2017 Word of the Year

The past few years I've ascribed to word-of-the-year motivation, and it's worked pretty well. 2015 was all about focus, and I found better ways to keep my priorities on track despite how "squirrel!" our little kids/relocate often/frequent schedule changes life can be. 2016 was for creating a pattern, both in my life-flow and in quilting, and those goals are well underway. I tinkered with my schedule, and now I have a consistent routine for both home and work that still fits the flexibility I need when my husband comes and goes unexpectedly for his job. Plus, my first free quilt pattern will be out soon alongside my new newsletter, with a few other designs underway for 2017 release.

So what's my new word?

ACTION

Having spent the last two years refocusing on what's most important to me, testing some new directions and having my heart reaffirmed to the path I was already on, I'm entering 2017 happier at home, more invested in making a business that can move anywhere we might live, confident in my skillset and excited about creating. Going forward, I'm resolved to improve my fitness, better foster my children's interest in sewing, run with ideas that have been waiting patiently on the backburner for far too long, and continue to give because (very selfishly) giving makes me feel good!

Also, like many of us, I've been deeply frustrated for the future because of the current state of American politics. I don't want to wait for the partisan gridlock, economic stagnation, and cultural insecurity to resolve itself; I want to be a more involved part of the solutions I seek. My blog won't be moving away from its focus on quilting, but I will use this platform to support causes that are important to me and hopefully to many of you, like the environment, equality, and education. My quilts can benefit others beyond the scope of my small sphere, and I have a plan to do just that.

Action is an imperative for me both personally and professionally in 2017. I plan to:

~ get active exercising, eating better, and quilting more!
​~ teach & encourage my children further with their interest in sewing
~ be more intentional with limited work hours available to me, so I can...
~ finish at least 1 quilt per month (doubling my 2016 quilt finishes!)
~ continue monthly giveaways via "Tuesday Treats" here & on Instagram
~ auction 4 baby quilts in support of charity
​~ release 3 new quilt patterns​

On the blog, you'll continue to see posts about WIPs, finishes, and giveaways. I'll share more kids' sewing as my girls get familiar with their new sewing machines (thanks, Santa!) and I plan to create a series of book-inspired baby quilts that will be auctioned in support of charity. Plus, my new monthly newsletter starts in January. If you haven't joined my email list, please do - I plan to share quilting and creative inspiration, and new subscribers will receive my Starbright Baby Quilt pattern next week! 

So there you have it. Action. At home, at work, and in the world at large.
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How about you? What's your plan for 2017?

~ Sarah

P.S. Each year I order a charm for my necklace with my word of the year so I can carry a reminder with me. I love the teeny charms shown above from Kathryn Reichert Jewelry! 

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​Linking up with Let's Bee Social, and Quilting Jet Girl's 2017 Planning Party. (Have you seen her prizes? I'm crossing my fingers
for a Make Modern subscription!)

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