It is natural to want to make resolutions at the beginning of the year. New Year’s Resolutions and even Birthday Resolutions are always popular. And as quilters, it is natural for us to have some quilting resolutions.
But not all resolutions are created equal. I’m going to share some quilting resolutions NOT to make this year, and why. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments!
Going on a “Fabric Diet”
Better health, including exercise or eating better are common New Year’s Resolutions. Some bring that into the quilting world with a “fabric diet.” This often means abstaining from buying new fabric for a certain period of time.
If sticking to your stash fabrics helps to push you creatively, then by all means push yourself! But if your stash doesn’t inspire you, then there may be better ways to achieve your goals.
If you want to make space on your fabric shelves or in your fabric drawers, and hope that a fabric diet will help you to make room as you sew through your stash, consider a destash instead. Sort through your fabrics, removing any that no longer bring you joy. These might be fabrics that are no longer your style or colors, or even gifted fabric that you just don’t see yourself sewing with. You can sell these fabrics in an online marketplace, or you can donate them to a quilt-making charity. This will create the space you need in your stash, without sewing something you don’t love.
Perhaps you overspent over the holidays, and are choosing a fabric diet as a way to tighten your household budget. Instead of pushing yourself to sew with fabrics you bought years ago and no longer love, you can sell these fabrics online. Then use the money you make from selling your old fabrics to purchase new fabric prints that you’re excited about. This way your old fabric can find a new life in someone else’s stash, and you don’t miss out on a new line from one of your favorite designers!
Finishing Old Projects
We quilters are known for having UFOs. These are Unfinished Objects. Also known as PIGS (Projects in Garbage sacks), PhD (Projects Half Done), or a WIP (Work in Progress). If you have a stack of projects you started and still love, it can feel incredibly satisfying to make a list of these projects, set deadlines, and finish them.
However, if you have old projects that you’re procrastinating on because you no longer love them – it is okay to release them. Finished quilt tops can be donated as charity quilts to be quilted by a longarmer and bound by a volunteer. A stack of quilt blocks can become an inspiration for someone else’s next quilt or sewing project. If you’re struggling to complete it, maybe it isn’t yours to complete. If they are dragging you down, it is okay to allow old quilts to find new life in the hands of someone else. Working on a project you don’t love makes it a WOMBAT (Waste of Money, Batting, and Time).
Sewing every day
Sewing every day could be an excellent New Year’s resolution! Making a daily date for you and your fabric to hang out each day in the New Year sounds incredible. If creating and sticking to a schedule is something that works for you, and you can set aside sewing time each day, then absolutely do it! But, if your life doesn’t allow for this kind of daily time, don’t sweat it. And if you attempt this resolution, be sure to give yourself permission to move on guilt-free if there are days where you can’t find the time to sew. You don’t want your resolution to sew something you love to make you feel guilty or bad in any way.
Don’t buy fabric or a pattern or fabric without a plan
Sometimes you come across a pattern or fabric that really speaks to you. But maybe you don’t have time to work on a new pattern now, or the pattern isn’t the right size for your next project. Maybe that fabric doesn’t work in your current quilt and doesn’t match anything in your stash. With a resolution limiting your purchases to what makes sense, you would have to skip a purchase of this new pattern and new fabric.
But quilting doesn’t have to make sense! Quilting is a hobby where you cut up perfectly good fabric just to sew it back together again. Most of us have at least one family member who doesn’t understand why we do what we do. It is okay to lean in to the nonsense and get that pattern or that fabric with no immediate plan. Sometimes the plan comes later.
What’s Your Quilting Resolution?
As you read through this list, perhaps you let go of a resolution that no longer makes sense. Or maybe you’re holding steadfast to those quilting resolutions. Whatever you choose, I hope you continue to have fun on your quilting journey!
And if you’re looking for a great way to start your Quilty New Year … consider getting your quilting tools cleaned up and ready for a year of sewing!
Comments & Reviews
Except for a few occasions, I have been following my no-buy fabric policy for quite a few years now. My supply is going down but not near fast enough! LOL
One of the great things about fabric is that it doesn’t go bad … but I certainly love fresh fabric!!
My quilting resolution this year is not to make a quilting resolution! I’m in the midst of de-cluttering my house (aka sorting thru 37 years of accumulated “stuff”) in preparation for moving to a new residence. So right now, quilting in general is kind of on a back burner. I have 2 projects I HAVE to finish by April, but other than that there are no imperatives. If I want to sew as recovery from cleaning, great; if I’m not inspired, that’s OK too. This is all being done with a wonderful long-range goal in mind. We aren’t sure where we will relocate, but it will definitely be 1-story and will give me a dedicated sewing/ craft room. Once I get there the brakes will be released, and I’ll be able to start zooming forward and forging new paths in my creativity.
Yay for new spaces unleashing new creativity! Good luck on getting your 2 projects finished by April!