A New Years Resolution Made Me A Better Artist

Way way back in late 2006, I decided that for a New Year’s resolution I would start 2007 with a weekly quilt each week, with a set of rules and a mindset that I would be in my studio more than I was before.

Of course, I had no idea that at the time I was making myself a better artist. And I also had no idea that I was about to plant all of the seeds for my future successes.

I know a lot of people get down on New Year Resolutions, but for me they created a mindset of a challenge (much like this 31 Day Blogging Challenge), and I found them to help me open the door to my creativity.

If I hadn’t done the weekly quilts, I would not have developed my “cartoony” style.

If I hadn’t done the weekly quilts, I would not have tried conductive thread, which would have stopped me from being in Quilting Arts in 2010, and then I would not be the eTextiles expert I am today.

If I hadn’t done those weekly quilts, I would not have tried fabric manipulation and have that become my current fascination and obsession.

If I hadn’t done my weekly quilts, I would not have had blog material over those 5 years to make me a better writer.

If I hadn’t done those weekly quilts, I would not have tried all those techniques that eventually became “Technique of the Week” videos.

If I hadn’t done those weekly quilts, I would not have, as Ira Glass says in his amazing quote, gone “through a volume of work” to close the gap on my ambitions.

If I hadn’t done those weekly quilts, I can honestly tell you I would not be at all where I am today in my quilting career.  I would not be published in magazines.  I would not have been on Quilting Arts TV or Its Sew Easy TV.  I would not have the blog or Facebook or Instagram following that I do.  And I would not be asked by guilds and shows to teach and speak.

So maybe your resolution is to learn something new, or maybe it’s to work on all of your UFOs, or maybe it’s to only sew your own stash.  Whatever your goals are, I hope you reach them all in 2016. Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!