Quilting Ambitions Unveiled: My 5 Epic Habits For 2024!

[@SewtheDistance]

Links to Videos Mentioned in this Video: Knock Off Quilt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYHPoJeZpsyEnNksi=c61CvNEBwhsXfqXG One Layer Cake Quilt kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3LIqIqenrVggrssi=hvvD-T6NXmhpgpNR Video Review of AirThings Air Tester: Coming Soon! I am still collecting data. 😀 Products: AirThings View Plus: www.airthings.com/view-plus Book: Atomic Habits: amzn.to/4aQ61b6

[@janiesoito4494]

I just put the "Atomic Habits" BOCD on hold from the library. I can listen while I sew.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! It is a great book! I am re-reading it now. So many wonderful tips! I hope you enjoy it, too!

[@debbielee7117]

Ever since I started finishing one quilt before staring the next, I have been getting a lot more done.

[@helenfields2318]

That ship has sailed for me but now that I’m not buying like there’s no tomorrow I’m starting to feel under better control

[@SewtheDistance]

I will give it a try. I make 34 quilt tops last year. I need to be better at this.

[@janiesoito4494]

I worked with a PA who never multitasked. He got more work done than the rest of us put together. I never saw him make a list either.

[@SewtheDistance]

So interesting! Thank you for sharing!

[@sisterchicksquilting]

There you are, happy new year 🎉 I love your cutting table. 🐥Di

[@SewtheDistance]

Here I am! ❤️ Happy New Year to you, too!

[@paulaakers7733]

Old saying, a place for everything and everything in its place. My solution is to dumping is put it where it goes. Hope this helps! You inspire me! Happy New Year!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Great tip! I needed that reminder! So glad I have inspired you! That's what it's all about! Happy New Year to you, too!

[@marionbarber984]

Good to see you, Kris! I'm following Karen Brown's declutter challenge. I managed to recycle many old magazines. I do keep those that I really like and take out patterns. Then recycled some of those patterns. Once the trash folks dump the recycled stuff into their big truck, I can't go running down the street and yell, "Wait, I've changed my mind!" My quilting goals are to continue sorting scraps, make blocks out of these fabric pieces, don't hang onto too many fabric scraps, especially tiny ones, complete my Christmas wall hanging from 2022, complete my " Summer fun with cat mom, her kittens and it's raining beach balls" wall hanging. Wash sewing room drapes and DUST! Continue watching quilting KZbin of my favorite quilters, zoom once a month with Brenda and the quilting folks. There's always more but that's it for now. Take care, Marion in Oregon.

[@connieking9873]

I love doing Karen Browns declutter challenge. Then adding in videos of changing habits make sewing even better. It is also nice to know we aren’t alone and getting ideas how to fix our struggles. I get a lot from everyone’s posts on how to work in different areas. Sometimes it is just reinforcing what we might already know. Getting up moving is a big one for me as I established my “triangle” and now I can sew iron and trim all without moving. The other for me would be setting an alarm and changing things up. I tend to do hours instead of minutes especially if cutting, folding fabric, or ironing.

[@SewtheDistance]

Love Karen Brown! Her yearly challenge is always wonderful. I am watching and participating, too. I agree--sometimes we just need to be reminded. Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@jeandryja6992]

I love the Karen Brown declutter challenge as well. Decided today to start using the timer on my phone to remind me to take a break (a little timer would be cute but it would clutter things up).

[@theresekaun7143]

Finish UFO's. Also, use the fabric I have instead of buying more beautiful fabric (it is addictive)

[@SewtheDistance]

Great goals! I struggle with that, too!

[@ccreel64]

I love it! Same here. I’m committed to only buying border or backing fabric as needed. And that only as I finish tops and shop my stash for projects this year.

[@SewtheDistance]

Great goal, too! Shop your stash! Fantastic!

[@helenfields2318]

Video's about finishing off projects are my favorites. I'm encouraged to see people's progress. I just finished the bindings on my 4 last quilts today! Now I can make progress on WIPs.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! Love this! I have so many WIP, too. So glad you enjoyed this video. Thank you for watching!

[@FayeKiser-pr2yu]

Great video!! I set a few goals this year, too - a couple of them being the same as yours. I usually choose a word for the year. This year I made a slogan - "More in 24". I want to do more - more friends, more experiences, more quilts, more living!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh, I LOVE this! Your slogan is perfect! I pick a word of the year, too! Mine is PEACE this year because I had a rough 2023. More in 2024 is a great way to look at year, too! Thank you for this!

[@angieallen4884]

LOL, my motto for this year is "no more in '24!" I just have to get planned projects finished this year without starting (or buying materials for) anything new. However, the "no" is only for my sewing room; I am up for lots of other "more" in my life!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

I used to be really good about finishing before I started another quilt. Last couple of years I have accumulated a lot of quilt tops. I am trying to finish all of them before I start another. Thanks for sharing.

[@SewtheDistance]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching! I really need to get better at this. This year is the year!

[@catherinecearns9002]

I relate to your “cutting table” 😅

[@SewtheDistance]

The struggle is real! LOL!

[@DH-qz2so]

After quilting and being in a quilting group since 2000 (which has now disbanded), I now get to sew for fun, and now have the opportunity to just make the tops/flimsies...the best part! My mom's church has a Blanket Making Group, who do the quilt sandwich and binding by hand for charity/countries in need...best of both worlds! They accept both completed tops and fabrics... I have been cutting up UFO tops, to the appropriate size for donating to them... no more UFO piles!

