I really enjoyed my Eighteen for 18 challenge, I found it did help me keep focused on what I’m making, without getting stressy if it didn’t happen! It’s taken me a little while to compose my list for this year, it’s got to be potentially achievable but still a challenge, a fine balance!
- 1 scrap quilt; my scrap boxes are bulging so I desperately need to do something with them. I’ve found a pattern which I could just make a few blocks every so often.
- 2 Tutorials; I know this was down for last year, but I’ve had several requests for one on my stitch journal.
- 3 Sessions a week in the garden; This worked so well last year it’s going in again. It doesn’t matter how long I’m out there, three lots of ten minutes is half an hour! Invariable once I get out there I’m out for much longer. It made a huge difference to the garden this year. I’ve promised my OH to open the garden in the summer to raise money for the Soldiers Charity, so I’ve got something to aim for!
- 4 workshops; I like learning new techniques or ideas and a day workshop is ideal. They could be run by WI or one of the fabric shops, I’ve just sent an e-mail to Fabbadashery to see if they still have places on two of their workshops in the summer.
- 5 Presents; I like making presents and this will hopefully encourage me to make a few more.
- 6 Quilts; This may seem a lot, but I’ve a baby quilt to make this month, the Splendid Sampler quilt and the Spring Wreath quilt will hopefully be finished by the summer as will Down the Rabbit Hole and I’ve got two or three kits for wall hangings…
- 7 New Patterns; I still have an embarrassing number of patterns I’ve never sewn!
- 8 Kits; I’m a bit of a sucker for kits at shows, despite sewing quite a number last year my kit box doesn’t seem to be getting any emptier!
- 9 Mini Embroideries; My Embroiderers Guild is starting a new Travelling Sketchbook this month so I’ll have a good excuse for stitching simple little embroideries.
- 10 Things! There’s quite a few things I want to sew such as a new handbag, wallet, fabric baskets, a rug, sewing mat, a rabbit!….I thought I’d bundle them all together under ‘things’!!
- 11 Cross-stitch Smalls; I like stitching these and they are perfect projects for keeping in my handbag for any opportune moment for a bit of sewing.
- 12 Pages in my book; I’ve a new project I want to start which I’ve been planning for a while. When we cleared my mum’s house I kept all her embroideries, cross-stitch, bobbin lace, several unfinished. I want to make them into a textile book, both to keep them safe and also hopefully for my mum to enjoy.
- 13 clothes made; my wardrobe is getting a bit bare now, I do need to make some more everyday outfits, tops, skirts and trousers.
- 14 Drawers organised; this is on-going from last year as I’m not very good at keeping them organised!
- 15 minutes tidying at the end of each sewing session (like nearly every evening!) I’m hoping this will help me keep my sewing room tidier and therefore easier to work in! At the moment I put stuff down and lose it!
- 16 Books; I love reading but I have got a bit out of the habit. One problem is finding a time that will fit in, it also doesn’t help that when I get into a book, I really get into it, my perfect way to read a good book is to start mid morning and just read it to the end! My OH reads at bedtime which I’ve always resisted as it’s in 15-20 minute slots, but that’s better than nothing. At the moment I’m reading The Golden Thread, a fascinating book.
- 17 blogs a month; this shouldn’t be a problem, though I’m not doing the weekly photo challenge this year, just the monthly one, so that’s 4-5 less a month.
- 18 Walks; We’re just planning our next big walk, we’re doing the Cleveland Way in June, walking from Helmsley to Saltburn and then down to Whitby, over 8 days. we will walk the final 30 miles over the summer to complete the walk to Filey. We’ll need lots of practise walks again to get our stamina up.
- 19 Splendid Sampler Blocks. I’ve made about twenty so far, I’ve got the book so I need to get organised to make enough for a throw, maybe 49 or 64.
