2009 Recap- Part I - How Did I Do Against My 2009 Goals??

Time to recap the 2009 progress on my goals. Hum, did not make all of them. But that is why they are goals, right??

This year my life seemed to speed up considerably. My consulting business was booming for the early winter, spring and summer - in May I had an all time high number of projects. Too many in fact. I acquired a new granddaughter, which makes three from this family brood, five overall. And that has taken up a considerable amount of time, especially with d-i-law having difficulties before and after delivery. And I was a bit depressed for quite some time all year, although that seems to be clearing. There were times when I could have/should have been sewing, but didn't. So overall, 2009 was an overwhelming year. I hope to mitigate that feeling in 2010!

I have some creations I have not listed, so that will make up Part II - just as soon as I get time to take a few photos.

Purple font is a quote from my 2009 goal setting post. [Progress rated on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being best].

"In 2009, these are my goals: + No new fabric purchases!!!!!! Sew only from my stash ( which is extensive), with the exception of zippers and lining (if I can't find something in my stash). [Since this is a 2009 deadline, this week I ordered from Fabric.com, fabricmart.com and equilter.com. Technically, not purchased in 2008!!!]

I did very well the first six months or so, then threw this goal to the wind. But I also don't think I purchased as much as I have in the past. So while my stash grew, it didn't grow as much proportionately as in previous years (how's that for rationalization???). [3 out of 5]

+ Learn to Quilt on my New Used Quilt Designer Machine!!!!! I want to learn to use this machine to the fullest.

This machine made my sewing this year easier. Not just on quilts, but on clothing - the buttonholer is a dream to use, the quarter inch needle setting great. I really like this machine. Did I learn to quilt? Well, a bit. But still much more to learn. I'm trying to get up the courage to try the quilt I made for my brother, but it is HUGE and my machine is small. [2 out of 5]

+ Make One Item from Each Burda Plus and/or Burda World of Fashion Magazine Acquired!!!!
I have three issues of Burda Plus, with the fourth coming my way in January, plus several BWOF issues. BUT I have been hesitant to actually make anything - the idea of tracing and preparing the tissue seems to be a barrier. But I will overcome this barrier in 2009 and make one thing from each issue I acquire.

Ha, ha, ha. Spoken like a true optimist. I did eventually make two items from the Burda magazines. They haven't been hemmed as yet, but I want to get that done this weekend. I did copy off several patterns. But I added to my stash with two KNIP MODE magazines (incredibly expensive, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about), from which I've copied four patterns, and am thinking about a fifth. Now I just need to get these things made! And I have overcome the barrier of tracing the patterns from the magazine, so I can declare progress on this one! [3 out of 5]

+ Make at least one item for myself from the vintage patterns I've collected!!!!
I have a bunch I've picked up here and there. I used the men's pj's for a Christmas present. Now I want to make at least one dress out of the vintage patterns I've picked up.

Same story as above really. I have one copied and partially adjusted, but haven't made anything. I'm bad. [0 out of 5]

+ Finish the Unfinished 2008 Projects!!!!

I made some progress here, but haven't finished them. Several of the eight pointed star squares are sewn together, and all have been "squared up" in preparation for sewing. This project is actually not just a 2008 UFO, but dates back to 1999 - so it celebrated its 10th anniversary this year! Whooo hooo! Happy New Year.

On the Paris Flea Market quilt, I have all the blocks sewn, and the large one squared up for patching. Still need to square up the small ones. And I have another UFO - the Oriental Geisha quilt I need to finish for my Round Robin - from 2007! This is beyond ridiculous at this point - must make it a priority.

I created only one UFO in 2009. I joined a group of sewing enthusiasts that were working on the faceted jewels pattern. I have all my pieces cut out, but have not put needle to fabric as yet. [1 out of 5]

Average Rating of Progress from 2009: 1.8 - not great,
not even average, just so-so.

