Organizing for 2025 Quilting Projects

I have been thinking about what to do for my quilting projects this year. I know I was quite slow last year since I had to rest my hands and wrist in-between projects (#signsofaging). I'm excited though for this new year since I'd like to move forward with the list I made a few years ago. 

My original plan was to make themed quilt projects. I started with the quilted cat covers for my kitchen gadgets. Productivity last year wasn't very high, but I was still able to make a few quilts for my friends, a bench cover, the Pikachu portrait quilt, the Christmas peppermint quilt collection (piano top and throw pillow covers), and a couple of curtains (I just like making curtains too, haha).

I realized there are items that need another set, i.e. bench cover, throw pillow covers, and kitchen covers. I need another set so I can wash them more frequently. I'll probably leave the throw pillow covers in the living room until Valentine's. I only finished the set on Christmas Eve (LOL). It will buy me time to make a new set of throw pillows. 

I also want to make myself a new bag. I recently improved on the handle of the bag I made when I was still in Singapore. Back then I didn't know how to make proper handles yet and finding material was a bit hard. I also need a couple of small quilted organizers for my bag (oil case, card case, power bank sleeve). I'll probably start with this since I need it already. 

Sometime in the year I want to make a quilted Yoda portrait. I was planning to do it last year, but I belatedly realized that piecing 400 1"x1" fabric is tedious! Maybe I'll do it in parts. If I have time, I'll also make a Squirtle portrait (good luck to my hands and wrist). I'm going to see an Ortho doctor soon, to figure out how I can make my body stronger. 

Of course, I'm still aiming to make seat covers for our dining room chairs. I have not done it since it's a huge job order. I have one lonely Santa cover and the rest of those covers are sitting inside a box waiting to be sewn (hehe). My Christmas project though would be a table runner with matching placemats and coasters. If I have more energy, I also hope to make Christmas themed covers for my kitchen appliances. 

Tall order! But that's how setting goals should be! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

I'll Never Get Bored

When I was a child I didn't really like having birthday parties. I was always apprehensive about mingling. I remember peering through the window to see who arrived for my seventh birthday. My Mom had to push me out to welcome the arrival of my classmates. We continued to have those parties until I turned 13 and then they let me do what I wanted after that. 

I rarely had playdates because I was perfectly happy being alone. My favorite toys were Lego and Barbie. During summer my Mom would teach me different crafts. She taught me how to make Christmas cards which I sold during the parish fiesta. Then I learned how to make pincushions which I sold to my neighbor Titas. Then I learned how to quilt, make straw bags, and crochet. It was my Mama Lola who taught me how to use a sewing machine (on her vintage Singer sewing machine). 

Remnant from my pincushion production days (c.1987?). I still use it.

I just watched Janice de Belen's vlog featuring her craft room. I had one before in our old place. I couldn't help but laugh when she said she has this compulsion to buy everything she needs before she makes something. Yup, I think it's an addiction of crafter to buy so many materials. I used to have a shelf full of beads. It's now with my Mom and kept in Daddy's old tshirt cabinet. Now I have boxes of fabric and the collection is growing. And the other day I may have accidentally bought a boatload of buttons. Hahaha. 

I'll never get bored. Between chores, exercising, writing, reading and working on crafts there's just so much to do. I can't imagine now how I used to fit in work across all of that. 

Are you doing what makes you happy?

CB///*Yr2/47  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/74 #StayHome #BeKind

Do What Makes You Happy

This post is inspired by a bag. Yup, a bag I got from my favorite fabric place - Spotlight.

Since I was a child my Mom always kept me busy. Every summer she'd teach me a new craft. I'd spend afternoons under a tree in her garden, sewing, making straw bags, quilting, painting boxes etc. So in school my favorite subject was home economics (limited to sewing/crafts -- I hated cooking back then). I drew the line though in sewing clothes. My Mom too. It was my Mama Lola who was great with the sewing machine.

I could stay home for many days without getting cabin fever as long as I can keep my hands busy. I have a number of hobbies that I work on. The past few years I've been focusing on quilting. I quilt by hand, but lately since I've been making larger projects so I've started to use my sewing machine more.

Here are some of the projects I've worked on -

Wonder Woman quilt blanket as a wedding gift.

Baby quilt for a friend who had a miracle baby.

I made a number of this (customized) as a Christmas gift.

One of the first pillowcases I made for home use.

A Wonder Woman bag for a friend (purely hand quilted!).

I haven't sewn anything this year yet, but I have a project I'm progressing on. I'll probably start on it when I get back to Singapore. 

Quilting is one of the things that make me happy. I bring projects with me whenever I travel and sew inflight. I realized that I want to do so many things, but have limited time so set aside some of the projects for now. 

What about you? What do you do that makes you happy?