A BRAND NEW YEARS DESERVES A FEW GOALS, YES?

For the first time, I've had a chance to sit down and take a deep breath and realize that 2014 is actually here.  I know, no one should be that busy, and yet I am.

I sat in bed last night and wrote out a few things I'd like to get done this year.  Not really resolutions as such, but just some targets to aim for.

Losing weight, always top of the list.  This year, I need to add keeping it off, so that I don't lose and regain the same 30 pounds again this year.  I joined Gold's Gym over the holidays hoping that the guilt of paying for that membership each month would get me exercising regularly.  So far, I have been able to make that particular guilt trip a short one.

I'd also like to get more involved with dog rescue and the two rescues that I volunteer with.  I can't adopt another dog (there are already three in my house), but I would like to do more short term fostering.

Here is my newest baby, Max, doing what he loves best, napping on the sofa.  Like mother, like son.

As for quilting, I am in the process of joining a finish along (hopefully will be posting about that tomorrow) and would like to sign up for some more blog hops and link parties, as well as grow this tiny blog a bit.  And on that note I found a link up for small blogs at Lily's Quilts!

And before I forget, as I did once before, here is a holiday project that didn't quite get finished this year.  A dresser runner, that just needs to have the binding sewn on and it will be ready to give to my sister when I see her next.  My first time with meandering quilting -- not perfect by a long shot, but better than I had thought it would turn out.

Linked here:

SCRAPPY PLACEMATS

Found a really neat tutorial for a scrappy placemat (or even a mug rug, with a bit of alteration) at
Pink Penquin.

The tutorial and clear and concise and the pictures are great for following along.

You can find it HERE!



The tutorial shows more spring fabrics, but you could easily sub in some holiday fabrics and sew up some quick placements for a gift for your kid's teacher or a coworker.

MAKING CHRISTMAS 2013 -- DAY 8

Finished with a Santa Mug Rug!

Linked at Making Christmas 2013-Day 8 over at Miss Mac Creations

Updated TO DO list:

Finish the batik jelly roll quilt that has been stalled for three months

Knitting Project Bags - five of them! - finished 2
Dog collars for puppy presents - 3 of them!
Quilted boxes as office gifts - 4 of them
Mug Rugs - 1