Happy New Year and 2016 Stitching Plans

Good morning everybody!

It's one minute past midnight (UK time) so Happy New Year and welcome to 2016! I wish you all a happy and healthy year with lots of time to stitch lots of little x's. Thank you for joining me as I embark on yet another year of madness. Your company and comments are greatly appreciated!

So, are you ready for the first day of stitching action in 2016! I am raring to go, but before I put in my first stitch I thought I would outline my stitching plans for the year ahead.

1)  DEBBIE'S ULTIMATE CRAZY JANUARY CHALLENGE - 31 starts in 31 days

I am really looking forward to this Challenge again! Most of my new starts are fairly small so I should be able to finish a good portion of them during the next 12 months. I had originally planned their stitching order but have decided to copy Katie (Jeremiah's Mom) and ask my children to pick one at random each day. My OCD is shuddering at the thought!!

2)  SMALLS SAL - an ornament a month

I have joined the Smalls SAL run by Stitching Lotus in which we post a small finish towards the end of each month. My 12 pieces will be Christmas ornaments by either Lizzie Kate or Country Cottage Needleworks.

3)  APRIL'S A-Z CHALLENGE

I have a small project planned for this challenge with each letter being easily achievable each day. It's a silly little project I have had on my to-do list since about 1995!!

4)  NEW STARTS?

To say for definite "no more new starts" would be too restricting so in addition to the above I am allowing myself up to five small(ish) new starts providing they are "special" projects. I don't have to do them but the flexibility is there just in case I get really itchy fingers. Small gifts for exchanges or as presents do not count as they are not for me!

5)  DECREASE MY BOX OF SHAME / THE ORPHANAGE EACH MONTH

I have quite a collection of unfinished-finishes (Orphans) in my Box of Shame so would like to home an Orphan each month either by framing, scrap-stitching or making into an ornament. This is in addition to finishing any finishes I have during the year. Given my past record, this will be the plan on which I fail the most!

6)  STITCHING RETREATS
Hopefully there will be one, if not two, Stitching Retreats during 2016 where I can meet up with stitching buddies and enjoy a couple of short respite breaks from caring for my mother.

7)  OTHER PROJECTS

My larger projects were terribly neglected last year and even though I feel a bit guilty I'm not actually that bothered. If I get the chance during 2016 I would possibly like to stitch on:

a)  Mini One

b)  Mini The Owrd Lord
c)  Dolphin Ruins
d)  OMG Tigger Is Out
e)  Dragon Eye

8) TRY TO KEEP UP WITH BLOG READING AND COMMENTING
I've lost count of the number of times I have fallen behind with both of these and as you know, it's quite difficult to catch up. So this year I hope to be a better reader and commenter. I can't promise anything, but at least I can try!

And finally:

9)  SCARLET MACAW PREENING
The saga of this piece has been going on for nearly two years. I so desperately want to start and stitch him but feel I will never find the right background colours. The search is still on.....


So, there are my many and varied plans for the year. Wish me luck - I think I might need it!

If you are making plans for 2016 I wish you good luck in setting and keeping to them! I'll be here to encourage you along.  :)

So, let's go and find my first project then!

Back tomorrow!

Love and hugs :)
Rachel x