I think that will keep me busy for a while! Quite a few things overlap, like scrap quilts, quilts and presents, patterns and clothes or kits and cross-stitch, so it’s not as huge a list as it may seem at first! Time will tell…
thecraftycreek 
I have recently found your blog. It’s certainly an inspiring read. I love this cross stitch pattern you use with the bobbins and scissors. Is it a named chart? Regards Kath
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Hi Kath it’s a pattern by Jardin Privee.
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An you tell us about your Traveling Sketchbook? What is this? Thank you!
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Hi Roseann, we each start with a sketchbook, A5 size, cover it and chose a theme, my first one was on mountains. Each month we swop our books with someone else, usually in a circle of swops. They embroider something to go in your book on your chosen theme. Simialarly I will embroider something to go in everyone else’s book, one per month. It’s a good way of pushing your limits with embroidery as you have to think of something to fit a theme, last time I had astronomy, mythical beasts, under the microscope…! At the end of the year you get your sketchbook back hopefully full of embroideries from your friends.
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Wow, 17 blog posts a month 😮 I can’t keep up with some of you more prolific bloggers – I always try to read them all but it’s hard to comment every time when there’s so many – I hope you’ll forgive me.
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Definitely forgiven as I’m just as guilty 🙂
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Your photos are great. I think I will take your idea of getting out in the garden more. Mine isn’t anything like yours, but it will look LOTS better than this year. Your quilts are adorable.
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I love reading your blogs, so my challenge this year is to leave a reply. I enjoy making lists and spent time last week reflecting on my makes from 2018 and making plans for this years projects.
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Gosh! You’re going to be busy, as usual! Are you planning to retire🙀🙀x
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I’m afraid not, though I’d love to 🙂
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What a super list of goals. The very best of luck. I have to absolutely commend your walking route as you will be in my neck of the woods.
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It looks a lovely walk, we’re looking forward to it!
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I admire your skill, patience, energy…You! 😀 Wishing you all the best for 2019.
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An admirable list of challenges. After all you accomplished last year I have no doubt you will succeed. I will be here to cheer you on.
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Another busy year! I look forward to all it brings. I like the idea of 15 minutes of tidying each session. Certainly something I should take on board!
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17 blogs a week is some going – I don’t think that I could find the time or anything to talk about! The garden is definitely worth showing for charity, it looks lovely. Like you, I am a sucker for a sewing kit – but very rarely tidy up (so 15 minutes is amazing).
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17 blogs a month! I had a panic then that I’d put per week instead of per month!!
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Ha ha, made me laugh – but even 17 blogs a month sounds a lot!
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Another busy year planned already, I am trying this 19 for 19 to see how much I can actually achieve. Hope you find it fun ….
Tidying up is a rarity!
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Your list certainly confirms what a passionate sewer you are! They all sound like such fun things to do, except maybe the organising drawers one. However, you will feel very chuffed when you have 14 drawers sorted and tidied ☺️. It sounds like you are going to have another fun and productive year. i see that your Etsy store/website didn’t make it on. Are you still mulling that over?
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I’m thinking of Etsy again, at least to test the water. I decided not to list it again so I didn’t have the pressure 🙂
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I’m exhausted reading this! But so excited about watching the outcome. Way to go, Margaret!
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That ia a great list. I did 16 for 16 and 17 for 17 – great motivators.
3 garden sessions a week – that’s the one for me. I’ll aim for 20 mins each.
Thanks for the inspiration.
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I’m doing 19 for ’19! Ha! Not the same one. I’d have said you’re a glutton for punishment – but you managed it last year. Mine is 19 items in the year – perhaps manageable for me. Your plans are fantastic and I love reading your blog though I don’t always comment.
If you need a companion for any of your classes, let me know!
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Thanks Anne, I’ve booked two classes at Fabbadashery, but they’re both embroidery ones, not sure that you’re into that kind of stitching! Are you coming down for Sew Dewsbury? I’ve requested the day off, so fingers crossed!
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