December 2020 One Monthly Goal

The end of a Challenging Year leads to the December 2020 One Monthly Goal post.

First, I want to thank all my readers for joining me, especially this year.  It's been a year of challenges, not always welcome ones, to say the least.  I have many wonderful memories, though, and although I lost 2 aunts, one to covid-19, I must say that overall, I've been lucky.  I know many cannot say the same, and know that I've been praying for all who have lost during this time.  

As far as my goals go, I think I did pretty well, considering. I've had many finishes, and hope for more.  I had 2 custom quilts, and orders for more.  I made a first communion dress out of a wedding gown, and the family was thrilled.  Plus, I started my long arm quilting business, and joined a guild.  My Etsy shop has been doing well (record year for supplies sold), and I'm starting a joint venture of an online, and hopefully soon brick and mortar quilt and craft shop with my friend.  More on that later.  I also had a trip of a lifetime, except for losing the night in Las Vegas, and made some good friends.  I choose to look at the positives.  

For December's goals, I wanted to finish the Island Batik Challenge, and it's been started, but not finished.  I did finish the Secret Sewing project, which will be in the Island Batik Catalog for May's Quilt Market.  I got fabric for the pajamas, but didn't get to sew them, and did do the design for my son's Grand Canyon quilt, and pulled the fabric, but didn't get to make it yet.  The catalog quilt took about 2 weeks longer than planned to do.  

There will be more progress on this tonight, and hopefully lots of progress tomorrow.  I can't show the catalog quilt, but here's a shot of it being quilted.  Well, at least the backing.  

I did quilt the two Moose in the Holly tops for my friend, and finished the ABC applique quilt, as well as 2 other quilts for my business partner, Christine. 

One of Christine's quilts. 

Journey to Nebula Candy Dish pillow is finished, too.

Advent Calendar is finished and was sent to my niece and her family.

Alphabet Applique quilt was finished and sent to my friend/customer by 2 day Priority shipping, a distance of about 3 hours drive to Pennsylvania, and took over 20 days to arrive.   It was so scary to think this one of a kind quilt for a great-grandchild yet to be born was lost.  The maker is having medical issues, and I know we were both worried, so please say a prayer her procedure goes well and she's back to health soon.  

I do plan to continue the One Monthly Goal link ups through 2021, and hope to have more finishes each month, as well as some UFOs and the remaining custom quilts.  I plan to spend more time in the sewing room.  

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you the best in 2021.  I hope you continue to follow my quilting journey, as I plan to continue growing my business and sharing more!  

Happy New Year!

Maryellen

December One Monthly Goal

 Time for the last month of 2020's goals.  I'm linking with Elm Street Quilts.  You have time to join in, and also to start off next year with a way to keep projects moving forward and stay motivated.  I'm motivated by finishes and a chance to win a prize.  Are you? 

As usual, my main monthly goal is the Island Batik Challenge.  This month is Medallion quilts.  Here's my idea, but it may change.  I have 2 ideas, and I'm not sure which I want to do.

I'm working on a Secret Sewing project, first, though.  It's a design for the May 2021 Island Batik Catalog, so I can't show you any part of it.  I have to get that in the mail by the middle of the month, so that comes first.  

I also plan to make a quilt for my son (he usually doesn't read my blog, lol) for Christmas, or at least some pillow covers, and our usual Pajamas for Christmas.  I have a few little things to make, also.  

This is a pillow panel, which may go with my son's quilt.  

I'm almost done with an Advent Calendar panel I want to send to my niece for her family, and another of the Journey to Nebula projects is now quilted, so I want to finish that as a pillow.  I have to finish the customer quilts, too.  Alphabet needs only the side borders.  I want to put it back on the frame, turning it, to make it faster.  I have 2 other customer wall hangings to quilt as well.  I better get working!  

Thanks for stopping in, and I hope you check out the other goals, and root for us!

Have a wonderful December!

Maryellen