12/15/13

Kicking off the 2014 NewFO Challenge Linky Party and Giveaway!

2014 NewFO Challenge

This giveaway is now closed.

It's time to kick-off a whole new year of unbridled joy in starting new projects with no requirement that you finish them ever! The NewFO Challenge has proven so popular that this Enabler in Chief has no choice but to continue into 2014. And just think about it for a minute: A project languishing on your to-do list is already a UFO, so you can take your first big step toward finishing your project by actually starting it! What a concept! Is that brilliant enabling, or what? And if you're completely at a loss as to what I'm talking about, just click on that button above to learn more about the NewFO Challenge. (And did I mention that there are prizes!?!)

On the last day of each month of 2014 we'll be playing for one of these adorable quilt block lapel pins, generously offered up by Quilters' Gift Shop.


There will be a different one each month, so you can tell everyone you're a quilter by proudly displaying your lapel pin. And all you have to do is link up on the last day of each month with your new project(s) and you will be entered to win. Simple, huh?

* * * * * * * * * *

So today's linky party is to share some or all of the projects on your wish to-do list. Share a whole year's worth, or just one month, but sharing is the first stop along the way. I'm going to post my wish to-do list for the year, but you shouldn't feel obliged to share in as much detail as I have.  I'm just verbose and new projects get me so excited that I just get all quivery all over, and so I'm going into massive detail about mine. You can link up just by posting one project or all of them, or anywhere in between. Oh yes, and don't consider my list or yours to be carved in stone. I've been known to switch out projects or reject them completely when they turned out to be too much trouble (read that: requiring templates).

So here goes on my list for 2014:

January: We're On a Roll--I found this pattern at a quilt show last year. The quilt was made up and the paper hanging from the rolls was three-dimensional. Very cute, and my bathroom needs some new art work. Also, I'm mainly sticking with small quilts this year. After two years of NewFO's, my large quilt quota is plum full-up.


February: Duluth Trees--I've had this pattern for a long time, and I just like it. There are two wall-hangings included, and I once went to the trouble of getting permission to make the smaller one for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. I never got around to it. My plan is to make the larger wall hanging. 


March: Chili Rounder table topper--I saw this made up in a quilt shop I visited in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and I fell in love with it. I simply had to have the pattern. I have an idea this might go to Erik and Mae, but I haven't decided for sure yet.


April: I Love Sewing--Get started on this free BOM from Sulky that ran during 2013. I haven't made any of the blocks, but I love the pattern. If you like this, you can find the free monthly patterns right here.


May: Here's one that's been on my to-do list almost as long as I've been quilting. It's about time I made it, don't you think? This is a project I'm putting in the "Fabric First" category that I just made up. In other words, I had the fabric, and then I found the pattern. This one will be for my nonexistent grandchild. (Eternal optimist that I am, I figure one will pop up any day now.)


Here's the fabric that inspired the "to-do" listing.


June: Away From Home--Now I've said many times that I like how we can learn history from quilting. This pattern is from a book by the same title, with the subtitle, "Quilts Inspired by the Lowell Factory Girls". I can't tell you much more than that, but it has some Baltimore Album style blocks. I'm still hoping to try needle-turn applique one of these days, and maybe this quilt will inspire me to get started on a new technique too.


July: Sunny Trio--a pattern by Patrick Lose. I found this in a quilt magazine (Love of Quilting?) so long ago that I can't remember now where it was. It's a table runner, and I've had the pattern matched up to the fabrics for years...literally. Time to get started, don't you think?


August: Cat Lover Wall Quilt--This one is from Lynette Anderson's "It's Quilting Cats and Dogs". Love it. I think that's all I need to say about it. And, by the way, I love Lynette Anderson's patterns too.



September: A Corvette fabric BQ2 pattern, another "Fabric First" project. I've had this Corvette fabric (for Mike, the Corvette lover) in my stash for a long time. Recently, I decided to use this BQ2 pattern since it will do a nice job of showcasing the large print fabric. I've made this quilt before, but perhaps I'll choose a different layout for the blocks this time.


Here's the fabric, but I'm seriously considering giving it a flannel back since Mike likes the softness of flannel best.


October: A Few of My Favorite Things, a Bigfork Bay Cotton Company quilt. I love their patterns, and my favorite things happen to include cats of all kinds. I've had this pattern for ages. Time to get started on it, I'd say.


November: Vintage Linen Table Runner--I believe this pattern came from Quilter's World magazine. I just happen to have a whole cedar chest full of vintage doilies, dresser scarves, pillowcases, and you name it, all made by my grandmother. Since these things never see the light of day, I'm going to sacrifice a few of them to make this table runner. They'll be seen that way, and I'll enjoy remembering my grandmother every time I look at it.


