I enjoy finishing projects more than starting them. I like emptying a container more than opening a new one. In fact, wrestling the last dab of toothpaste from the tube gives me a strange sense of accomplishment. Clearly, I’m a Finisher. On the other hand, an Opener loves the thrill of starting new projects and opening new containers. So, which one are you?

I read about several such personality distinctions in Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin, author of the New York Time bestseller The Happiness Project (affiliate links).

So what does this have to do with quilting? I realized that I’m not enjoying the projects I’m working on because I have so many in-process, and for me, finishing is fun. So this week I focused on finishing a few little projects, and I’m already happier to be in my sewing loft.  I also took the time to tuck away future projects behind cupboard doors because even the idea of more new projects caused anxiety.

Finished: Crocheted Baby Blankets

So, this week I doubled down on my December one monthly goal and finished crocheting two baby blankets for Jack’s Basket. I love the soft texture of these blankets, and the thick yarn provides a warm, snuggly layer for a baby.

Finished: Walking Foot Quilt-Along

During November Melissa Marginet hosted a walking foot quilt-along. Since my friend Wendy was joining in, I did too. I really want to learn how to confidently finish my own quilts rather than ask someone else to do it for me. Plus, it resonates with my Finisher personality: This should be the fun part! I love Melissa’s book, Walking Foot Quilting Designs, because it’s a perfect size to use a quick reference guide next to your sewing machine. I sewed a small 36-block quilt with a border, marked my lines, and quilted away. So here are two of my takeaways. First, it’s much easier to quilt a design on patchwork than a whole-cloth practice piece. And second, a marker that creases fabric works well on solids, but quilt pencils work much better on busy prints.

Actually, I didn’t finish the entire quilting design, but I was happy with my mini quilt at this point and felt comfortable with the process. So I finished her up. (Happy Dance!) Squeezing in this little project was a big confidence booster, and I feel well prepared to complete my Barn Star quilt.

Opener: A Hand Pieced Quilt Along

Currently I’m working on two “big” quilt-along projects: Choose Your Own Adventure Quilt and Moda Blockheads 2. I’m champing at the bit to complete my Adventure quilt and I’m at a standstill with Blockheads. So I feel crazy for considering another quilt along. But I am. Patty Dudek and Kristin Esser are hosting a hand pieced quilt along, beginning in January. There will be nine 6″-blocks, all sewn by hand.

I made my first quilt entirely by hand thirty years ago. Admittedly, I much prefer machine sewing. However, during the winter, I spend more time watching TV, so I would enjoy a small portable project. If you’ve never made a quilt before, this might be a low-key option to decide whether you enjoy it. You don’t even need a sewing machine (the most expensive piece of equipment a quilter owns). If you decide to join in, let me know!

Joyfully,

Tracie

Today I’m linking up with Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts.