The beginning of a new year always seems to be a great time for change … a fresh start. I’ve been mulling over how the last year has gone for my family and for my business. Actually, my husband and I and our kids have been doing a lot of chatting and praying about what changes should and need to be made. Because I work from home at all hours, my family and my business are intertwined.
I’ve been doing a lot of reflection over the last few days, as well. What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind? Surely, one of hard work and dedication, but I don’t want to miss out on life to have a successful business. With that in mind, some things will be changing for Fishsticks and for this blog.
I have a few goals in mind for this year. On the personal side, I’m working on being more social, both in real life and in my internet circles. I’ve developed a tendency over the last decade to avoid social situations, and that’s just not healthy. Life is better when you share it. (For the record, I keep deleting and re-typing this paragraph, trying to decide if I really want to put this out there publicly, but I know that I’m not the only one who struggles with this, so I’m leaving it this time. Whew. Deep breath. I can do this. People are generally nice, right?)
I also plan to do more creating for my family without a business goal in mind, and I simply must spend more time sewing for charity. God has given me this gift to give it back! Oh, and we’ve now lived in this house for over two years, I should probably finish decorating it. Then there are plans for backyard gardening, and chickens, and we’re waiting for our foster care license approval any day now. Yes, I think this year will definitely bring a good part of my focus back to family and giving.
Finally, I’ve re-discovered over the last few months, a hunger for all things quilting! While I have no plans to stop designing clothing and accessory patterns – I do so enjoy sewing those things – I’m feeling this tug to indulge my need for challenge and creativity in quilts. I’m learning some patience, too! The time commitment required to make a quilt can be considerable, but they are practical, useful treasures that last for generations. To that end, I expect that you’ll be seeing a lot more quilts around here. 
I’m kicking off my year with a January goal of finishing the Log Cabin Hexagon Quilt that I started last month, and I’m linking up to A Lovely Year of Finishes with Bittersweet Designs and Fiber of All Sorts.
I used a tutorial from The Sewing Chick for the main blocks in this quilt, as well as a huge pile of scraps from my fabric stash.
To finish up the top and make it the size that I wanted, I added borders made from left-over hexis that are sort of randomly arranged at the corners. I’m thinking that I’ll quilt in a few hexis in the white parts of the borders when I get to that point.
I’m also planning to join in the 2015 Finish-Along at On the Windy Side, so I’ll be sharing my crafty to-do list for the whole first quarter soon!
That quilt is beautiful! I am also finding myself drawn to quilting lately. I haven’t done anything very challenging, but I am practicing and hoping to be good at it someday. It sounds like you’ve made some good goals for yourself, and I have no doubt that will both meet and exceed them. Those foster children will be some of the “luckiest”.
I love it Bonnie, you are absolutely right about sewing being a gift to bless others with as is your family. You will be a great blessing to the babies God brings to your family. Praying for you, wisdom and direction from the Lord in every endeavor you start this year!
Your quilt is gorgeous. We are foster Parents as well, it definitely has its ups and downs but it is great to be able to give back.
Good goals/thoughts Bonnie! Whatever we give to our family and community will be blessed. And, welcome to the quilting side of things. 🙂