December: Serape--I just happened on this pattern the other day. It was a free pattern on the Windham Fabrics website. This is another of my "Fabric First" projects because I want to use some fabric I found in New Mexico several winters ago, and I think this will be a great way to showcase it.


Here is the fabric. The one on the left opens up to reveal multi-colored earth tones, and it is one of the prettiest fabrics in my stash. I've been waiting for the right pattern to come along, and finally, I think I have it.


So that ought to keep me busy in 2014. As I said earlier, I've been known to change my mind as time passes and substitute in some different quilt. For now, that's my plan, and at least until this blog post goes up, I'm sticking to it. Please don't feel you need to stick with the plan you lay out for yourself now.  You can change your mind at any time. Believe me. No one will be tracking you!

Now, don't let my list intimidate you. You may link up with just one project you'd like to start in 2014.  Or, if the idea of starting with a whole year's worth of projects excites you so much that you can't help but let loose, then by all means, LET LOOSE! 

And, of course, you'll need some fabric to get you started, won't you? So one random party-goer will be the lucky recipient of this 10-fat-quarter bundle of Snowy Winter Wishes by Timeless Treasures.


So here's what you need to do to win:

1.  Everyone who links up is eligible to win.  This giveaway is open to all residents of Planet Earth.  Link up using Mr. Linky below.  Please link to your blog post, not to your blog.  Links to blogs will be edited or deleted entirely.  Also, please do not link to Etsy sites or to posts promoting other events.  Links to such posts will be deleted.  (Sorry to have to say this, but some folks just seem to have very bad manners.)

If you don't have a blog, you can link up by posting an image of any quilt you'd like to make in 2014 to my FlickR group. Over-achievers can make up a collage, if you like. Use the URL to your image to link up below.  If you're having trouble, email your image to me as an attachment, and I'll link up for you.  You don't need to leave a comment, but comments are always welcome.

2.  If you're a blogger, please link back to this giveaway in your post. 

3.  PR Angels can gain a second chance to win by posting the 2014 NewFO Challenge button (code in my right sidebar) to your blog.  Just leave me a comment letting me know, and please include a link to your blog.

I'll leave this linky party open for one week and announce the winners on Sunday, December 22, 2013!

Now's your chance to show off your 2014 NewFO Challenge plan of attack:

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62 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

What a great variety of projects and so well planned out. Thank you for hosting another year.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I have the button up - since I spied it on your blog.

Donna said...

I'm in for 2014 - this sounds like such fun. Thanks for hosting.

Tiffany said...

I have a button up!

www.pnksweethrt.blogspot.com

Tammy said...

Do u have a link to the Sulky BOM 2013 I love Sewing? That is stunning. You have so much on your list. I think if I could just do one I would be happy

Jeanne said...

I'm ready to get busy!

Jeanne said...

P.S. Oh, my, I am liking that Duluth Trees pattern. I have to do a guild project for next August, and I'll be looking into Duluth Trees for sure!

Tosty's Quilting Tidbits said...

I'm in for 2014. I'm really good at starting new projects, but we won't discuss the finishing :-).

Pattilou said...

I have the button up and looking forward to 2014!

kathyinozarks said...

oh my such beautiful projects-and you are way to organized for me-lol
I am go to link up with you, as I love the concept of just getting started! I have a couple 1830s quilts and civil war quilts I want to make and I have the wools and reproduction fabrics sitting here. I will link up this week thanks Kathy

Quiltsmiles said...

Thanks Barb- Looking forward to another great year. My image didn't pop in after trying several times, sorry!

Teresa in Music City said...

Fun Fun Fun!!!! You always work on such cool projects! I have to get busy and get my list together and the blog post done. I'm so far behind on everything - I HATE being sick!!! Ugh!!!! I did manage to add a shout-out about your party in my blog post this morning :*) Thanks for hostessing this fun event again in 2014 :*)

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh yes - and I put your button up on my blog last week :*)

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Well I am very tempted to add one of yours - that one by Sulky looks really fun. Thanks, Lynn

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Oh and I did add the new button on my blog too. :)

Lyndsey said...

I love your variety of projects planned for next year.

Lyndsey said...

I have the new button on my blog. I like the new design.

Quiltsmiles said...

My 2014 button's on!

quiltzyx said...

And awaaaayyyy we go!!

quiltzyx said...

Yep, I've got the button too! :D

DebraKay Neiman said...

Barbara, I want to be in...do not have a blog so linked (I hope) from Linky Flicker. Let me know if I did it wrong. Thank you so much for the link to Sulky's BOM 2013. I never saw this one but it is THE ONE to make for me...Love Buttons. Merry Christmas from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Anonymous said...

Hi, what a neat Post today!
Thanks for sharing!
AWAY WE GO IN 2014!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS !

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...
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Lee said...
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Lee said...

Looking forward to NewFOs in 2014 and I've added your button to my blog's sidebar (webs-of-threads.blogspot.com/)

Motherdragon's Musings said...

