5 Quilting Habits To Master Before 2025! My Quilt Goals Revealed

[@SewtheDistance]

Here's a link to the blog with the FREE tracker: www.sewthedistance.com/blog/2025-quilting-goals

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

For your shoulder.. there are exercises for bursitis that helped me immensely when I had a punched nerve..along with diclofenec( u can get topical at walmart. Within a week I was good

[@wandawalker4191]

One of my goals is not to buy any more fabric unless I absolutely need it to finish a project. I need to be a better steward of what I already have.

[@maureentaphouse5206]

I'm doing that for a practical reason as I'll soon be 76 and want to use what I have and enjoy it

[@bethwilson3365]

My goals are similar 1) use my scraps and supplies on hand 2) only buy what I need to finish up projects 3) finish my unfinished projects 4) take more stretching breaks, because, I too am discovering back issues from sewing where I never had problems before 5) I'd like to find outlets for selling my finished projects. I donate quite a few quilts to charities and my family all have an abundance of my creations, but it would be nice to have some money coming in from my skills!

[@cathywestholt5324]

I have not not made an overwhelming number of quilts in my life. I have given away all that I have made as gifts of love. I'm 70. My goodness! It's about time I make some to keep and enjoy. I still have to work full-time for who knows how long. But the time I have in the evenings or on weekends in 2025 will be quilts for me. I am a quilter, but the quilt on my bed was purchased at a department store over 20 years ago. It should be my quilt on my bed. It didn't get done by Christmas, but it's still winter with lots of snow and ice here. I am close to finishing a gingerbread man quilt. Nothing fancy. Just blocks of really cute gingerbread man fabric in three colors from FQS. I have some for every season for oversized throws, and plans for a queen size for my bed. I think I would have to get off some email lists to overcome fabric purchasing temptations....especially FQS and MSQC. I don't even want to think about how much I have spent with them over the last few years. A big goal within all of this is to attempt to master a better and more consistent 1/4 inch seams. Love you ❤

[@donnagraham2802]

Thank you for doing this again this year. Last year I bought an air purifier for my sewing room after seeing your video and I have been amazed by the difference it makes. When we cut fabric, stitch fabric and quilt fabric and batting, we don't realize how much stuff is in the air while we work! This year I plan to use my fabric stash more, use up more scraps and finish several WIPs. I have already started on the first one!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Today is January 8, 2025. I am making myself stay out of the secondhand stores. I love buying lightly used men's dress shirts to up-cycle the fabric. I've got way too many now. Set up your sewing machines, cutting station, and ironing station in different rooms. That way you have to get up and walk to another room to keep making your projects. Thank you.

[@carolynlewis1264]

That's whst I've done. I cut and iron in my dinning, sew and store fabric in my bed room.

[@terriolson9680]

My goals: 1) use what I have and only purchase for a specific project 2) use scraps 3) Choose recipients and make their quilt unique to them ( in other words, try not to make random things but have a purpose for what I make) 4) Finish UFOs. I have too many quilt tops that need to be done so they can be used. Thanks, Kris! I love your videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great list. It sounds like you have a great plan to make 2025 a year of quilting success! So glad you love my videos! Thank you SO much for watching and for all your support. ❤️

[@pollyolaughlin2762]

Sorry your shoulder is hurting. Prayers for complete healing. My goal this year YIKES finish first grandchilds graduation quilt and start the next 3 quilts for the 3 grads.

[@saffronflora]

Hey Kris. Your health is important and I'm glad to hear you are making it a goal. My first goal is to use the fabrics I already have, finding patterns I want to make from the many books I already own. My second goal is to incorporate my cross-stitch pieces into my quilts/sewing projects. My third goal is to create for my pleasure and not to worry what others may think. I'm still working on what goals 4 & 5 might be. Happy New Year

[@SherryKQuilter]

So sorry you hurt your shoulder! Praying for quick healing and recovery. 🙏

[@CoraWilfinger-ix6hx]

I am sorry your shoulder hurts. I can commiserate. I've had 3 right shoulder surgeries, no fun. Crocheting is a hobby I had to give up, those constant repetitive movements just would flare inflammation up. Anyway, if you haven't thought of going to physical therapy I highly recommend it. You learn great easy exercises that strengthen those neck and shoulder muscles.. I tackled my scraps on January 1st, bagged them in groups of color and gave them all to St. Vincent's thrift. It absolutely felt great to do that, like a huge weight lifted right off. It was so stressful to look through all of them all the time to find the right scrap! Lol, I don't miss them. I hope you feel better soon.