[@SewtheDistance]

Wow, this is awesome! What a wonderful group! Thank you for sharing!

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

I am with you for habits 1 & 2!

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! Thanks for sharing! We can do it!

[@baseballquilter]

I would definitely have to agree with you on decluttering my cutting table. I also do the same thing.😋 And that goes for my desk that has my laptop on it. Once I clean it, seems to just accumulate more items than before. I always have a large water cup (Reduce) I love these cups. So, staying hydrated isn't an issue for me. I have learned that sitting too long isn't good for your heart. I make it a point to not press sitting down. I do have an ironing board that sits near my straight stitch machine. This way I am forced to get up and press. And I also get my steps in. 😉

[@SewtheDistance]

These are great goals, especially with getting your steps in! Thank you for sharing! I have a big water container that I fill each morning and bring into my studio with me,, but I don't remember to drink it! 😆 I need to be better at that.Great tips!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

I set a goal in 2020 to make a throw quilt for hubby, my kids, and their spouses and kids. Back then this was 10 quilts, a doable amount for a 79 yr old new quilter. I've finished two and nearly finished two more, but... With marriages and the birth of a great grandson the number has grown to 13! My habit goal this year is to quilt every day, at least a bit, so I can make gains on that number before it grows again!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Wow! That's fantastic! I love that you were a new quilter at 79! It is never too late! Thank you for sharing this. It is inspiring! Quilting everyday is a must, especially with a growing family. 🥰

[@sewquilty]

I am right with you on Number 1!!! Feels like I spend more time clearing off my cutting table than working on it! This year I am going to try to briefly journal what I get done each day in my sewing room. I'm hoping this will both inspire & increase accountability. Good Luck to you!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! Good luck to you, too! Journaling is a great idea! I journal in the morning, but I may try this. I think it will help me, too! Thank you! 🥰

[@selwynknap6121]

My cutting table is a disaster right now...that is my biggest goal this year...keep it CLEAN! Arrrgh! I also kept a notebook with what I accomplished each sewing session last year and continuing on with it!

[@SewtheDistance]

@selwynknap6121 I am completely amazed at how much the sign has helped me with keeping my cutting table clear. It works! Well, at least for me so far. We will see!

[@rebeccamapes1157]

I love your habits. I agree with you. Those could be mine!! I struggle with putting things on my cutting table. Going to use your idea of a sign!! I will be interested in how you are doing on your new habits.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰 So far that sign has really helped! A few times today I was going to pile stuff on my cutting table and stopped myself because of the sign. Go figure! 😄

[@njbyrd1617]

Great way to start the year. Kris, I'd love to watch your free motion quilting. It is something I'd love to learn to do, and would love to hear what you have to say about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@juliatepe5760]

With my allergy issues; I try to do a good dusting of furniture and tools in my sewing room monthly.

[@SewtheDistance]

My pleasure! 🥰 Thank you! I am not very good at it yet. Hopefully I can improve like I did before. I am not sure how much I can teach you yet. Maybe at some point! ❤️

[@mariejohns1387]

Great video Kris!! I never gave the dust a second thought. I sweep it up and move on. Maybe nit as often as I should lol. I also need to start finishing projects. I got into the habit when I finish a quilt top I put the borders on get the backing fabric and make the binding all at the same time. I hang it in the closet all together so it’s ready to go when I’m ready to quilt it. Seems to help.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this video! Love this tip of hanging the quilts up. I will try that. Thank you! 🥰

[@janlarson3408]

we quilters are a very self entertaining group of people which basically makes us comfortable being quilting hermits. Last year I decided to get acquainted with my quilting community; specialty classes, weekly classes, the local quilt guild, monthly sit and sew for charity, etc. it’s the BEST decision I’ve ever made, activities I never knew I wanted much less needed. Couldn’t be happier and I was happy before! Go figure 😄

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! I love this! I am very active in my guild and even hold a office on the board. it is so rewarding to be around other quilters, isn't it? I definitely want to expand on that this year. It is rewarding and healthy. That said, I am with you. I am a homebody and really enjoy time alone, too. It has gotten worse since 2020. Breaking out of that shell is a must! Let's do it! ❤️

[@ChadShort-km2ip]

Thank you for the motivation. I definitely need to clear my cutting table too. Todays goals inspired by your video: clear the cutting table; finishing piecing and long arm quilt two Project Linus quilt for tomorrow's meeting; and make a pot of homemade dumpling soup...just because it's cold and snowy in my neck of the woods in PA. Thanks for sharing your new habits.

[@SewtheDistance]

You're welcome! So happy this video is helpful and inspiring. Homemade dumplings sound so good right now in my cold and snowy neck of the woods in PA! It is snowing here again today. Really coming down. I guess it is going to turn to rain according to the great Joe Snedeker on WNEP! 😄 That should make for a mess. Stay warm! Thanks for sharing!

[@cindysakala9641]

HI CHRIS, YOU COULD FINISH YOUR QUILTS (FREE-MOTION OR OTHER METHOD) AND POST VIDEOS ON THAT PROCESS. THERE AREN’T ENOUGH GOOD VIDEOS ON FINISHING QUILTS, BUT LOTS ON MAKING TOPS. JUST A SUGGESTION.

[@SewtheDistance]

Great idea! Thank you! 🥰

[@DottyKupsky]

Kris, I'm with you on all your ideas! Plus, my biggest goal this year is to sew more every day possible and make a quilt for my own bed.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh, that's a great goal! Thank you for sharing!

