Small Finishes

Every year I set one same goal for myself:

To finish 100 quilting, sewing, or knitting projects.

I haven’t made it yet, but it’s been fun to shoot for.

In 2010, I got to 43. Last year, I made it all the way to 50.

This year, so far, I’m at 14 . . .

Statistics would indicate I should already be at 25 by this point in the year. Hmm . . .

(By the way, this does NOT count any of the customer quilts I quilt on my longarm. This is only my own stuff or commission jobs I do from start to finish.)

I think I’m ahead of where I was last year at this time, however, which leaves me ever hopeful that I can best last year’s record.

Just sew faster, right?

Or make more small stuff . . . because even small stuff counts.

And that’s what I have to show you today . . . some small stuff I’ve finally finished up.

First up is my Little Forest quilt that I made in Stephanie‘s Quilt-Along last fall. I’m not real happy with the quilting I did on it. I was shooting for a “sky” look, and instead, they look like they’re under water (or in a radioactive field). Another live and learn experience . . .

Second, is this little charm square table mat that I showed you yesterday in my block count. Seriously, the more I look at it, the more I like it. It’s just so cute!

Third, there’s this charm square table topper that I inherited from the shop owner when the quilt shop where I worked closed down. I had fun practicing quilting swirls all over it. It’s been so long since I took possession of it, I can’t even remember the name of the collection. All I know is it’s Moda, an older one.

Fourth, a furry scarf for my sister. Now that the weather’s too warm for her to even wear it. And I gave it to her without even taking a picture of it. You’ll just have to take my word for how cool it is!

Throughout this flurry of activity, I had an excellent helper . . .

And small or not, it’s made a dent in the pile of stuff that needs to be finished around here. And because I’ve finished some things, I’ve gotten to work on other things and move them closer to the “done” stage as well (like finding backings for some unquilted tops — no less than SIX of them!). So hopefully, I’ll be back later to show you some more finishes. Bigger ones!

Meanwhile, I struggle to keep myself from starting more new projects . . . ugh . . . the inner battle is ferocious!

How are you doing on getting things done this year?