2009 Resolutions Quarterly Report

Wow, April 1st. The year is 1/4 over already! Who'd of thought it, although it did seem like a long, long winter. I thought this would be a good time to review my 2009 goals, and my progress against them. The original is in plain type, and the progress in italicized. No photos in this one - sorry!

+ No new fabric purchases!!!!!!

[3/31/09 - Well I haven't done so well as I'd hoped, but I have cut down considerably. AND instead of purchasing and stashing, for the most part, I've been sewing what I've bought. Except for the quilt fabric. I did go a bit nuts at a clearance sale at Homestead Hearth, but I have recovered. Lets see if I can do better next quarter! No total of the amount purchased - more than 10 yards, less than 50!!! 8-)) specific enough for you?]

+ Learn to Quilt on my New Used Quilt Designer Machine!!!!!

[3/31/09 - Making progress on this goal. In the past few weeks I replaced the stitch cards with the machine - both the quilting and utility card - and am feeling excited about the possibilities. I am getting good at using it - it makes a lovely 1/4" seam - but haven't tackeled actually quilting. With spring break coming up next week, maybe I can try then.]

+ Make One Item from Each Burda Plus and/or Burda World of Fashion Magazine Acquired!!!!

[3/31/09 - Some progress here, although not to the actual making stage as yet. I traced out four patterns from different magazines, but have not cut them out as yet. So . . . Step one done, several more to go.]

+ Make at least one item for myself from the vintage patterns I've collected!!!!

[3/31/09 - I have not done this a yet. I have several ideas, but no action. Maybe a summer dress?]

+ Finish the Unfinished 2008 Projects!!!!

[3/31/09 - Doing well here. I actually trimmed up the 8 pointed star blocks and made a first pass at sewing two together. I started trimming the Paris Flea Market hourglass squares. I am making progress on the geisha round robin that is actually from - ummmm, 2007? (See post below about the little kimonos blocks.)
As for unfinished clothing, I have two pieces cut and ready to go, but never made them. The first is a dress out of the Kaufmann mermaid fabric from last summer - I didn't have enough for the sleeves, and by the time I found it, it was fall, so packaged that up and hung it in the sewing closet. The second is a stretch twill skirt in pale lime that I cut out, but I fear I may have made a mistake with. So these are in the wind, but will be finished.]

2008 Review and Plans for 2009

WOW, 32 projects completed in 2008! That is a lot more than I thought I'd do. And out of all those things, only one wadder - a bright pink suede cloth jacket that just didn't make it - trashed before the second sleeve went in.

Out of the non-wadders, what are my favorites?

Clothing: The Xceptional Shirt by DanaMarie Designs.


Quilts: Zman's I-SPY Quilt with alphabet.


In 2009, these are my goals:

+ No new fabric purchases!!!!!! Sew only from my stash ( which is extensive), with the exception of zippers and lining (if I can't find something in my stash). [Since this is a 2009 deadline, this week I ordered from Fabric.com, fabricmart.com and equilter.com. Technically, not purchased in 2008!!!]

+ Learn to Quilt on my New Used Quilt Designer Machine!!!!! I want to learn to use this machine to the fullest.

+ Make One Item from Each Burda Plus and/or Burda World of Fashion Magazine Acquired!!!! I have three issues of Burda Plus, with the fourth coming my way in January, plus several BWOF issues. BUT I have been hesitant to actually make anything - the idea of tracing and preparing the tissue seems to be a barrier. But I will overcome this barrier in 2009 and make one thing from each issue I acquire.

+ Make at least one item for myself from the vintage patterns I've collected!!!! I have a bunch I've picked up here and there. I used the men's pj's for a Christmas present. Now I want to make at least one dress out of the vintage patterns I've picked up.

+ Finish the Unfinished 2008 Projects!!!!

So these are my resolutions or goals or whatever you want to call them. I start on the 2nd (tomorrow I'm busy all day!!!)