2016 - The Year of Change


I feel like this year has just flown by and when I look back at my finished projects, I honestly don't have that many. I've never been one to focus on the end result, but I've put a lot of time and effort into little sewing projects this past year rather than quilts. I definitely want to make some changes for 2016 and a lot of that has to do with my approach and attitude. Here are some of the things (quilting and personal) that I want to change or focus on in 2016:

1. More selfish sewing - I want to set aside some time each week to work on sewing just for me. I already have some ideas and plan on participating in Carla's Bee, Myself, and I project over at Granny Maud's Girl.

2. Wardrobe Makeover - it's not so much of a makeover as it is buying clothes that fit. I lost 17 pounds in the past year and none of my clothes fit. I hate the idea of clothes shopping but it has to be done. I'm tired of feeling frumpy.

3. Declutter and organize my everyday life. I've started listening to this book online - "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" by Marie Kondo. Some of it seems a bit corny to me, like thanking your clothes before discarding them, but maybe it's a cultural difference (the author is Japanese).  Despite that, it has a lot of great ideas. I think this can help me with organizing my wardrobe (what I have left after I get rid of everything that doesn't fit), my house, and even my sewing room.

4. Become a mentor. I'll be spending the next few months working intensively with my 5th graders to finish the school wallhanging. Because of the school's confidentiality policy and consent for photo releases, I've not been able share any of their progress thus far but I love seeing how excited the students get when I walk into their classroom. I've really enjoyed passing on my knowledge and skills to others and would like to continue it in some capacity.

6. Finish my 3 big WIPs - my 2015 Stash Bee quilt, my Midnight Mystery quilt, and my Pinwheel quilt. That Pinwheel quilt was started in October 2013 and the bulk of the top has been pieced together since January 2015. It's just been waiting for me to add the outer border and then it's ready to quilt.

7. Continue making our house our home oasis. More and more, my husband and I realize that what we love about the various model homes that we tour, is that they have a cohesive decor. We built our house so it's been a clean slate since day one. I've made some progress with some handmade curtains but I really hope to get the rest of the house painted, make a few more curtains, put more things on the wall and add those finishing touches that pull it all together.

8. Cut into some of my layer cakes. Over the last few years I've collected at least 7 layer cakes and have yet to do anything with them. They're pretty and all just sitting on my shelf, but I'll bet they'd look cuter in a quilt.

9. Create and stick to a routine that works for me to achieve a better balance of work, home, and leisure time. I got the Quilter's Planner to help me organize and manage things. I'm a list maker and love the act of crossing items off once they've been completed, but I've never used a physical planner. I've always kept my schedule on my online calendar. I'll still be doing that but I'm hoping to make use of this planner to keep track of the little things and details.

10. Blog more regularly - my hope for 2016 is to use my planner to set aside time to write out blog posts and schedule them so that I blog on a more regular basis. That being said, knowing that my family will always come first, I won't beat myself up if that doesn't happen. A bonus would be for me to make a few cosmetic changes to my blog.


So there it is. Some of the things I hope I can accomplish this coming year. I think most of these goals are achievable. Nothing exciting, really but it works for me.  I'm joining the 2016 Planning Linky Party hosted by Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl.


2016 Planning Party


Comments

  1. Nothing exciting? I think losing weight and having the courage to buy clothes that fit is extremely exciting. I can totally relate to that - I put on *cough* 60 lbs *cough* in just a few months after graduating college, and now that I have finally lost it all (years and years later), I still have a hard time shopping for myself. If I buy online, I'll buy 2 sizes too big out of fear. So I have learned to take a handful of clothes into a dressing room and not to buy anything that doesn't fit. It's been a journey... OK, I'll drop that, but seriously, I am so excited for you!

    There is so much on your list that has me excited, Diana. Being a mentor just makes me so thrilled. That energy you describe walking in to be with the 5th graders just sounds electric! And working to make a home an oasis? Is there a better goal than that? Anyway, I think these are wonderful and I am excited for you and wish you all the best in 2016. :) Thanks for linking up!

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  2. some wonderful plans you have here, had no idea you had been trying to lose weight, well done and happy clothes shopping, the way I am going I will need to shop for larger sizes not smaller!
    Good to read you are enjoying the mentoring with the school children, hope we will be able to see the wallhanging when completed.
    Best of luck with all your plans, I have not thought much about doing anything but would love to master the art of machine quilting in 2016,have so many flimsies waiting to be completed and must make more effort on my blog as it is 3 months since I wrote on it but have kept up with following others

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  3. Hi Dianna: I love the quote at the start of your post. It sounds like you are focussing on you and your family this year, creating a great living environment, valuing yourself enough to buy clothes that fit. I think that is great and can only support your growth and creativity. I'm looking forward to you sharing some of your 2016 journey in your blog and like Margaret I'm hoping that the wall hanging will be able to be shared. Here's to a wonderful 2016.

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  4. SO much of your goals hit home with me too. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

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  5. First of all, congrats on losing all those pounds. Whatever you do, don't go and find them again. It's just not worth it, lol! I love your goals, and it got me to thinking I should definitely create my own. I need to wait 'til my family leaves after New Years, but I shall do it! Happy new year for you!

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  6. Congratulations on the weight loss! Buying clothes that fit will make you feel so wonderful, even if the shopping isn't fun :) You have a great list of goals for the year...personal goals, family goals, quilting goals...Sounds very balanced!

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  7. First, I look forward to you blogging more! Yay for that! Losing weight isn't easy and buy clothes that fit is maybe even harder. I have never liked shopping especially for clothes! The battle of balance. It's doable! I wish you the very best in your new quest this year!

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  8. I love this list. This year I found your 17 pounds, split evenly on each thigh :( Although taking into that declutter and shopping theme I recently adopted a capsule wardrobe because I hate having too many options especially options that don't fit. I cannot wait to see what 2016 brings you this year!

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  9. I think your list is great. I love your declutter and organize goal, because I want to do the same. I'm working on organizing and once I have everything put where I want it, then it will be time to get rid of what isn't working.

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  10. I love the sound of clothes shopping after a successful weight loss and decorating your home! I am desperately trying not to gain weight (curse you, middle-aged spread) as I have some lovely clothes and growing out of them would mean shopping and needless expense.
    That advice about thanking clothes does seem corny. I like the decluttering advice that says that if it doesn't make you feel/look fabulous, get rid of it (or do not buy it).

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