Resolutions or Totally Awesome Goals?

New Year’s is a time of reflection. I spend the other 360+ days being overly critical, demanding, with high expectations of myself and those I love. I am, as some might say, controlling. I love creating, but I want to be perfect. I don’t want to make a t-shirt that hangs funny or a quilt with corners that don’t match up. I don’t like wonky bits, unfinished edges even on the inside, or non-pressed seams. And yet…

I have not come to terms with my speedy, efficient before precise, sewing skills. I do sew wonky, I do rush projects, I am learning so I make many mistakes! But I keep going, keep doing, keep moving.

Today I am sharing that I love what I want to do, but that I don’t follow through with my plans. I get excited about something else before I am done with a project, or worse, I don’t think I am good enough so the project gets shoved into a bag and denied existence. Well, this year, things are changing. 2013 is the year of Getting ‘Er Done.

My resolution is to finish all, and I mean ALL, Works In Progress. Every WIP I can see will not stand a chance of being denied. I am (as of December 27th, I always liked being ahead of the class) attacking the piles of partial projects covering shelves, in drawers, on the ironing board and cutting table. Example: I bought fabric from DryGoodsDesign probably in June 2012 for new kitchen place mats napkins coasters etc. I have finished January 4th! 6 months in between when the actual sewing time was a few hours max. Ridiculous, but very cute, with Summersville deliciousness.

My next WIP belongs in my gigantic pile of Colette dreams. I pulled out the muslin for the Ginger I started here, in early November. I finished adjusting the muslin before Thanksgiving, but I have yet to make a skirt I can wear. With recent fabric purchases from FabricMart, (addictive sales! Beware fabric lovers!) ideally I will make a couple more before the end of the year, with some leggings too!

Two piles of guilt are quilts, looming down from shelves threatening my ability to feel accomplished. One, I started over 14 months ago. My first attempt at “hand quilting” which I quickly realized I hated, and so it has lumped itself into an emotional bubble in my gut, and I just kept pushing it further back on the shelf of denial. Now, my plan is to just tie it off. It is for my son to love, and he will, no matter how detailed it is quilted. The other quilt is from the Old Red Barn Co. Granny Square QAL.

Tula Pink Hand Stitched Quilt in Prince Charming:

Granny Square QAL in something super cute I started Spring 2012.

These were annoying to make. I had to try it to find out I don’t like cutting tiny squares and sewing tiny strips. While I greatly admire quilters and want to have and own beautiful quilts, I like sewing as three-dimensional, a construction, a building. Therefore, I will delve into garment sewing with clear vision, and freedom, and an uncluttered sewing studio. At least, once my WIP list is eliminated.

So here is my inventory, no secrets, no hiding. I will bare my ugly unfinished projects and let them see the light of day. And I promise, each project, I will Get You Done. Like the Island of Lost Toys, I will find you each a great home, with loving hands and kind hearts.

Unfinished Projects as of January 5th, 2013:

1. Boy Tula Pink Quilt
2. Boy cuddle fabrics blanket

3. Three Sailor Clutches Done January 15!

4. Colette Sencha
5. Colette Ginger
6. McCalls Biking Pants
7. Sew Serendipity Skirt in mustache
8. Apron for A Tiny House Done January 15!
9. Stuffed Wookies

10. Secret Surprise for Sewing Summit friends
11. Sew Serendipity dress in type
12. Granny Square QAL

That doesn’t sound like a lot, which is kinda disappointing. I want you to understand my stress, my needs, my wants. This list overwhelms me. Realize now, that I often can’t complete more than 1 project a month! Yet, I must admit, I knowingly quit finishing these projects for other things. I let them lie, partially made, in bags or sorted on shelves or hidden out of sight: unwelcome, undone. No more, I say! No more! I will make you! I will make you and I will share you. And 2013 will be a glorious year of accomplishments.

So what projects do you leave in dark corners, in bags, in drawers hidden from your sight? What holds you back from finishing the love you started? Are you strong enough to quit when you want too, and find a new home for what you started (i.e. the trash, recycle, donations) or do you hide it like me? Or will you join me in 2013, and finish something you started but never had the energy/time/heart to complete?

I hope we can all find time to create this year, to make, but also to give. Giving requires finishing a project, and sharing what you have made. Let’s give to ourselves this year, the magical Get ‘Er Done in 2013!

Love,

MaLora

PS: Even though I don’t want to be a “quilter” I have to finish this darn Granny Square. What should be the binding and what should be the back? Raspberry, Robin Blue, or White?

About these ads