[@fransak2723]

I’m going to strive to work on one project at a time and see it through to the finish line, including binding and label. Wish me luck! I’m going to need it.

[@SewtheDistance]

You and me both! 😆 Wishing you luck! We can do it!

[@AvivaHadas]

follow-ups videos. "& this is how I quilted the ____ quilt." (You can go into thread choices, backing choices, new quilting techniques, issues & fixes...)

[@SewtheDistance]

Great idea! Thank you! I can see what I can do. These types of videos don't do really well for in the past, but I can try them again. 🥰

[@AvivaHadas]

@@SewtheDistance I was thinking it would be the impetus to finish. (Or all in 1 videos... Start to finish.)

[@SewtheDistance]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@cathybabnick7326]

I, too, am interested in finishing videos. I need more confidence in this area in order to avoid frustration and uncertainty.

[@cathybabnick7326]

I, too, am interested in finishing videos. I need more confidence in this area in order to avoid frustration and uncertainty.

[@chrisclark9862]

Those are Epic Habits! I'm trying to be consistent with using a weekly/monthly planner. I have a master list of UFO's, WIP's and "want to's" so I can keep on track. Trying to get into the habit of using it every day. I have that book too. Probably should have bought the audiobook so I can listen while I sew!

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh, that's a good idea! Now I need to get the audio version and start a "want to" list! 😆 Great suggestions! Thank you! I love these goals!

[@gretroman8235]

I have the same problem in my house. Vertical spaces tend to accumulate stuff that should be put away. That is one of my goals this year. And to use a lot more fabric than I buy. I will stay away from online fabric stores unless I cannot purchase and support my local ( within 50 miles) fabric stores. And donate some good quilting fabric to guilds or organizations that will use it. I plan to finish what I start. I have many quilt tops but they need backing, quilting, and binding. Time to learn freemotion quilting again. I retired in April 2023 and managed to make 10 quilts for family members. Most but not all from stash. And I did pay someone to long arm quilt them. Time to enjoy my hobbies of quilting, gardening, kayaking, and traveling. And visit a few more quilt shops when I travel😂

[@SewtheDistance]

Love, love, love these goals! Great list! Thank you for sharing! You are an inspiration. 🥰

[@thereseborden9842]

Excellent ideas, Kris. I was struck by your comment about machine quilting and how you has started to get good at it, then stopped. I recently returned to hand quilting and realized that while I had gotten pretty good at it in the past, I stopped. So when I picked it up again, I had lost some of my skill and had to strive again to get reasonably good at it. So I guess the lesson is that you only get good at some things if you keep at! So be nice to yourself when your skill is rusty and know that if you just hang in there, it will improve. One habit I am trying to establish is to prioritize my UFOs in the order I want to finish them. If something gets consistently moved to the rear of the queue, I know I just don't like it much. Time to consider ditching it and mentally moving on. Thank you for your insights, Kris! I always learn something from your videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I love that you learn something from my videos. ❤️ I am surprised at how much skill I lost! Just think if we would have kept going. 🤗 The good news is we know we can get there again, right? Practice, practice, practice. I love your goal! Great system! Ditching a projects is something I have to get better at, too. Thanks so much for watching, for sharing, and for your kindness. 🥰

[@SuzanneStutzle]

You have some good ideas there Kris. I need to implement these too. Mine big thing to do NOW is get into my cupboard and cull and reorganise it but I need to feel brave about it and I'm still working up the courage to face it!!😂

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰 That's so funny! I can relate! I have a cupboard that I keep closed for this very reason! 😆

[@SuzanneStutzle]

@@SewtheDistance 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anniec7041]

Practice makes progress!

[@SewtheDistance]

YES! So true! 🥰 When I was editing this video and realized I said, "Practice makes perfect," I cringed a little because I usually never say that! I almost went back and re-recorded it, but I was in a tricky place, so I left it. 😆 Definitely progression vs. perfection! Thank you for this!

[@shelina_virjee]

I wish you well with your goals. Keeping my sewing table clean is one of my goals too!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 😊 We can do it!

[@helencowen135]

What strikes me from this video is that you are wanting to make several huge changes this year. Just remember to be kind to yourself during this process. There would be no shame on perhaps concentrating on one or two to start with, then as they become natural within your routine , add another one. Best to go slowly & surely to give the new habits, plus yourself, more chance of "sticking". All the best

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks so much! So true. 🥰

[@lisaallen9310]

I have many of the same goals for 2024. Watching my posture, stretching, taking breaks is a big one. I'm also wanting to get better with ruler quilting on my new machine. I love your channel. Looking forward to seeing what you do this year!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I am thrilled you love my channel! I am busy making lots of videos for 2024. Can't wait to share. I have a few other exciting stuff coming soon! So many great goals! Thank you for watching and for sharing!

[@jillrusche6]

I had to laugh about your cutting table “dumping ground”. My ironing board has become just that recently! Time to put things away. Your free motion quilting is excellent! I purchased a sit down long arm just about 2 years ago, and it is true- the more you practice, the better you get. Custom quilting is quite time consuming but so rewarding. I find ruler work very tricky even on the sit down long arm. Happy practicing!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I am planning on starting practicing today. I know I can get there. It just takes time. I have thought about ruler work, too! So much I want to learn. Thank you for sharing! That ironing board can be an issue for me, too. it is an easy "table" to dump on. 😆

[@GailK.]