[@karena.2416]

Good goals all. I thoroughly agree with all but #4😅 and have no desire to get out of my comfort zone 😮 because it is my comfort! I’ve been quilting for 60 years, done all the things, all the places etc. Now I just want to take it easy and make simple quilts to donate wherever needed.❤

[@nancylusk1401]

Prayers for relief from pain and recovery so you can keep quilting and sharing your journey. My goal is to use my fabric and to make some quilts for charity as w ell as friends.

[@martibrown2993]

Try a Tens unit on that shoulder for awhile. Your goals are attainable and good to try. You got yours last year, you can do these. Have a great day and i hope you feel better so we can see more beautiful quilts of yours.

[@linda1909]

My goals are from 2024 also. Clean up as I go. Don't start something unless u can finish. Use up my stash

[@joanwozniak9259]

Sending healing thoughts your way. Thank you for your videos, and this one in particular got me thinking. I am a lifelong sewer but a brand new quilter, and I have fallen in love with quilting fabric...buying on impulse without a specific project in mind. My 2025 goal is to be more intentional and conscientious with my fabric purchases. Thank you again for sharing your talents in such a helpful & charming way.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much for the healing thoughts. You are so sweet! That's a great goal for 2025. I'm definitely going to work on that myself. So happy you love this video! ❤️ Thank you so much for watching!

[@LauraSup]

Thank you for doing this series again! I loved following your journey last year! I’ll admit that I have been doing a lot of retail therapy this last month. My husband had total shoulder replacement surgery on Dec 2nd and I fractured my back on Dec 10th and am having a procedure on Monday to repair the fracture. I’m not sure how long the recovery will take but first on my list is to declutter and organize my new purchases! I have more fabric than I could possibly use in any lifetime! I do hope that you begin to feel better and that your shoulder heals quickly! I totally understand how you are feeling! I haven’t been able to crochet or sew since November! I also need to concentrate on my physical health! I was walking 4-5 miles a day before I injured myself. I want to get back to that as soon as possible! I know you have many videos on using precuts and I think I’ve watched them all but I’d love to see more when you’re feeling up to it!❤

[@angelameredith5105]

Thanks for another motivating goals video, I totally agree with more intentional purchasing this year. I will be making it one of my goals also. I have started incorporating weights in my workouts also because I know how important my health is, especially to my quilting journey. I know you will help keep all of us motivated and on track this year. I hope you feel better soon! Take care of yourself!

[@bethcrum7010]

Get better soon. I had two shoulder replacements so I know the pain!! Am doing well

[@marciabrown3148]

I absolutely love using my Featherweight, especially on smaller projects like table runners, wall hangings, and mug rugs. I want to try making different kinds of pin cushions this year. I, too, want to get to using my scraps. I love making things like crumb quilting and strip pieced blocks.

[@graybynature2449]

Great minds think alike Kris - my goals for 2025 were the same as numbers 1-3 and you new number 5. Then at the end of December I fell and broke my wrist. So I feel your pain Kris. Now I am slowly doing a declutter and attempt at organising my patterns and quilt books with my non-dominate hand😂 I have 5+ weeks to putter around and attempt declutter. I hope you can find relief for your shoulder and it heals soon. Thanks for the tracker.

[@CelesteHughes-s8q]

Thanks for the video Love your approach My 5 are pretty simple as I am a fairly new quilter and feel I jumped in to quickly without covering some of the basics 1 - clean and oil machine 2 - change needle 3- change rotary blade 4- buy intentionally - use what I I have if it works well with the project - buy what is needed 5- improve my cutting skills from start to finish Sorry about your shoulder Wishing you a speedy and full recovery Take care

[@lorettazaharias9692]

I 😍 to get fun new fabric too but looking at my stockpile I shall sew what I have for quite a while. Especially use the leftover bits to make blankets for Project Linus. Be strong, avoid temptation & carry on with your impressive goals!!💃

[@joanbarker6581]

Love your goals!!! My first goal is to clean up my messy sewing room, that I have been putting off all Nov and Dec cause I was making Xmas gifts. Listening to you gives me that PUSH!!!!

