2014 in Review and 15 Quilty Resolutions for 2015

2014 was a good year. I finished 19 quilts (plus three minis, several Weekenders, and some quilted pillows/pillow shams, dresses, nightgowns and Christmas gifts). I would have finished more if I'd had more time on the longarm, but such is life. Which brings me to my 15 Resolutions for 2015.

1. Give back.
I donated 3 quilts this year. I want to donate at least 3 more quilts this year. Plus my time helping with other projects in our humanitarian/crafty group at church.

2. Be myself.
I really want to avoid the pressure to join this QAL, or that swap. They look fun, but they make me deviate from my goals, and that's not a good thing in my book. I've got lots to finish already!

3. Whittle down that pile o' flimsies!
Ugh. Seriously folks, this is bad. There are 22 flimsies waiting to be quilted. I need a longarm.

4. Design more patterns.
I'm having a great time designing patterns. It's a little extra cash, and it's fun to connect on a new level with quilters who actually like what I come up with.

5. Host a weekly linky party.
I had some hits and misses last year. Tried the Color Mondays, but it never did take. I'd like to give it another shot, because it was lots of fun.

6. Teach my eldest daughter and eldest son to quilt.
They've been asking. Let's get them their first quilts pieced and ready for the fair this year!

7. Bust that stash!
I am not a scrappy girl. I cannot do scrap-vomit quilts. I love looking at them, but my OCD brain would go haywire if I had to do them. And I don't have to do them. But I do have some plans to bust my stash and get things under control. More on that later.

8. Improve my FMQ on the longarm.
It's time to branch out and do something else besides loops, swirls, hearts, and flowers. And stars. Just sayin'. I'd like to try some feathers, maybe, and using rulers.

9. Make quilts as gifts.
I've got plans for quilty gifts for all five kids, my parents, and two of my brothers. Here's hoping they get done!

10. Teach a class.
I've pitched an idea to a LQS. Crossing my fingers they like it. If they don't, try something else.

11. Keep sewing and blogging for non-kid time.
As a homeschooling mama, this is hard. They are home all the time. But there are times when it's better for me to focus on the kids, and that's what I plan on doing.

12. Supporting my quilt community.
This is mostly online, although we've got a fun little group at church too. But online, it's easy to just look at pictures and miss the writing. And never leave a comment. Comments are fun to get and fun to read. I like them, so I should do the same for others. Golden rule and all!

13. Try something new.
It might be EPP. Or applique. Might be a hard curvy project. I got a Quick Curves ruler for Christmas, so I should probably get started using that.

14. Improve my business.
This means a blog overhaul, business cards, the whole shebang.

15. All Christmas gifts will be done before December.
I dedicate this goal to Kate, who doesn't think I can do it. Or who will believe it when she sees it. But I'm determined!

There! 15 resolutions.

Linking up to Quilting Jetgirl's linky party!

Oh, and don't forget, my patterns are on sale for $5 each through Thursday!