I have had an air purifier on top of my cutting table/sewing table for two years. It made a huge difference in dust and coughing. I didn’t know I was coughing until I wasn’t. It’s a Pure Enrichment PureZone Air Purifier. I can’t say enough good about it. This sits in the center of a 15x20 room on top of the sewing table. It’s running all the time and very quiet. I must mention that two of my cats keep me company whenever I’m sewing, a Siberian and an Angora (longhairs), but this purifier keeps the cat fur and dander down, too. It’s a little workhorse.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I will look into it! I am sure I will need one. I am so curious to see how the air quality is in the room. Should be interesting. Thanks again for watching and for the suggestion.

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

Good goals...cluttering cutting table is a constant job for all the reasons you described. Give me a clear surface...won't stay that way- even a sign won't help because "it is only temporary." What I need to do is clear it before I start working instead of shoving it to one side and working around it.

[@SewtheDistance]

That’s a good goal, too. I am going to try the sign and see if it helps. I hope it does. We will see! Thank you so much for watching and sharing!

[@sharonw667]

Oh, keeping your cutting table cleared is a hard one. I tend to clean it off and then piling it up again. So, good luck with that goal. Goal, number is also mine, I don't make tutorials, but I sew some quilt tops and tend not to finish them. This is the year. I do have a humidifier in my room, so I'm good there. These are some great goals. Good luck to all of us for 2024.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! This IS the year! We can do it! Thanks so much for watching and for sharing!

[@lindakQOV]

Food for thought for Habit #2: When I got my longarm I had WAY too many flimsies waiting to be quilted. So I made an agreement with myself that I would quilt one flimsy before starting a new project. Then I must quilt that project and one more old flimsy before I could start another new project. It worked well until I started quilting QOV's for others. Now perhaps I need to update that promise to myself to quilt AND BIND one of my old tops; quilt a QOV for someone else; finish my current project and quilt AND BIND it before starting through that process again. That's going to be hard to do because I find so many good ideas on KZbin and want to try them all!!!! 😁

[@SewtheDistance]

This is a wonderful system! Thank you for the suggestion! I think I will try something like this. My favorite part is binding, so that shouldn't be an issue for me. The basting and quilting--oh, boy! That's where I struggle. Thanks again for watching and for sharing!

[@Judy-vz9ss]

I love your cutting table!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you!! 😊

[@AlisiaLaLonde]

About 2 months ago, I finished a quilt that I started in in 1999! Haha! But it's done and its wonderful- 2000 pieces! At the beginning of this year I started a quilting journal to keep myself organized and have a visual of completed projects!. My list of UFOs is very long but my philosophy for this year is - One at a time and just keep making progress1

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! I love that you are finishing quilts! I am in the same boat. So many to finish! Love these ideas and goals! We've got this! 🥰 Thank you for watching and for sharing!

[@cj6337]

Thanks for sharing Kris. Your videos are encouraging. I decided to go through all my UFOs and I picked out the ones I wanted to focus on and asked myself to please not start any new projects until these ones are done. Knowing I may want to break that I decided to turn to my scraps and just sew random blocks in between finishing my selected UFOs. Thanks again Kris for all your encouraging videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

You are so welcome! I am so sorry about the delay in responded. For some reason, this comment was in my "held for review" comment list, which I haven't checked in a few weeks. My apologies! I am not sure what held it up! It says it was due to blocked words, but I don't have any of these words blocked. 😆 Anyway, I love that you are going to work on UFOs! Yay!

[@cj6337]

All good Kris. Thanks for replying. I was just happy to share. Loved the strawberry you received. I need to make me one of those. Blessings

[@lindaricher5359]

Would love to see tutorials on free motion sewing

[@SewtheDistance]

Eeek! I would love to make tutorial on this, but I am not very good at it yet. Maybe someday!

[@ccreel64]

I’m not the same kind of goalsetter as you. It’s a constantly rotating list of action items for me. Oy! My cutting table is the only truly open horizontal space in my tiny sewing room. I feel your pain! Such a pinch point!I Right now I’m working Karen Brown’s declutter challenge again, and the beauty of her system is that once you get an area set up and it works well for you, it’s easier to maintain in the current and future years. This year I find some categories I don’t need to work (or redo) so I can work ahead on the problem children like old fabric for clothing that I’ll never realistically sew. Doing pretty good so far… I wish you well on meeting your goals!❤

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I wish you well, too! I love Karen Brown's yearly "reset" on organization! It is always so inspiring. She's one of my favorite KZbinrs, so that helps, too. 🥰

[@debbie4308]

Love your ideas! Horizontal spaces collect clutter. Ugh! I had same problem. Maybe try putting a basket on table to put things in so when you want to cut fabric, the basket can go into a chair or floor. I do wish the fabric stores near me would offer more classes at night and weekends. It’s difficult to connect when you work full time M - F. Happy New Year to you!

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great idea! Thank you! ❤️ Interestingly, the sign I put on the cutting table has really worked well! I am a bit surprised that a simple solution like that works. I love the basket idea, too! I may try that near my machine. I completely understand with the time constraints. When I was teaching full-time, I struggled to find time to connect, too. I would try to get to quilt guild meetings, but after being in the classroom all day and needed to prep/grade at night, I would struggle with this, too. It is a tough thing to balance. I feel for you. 🥰

[@gloriajohnson3161]

All good habits to work on for me, too. However, I have #1 under control already....I imagine that everyone who visits our home, whether expected or drop-in guests, will want to see my fabulous sewing room (even those who have seen it before). Therefore, i try to keep from piling onto the cutting, pressing, or any table in my room!