[@victorialopez526]

Oh my goodness. A linces nerve can be so painful! I hope you get some relief soon. What I really want to work on are 3 things… 1. Be very intentional when buying fabric and not just because I think it’s beautiful and I must have it for who knows what. 2. Finish my WIPS. I have such pretty projects that I have never completed because my ADHD brains gets so distracted, and on that same note work on my “things I want to make” list first before buying yet another pattern. 3. Clean up and really dig into the fabric I already have including scraps! 😊 Wish me luck! 😉

[@dianepeterson7606]

I am working on cleaning up and organizing my scraps n stash ahead of full knee replacement surgery next month. My sewing tool is on 2nd floor, so it will be awhile before I get to work on my quilts. Have books re read and hand work to keep me busy between therapy sessions.

[@JudithBrummett]

#3 IS my goal as well. I USED! to buy what I need and use what I buy. I would also keep 9.5 inch muslin squares ready to sew all my scraps to and not have a ton of scraps around. But for the last year or two I have gotten way outta hand with the fat quarters and developed an actual stash. It is taking up a huge amount of space that I could be using for other things. So this year I am dedicating myself to getting those issues under control. IT will also free up some $ lol

[@lynntouchette4520]

This is wonderful! I printed out your monthly pages, and am putting them in my planner. It is just what I needed for the goals I had set for myself in all my sewing and other crafts, but didn't have a place for. Thank you so much!

[@pywagner]

Boy, I am so with you on goal #5. I have been having shoulder pain recently and am seeing a PT who has told me that I need to stretch and build strength in my back, shoulder and chest. I'm sure the problem was exacerbated by the holiday break where I hand stitched, knit and quilted like a mad woman! We have to preserve our strength and flexibility so we can keep going with our crafts that we love so much and is our therapy! Good luck to you!

[@sharihannah9251]

So sorry about your shoulder. Hope it mends quickly. One of my goals is to keep moving more. I have mobility issues with my legs and sitting with my legs down (at the sewing machine) for too long becomes painful. Doing chair yoga to help that. I also need to focus on finishing my many WIPs and not purchase new things. I will check out your planner but just listening to you has helped give me ideas. Thank you.

[@SuzanneStutzle]

I am right with you on this Kris. I improved a lot last year keeping to the goals you set. My sewing room doesn't get out of hand anymore because I had a friend come over and she sat in the middle of my room and held things up and said to me, keep, donate or toss we had three piles and I had to decide. If I dithered she would say...well, will you use this? Now that she has sorted me out my room is great I never want to go back to my sloven ways! I thoroughly enjoyed last years goals and am looking forward to this years goals. Things can only get better from now on....

[@barbarafraser5544]

My goals are to 1. declutter my sewing area giving away things I don't use, have doubles or triples of, and simply don't want anymore 2. work on becoming comfortable with free motion quilting 3. set a budget for each month to cut back on my random purchasing of material, patterns and books 4. to embroider more with my Bernina 770 QEE and 5. to have a schedule when I can sew (put it on the calendar) so I don't treat sewing as an afterthought to everything else.

[@janemeyer794]

So sorry you're in pain! Will send healing prayer. You'll be better before you know it

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! Prayers are always welcome. It has been a tough 2025 so far. ❤️

[@cindyklomp6240]

OMG. Last September I also developed a problem with my shoulder. Mine is so much better and I pray that soon yours will be too.

[@stitchann]

Kris, I had a featherweight for more than 20 years. It was given to me by my great aunt when she passed and she was the original owner. During the time I owned it I had it serviced 2 (never having used it at all.) I also own 3 other sewing machines, much newer. I finally made the decision that although I loved the IDEA of having a featherweight I really did not want to sew with it. So I sold it. I know that may not be the way for you but just thought I would share. I still have my three other machines and one of them is a very small Janome Gem Platinum which is light enough to take to sewing and retreat days. I periodically have pangs of remorse but overall no.

