All the New Sparkly Things

Eye candy turns my head and causes me to open my wallet. And now I wonder, how many new things do I need or even really want?

What Is Worth Wanting?

I’ve been thinking about this question since I heard it on a podcast during December and decided it should be my guiding question as I make plans for 2023. In fact, a friend suggested to me that we should ask ourselves that question every day. In case you think I’m going to go all Ebeneezer Scrooge and bah humbug, my word for 2023 is fun. Since our time and money are limited, I’m even wondering which fun things are worth wanting.

Stay Curious

This Christmas my sister gave me a pen and notebook that says, “Stay curious.” I love that! Learning new things is worth wanting, and I plan to learn a few fun things this year: how to make candles and how to use EQ8 Electric Quilt software. Since our weather outside is frightful, I’m going to start with EQ8 later this afternoon. I hope this software will help me plan fun projects for the year.

magazine candle issue
EQ8 workbook

Live Generously

Another thing worth wanting is to live generously. (Thanks, Thrivent, for that great phrase and encouragement!) I have a lot of planned projects in my quilt room that will be gifts for dear ones. Now I want to make those projects a priority and enjoy living generously. Last year I bought several fat quarters to make small gifts for my family. I’m so glad I had them on hand because I was prepared to make gifts on short notice. The first one was for a dear one who was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you know anyone who’s going to have surgery, consider making a Bosom Buddy to cushion the shoulder strap or lap portion of a seatbelt. Isn’t this Bon Voyage Rifle Paper Co. fabric perfect for a travel-themed gift?

seat belt cushion
The Bosom Buddy attaches to a seatbelt with a velcro strap on the back.

Speaking of travel, I honestly had travel pouches in mind when I selected fabrics. However, the first travel pouch I made using the Holland pouch pattern was for my groovy niece, so I chose Blooming Bunch fabric by Moda.

floral boxy pouch
cosmetic pouch
Holland pouch - floral print with stripes
quilted pouch
fabric selvedge zipper pull

I thought the construction techniques were very easy; however, the thick seams proved to be a challenge for my Juki. A brand-new needle would help! Other nifty pouch patterns I’ve made include the Sew Together Bag, candy wrapper pencil pouch, mini maker bag and the little patchwork pouch. The next pouch will probably be a Nantucket Summer pouch (free pattern) because my daughter gave me a set of those cute Thimble Blossom zipper pulls for my Christmas gift.

2023: A Fresh Start

What would you add to your list of things worth wanting? Here are a few more of mine:

  • Be active and walk with Wally
  • Have fun with Brian to sustain good mental health and a happy marriage
  • Build community

The Calm Instagram page had other prompts worth considering.

  • If there was one feeling you could bring into the year ahead, what would it be?
  • What’s something you can let go of what’s been holding you back?
  • Look forward to the end of 2023. What’s something you’d regret not doing? What small steps can you take to make this happen?
  • What habits or routines will support your well-being? How can you weave them into your everyday life?
  • Which relationships will you prioritize in 2023? Which will you let go of?
  • What advice do you want to keep in mind through 2023? Write it down to remind yourself.
  • How will you take care of your mental and physical health?
  • In 2023, I want to feel more ____. Let a version of this word be your compass for 2023.

I hope I’ve inspired you to write down some intentions for the new year!

Joyfully,

Tracie