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