[@martinakopel5283]

Thank you for sharing your pain. I know I have not kept up with exercising like I should but that is changing, today. I’m doing the Declutter Challenge with Karen of Just Get It Done Quilts. I thought I had my scraps under control but found 3 boxes of scraps hiding. OMG! Any help depleting them would be such a help. I have the boxes in front of the TV so in the evening I‘ll be able to sort them into colors. God Bless you. You are an inspiration to us all.

[@LilaSterling]

Hi Kris, thank you for the video. I am sorry to hear you hurt your shoulder. I am still dealing with the fall-out from my broken foot. It is so frustrating to want to do anything but you can't because of some limitation. I used to sew for hours but now I only do sessions. Then it is to the couch for a date with the hot pack on my back. I will look forward to your next video when you are able. Take care.

[@honorcobb8509]

So sorry you got hurt! Thanks for giving me the goal of more movement breaks!! 🎉Very important for ALL of US!!❤

[@mellissahannan7300]

Always enjoy your videos and I really hope you feel better soon!!

[@dianekraemer5989]

I had a very expensive 2024, which I now have to pay off so I'm on a really tight budget. I am challenging myself to buy only thread, batting and maybe a background or coordinating fabric that will go with at least 2 pieces from my stash. It will keep me quilting and I will get to buy a few things but I will also be using up the mounds of fabric I have purchased over the years. I'm committed to getting some charity quilts done. Please take care of yourself and feel better soon. I love your channel.

[@amandaaskew7606]

I am so sorry you have hurt your shoulder! I hope it heals up soon! My #1 goal is to also get in better shape. I am very physical, but still festively plump. It gets very discouraging, but it is what it is. My #2 goal is to make MORE than I buy. I also love new fabrics and line, and definitely have "FOMO", but at the same time, am drowning in fabric. My sewing room is such a mess, and I love it all! I have also been lucky enough to get both of my grandmother's fabrics, AND fabrics from 3 elderly friends who either passed, or were no longer able to quilt. I am only 39, but have more patterns that I could ever make, and probably pretty close to the same on fabrics.

[@Willie-MaeDeShield]

Good for you, you can do it and hope your pain eases soon!❤

[@ruthmcewuen2086]

I wish you the best for 2025

[@juliesimmonds7445]

Have not made goals. Yet. What I plan to do after a declutter and clean up is to list a few quilts to make, then make a list of the UFO’s and alternate between the two. 😊

[@Heywoah73]

Feel better! ❤

[@maryl9601]

Hope you will be feeling better soon. Praying for you. I haven’t actually set my goals yet. I am working on organizing and getting ready to figure out my actual goals. I am a very old lady and so much to do and so much fabric to use and distribute.

[@hollyallen1065]

❤🎉. Yes. Yes. 👍🏼. I am on the same path also if I start something would like to finish it within reasonable amount of time. Thank you hope you feel better soon.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Love your habits for this year! ❤ I hope your shoulder starts to feel better soon!

[@gail9289]

I never understood the idea of moving out of your comfort. Dear me, isn't the goal to find what you love to do and do it. It's calming, relaxing and rejuvenating to work within your comfort zone. If it's boring, it was never your comfort zone!

[@SewtheDistance]

Great point! Maybe I shouldn’t have worded it that way. I want to push myself to explore more and grow as a quilter. ❤️

[@gail9289]

​@@SewtheDistanceThat makes sense.

[@gailparker8745]

Best of luck getting your shoulder mobility back. X

[@desleybartlett322]

I only have to goals so far this year. One is to finish 5 quilts that need to be sandwiched and bound and not buy anymore fabric. Desley🇦🇺

[@margaretlowans8429]

Sorry to hear you're in pain. I exercise in water using a 12 inch noodle to improve my health and mobility. It's a gentle way to exercise as the water cushions you while providing resistance.

[@debsuiter745]

I’m loving your videos more and more! I appreciate your honesty, your knowledge and the drive you have to succeed in what you care to accomplish. I wish you great success with your goals (which are amazing) and especially prayers for healing. 🙏 Please take of you so we can enjoy more time watching your videos. Hugs Deb

[@quiltgram3056]

Well said!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thanks Deb, I appreciate your support, prayers, and well wishes! You are so sweet! ❤️❤️❤️

[@veronicavega5178]

Sorry you're not feeling well. Prayers for a quick recovery 🙏

[@jeanielipskey1272]

Hi Kris, like you, I need to curb what I buy. I will sometimes buy fabric without an idea what I will make. This year, I even started getting kits, with no one in mind for most of them. I didn't really set goals(I'm not good at keeping them going)Lol At least I admit that about myself. This year I would like to complete more quilts to the finish line. I have some ready to be quilted and some cut out, some half way. Just need to get it together. LOL

[@sewquilty]

DO take care of yourself--hope you are on the mend soon. I find I Must walk around & do stretches at regular intervals esp. when quilting on my domestic machine. My big goal this year was to reorganize my fabric & while watching videos & brainstorming all the various ways to do so--it occurred to me (!) that what I Really need to do is Just Use It!! So I will be with you on that!! I am at the SABLE Queen Level: Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy!

[@margaretstarnes3525]

So sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time with your shoulder. I can understand, last May I fell and injured my left shoulder and I still have PT. My prayers are for a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! Prayers are always welcome, and I am hoping to be back to myself soon. I am going for treatment tomorrow. I hope it helps!

[@karencrawford6099]

I’m working on using my stash. It is unrealistic to think I won’t buy any fabric but I want a specific use for my purchase. I take breaks by keeping my ironing away so I have to stand. I’m working on some ufo’s too too. I have so much fabric I nam going to find ideas for using or donate some of it. Thanks for this video. I enjoy watching your channel. God bless and prayers for you to feel better

[@rebeccamapes1157]

I really like your goals. My first goal is to use up my scraps and stash. I love the pretty new fabrics that come out but I need to use my up. I had as my goals 4 of yours. My different one is to try out new patterns in my free motion quilting. I love that you do this because it helps me to do it as well.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a fantastic goal! It's great to have a creative goal to push yourself. I am also so happy this helps you! That's what it's all about! ❤️

[@melissamakesquilts5803]

I love your goals! I know what you mean about muscles and stretching as we age! I've been attending jazzercise in the mornings before I quilt. I know this may sound weird, but I think because they combine cardio, weights, and stretching into each class, I am finding it easier to wrestle a quilt through my domestic machine for freehand quilting. Who knew?!!! 😜

[@jayneterry8701]

Oh no i hope you find relief soon for your shoulder! 🙏♥️ . Im interested in what you mean by a deep dive into the ruler buying? Of the rulers you have bought in the last year which ones did you use and which didnt you use? Scrap busting - alway fun. Lessons Learned might have a few projects you might be interested in. For Jan im working my way through Karen Browns Clutter Challenge..im behind but making progress slowly😊. Take care.

[@DelightfullyDara]

Hi Kris! I enjoyed finding out about your goals and reading everyone's in the comments. So looking forward to seeing what you make to use up your scraps and stash. I have such a hard time parting with my scraps 😂. Sending healing energy your way for your shoulder. Hang in there!

[@marthawest8260]

I have several things on my list for 2025

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Hope you are feeling better soon. Thanks for sharing

[@karawitcher1326]

I love those Owls in your background. I can totally agree with you on your goals. Good Luck w your left shoulder, mine is the right shoulder...Ouch!

[@elainelear4982]

Great goals for this year. Hope that your shoulder feels better quickly.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! And I appreciate your kind wishes.

[@rachelrene81]

I’m still a new quilter so I don’t really have a fabric stash :( I’d like to make more scrappy project but I don’t have the stash to do so. I pray that your health improves and you are pain free very soon! I have RA and understand your struggle. My goals this quilting year are to try doing more projects from start to finish in a timely manner and to finish all my WIP from 2024. I’m making big goals 😂

[@DH-qz2so]

Oh, a new quilter! You can learn from all of us oldie quilters! I would say, in my 24 years of quilting that the number one thing that us old timers all suffer from is: the UFO's (unfinished objects...projects!) It is the bane of our existence...and happens to a LOT of quilters, we all suffer with it. I would highly recommend, not getting into the same position....finish what you start, have a plan/goals...and don't end up with 20 unfinished projects that end up in the garbage because now they are 24 years old, and you have moved on to new and nicer fabrics and projects! Start small...make small quilts...keep it simple...finish what you start and use it or give away.

[@cathywestholt5324]

❤️🙏❤️ praying for your healing ❤️👍❤️

[@Roxanne-xx9nv]

I really like all your goals, I think I may choose 4 of the 5 and add a fifth one more suited to my living in a foreign country,

[@Britkyd430]

Thank you for sharing your goals Kris, but so sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your shoulder I hope the pain will subside soon. Your number one goal is the same as mine -good grief you should see my bedroom/sewing space! And I must stop subscribing to any club that I think is cute! I’m overwhelmed with UFOs!😂

[@PamAllred-wu3iu]

I hope you feel better soon. ❤️

[@debmetheral6596]

I have a few quilt tops that need to be quilted so that had better be my goal this year or next five as I hand quilt them. lol. Feel better.

[@MillsSkits]

I'm sorry about your shoulder! I hope you experience less pain soon.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. ❤️

[@fransak2723]

I’m not one for resolutions but I am planning to attempt to work on WIPs (works in progress) I have a lot of tops to go on the longarm, Tops to be finished, etc. it’s a long list. We might be moving this year so I may have to dramatically decrease the stash, machines, books etc. I have at least five featherweight machines and I don’t use them at all.

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

I’m so sorry a pinched nerve can be very painful. You look like you are in considerable pain. My daughter has this and physio is helping along with lidocaine patches and heat as nerve pain doesn’t ease with normal painkillers and she didn’t tolerate the ones for nerve pain well. I take gabapentine for nerve pain but it can have a lot of side effects. I hope it eases for you soon. Just be careful and don’t rush back to sewing too quickly. Take care ❤️‍🩹

[@laurarose6829]

Sorry about your shoulder. I’m glad you’re working to get it better. Maybe physio?

[@gquilter36]

Hi Kris, good goals. I’m following Karen Brown from Just Get Dome Quilts for the fifth year. Have to tell you, her decluttering series has made such a difference in my sewing room! Check her out. So sorry about your shoulder, I can relate. I have bilateral torn rotator cuffs so I can’t make big quilts anymore and also have to take more frequent breaks. Please see a doctor and get that shoulder checked out. Always knew my legs would get more weak as I have post polio syndrome, but always had strong arms. Overuse and using crutches for many years were the worst things I did. So don’t let it go untreated, physical therapy may help too, but first the correct diagnosis is most important. Will add you to my prayer list. Take car3.

[@SewtheDistance]

So glad you are finding Karen's decluttering helpful! She really is great! Thanks for the prayer! and well-wishes. You are so sweet! I am going back to the doctor tomorrow. I hope it helps. I hope you are feeling better, too!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

I love my featherweight, I take it to retreats and classes. Have you tried taking a daily walk? Thanks for video

[@ginhenry-1214]

Sorry to hear you are going through a tough patch. Maybe put the 5 goals on that talking push button your husband got you for Christmas & play it back to yourself each day as a gentle reminder. Hope your pain eases soon. Take care of yourself 🙏 ❤

[@janemeyer794]

Hi Kris! First!

[@SewtheDistance]

You’re so fast! 😉 YAY! Thanks for being here!

[@gwenj5419]

My goal for 2025 is to have an ongoing project where I use up my scraps after each quilt. No more than one shoebox sized plastic container full of scraps allowed.

[@laurarose6829]

Maybe your “comfort” zone is actually your style. It is OK to do the same techniques if you like the end product. It’s your style.

[@joycehernandez4513]

Hi Kris

[@SewtheDistance]

Hi! 👋

[@perfectseams]

Yes, your 5th goal is the most Important. Without achieving this goal, the first four will not be possible. Look after yourself first😃

[@SewtheDistance]

Boy, have I learned that the hard way in the past week! So true. I am hoping to be back to myself soon. ❤️

[@DH-qz2so]

Goals: finish UFO's, use fabric that I have in my Stash, do not purchase any more fabric, make a Potato Chip Block quilt, make more charity quilts...and finally: use up my Hoarded Still in Plastic Jelly Roll "Black Tie' and make a quilt for myself!