Thursday, December 29, 2011

TTT - the 2012 Resolutions Edition

Now that the Christmas hangover has well and truly worn off, it is time to start mulling over my goals for 2012.  Admittedly, I don't normally go for resolutions, per se, as I tend to disappoint myself quite early on in the game and that just gets depressing.  This year, though, I really want to set myself some challenges, just to see how I go.  So here is a list of what I want to do/try/achieve over the next 12 months.

1.  GET FIT & HEALTHY

I know, I know... this is a common "resolution" for women (and men?) all over the world but, hey, I figure putting it out there might, just might, force my hand.  The story is simple - since hooking up with Mr C approximately 2.5 years ago, I have stacked on at least 10kgs (22pd) and it is seriously driving me mad (and my friends and loved ones are sick of hearing me whinge about it).  I have half-heartedly attempted to lose it here and there but it is now time to get S.E.R.I.O.U.S (said with Aretha Franklin's sass and style)!

To achieve this goal I need to do the normal things (ie increase activity, decrease intake) so I have started stocking the pantry and fridge with all the good stuff and I have joined a gym (and, yes, actually worked out).  BUT... I also need to learn to respect myself and my body and, honestly, that is the hardest part for me.  I am the emotional eater of emotional eaters so I need to learn to care about myself.  And then, once I manage that, I will look like this.

Source

Ok, ok, looking like Jennifer Hawkins might be stretching the envelope just a tad but a fitter, healthier, happier version of me is definitely an achievable goal so it's on the list (and staying).  Bring on the lettuce!  ;)

2.  INCREASE MY WORKLOAD

No, that is not a mistake - unlike most people who are overworked and overtired - I am keen to step it up.  I've mentioned once or twice before that I have been battling with depression and, not surprisingly, this has impacted my ability to hold down a job.  Don't get me wrong, I have had some fantastic employers in my time and, upon learning of my illness, have bent over backwards trying to accommodate me as best as possible but, unfortunately, my feelings of guilt go into overdrive and, against the advice of pretty much everyone, I invariably quit.

Now that I am definitely on the mend I am looking forward to picking up some more hours (somewhere!) and stretching myself in a variety of ways.  Even though I'm not after the big bucks, often choosing to work for not-for-profits and the like, I can't lie - some extra cash would certainly come in handy too.  Especially as I have my eye on one of these.

Source

Or maybe not.  But at least more $$$ = more fabric.  Ooo yeah!

3.  QUILT, QUILT & QUILT SOME MORE

Ok, enough of the heavy stuff... let's get onto the fun stuff.  This year I finally managed to try my hand at quilting - and was so excited to finish my first ever quilt in August.  Since then I have done a lot of playing and reading and piecing but am still yet to complete another quilted project (well... besides a mug rug or two).  Ahh!  So, a definite goal for 2012 is to finish some of my WIPs (ha!) and have a go at some of those on my to-do list. Like, a plus quilt.  And a snowball quilt.  And a scrappy quilt.  And... uh oh...

4.  LEARN TO CROCHET

Lately I have been struggling to teach myself to crochet.  I say "struggling" because it is really not going very well.  At all.  I've read books and watched online vids... and practised, practised, practised... but I still just don't get it.  So I aim to rectify that and finish a crochetted item this year.  Even if it means staking out an old folks' home.  ;)

My latest inspiration to conquer the hook is from Tracey of Cotton and Card who makes a range of gorgeous items, including these adorable bags.

Source

Cute, no?

5.  TO MARKET, TO MARKET

2012 will also be the year of my first market stall (how's that for positive thinking?).  I envisage getting busy and sewing lots of fantastic items and selling up big.  Ha!  Well... I can try.  If I don't perfect crochet in time then maybe I'll have to make a few more of these Easy Girl Dolls instead.


Aww... maybe I need to make one just for me first.  ;)

Lastly, to prove that I haven't just been thinking but have actually been doing, here is my latest project, another Mod Mosaic Pillow.  This one is 16" and made using Terrain by Kate Spain.  Yum!  It is a lot more eclectic and busier than my previous effort but it is definitely growing on me.


Any suggestions on how to quilt it though?  Don't cater your answer to my (lack of) skills... let me know exactly what you would want to do.  I need to extend myself so would love your input.  Thanks!

Hope your goal list for 2012 is looking good too.  Not long now til we wave goodbye to 2011!  Happy New Year!

