A new year is well on its way and we hope you are feeling a renewed energy to start projects big and small, to learn new skills, or to join the many sew alongs available this year.
It can be very tempting to do "all the things," and ultimately end up feeling more overwhelmed and then not get anything completed. So we've come up with some ideas for projects to start (or finish off!) this year and to help you plan your creative life.
1. Quick fix small projects
There's no doubt that making quilts is wonderful and makes our hearts sing. But let's face it, they take a long time. So why not write a list of some small projects that you want to make? Not only is this often a great way to use up scraps, but you can learn new skills on a smaller scale, make gifts for people, and have that lovely warm fuzzy feeling that you get from finishing a project, without the time commitment of a quilt. If you're looking for ideas, why not try one of our Quilter's Planner Accessories? You can find the pattern here for two zip pouches that complement your Quilter's Planner. You can also download 3 different fabric planner cover patterns from our Free Printables page here.
2. Join a Sew–Along
You no doubt have seen many sew-alongs popping up on social media at this time of year, and they really are a great way to make a quilt as you'll be stitching alongside other quilters at the same time. You can share tips, inspiration and even make new friends.
If you want to take a monthly project at your own pace, you can grab a copy of one of our Quilter's Planner Sampler Quilt patterns from the 2018, 2019, or 2020 Quilter's Planner Magazine. Each magazine includes the full instructions to make each block of that year's sampler. Make one each month and see it come together throughout the year! Be sure to track the progress of your blocks on one of the monthly project trackers in your planner at the end of the Projects section, also available as a digital PDF product here.
3. List your WIPs and prioritize which ones to finish first
If you're anything like us, you'll have a list of Works in Progress (WIPs) as long as your arm that need finishing. Use your planner to help you. Write them all down in your Projects-at-a-Glance page in order of priority that you want to get them finished and check off each section as you complete it. This will help you keep focused and motivated to get things finished.
4. Expand your quilting skills
Is there a new skill that you want to have a go at? Why not sign up for a workshop? There are lots of online ones these days. You can also purchase a book about the skill your are interested. Maybe you want to learn to Foundation Paper Piece, or try your hand at English Paper Piecing. Whatever it may be, think about how best you learn, and start small. If it's manageable, you are more likely to achieve it!
5. Learn a new craft
Why not consider learning something other than quilting – another craft perhaps. It could be knitting, crochet, or whatever takes your fancy. Sometimes it's nice to have something small and portable like embroidery or Japanese Sashiko, that you can just pick up and put down, stitch in front of the TV or on the go.
We hope this list has given you some ideas for planning your projects this year. Do share your plans and makes on social media and tag us @thequiltersplanner so we can see and cheer you on!