shine in 2009!

I resolved to skip the resolutions this year, I’ve got enough to do without worrying about a big to-do/wish list … but as they say, “Resistance is futile,” so here they are … with a twist.

Two simple things:

1). Each month choose something new to accomplish. January’s is to finish everything in the mending pile. I’ve done 3 items already so I’m off to a great start. In February I’ll tackle something else, and so on. After all I can do just about anything for a month at a time.

2). Have fun! I like to think of my designs as happy and lighthearted. If I’m stressed out over making my quilt, I believe that it shows in the final outcome, and not in a good way. I hope you will have fun with your quilting in 2009. Here are some ideas to get you started:

SEW SMALL All it takes is a little time and a few fabric scraps to make these the best dressed Littlest Pets on the block. (Thread spools for size reference. These are truly little pets.) Why not try sewing up a cute little dress or doll quilt for a favorite girl’s teddy?

SEW GREEN Why not take a tip from our quilting ancestors and recycle some old clothes into your next quilt? You could go through all the stuff you haven’t worn for a year or more, then sew them up into a fab quilt for the bed or wall. And the clean closet is a great bonus! Above are two charming thrift store dresses/fabric stash finds, a Waltah Clarke vintage cotton and a polyester marble print. Another idea is to make a memory quilt from special clothes (baby clothes, prom dresses, etc.).

SEW CHARITABLE Why not make some preemie quilts for your local hospital? Piece together some fun fabrics that make you smile … they’re sure to make a stressed-out new mother smile as well. Preemie quilts don’t need to be large, these are just 24 inches square. If you struggle with machine quilting on larger quilts, you’ll find this size to be manageable … even fun!

=(^_^)= happy quilting!