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great mindset to have! I need to try that. Thank you! ❤️

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

I want to get good at FMQ too. Lots of flimsies need to be quilted. Unless I have a specific purpose for the quilt top, I don't really think about quilting it. Not good. I also like your comment about getting out in the community more. I have one friend who quilts, but all my other quilting "friends" are on KZbin. Thank you for being one of them!

[@SewtheDistance]

Awwww! I love that we are quilting friends! 😍 Thank you! I have many KZbin friends, too, and I’m happy to have you in that list. As for the FMQ, I have the same issue! We can do it!

[@wandawalker4191]

These are noble goals, Kris...all the best as you strive to develop these new habits. I do a great stipple FMQ but would like to develop skill with other designs.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! 🥰 I really struggle with stippling. I never could get the hang of it. I will have to try it again. We will get there! This year is our year!

[@maryl9601]

My cutting table is a dumping ground too. I cleaned it off yesterday. Now nothing is going to go on it. I think I need a sign too for me. 😂 Thank you for your inspiration

[@SewtheDistance]

You are very welcome! Surprisingly, that sign works! I almost put a few things on my sewing table today, and the sign stopped me. Who knew? Thanks so much for watching and sharing. ❤️

[@christinehl4310]

Habit that I want develop is try harder to use what I have. Hard to not look at all the pretty fabric lines that are coming out😀. My problem is usually I don’t have enough to do the project that is part of the sew along and with shipping costs so high I end up buying something else to meet the minimum. Work on finishing more quilt tops. Takes me a while to finish the entire quilt as I can’t afford to send out for longarm quilting but one or two a year. I do have a room air filter that is moved from room to room to help with the dust and the air. Makes a big difference for me.

[@SewtheDistance]

There are great goals, too! I completely understand these struggles. I feel the same way! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@laurabuckles7961]

Oh boy, the piling things on the table...I'm awful about if there's an open table space, cutting, quilting or otherwise, getting it piled up with stuff. I really have to work on having"everything in its place". Being healthier is a great goal too, I've got to drink more water. Will look for that book!

[@SewtheDistance]

Today is the first day that I had the sign up on my cutting table, and interestingly, it worked! I am surprised that I didn't just move the sign aside, but I didn't! Yay, me! I love that you have similar goals. We can do it! Thanks so much for watching and for sharing!

[@annetrenary2875]

I can get made, quilted and then it's forever getting the binding ... it's the one's I plan on keeping.

[@SewtheDistance]

Basting is my biggest struggle. I need to get over it! Binding is my favorite! If I could get past the basting, I think I could be in the home stretch, especially since I end to just do straight stitching since FMQ intimidates me. 😆 Oh, so many struggles!

[@susyk6839]

Kris, I love your ideas. Thank you for sharing your new habits! Happy New Year! My only goal is to quilt more (last quilt I finished was 2020). I tried to get organized but my mess became worse. If I can do 1 UFO every 1-2 months, that should make room to actually be organized 😌

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I am glad you love the ideas. Happy New Year to you, too! I love this goal. I hope you get back to quilt making soon. ❤️

[@AuntDi2]

Great goals!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you!! 🥰 Glad you like them. Thank you for watching!

[@NinfaGarcia-n5j]

I have just started reading Atomic Habits and I love it!!!

[@SewtheDistance]

It is such a great book! I am currently rereading it. It will change your life.

[@1955rivergirl]

#1 my cutting table! Same as you it’s a catch all! I have to pick it up before I can use it! #2 finish the tops I have done.

[@SewtheDistance]

Love these goals! Thank you for sharing yours!

[@carlabattle8301]

This year, I am going to take my scraps and make a top. Then, use that top as a back for all of my UFO quilts from last year.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great idea! Thank you!

[@melissafeldhaus4424]

I tend to dump all new projects in my sewing area as well. If I don't see it I forget about it and I don't want to forget about it lolol. Then I get overwhelmed lol vicious cycle. I have the book but haven't read it. Let's read it!

[@SewtheDistance]

It really is a vicious cycle, like you said! The book is great! It has really helped me in many areas of my life. I am currently reading it for a second time. I hope you like it, too!

[@joanbarker6581]

Yes I want to start new habits too, thx for your information.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! You are so welcome! 🤗

[@chfmrk49]

Your not alone I am bad at #1 for sure good luck and thanks for reminding us

[@SewtheDistance]

I have to say I am in great company then! 🥰 It is a hard one! Surprisingly, the sign has helped me several times today already! Who knew?

[@chfmrk49]

@@SewtheDistance always remember creative minds are seldom tidy

[@dianeschwalm3855]

Yes. My cutting table is a big expensive piece of furniture in my studio. But I always have junk all over it! Ugh. I’m going to work on this as well.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yes! I am surprised at how well that silly sign has worked so far. it has stopped me from putting stuff on it several times already. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. I hope it continues to work! We will see. Thank you for sharing!

[@sewbeitquilts]

Wait!!!! How did you know my cutting table is a mess! 😂 I’m going to try to finish my projects completely after starting them. I may have had a few pile up! Great video!

[@susyk6839]

Fallon, I wanted to volunteer to help you with some of your 70 UFos…but I have so many I don’t have a total yet!

