Challenge project. Another fun challenge with my quilt guild. It is not due until May but I sure need to begin to make some kind of plan and attack. The fabric given here has me stumped.
9. I have two tops needing to go to my long arm quilter. My Christmas Irish Chain, and my scrappy Rick Rack. And also, my Material Girls block exchange needs to be quilted and finished by my special Material Girl Long-armer!
Yep! That is plenty to keep me focused and busy. Most all of them are very doable and easy finishes. If I finish all 11 of these goals,...well, that should be a hint on how many more I have on the "master list"!
We are so blessed to have the materials and the abilities to work with our hands. Wishing for you all to have a happy and successful year, enjoying hours of sewing and creating with fabric.
Ha! Ha!
Happy Stitching!
