Finish Along First Quarter Wrap Up

I've been rather tardy in giving an update on my projects that I had nominated to finish in the first quarter of the year.

I only gave myself a short list, but I didn't even manage to achieve all of those.

You can see my original list here.

I only managed to get the binding on Mum's placemat, which I finished back in February.

I know it is a poor excuse, but being on holidays and then moving have put me behind the eight ball.  There just may also be a little lack of mojo at present as well.

I will definitely sign up again for the next quarter and endeavour to finish my two remaining projects and add one more.  I think I will stick to just three a quarter.  I do want to give myself a slight chance of achieving my goal.

Finally Finished

Finally, after several months I have finished the placemat for Mum. Not in time for her birthday or Christmas, but it will be ready for Mother's Day.

This a finish for the 2016 Finish-A-Long and OPAM.  At least I will have one. I'm also linking up with Monday Design Board. 

Design Wall Monday

One of those many commitments I have made this year was to take part in Cath's Design Wall Monday.  I'm sure I won't have anything to show on quite a few weeks, but with a bit of luck it will encourage me to do at least a little something.

All I have to show today is progress on the binding on my Jigsaw Place Mat.  This is one of my 2016 Finish-A-Long goals.  

I actually did the proper joining on the binding this time rather than the old fold over the end and tuck under the other end of the binding.  It worked rather well.  The hand stitching that I have done so far was completed in my lunch break the other day.  It will only take another lunch to be finished.  Let's try for next week.

Am I Biting Off More Than I Can Chew?

I keep  telling myself that I don't want to put myself under pressure with my stitching, rather just go with the flow.  However, that often means that not much at all gets done.

This year I seem to have made a few commitments.

Firstly, One Project a Month hosted by Peg and Kris.

Every year this keeps me motivated to complete something, even if it is little.  Sign up is open until the end of  January if you want to join in the fun.

Next is the 2016 Finish-A-Long hosted by Jess from Elven Garden Quilts.

In this one, you nominate what projects that you wish to complete in the current quarter of the year.  When you read some of the posts they are very ambitious.  My list for this quarter only has three items.  I'm trying to be realistic, particularly as we are going to be flat out between now and then.

Thirdly, I've joined in the Modern HST Sampler QAL hosted by Alyce at Blossom Heart Quilts.

In this project there is a new 12" block each fortnight.  I'm hoping that is achievable.  It is a great incentive for me to use some blue and white fabrics I have in the stash.

I've also decided to have a go at linking up with Cath from Bits 'n Bobs for Design Board Monday.

 Some weeks I will have something to share, whereas others I won't.  I'll just do what I can.

In the background I hope to continue on from last year by making a Christmas item each month.  So far, so good.

That little lot should keep me amused.  If you look closely, you will see that quite a few double up, so it isn't as much as it looks.  It all should be a bit of fun.

Plans to Finish Some UFOs

Like most of us stitchers, I have quite a few UFOs.  Many won't need very much to finish them off.  

What I do need is a little motivation.  Last year I stumbled upon the Finish-A -Long, where you nominate projects you aim to finish in the quarter of the year.  Your list can be as long or as short as you like and there is no real pressure, just the incentive of being accountable. I though I might join in this year.  It will also be a great way to meet some more bloggers.

I'm only going to add three projects, as we are going to have a rather busy time in the next three months, what with moving and all.

Here they are.

The first project I need to finish.......but firstly to start is a baby quilt for a little lady that has already arrived.  I need to get cracking on this one.

Next, I just need to put the binding on my Nature's Journey Quilt that I worked on in a Stitch-A-Long last year.  The top was completed in September, my friend Val quilted it in October and I just haven't got around to that final step.  I really want to have it finished to take to Girls Day in the Country at Nundle in March, as Anni Downs, the designer, will be our tutor on the day.

Finally, I have this place mat that just needs its binding.  I made it for Mum's birthday, back in October.....didn't happen......Christmas came and went.......and it's still not finished.  Let's see if I can at least have it finished in good time for Mother's Day. Yes, Mum enjoys doing jigsaws.

These three finishes should be quite achievable......especially as I've now laid my cards on the table.  This should be a bit of fun.

If I go okay, I may even be a bit more ambitious next time.