Each year, I put a list of projects together. What’s in store for 2022? Hmmm…let’s gaze into the crystal ball and see what appears.
Sometimes I already know what I want to do, but when inspiration is lacking, I turn to four things to get the sewing mojo going: 1) Any lurking WIPs, 2) my fabric stash, 2) my pattern stash, and 4) a personal challenge.
WIPs – Are there any Works in Progress haunting the sewing studio? There are few, if any, because I tend to finish what I start. I am closing in on finishing my one uncompleted project for 2021, so it goes to the top of the list. That gets finished first.
Pattern Stash: Time to rifle through my paper patterns, a few magazines that I have on the shelf, patterns in my Esther Aliu applique group, and patterns saved to my hard drive. Patterns can be great inspiration.
Fabric stash: Our most recent visit to one of my favorite quilt shops – Creative Union Fabrics up in Port Townsend, WA – in late Nov included this wonderful purple grouping. https://creativeunionfabrics.com. I also have a number of layer cake (10″ square sets) that are languishing on the shelves, including a holiday layer cake bought on sale in Nov.
Personal Challenge: This could be a pattern I saw in the past that I really liked, or some fabric that I really want to use or a challenge with a sewing friend. Sandra Pearson and I like to do a sewing challenge together each year. We pick a pattern (or two) and make it together. Sharing the process and watching each other’s project come together is always fun and motivating. This year, Sandra and I selected Esther Aliu’s On My Window Flowers Bloom pattern for our applique challenge.
The 2022 List:
- My 2021 WIP (working on it now)
- On My Window Flowers Bloom (I have started it!)
- Finish the jacket I am making for hubby (waiting on buttons)
- Use up a couple layer cakes (perhaps a quilt with half square triangles?)Purple Reign log cabin quilt
- Christmas Tree appliqué
- Coffee themed wall hanging
- Cindi Edgerton’s Christmas stocking paper-pieced pattern (4 for my new “stocking friendly” fireplace mantel)
What do I do with the list? I start one or two and as the year progresses, I check back with my list and see what looks good. Do I feel like a quick project or something more challenging? What color beckons me? Do I need something for a gift? The purpose of the list is inspiration and direction. It isn’t a road map and I rarely finish the list as originally written. Some projects flip over to the next year’s list and some items are removed, others get added. If I run across something I really like – pattern, idea, fabric – I add it to the list and scoot everything else down.
Here’s to an adventurous sewing year!
Lennea
Handmade by Lennea 
Hi yes, I love a new project and our joint challenge will be fun. I have a few so will also be watching and waiting for your completions . Have fun find more lol
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Loved how you were honest and said “If I run across something I really like – pattern, idea, fabric – I add it to the list and scoot everything else down.” LLLOL Some wonderful patterns there Lennea, loved the Feathered Christmas tree looks similar to my Christmas tree I made a few years ago. Your fabrics you bought in Nov would look nice in any body’s stash. Looks like you have a very busy 2022 coming up? Hugs from Down Under.
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I used to have a much longer list that would change a lot as it was really more an idea list and we quilters have hundreds of ideas! Now I pick the things I am really committed to for the list. But honestly? It’s my list. I can do what I want with it!!
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