#2020MidYearCheckIn

Hi Quilting Friends,

Way back in January I posted about a few goals that I set for 2020. I’m checking in today with an update about how things are going. What a strange year we’ve had, so far! I’m glad that I had set some goals before the weirdness set in, as it helps me find my “normal” more easily.

Our business goal this year was to create and publish quilt patterns that our customers will enjoy! We’ve released a new pattern each month this year, and our customers tell us that they like what they’re seeing. Here’s a slide show of our 2020 releases, so far.

In addition to business goals, we each chose a few personal goals. Today’s update is about our progress, so far.

Susan’s Goals for 2020!

Susan hasn’t had time or energy to write about her goal progress so far this year, even though she has made significant progress.

There’s an excellent reason for this: Susan has been working on a rather involved project, a dedicated sewing studio that will occupy the top floor of a new garage/shop building next to her house. We’re both very excited about her new “dream studio” space. (YAY!!!!) We’ll share some pictures, eventually.

Sharon’s Goals for 2020!

Goal #1: Make the Garden Great Again!

Um, not so much. I did get outside early in the year to trim up the shrubs and clear out some debris from the flower beds.

And then allergy season hit, with an unprecedented vengeance. Every time I try to work in the garden, I wake up the next day with swollen eyelids. I’ve started taking allergy shots, so (fingers crossed) I may be able to get back to the garden when fall rolls around. I have a LOT of work to do before this garden is “great again.”

Photos from December:

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Current photos:

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There are some bright spots, however, even though my progress on garden improvement is slow!

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Goal #2: Finish at least one of my large UFO quilt projects

All done! I decided to complete this humongous UFO, which will be used on my bed when the weather gets a bit cooler. Here’s the “Before” shot.

And here’s the “After” shot! I love, love, love this! And I’m so glad that it is finally finished.

Goal #3: Play with the toys that I found in my closet!

In 2019, one of my goals was to clean and organize my sewing storage closet. I couldn’t believe the great things that I found, unused, so one of this year’s goals was to play with my “new” toys.

I decided to start with the “Perfect Pineapple” foundation papers. Here’s what I made! It was fun, and I improved my FMQ skills as well.

I’m eyeing that “9^o CIRCLE WEDGE RULER” now, so it may be involved in my next “play date”. I may just have the perfect fabrics in my stash. . .

Goal #4: Participate with the online quilting community

There seem to be unlimited opportunities to join in online with other quilters. I’ve chosen to participate regularly with Gail at Quilting Gail for the PHD in 2020 and with Patty at Elm Street Quilts for “One Monthly Goal”. I’m (technically) finished with my PHD, and I’m seven for seven on the “One Monthly Goal”.

I’ve had more time than usual for sewing, since school went to online-only from mid-March through the end of the year. We’re starting up in September, with both in-person and online options for students, and I’m anxious to see how that all works out for us.

I’ve also enjoyed being part of a FaceBook Live video series, as well as seven eight blog hops so far this year, with other quilters, bloggers, and designers who I’ve “met” online.

And, in keeping with Goal #4, this post is linked to the #2020MidYearCheckIn, hosted by Yvonne at QuiltingJetgirl.

Happy quilting,

Sharon