[@SewtheDistance]

😆 Just a few, right? You may win at the number of UFOs!

[@stellaunger8568]

Excellent new habits to develop. Love your channel 😁❤️🌹

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@teresakornegay1580]

Mine goal is to use the material that I already have. Somehow my hobby has turned into buying material not quilting!!

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great hobby, too! 😆 I am guilty of that myself! One of my friends doesn't limits the buying, but she only allows herself to buy fabric for her current project. I love that "rule."

[@joyskibo856]

I also want to get better at free motion quilting. It does take practice. Your samples piece was excellent. Keep at it. It is so much cheaper than taking quilts to long armer. All of your habits are very worthy goals. Thanks for being there.

[@SewtheDistance]

You are so welcome! I tried free motion quilting again a few weeks ago and was terrible at it. I need to get back to where I was in 2020! I can do it. Practice, practice, practice. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@angieallen4884]

#1 cutting table hot spot is my problem, too! Mine has a furnace filter (among other things) on it as we speak! #2 No more in 2024 is my motto for this year...I intend to work on only UFOs this year. As for you, as someone who must constantly create new content, you might want to designate one or two days a week as "catch-up" days when you dedicate that time to finishing things you have already started. #3 particulates in the air: a couple years ago I made 14 rag quilts and was cutting and sewing lots of flannel every day for weeks. I noticed this intermittant cough and realized I was breathing in a lot of that fluff! Now, if I am going to be doing many hours at a time, I wear an allergy mask; it has really helped. #4 free motion quilting. Not yet for me...maybe next year! #5 more community involvement: I belong to a few FB groups for quilting and really enjoy that interaction. I have yet to join any in-person guilds or anything but may make that a goal for later this year. Just let me say, I really enjoy your content; I am always excited when I get a notification that there is a new video. Best wishes for the new year!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I love that you love my content! Happy New Year to you, too! I love your motto. It is perfect! Just so I can address everything you mentioned, I am going to use the same structure as you, if you don't mind. I don't want to miss anything! #1: This is tricky, isn't it? Surprisingly, the sign on it has worked! Well, mostly. Last night I couldn't sleep and came downstairs to the couch. We have a clock on a shelf that tick tocks so loudly! I had never noticed it before! Well, that clock went into "timeout" on my cutting table last night and was covered with an old quilt! 😆 Other than that, the sign is working. Time to take the batteries out of that clock. #2: Great idea! I have tried this in the past and it hasn't worked, but I may just need to try it again and keep on a better schedule. One of my issues is that I don't always treat this as a full-time job, which I really need to do, since I work at it at least 40-50 hours a week. But if a friend calls and wants to go to lunch or something, I usually go. I need to be better at setting limits on my time overall. #3: Oh no! I can see how that would be an issue! Great idea wearing a mask! #4: Definitely not for everyone! #5: Guilds are really wonderful! I love that you are going to give it a try! Thank you so much for sharing! This is wonderful!

[@jeanielipskey1272]

Hi Kris! I need to finish so many projects. I have quite a few. Also need to put a halt on buying fabric (Sew Yeah), my room is so full, it's hard to organize and work in. So besides the subscription box, I think I am done with buying for awhile. Plus what I get at Primitive Gatherings & MSQC. So I have my work cut out for me, just need to dig in and get it cleaned up as best I can and just do.(My husband is also telling me to get busy) LOL

[@SewtheDistance]

These are great goals! Sew Yeah is so tempting, isn't it? I can relate. You can do it! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@brigitsomerville3460]

My bad habit is that I love making quilt tops! Sandwiching the quilt layers has been a struggle for me so I don't do the finishing. My new years resolution is to finish all those quilt tops. So far I have finished two. Only 14 more to go. Thanks for all your advice and inspiration.

[@SewtheDistance]

I know exactly what you mean! I am the same way. 😆 We can do it! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing!

[@SaraStitches]

Yes 👍 My cutting table is also my catch all bad Habit🤷‍♀️ Breathing in the Fabric particles is not good for you. Just think of everywhere that Fabric has been before we get it I wash all fabric I run it through the serger first and then put it in the washer before I use it. My daughter is highly allergic to cats I had one Quilt shop Tell me the cats keep down mice and they are almost always in big warehouses.😮

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh wow! I didn't know that about cats! Although I am not allergic, it may explain why my dog is so interested in my fabric purchases! I just thought she was judging me. 😆 I got an air purifier and am going to set it up as soon as this air quality measurer thingy finishes. I really want to share the data with everyone. I am curious, too. Thanks so much for sharing this! You are right--when you think about everywhere the fabric has been, it makes sense!

[@dianehuntley2493]

Great habits for all of us to incorporate into our lives! Makes me think of even more😊

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks! I was hard to narrow it down to just five. 😃

[@suedavis1835]

Yes, please let us know your tips for free motion quilting. I have tried without success. I am so frustrated that I can’t even do simple lines or swirls without it looking like a hot mess. Let us quilt along with you!

[@SewtheDistance]

I am a mess, too! I am not sure how much I can teach you! LOL! I will have to give it a try again and see what I can do to share my experience. ❤️

[@tracyrichmond-pshyk8863]

Love your list of habits for the year. I am in the process of moving my sewing room, but hope to implement some of them as well.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! So glad you found them helpful! Ohhh, moving a sewing room is so much work, but it is also fun! Enjoy your new space!

