Start a New Year of Sewing Off Right

Many people choose a word of the year, but it's also fun to have one just for your quilting life. Unlike a New Year's resolution, a word of the year is your constant and gentle reminder to focus on positive change in your life. It can help guide decisions and continue moving you toward what you want. For example, if you're drowning in a pile of UFOs (unfinished objects), your word of the year might be "finished." If you use sewing as a stress reliever, your word might be "mindful."

It's a great feeling to start off the New Year with your tools in tiptop shape. If you haven't cleaned your machine in a while, now's a great time to do it. Also, change your machine needle and rotary-cutter blade. Many of us probably don't change these things often enough, and having a fresh needle and blade will make sewing easier and more enjoyable.

Did you know? You should change your machine needle every eight hours of sewing and your rotary-cutter blade as soon as you see uncut threads while cutting.

Inspiration is a key to creation! Set up an inspiration board in your sewing room so you can pin up patterns, photos, quotes, and colors that resonate with you. Or try a social media cleanse where you unfollow accounts and people who don't inspire you anymore so that you can see more from the people and brands you love.

Did you know? Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram all let you save posts you love for future reference. You can organize them into your own categories so you can easily find what you're looking for later.

There are specific planners for quilters out there, but you can grab any planner or journal that works for you. Having a specific notebook for quilting will help you keep track of deadlines, dates for retreats or guild meetings, projects you want to make, inspiration, and doodles or quilting designs. It can also help you track your projects so you have a list of your progress throughout the year.

It's common to get in a sewing rut. Make a goal to learn a new skill, check something off your quilting bucket list, or finish some UFOs. It doesn't have to be a big goal—sometimes reaching even the smallest goal can restore your passion and enthusiasm for quilting. Consider taking a class online or at your local quilt shop to help you reach your goal so you can truly immerse yourself in the experience.

Did you know? We have a support group for those looking to finish their UFOs. Join us here for more details.

Having space to sit down with a project and easily find all the supplies you need means a less stressful time sewing. Keep your work space free from clutter by storing only your most-used and favorite supplies close at hand. Throw out any broken supplies and donate those you'll never use. If you have multiples of tools, consider storing only one in sight and moving the extras to a nearby drawer or cabinet for future use. Get more tips for clearing your work space here.

Did you know? Our readers spend an average of 27 minutes per week cleaning and organizing their sewing spaces. Even a few minutes organizing each day can make a big impact.

While you're organizing your space, if you have fabrics you'll never use or quilts you'll never finish, consider donating them to a local organization or quilt shop who will finish the quilts for a charity. It gives you more room in your stash and allows others to receive joy from your discards. Having a project or fabric that you'll never finish or never use causes feelings of guilt, so just get rid of it and move on!

Channel your inner HGTV star and display quilts in your home in new and exciting ways. Prop a bed quilt with matching throw pillows, style a quilt ladder in an unused corner of a room, or add fresh flowers in a vase by a table runner. You'll get to see your creations as works of art in your space, and your home decor will feel fresh.

Although quilting is often a solitary activity, many quilters crave relationships with others who sew. Finding a tribe of quilters can help you expand your skills, connect with others who share your passion, and get advice on your projects when needed.

Did you know? We host a few virtual quilt retreats throughout the year on our social media pages so quilters around the world can connect with others while sewing in their own homes. See when our next one is here.

Many quilters are hard on themselves (hey, no one is perfect!). Find something you're really proud of and give yourself praise. You deserve to feel proud of your work and skills.