in with the new. Seems like 2010 was a year of huge transitions for me. I learned so much about myself, what I need to be happy and productive, and I am moving in the direction of making space in my life for what matters most to me. Trying to purge all that serves to get in my way. The problem is, I am my own biggest problem. Still working on that.
I have made progress. Although, it may not look like it.
The end of 2010 was much more hectic than I would have liked and it started with choices I made way back during the summer. This coming year, all of that is changing. The first decision that supported my new slant on life was deciding not to head down to North Carolina over winter break as we had planned. I was beginning to stress about the time away from home and all that needed to be done. So, we decided to just stay put.
The next decision I made is probably my best. Instead of getting myself involved in the mystery quilt that takes place on the first of January, I have decided to start finishing up the many projects that I have already in progress. The first being a quilt top that I started in 2004, Father's Day to be exact!
This quilt is for me and I absolutely love the fabric used in the border. The backing fabric is also sweet, but piecing it to fit the quilt may be a little tricky. I do not think that the pattern called for enough fabric so I will be doing a little creative sewing to make it work.
Anther quilt that has been hanging around for way too many years is one that I was making for my friend Diane. She moved to the state of Washington about 2 years ago and I think that it was a full five years before that when I started her quilt. I love the fabric. It is pink and reminds me of Hawaii. Diane had lived in Hawaii for many years so I naturally decided she needed this quilt.
I am just finishing the hand sewing on the binding and I will be ready to send it to Washington in the next day or two.
The real difference, over the past week, has been that I now have a designated place to sew. I have been disheveled for too long and I have yearned for the quiet hum of my sewing machine for ages. I set up a table in the back bedroom where Mark has set up his office. He doesn't mind that I sew while he is working and being close is good, at least for now.
Emma's quilt, she is now 5, has made it to the sewing table. I cut the fabric incrementally over the past two years. I am making the same pattern that I made for each of her sisters and for myself. It is the Daisy Chain and I love the way that it finishes. Emma's quilt will have a bright pink background, her favorite color and then white daisies sprinkled throughout the pattern. I am sure she will be thrilled whenever I manage to finish it!
There is much cleaning and purging to do before I can safely say that I am making progress but, I am moving in the right direction. Here's to the new year and a chance, once again, to get it right!