Ok, I think I have linked up or hope so at least. (I am slightly technologically challenged - lol).

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine planning that many quilts that far ahead. And by month???? Yes, I know you can switch out, but I don't even think that specifically.

It looks like google and wordpress may begin to talk to each other...however, to sign up for it it looks like I need a smart phone. Oh well.

clairealex [at] gmail [dot] com

Claire said...

I already did update my button to 2014 a couple days ago

Lynette said...

Got your 2014 button up on my sidebar! Very glad you're hosting this once again for the next year. And, hey, Barbara? I needed to include a link to today's BOMs Away since this post pushes that out of the reader spot for today's link-up there, is that OK? I tried to keep it non-intrusive, and it's not intended as an advertisement, just a directional for confused people. Let me know if that's a problem for you.

Diane Wild said...

Linked up and ready to go but forgot how to do the button. I tried.

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

Just found this wonderful New FO challenge but I've forgotten how to add the button, perhaps tomorrow, when I'm not so tired.

sophie said...

You have a nice set of projects in mind. I love the Chili mat (might have to look for that around here) and Freida Anderson's trees.

Last year, I thought joining might be too enabling and I wouldn't work on old projects. Of course, I started a lot of new things anyway. In 2014, I'll definitely participate, must get my own list together soon.

Michell said...

All linked up and ready to start

Snoodles said...

I posted your button! Now if I can just get my blog post up.... :)

kathyinozarks said...

Hi I have my blog post up now but my link here didn't work-I will try doing it again thanks Kathy

Dasha said...

OK I'm committed. But I'm freaking out!

Muv said...

Hello Barbara, Thanks for giving me the kick I needed. Starting is great fun, finishing is fantastic. My troubles generally come at five eighths of the way through...

Muv said...

... and I've added the button. Thanks for the give away!

gpc said...

I hope I successfully linked -- the linky gave me some trouble and I don't see my image, but I am ever hopeful. :)

Unknown said...

Can't wait! Looking forward to 2014 and many good things the new year has in store for each of us!

Celine said...

What a lovely concept! I think I might join in! Love the Sulky BOM for 2013, it is gorgeous and might become one of my FO for 2014

Celine said...

Just posted your button on my blog. I will post my first challenge tomorrow. thanks for organising

Snoodles said...

Yeeehhhaaaaah! Posted and ready to roll! Hehee! Thanks for hosting this clambake...you're the best!

Heidi said...

Looks like you have another busy year ahead an some great projects planned! The TP should be entertaining. hmm, fun to quilt too.
fyi, just printed Hello Moon nov/dec ..

Thanks for hosting one of the best linky's - looking fwd to 2014!

Heidi said...

New button is added. So cute!http://redletterquilts.blogspot.com/2013/12/looking-ahead-2014-new-fos.html

Anonymous said...

What a great idea...I have lots of ideas for next year but after moving and the holidays are over then I can actually concentrate on actual projects to accomplish...Thanks for the post!!

Celine said...

Linking up tonight. I have added the button to my blog. Thank you

Kate said...

You have some great projects for next year all planned out. I really like the TP one, very cute! I've got the new button on my blog.

Patricia said...

I'm looking ahead and planning to get more done this next year. Never hurts to be positive, right?

Patricia said...

Got your button up and running!

Beth said...

Since I am far better at starting than finishing, this is perfect for me!

Cherry said...

Joining in for the first time. Grabbing your button & getting busy! Happy NewFO 2014!

Quilting Babcia said...

Got the button (really cute!) and just posted and linked up. Hope I can keep up!

NancyA said...

Gee, sure hope it worked. Don't have a blog, so posted pix from FlickR. I have several quilts I want to start this year; having them listed 'on record' should help!

Leanne said...

Oh My this is fantastic!!! I will be thinking all day today of what I can start.. Looking forward to joining your for 2014.
Love Leanne NZ

Leanne said...

Oh My this is fantastic!!! I will be thinking all day today of what I can start.. Looking forward to joining your for 2014.
Love Leanne NZ

Shannon Meyer said...

I'm not much of a quilter, but I'm going to give this a shot and try to become a better quilter. Your blog is such a great inspiration to me and always makes me want to learn more:) I did put a link up to this on my sidebar. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

Angie in SoCal said...

Thanks for hosting this again, Barbara. I have so many kits to start and this will be my incentive.

Angie in SoCal said...

I've added the button to my blog.

Gina Loomis said...

I'm excited about joining in the 2014 NewFO Challenge! Thanks for hosting! I always enjoy your blog post!

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

What a fun idea. Thanks for hosting!

Jen | Acts of Craftiness said...

I missed the link up by a couple of minutes. :(

Here's my post though: http://actsofcraftiness.blogspot.com/2013/12/2014-new-fo-challenge-with-cat-patches.html