It's good to be back

Hi everyone. I started blogging just in time to join in and complete Tis the Season Quilt. Loved doing that. Enjoyed the deadlines and seeing what everyone else was creating. Enjoyed completing a beautiful quilt that still gets hung every Christmas. I then made the SKOW quilt top - that was a little more challenging for me personally but I loved doing all the appliqué. Getting it together was a challenge as I procrastinated quite a bit. There is the wonderful thing about the SAL - you've made the commitment, so it doesn't go away in the cupboard!  And yes, I got over the procrastination and I have a quilt top. Not quilted yet. I've investigated a number of ways. My dream would be to hand quilt it, but the reality is that is not going to work. So one of my goals for this year is to quilt this - having received a quilting frame for Christmas there can be no further excuses. Not that this will be my first project!  Too beautiful a quilt to risk practicing on.

The projects for 2013 were so lovely and I did complete quite a few, but life's events overtook most things for me and I still have a few to go. 2014 seems to have been a challenging year for many people. And I was no exception. I have 8 children (6 through foster care) and 4 of them have special needs. And those needs seemed to all come to fore this last year. On top of that, both my parents have had significant health issues.

So 1 January this year, I welcomed 2015 and look forward to the opportunity to participate in this beautiful quilt through the SAL. I see a number of old friends from earlier SALs and lots of new ones.

Three of my children now swim competitively so this is going to be my project to take along to all those swim meets. Just need to be organised and get each block prepped and they will be very transportable. Aren't zip lock bags the most wonderful invention?

Thanks Chookie and Susan. I know with my life there will be times when things won't go as planned and I will struggle with some deadlines - but knowing I've made this commitment and that I will,have a beautiful quilt by the end of the year will enable me to regain my focus. My other resolution is to get back into my blog. Something else I've missed throughout 2014. Sharing my sewing accomplishments. And seeing what others are doing. Welcome 2015 and Natures Journey!