Happy New Year!

The beginning of a new year seems like a great time to do a little looking back and some looking forward.

Last year, I made 3 resolutions:

1. Go to Atomic Java no more than three times a week. Um. I didn't last long on that one. But, I have curbed my caffeine addiction somewhat. I'm able to drink a half-decaf latte now without major headaches. And I can even go multiple days without my java fix. So, on some levels, I was successful.


2. Use more fabric than I buy. I got off to a good start, but kind of lost control.
   Fabric In: 389.183 yds
   Fabric Used: 93.810 yds
   Dang garage sales. But even that was only 150 yards. Clearly, I have a problem. To be fair though, I have used more than that. But there just isn't a good way to track fabric usage for my Dear Jane, grandmother's flower garden, Grandma's Country Album II, or block lotto and block exchange blocks. But added together they also used up a decent amount of fabric. Still, I think I've definitely earned a failing grade on this resolution.


3. Don't buy any books; read the books I have. I did pretty well on this one. A few books were purchased, but of those, I've only got 3 left to read. So, there aren't new books languishing on my shelves. I also re-discovered the local library. That has been awesome!!! And it has helped keep me from adding to my personal library. Not perfect, but I feel really good about my adherence to this resolution.

Here are a few goals for this year:

1. Stashbust— I really, really want to start using up my stash. Really. I'm not sure how to put this in objective, measurable terms though. Based upon last year, maybe I'll say, "Use at least 100 yards of stash fabric." It's ambitious, but I think it's a good goal.


2. Complete 3 UFOs— I'm trying to be realistic here. I think I can do this.


3. Make and donate some quilts for charity— I don't know how many I'll be able to get done, but I'm putting this on the list to help me focus.


4. Keep up with my blocks of the month projects— For Christmas, Keith bought me a subscription to a beautiful block of the month program through Shabby Fabrics, Autumn Houses. I also want to start work on the kit I purchased at Quilt Festival for the American Jane quilt, Playtime. I'm also going to stay focused on my Dear Jane quilt and continue to keep up with the Dear Baby Jane blocks as they are posted.

Not too many, but I want to try and make goals that I can keep. These are already going to be a challenge, I think.

Best wishes for 2009, and best of luck with all of your New Year's resolutions!