[@michelleswistak1389]

I am working on finish a project before I start another one. I am also working on my flimsies pile.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! That may be where I should start, too! I have a ton of flimsies. I made 34 quilt tops in 2023 and had many from years before. 😬 We can do it!

[@carrollhopp4588]

Yep--keeping a large flat surface uncluttered is hard to do! I am trying to do that, too!

[@SewtheDistance]

It is a struggle, isn't it? It is so funny that the sign has helped me so much! I haven't piled anything on that table since I put the sign up. Sometimes the little things work well. 😄 Thank you for watching and for sharing!

[@helenmorgan4003]

My goal is to finish one block a day of 2 1/2"squares x 25 then do other sewing or quilting as well going for a walk to keep fit and lower the back pain I get for sitting too long. Best luck with your goals, must check my cutting table, oooops can't even see th mat must clear it later today as I have some cutting to do soon.😅😅❤

[@SewtheDistance]

😃 I am glad I’m not the only one with the cutting table chaos. 😘 A block a day is a great goal! I may have to add that to my list. Thank you!

[@eileensecrest2185]

I do have a tip on finishing projects. One: If you have two sewing stations, use the second one to work on finishing a project when you need to take a break from the first. Two: Make a list of projects for the year and include a couple of the unfinished ones. Make it a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, two new, one old, etc. depending on how fast you quilt.

[@julias.8236]

I'd like to add to this great list: Explore, why you struggle the finishing of the quilt. Is it the quilting, is it finding the right backing and binding? Depending on what it is, try to outsource these parts or make it your personal challenge to get better. I guess unfinished quilt tops are a great playground for practicing FMQ 😉

[@SewtheDistance]

Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing! Love the ratio idea especially! 🥰

[@SewtheDistance]

So true, @julias.8236 . For me, it is definitely basting. I hate it. Once the quilt is basted, I am good to go. Well, not with FMQ really, but definitely with straight stitch quilting. As for binding, that's my favorite part, so that's good! Thank you for adding to this great list!

[@eileensecrest2185]

@@SewtheDistance I use Tailor's Quilt Basting Spray. Works like a charm, no need to baste and it is so fast and easy.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks! I will try it!

[@geraldwhite3523]

Bravo! On making a commitment for new habits. I remember being told or reading somewhere it takes 6 weeks to develop a new habit. Have fun with it and be happy with yourself as you go along though good and bad days. Really enjoy your videos and thanks for being inspiring.😊

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you SO much! Yes! I can do it! Six weeks will go in a flash! Thank you for your kind words, too! So happy you love my videos. 🥰

[@renaecrouse8225]

I want to finish UFOs and I am starting a quilting journal so that I have a plan to use fabric that I have as I tend to keep buying beautiful fabric and then wonder what I should make with it. Hoping keeping a journal will keep me better organized.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great idea! Thank you for sharing this! ❤️

[@lindalosier5989]

I tend to pile things on my cutting table too and on the long arm frame and the ironing board and the extra chair I have in my room. I need more storage areas or I need to purge things. I did stop buying fabric unless I absolutely need it for a project. Hopefully I can continue that this year.

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad I am not the only one! 😆 Every flat surface seems to be fair game in my sewing space, but I am working on it. I also need to purge. Oh, so many goals! Thank you for watching and for sharing!

[@christysantos9500]

Love these, Kris. Also love those owls on the left! Adorable. So interesting to hear you talk about the air quality. I have problems with my voice and breathing from Long Covid and so we bought a fairly robust air purifier a few months ago. It comes on every time I use steam on my iron. I don't know if there is mineral building up the iron or something else but the purifier goes on every single time. I'll be interested to see what your device indicates.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! ❤️ I am interested in learning more about the air quality, too. It goes go up when I turn on my iron! So interesting! I am still gathering the data with this little contraption. i want to make sure i have a day of sewing in the data, too. It should be interesting! So sorry you are suffering with long covid. I have a few friends who are struggling with this also. Take care!

[@activeamy6555]

Wow! Me Too!!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Yay! We can do it! ❤️

[@tamaratatro4836]

I have one on the quilt machine one in progress and one in binding never start another till one is done it works for me

[@SewtheDistance]

That’s a great rule! Thanks for sharing!

[@Auntie7024]

Happy New Year, Kris. I really enjoyed this video. I like the habits you want to work on. I have some of the same, especially taking breaks and drinking water. Thank you for the book recommendation. ❤😊

[@SewtheDistance]

You are very welcome! It is a great book. I am currently re-reading it. Happy New Year to you, too!

[@pkfamily7297]

I have been wondering about the particulate matter/air quality in my sewing room, but was curious why this doesn’t seem to be talked about. It is definitely a concern of mine.

[@SewtheDistance]

It's interesting, really, because even when we reached out to this company, they couldn't understand why it would be a concern. So odd! It seems like a lot of companies are leaving money on the table simply by not thinking about our community. I am looking forward to sharing the results. The sensor is still collecting data (and dust, I am sure!). I am curious as well. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@annetrenary2875]

I am also guilty of dumping stuff on my cutting table!

[@SewtheDistance]

It is so easy to do! That sign has helped, believe it or not! I need that reminder.

[@tamaratatro4836]

I would love to meet quilters just not sure how in my area there is no one I know of

[@DH-qz2so]

Check to see where the closest Quilt Guild is, maybe you could join? OR,.. visit your local quilt/fabric shop, maybe they have classes where you could meet people? Go on a Retreat, workshops, fly to Quilt Con!

