A Quilter’s New Year: Intentions Over Resolutions

Choosing a softer, more intentional way to approach

quilting in the year ahead.

As we wrap up another year, it’s only natural to pause and reflect—on what went well, what we might do differently next time, and how we hope to improve in the year ahead. We think about ways to make our everyday lives better, whether that’s in our work, our relationships, our daily interactions, or even how we spend our leisure time doing the things we love most.

From my observations, quilters are no exception. Many of us carry long mental lists of ways we’d like to do better in our sewing lives—small changes that help us feel more efficient, more organized, and ultimately able to enjoy our craft even more.

These intentions often sound a little like this:

• I will work on new projects using fabric from my stash before buying more fabric that only adds to the ever-growing pile. (Eventually.)

• I will finally finish some of the UFOs that seem to stare at me every time I walk into my sewing room.

• I will clear and organize my sewing space so I can actually find what I need—and maybe even discover why I own seven seam rippers. (How did that happen?)

• I will give myself permission to let go of UFOs that no longer bring me joy. If a project hasn’t gone as planned and the spark is gone, I’ll find it a new home through a guild or charity, where it can be finished and loved by someone else.

Because at the end of the day, quilting should bring joy—not guilt—and making space for creativity sometimes means knowing when to hold on… and when to let go.

From here, it’s not about setting rigid resolutions or adding pressure to an already busy life—it’s about intention. Choosing to quilt with a little more purpose, a little more grace, and a lot more enjoyment. Maybe that means starting small: finishing one UFO, organizing one drawer, or pulling fabric from your stash for your very next project. Wherever you begin, let it be guided by what excites you most. After all, this is your creative journey, and the best progress is the kind that keeps the joy of quilting front and center.

With that in mind, I’m also recognizing the reality of the year ahead. Life is busy, and big resolutions can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, I’m choosing to set small, manageable goals—the kind I can actually keep.

I’ll start by organizing my projects. Which ones are close to completion? What still needs to happen to finish them? Making sure all the parts and pieces are together will allow me to pick up a project and move it forward without unnecessary delays or frustration.

I’ll also take an honest look at which projects I’m most excited to begin. We all love the thrill of something new, so I’ll ask myself which project brings me the most joy right now—and give myself permission to put that one at the top of the list.

I’ll intentionally set aside time each week to sew, even if it’s just a little. Progress doesn’t require long, uninterrupted hours—consistency matters more.

And finally, I’ll focus on the practical side of quilting. Keeping my thread and needle stash stocked, changing needles more often, and cleaning my sewing machine regularly may not be the most glamorous tasks, but they make every project smoother and more enjoyable.

Because taking care of the little things is often what allows the creative moments to shine.

As the new year unfolds, I hope you’ll give yourself the same grace you give your stitches. Start where you are, choose what brings you joy, and let your quilting evolve naturally—one project, one moment at a time. Whether you’re finishing something old, starting something new, or simply spending a little quiet time at your sewing machine, know that every stitch counts. Here’s to a year of quilting guided by intention, grace, and the simple joy of showing up—one stitch at a time.