I can not even tell you how much I am enjoying my new sewing space. I still get giddy walking into the room (even though there is still a stack of empty plastic bins and a few odd jobs left to take care of). Having a place for everything and everything in its place makes sewing SO much more fun. I can actually find what I need, and I have everything within reach, so I can get right to work. Most importantly, I am so motivated to keep it that way that I tidy everything up at the end of a sewing session. (I know, I know, this is all common sense, and the way it should have been all along, but, for me, this is a new concept!) I just love looking around the room and seeing all these things that make me happy.
I've managed to sew a little bit most days this month, or at least to do something creative if I just couldn't get to the machine. Some days I just had time for a quick doodle or pairing some fabrics, but I have tried really hard to feed my creative soul every day. I've felt pretty on top of things in general, and have managed to set and stick with a meal plan most days. It just feels so good to be in the groove, and not like I'm flailing around.
The tool that is helping the most is The Quilter's Planner. I treated myself to one this year, ordering almost as soon as the order date was announced. I am SO glad I did. It was a fabulous investment. This planner is gorgeous and substantial. Its as much a pleasure to use as it is impossible to ignore! I have quickly settled into a routine of setting aside some planner time every few days. I go over schedules and update various other family calendars, make to do lists and check off items, and break down progress toward the goals I set at the beginning of the month.
For this first month of the year, Stephanie, the creator of The Quilters Planner, has given a daily prompt on Instagram. Many of them focused on goal setting, and some were just for fun, like sharing our favorite writing tools. I haven't posted daily, but playing along and watching everyone else's posts helped me to commit to using my planner actively. I wish the prompts could go on all year, and I'm hoping Stephanie has something else in store for us later on! The Planner had become a place to practice doodling, to capture thoughts and moments I want to remember and, of course, to keel information.
The Quilter's Planner is FULL of wonderful quilting resources. I have only just begun to explore them, and I'm sure I'll be using this book as a reference for years to come. The part of the resource section I"ve used the most so far is the project planner. An idea struck one night, and instead of jotting things down on a random paper, I grabbed my planner and got to work! As I started cutting, I had all the measrements there and could check them with just a glance. I've even added a little tracker to color in as blocks get finished! The project is called "Candy Hearts" and it has a Feb. 14th deadline. If I continue to stay organized and productive, I might just make it!
I haven't quite met all the goals I set at the beginning of the month. But, I'm focused, and I will keep working toward them. And that's the whole point, isn't it? These little check boxes right here made the difference between posting tonight and not posting! So fun to check one more off!
I look forward to sharing progress pictures for Candy Hearts, and my "When Life Gives You Scraps" project. February will be a good month for blogging!
Unfortunately, I think that The Quilter's Planner for 2017 is no longer available. But, do yourself a favor and make a note to order yourself one next year. I love mine, and the good start it has helped me make in 2017!
I love my planner too Tami. It is a great tool. I enjoyed the January challenge on IG too. I didn't do even half of the days but I enjoyed reading the posts.
ReplyDeleteNice to have you back in the blogging world.