Moving Forward: A New Season in Life

I love looking forward and making plans! Yesterday I bought my 2025 Simplified planner and felt a little giddy about a year full of possibilities. As I plan for a new year, I look back at the past year because it often informs my future with lessons learned, unfinished projects, and unrealized goals I might carry forward.

Looking Back: A Year-Long Sampler Quilt Along

Last fall Kate Shaw from the Fat Quarter Shop asked if I’d like to make the Bonnie and Camille Shine Bright sampler quilt. I would need to make a few blocks each month and share my progress. I definitely wanted to make this quilt because I admired it on Instagram during the first quilt along. However, I hesitated to commit to Kate immediately because unforeseen things inevitably will happen during the year. Ultimately, I decided to go for the quilt along because I could work ahead, take photos, and complete it in a few months rather than spread it out over a year. That proved to be a pivotal decision because my life took an unexpected detour.

That detour is a separate story, so I’ll share my completed quilt first. I used two Moda Fabrics lines, Nantucket Summer and Dwell, designed by Camille Roskelly of Thimble Blossoms. My friend Angie from Taylored Quilting did fantastic work, stitching an amazing design.

Woman looking forward and holding a sampler quilt with blocks primarily colored blue, green, and pink

Detour Ahead on Unpaved Roads

Last fall I shared that a family member received an unexpected diagnosis. As a result, my husband and I decided to simplify our lives by moving to a smaller home in a more convenient location than our farm. Last fall I had no idea I would move to a new community! Thankfully, we landed in a good place and we have reason to hope for better days ahead. So, we are living in our “hope house.” (My quilt photo was snapped in our new backyard.)

While facing so much disruption, we received practical help from our family and friends. Plus, I found a lot of comfort in this Bible verse. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).

After a long break from sewing, I’m looking forward to making new pillows and quilts for our cozy cottage. Thanks for reading along and following my adventures at home.

Joyfully,

Tracie