Create in 2026

Life got in the way last year and I only got to work on creative projects sparingly. There were times I had to really squeeze in time to keep my sanity. I know now that I need to set time to be more productive in my craft. 

I made a long to-do list during the pandemic. I have not made a dent on it. For this year, I'd like to learn new skills in quilting, try new patterns and develop my style. My Mom had her own style and I can recognize what she's made. There's still a lot left from her unfinished projects, so I'll try to integrate some into my current projects. 

Here's what I want to make this year:

• 
  a quilt blanket for Miggy
• new curtains
• bench covers
• teal colored throw pillow covers
• a Yoda wall decor
• a Christmas wall decor (a wreath or parol)
• everyday items: new bag, card case, power bank case
• Christmas tree skirt
• complete the chair covers

And will add as I see fit :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Quilt Blanket Progress

I mentioned in my post last week that I'll finish one of Mom's unfinished quilt blankets. I thought about how I'll go about it for a few days. The easier way was to just extend it, add wadding and binding. After several inspections of the unfinished project, I realized it would be better to reap it, so I could make it even. I also don't know where Mom got the sashing fabric. She probably left it unfinished because she ran out of it. 

It took me over a week to take it apart. I consulted with Miggy on what fabric color I should use to replace the sashing. He chose pistachio. It only took two days before it arrived and then I sent it to the laundromat for washing (it'll be impossible to dry it at home because of the rains). 

Meanwhile, I've been working on organizing my sewing area. I'm also starting to putter around my sewing room. It's currently full of boxes from Mom's stuff. I might get help to organize it since I just don't have enough stamina right now. 

Stay dry and keep sewing!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Year End Sewing Projects

I honestly haven't been able to sew for awhile now. I found an unfinished blanket Mom was working on. It was included in a bunch of linens we had laundered. It needs a lot of work, so I started by ripping the backing. I think Mom ran out of fabric and abandoned the project.

I thought about what I want to sew for the rest of the year. I won't be making any for gift giving since I don't have the energy for it. I'll focus on things that's been in my list for years and doable.

Here's a list of what I want to make:

Finish Mom's blanket 

Christmas runner for our dining table

Christmas kitchen appliance cover

Christmas curtains 

Christmas potholders

Yes, it's going to be Christmas themed since I only finished throw pillow covers and a piano cover last year. 

Crossing my fingers the next few months will be productive!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Goals for 2024

I've been busy enjoying my newfound stamina doing some gardening. It's become part of my exercise regime and I get a good workout watering plants and checking if they're healthy. The cats have also been extra sweet and have been a good distraction. This means though I've been inconsistent with my blogging duties. 

Anyway, I've been thinking about what creative projects I want to do this year. I have a tendency to procrastinate if I don't write things down. I've decided to include non-sewing projects since there's a few things I want to try. 

Here's what I plan to do this year:

1. Make covers for our benches and sofa set. I know this is a huge project, so I really need to plan this well. 

2. Seat covers for our dining chairs. I already have an idea what I want to do for this. 

3. Throw pillow covers for the sofa. 

4. New curtains. (I already have the fabric, just got busy last year!).

5. Experiment on using beads and loom bands as part of my quilting projects.

6. Work on Christmas projects earlier. 

7. Another retaso project season.

8. Covers for other kitchen appliances.

9. A t-shirt blanket.

10. A fun project, maybe a bag and wallet. 

Plus! Set-up my design wall! 

My list is ambitious, so let's see what I end up completing :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Creative Happy Tuesdays: My Dream Home Filled with My Crafts

Last year I made two sets of curtains for our living room. It wasn't perfect so I thought I'd have a set made professionally just for the living room. Oh boy, I was so shocked when I received the quotation on how much it would cost. The cost was 20 times of how much I spent per set of curtains I made. Of course, the one done professionally is much nicer and it has pleats (something I don't know how to do). 

We have a number of things we still need to fix in our house, so we shelved the idea of having proper curtains. That reminded me about my goal to make things we need at home. Looks like I need to re-order the craft to-do list I made last January. This way I can properly plan what I need and I can review if there are any new skills I need to acquire to make my projects.

Here's what I'll do for the next two quarters:

• Curtains - summer is coming, so I'll need new block curtains. Hope to find better looking fabric though, something that will make the living room look lighter and airy. 
• Kitchen curtains - we removed the kitchen curtains when we renovated. The one I made last year was too short, haha. I want the new kitchen curtain to be bright and cheerful. 
• Throw pillow covers - we don't have any sofas yet, haha. I made two pink throw pillow cases last year. The color of the year is viva magenta, but I've always wanted to make some items in teal. 
• Misc items
• Essential oil holders
• More pot holders
• Oven gloves
• Glass holders

I think this list is going to keep me busy for a couple of months. I hope to get things going soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe