A Quilter’s Winter Reset

I love January. Not only is it my birthday month, but it’s also when I give myself permission to truly reset. I usually spend a few quiet days reflecting, and honestly, it’s about the only time of year I sit down and journal. I wish I did it more often, but… life. Those moments of reflection help me recognize what I’ve accomplished and get excited about what’s ahead.

I don’t set rigid goals for myself. My 9–5 is already full of KPIs, metrics, and deadlines, and I don’t want that same energy in my creative life. Instead, I keep a simple wishlist of things I’d love to do and let everything unfold with zero pressure and steady momentum. Every January I start to feel grounded again, like I have a clearer path and a fresh outlook. There’s just something about the first few months of the year that brings a little extra mental clarity.

Behind the Seams

My Bernina B570 is currently at the shop getting a little TLC. It’s been sewing beautifully, but it’s been a few years since its last service, so it felt like the perfect time for a cleaning.

While it’s away, I’ve been using my travel machine, a Bernette, and I forgot just how much I love that little machine. I’ve been piecing a new quilt (Wallflower) which was a kit I purchased. I absolutely fell in love with the colorway... soft yellows, rich maroons, and rosy pinks all coming together in such a beautiful way. It's the same colorway as the quilt on the pattern, but its using the Speckled fabrics by Ruby Star Society.

Wallflower Quilt Pattern (Paper Pattern)

UFO Feature

This month I picked back up a crochet project I started a few months ago — the Embossed Daisy Blanket. I only have three half motifs left before I can start joining all the blocks together, which means it’s officially in the home stretch. I don’t always get a lot of time for hand stitching, but slowing down with this project has been really grounding. I’m determined to finish it this month.

Outside the Studio

I also started training for running again, and it feels so good to be back at it after a few years away. I won’t lie... those first couple of weeks were rough. But about six weeks in, I’m starting to feel stronger and more like myself again. I’m not running half marathons yet, but I’m getting there. Running has always been my happy place, even on the days when it’s hard.

Current Obsession

Can my current obsession be something I made? Because it absolutely is. I finally finished the quilt top for Jungle Magnolia, and I still can’t believe it. I’m in awe every time I see it. The pattern was much easier than I expected, and it came together so beautifully. I’m completely in love with the colors. I haven’t decided on the quilting design yet, so it’s not on the longarm just yet — but it’s getting very close.