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.
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
Tracie, so glad to hear you’re adapting so well with life’s changes! I’ve been imagining you on the farm there with Wally and Mr. Jeep! I’ve got to reimagine you now!! I love your name for the new place–Hope House!!!
Thanks for shaeing all the info you did/ My hubby is on disability now so that is my life right now. money and time is both vry dear now. God does take care of us though and w e are happy despite it all. I was surprised to see iyou in my inbox and did not remember subcribing. which I must have done. lol Be well and I hope you post a little mre often in the future. virtual huggs
I look forward to hearing your updates. That sampler quilt I see here is just gorgeous and I’m sure even better when you can see all the stitching and details. I’m sending my best wishes to you and yours.
It has most definitely been a year for you, and I am hoping the coming year will be filled with peace, comfort and joy. The quilt is beautiful, and definitely your style. You have such a good knack for making your home cozy, I’m sure Hope House will be a lovely, cozy haven.
Congratulations on the move to the hope house! We never know when changes will come, and what the blessings we receive in them will be. I am sure your loved one/s appreciate the effort and that it is a good thing for you to be there in many more ways than you imagined.