E.


Thursday Think Tank


I'm desperately hoping that Making Rebecca Lynne is hosting Thursday Think Tank this week so I can link up.  Fingers crossed!  No pressure, though, Becca.  ;)

11 comments:

  1. Wow what a list! I know that getting fit & more healthy SHOULD be at the top of mine as well. But so far it's not. On it but not at the top LOL
    As for the block - I would probably straightline quilt on the diagonal with lines about 1/2 an inch apart if it was me. OR maybe 2 close together & a little gap, 2 close together & then a little gap etc... if that makes any sense.

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  2. Oh, Erin! You're so funny! No need to stake out an old folks' home, though that isn't a bad plan...Have you looked through Craftyminx? She had a crochet school with loads of good info and videos. The pillow is beautiful, but I'm not coming up with much as far as cool quilting. What about just a stipple? Good luck on all your goals and have a great New Year!

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  3. Erin, way to go! I'm still working on my list for 2012 and you've given me some great ideas. Not stalking the old folks home though, I'd never do that. Okay, yes, I would totally do that too. ;) Quilting does have amazing restorative powers doesn't it? So glad that you found it and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do in 2012. As for the quilting, one idea is to do straight lines at various angles, both. Vertically and horizontally across your pillow. Absolutely love it by the way!

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  4. great list! Do you have a spot for a market already? i've done a few craft fairs, more locally and school stuff, so there it's poor parents just like me who don't buy much, but I've always made my booth fee back and more, so that's good, I always bring quilts to show and people like looking at them etc. with me though, people bought small items, I've made lots of portfolios and stuffed owls, and they both sell like hot cakes- so I think your stuffed dolls are GREAT! Oh, and I made some pot holders too. anything that's the 15-20$ range and below, will quickly sell. Just thought I'd throw that out there, I don't do many craft shows and again I've only done small local ones, so maybe if it was more of an artsy show or a broader range people would buy more, I don't know....
    (crocheting was my first hobby, don't do it anymore since quilting took over)
    I did read in a book, that if you're at a craft show having a booth, people love to see the artists at work, so crochet or needlework... it's a good conversation starter :-)

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  5. I'm with you on the 'fit and healthy'. I started Zumba classes this year and love it, so I'll continue next year. Making my first (small) quilt is on my 'to do' list for 2012. I quite like the idea of an I Spy quilt, but don't know if that's a good idea for a first quilt. I probably should make some mug rugs first. I love your Easy Girl Dolls and think they would be popular at markets.

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  6. 1. You already look like Jennifer Hawkins. (choc chip cookies are amazing for burning fat I hear, especially if you leave them in the over too long).
    2. market together. we can discuss tomorrow.
    3. My cushion looks lovely thanks, we can quilt it on your new machine tomorrow. :D

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  7. Woo Hoo!! Great list, get that boat and come and visit me :)
    Totally with you on the healthy eating I need to lose about 28 pounds!! Going to start exercising tomorrow (hehehe, actually I might start secretly logging my weight loss on the WIP Wednesday posts, that way I have to be accountable!)
    The cushion is fantastic - I like the idea of doing random straight lines across at different angles :)

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  8. I love the cushion, I think I would go with concentric circles-to offset all of the angles of the piecing. You could mark them first. And me too on the eating better thing :( I have gained waaaayyy too much weight and am feeling the effects healthwise.

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  9. You might enjoy joining in my NewFO Challenge!

    http://catpatches.blogspot.com/p/2012-newfo-challenge.html

    These are all great resolutions. Best of luck!

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  10. Keep going with the crochet Erin, once you've mastered even the basics it is wonderful therapy, especially for those times when life gets a little too much...just a hook, a ball of yarn, and the couch is all you need! I'm still learning myself, and trying to catch up to my mum who has over 30 years experience.

    Happy to have inspired...and thanks for the plug!

    Good luck with your list...all very achievable. Happy New Year x

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  11. Wow, you have some good goals for this year! Keep working on the crochet. If you haven't already check out Maybe Matilda, I think she has some step-by-step stuff over there. Also, maybe take a class, or just go over to a yarn shop and tell them you are having a hard time and I bet someone would show you. Also are you trying to read a pattern? That can make it more confusing if you aren't sure of yourself. I'm looking forward to all of your great creations this year :)

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