[@SewtheDistance]

When we moved to a new state a few years ago, my first step in finding quilting friends was to ask about guilds at the local quilt shops. Usually that is a great place to start. Another great resource is quilt shows. A lot of times there are guild guilds selling raffle tickets for quilts. You can also meet other quilters online in Facebooks groups, online classes, or even here on KZbin. I hope this helps get you started! I know first-hand how hard it it. ❤️

[@shaynes7285]

Thank you Kris. I hope that 2024 is a healthy, happy and prosperous year for you. I would love it if you are able to put out some details on free motion quilting. I've watched plenty of videos but I'm still not brave enough to make that first step. I find your tutorial style very easy to digest and think you'd help me break through my fear barrier.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh, thank you so much! I would love to help you get over that barrier. My plan is to start tomorrow. I am not sure I know enough to help, however. I am struggling, too. 😆 Let me think about how that would look in video form. I would love to be able to help you. Happy New Year to you, too! ❤️

[@shaynes7285]

@@SewtheDistance thank you so much.

[@helencowen135]

Before spending money on an air filter, set a cleaning routine - eg weekly or after every project

[@SewtheDistance]

I already do that. I clean my sewing room every day, actually. The dust from cutting fabric is my concern. It is bad. The more I read about it, the more I am learning all sewing areas should have an air purifier. So interesting! Although I have survived as a quilter for nearly 30 years without one, so there's that. 🥰

[@florencewelshans6353]

Let me know how the product works because that could be part of a lot of my allergies just to purify the air. Very good video. Good tips I’m gonna keep you on them lol.

[@SewtheDistance]

I have a follow-up video and all the data in my blog, if that helps. Or you can call me. 😃 Here's the follow-up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OzlqB_mNiMfKs Here's a link to the blog: www.sewthedistance.com/blog/five-quilting-habits-2024-feburary-update And you have my number. 😘

[@sirfloyd1]

My goal is to finish 5 quilts on the long arm and then do one quilt at a time I did finish 2 quilts this weekend I think I did a great job only 3 to go and I can’t start fresh

[@SewtheDistance]

This is a great goal! Look at you! You are well on your way! YAY!!

[@redskyebc]

Great video. My essential oils fb group did an online book club with ATOMIC HABITS. I guess I need to check the book out.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! So glad you like this video! Oh, that is so cool! Atomic Habits is a great book. It really has changed my life.

[@deloresrast8543]

Finish those UFOs and quilt them and you’ll be able to get plenty of practice in FMQ!!!! You’ll also get really good on binding by machine!!!

[@SewtheDistance]

I need to! I was thinking about basting a few today. I hate basting! I love binding, however! That's my favorite part. I can do it by machine, but I really enjoy hand finishing bindings. The bating and quilting--oof! I need to just do it!

[@bellaannecgoff2335]

❤❤❤

[@SewtheDistance]

🥰

[@liliangel825]

Hi Kris, Happy New Year! Boredom doing a project is my number one issue with finishing a quilt or other fabric project. I really don’t know how to overcome that one. Then my next stumbling block is that I end up disliking my workmanship. How does one overcome that!? Good goals and the best of luck, Lili

[@SewtheDistance]

Happy New Year to you, too! 🎉 Oh, these are tough ones, especially the workmanship one. I am not sure if you watch my Lessons from an Old Quilt videos, but if you do, in my latest one, I really talk about this. I am honestly not trying to self-promote here. I do believe it will help you in overcoming this. Here's a link, if you are interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3LCpaOuoLd2n7ssi=keb-lw8hyIxYpVrb As for the boredom, I actually struggle with this, too! I like making it a game, as in "how many can I get finished in an hour" or I will work on different parts for a certain amount of time and then switch. It can be different, for sure. There are some really monotonous parts of quilting. I hope these suggestions help. Thank you so much for watching and sharing! ❤️

[@justsuz45]

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only quilter not married to someone who can build things. 😂

[@SewtheDistance]

LOL! I does seem like quilters marry a type, doesn't it?

[@coreygilles847]

I used to quilt every week. But it has been a year since I quilted and I miss it

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh no! Could you start again? I hope you can!

[@coreygilles847]

@@SewtheDistance I am going to try

[@jylromain6439]

I just got my cutting table and sewing machine area cleared off. I'm wondering how long it will last. I'd like to finish WIPS too. Some are half quilted.

[@SewtheDistance]

I am surprised how much the sign on my cutting table has helped me already. So funny that such a simple thing works! Hopefully it continues to work. 😆 We can do it!

[@SaraStitches]

I am looking 👀 forward to seeing the review on the air test I have security cameras, and one is on the inside so I can see my dogs while I’m gone and you can see particles floating in the camera I am looking for an air purifier for the house

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh my goodness! Us, too! We have cameras and wow, is it eye-opening all those dust particles! I am interested in seeing the results, too! It is still collecting data. Hoping to record a video on it next week! Thank you so much for watching and sharing!

[@lisaroper421]

I have several kitchen counters that gather all sorts of junk. It's a constant battle.

[@SewtheDistance]

It really is! The sign has helped, but I am not sure I would want a sign on my counters. 😆 It is crazy how quickly things pile up!

[@margaretlowans8429]

Where did you get the owls? Are they patchwork or cross stitch?

[@SewtheDistance]

It is patchwork! It is made using an AccuQuilt die. Isn't it cute?