Resolutions you can keep!

     

1.  Start the New Year fresh - Have your machine cleaned and serviced
2. "Remember to change your sewing machine needle(s) after every project. Needles can become dull and can snag fabric. New needles stitch crisp stitches. I recommend changing your needle(s) after 8 to 10 hours of sewing." --Eleanor Burns. - Use Schmetz Micro-tex sharp needles for best results and most accurate piecing. 
3. To take advantage of limited sewing time, keep together all the supplies that you are using for each project so that if you have to abandon the project for a few weeks or even months, you can quickly get back to where you left off.  - Sterlite Clipboxes work great for this, and they stack nicely together.  

PLUS they are made in the USA!
4. Be sure to test sew even if you are doing something you have done before. If you forget to change certain settings on your machine, you will find the problem before you start on your actual project. Save yourself from ruining good pieces of fabric!
5. When you finish a project cut your leftover scraps into 3", 4" or 5" squares, maybe even 10" squares, or 2 1/2" strips or squares (tokyo subway quilt anyone!?). Store them together with like size scraps, and on a rainy day pull them out and make a scrappy quilt. Sterlite Clipboxes work great for this too! 
6. Use the hoop that is the closest size to your design. Many times, you will have a better quality stitch-out if you do several hoopings with a smaller hoop than trying to get all of the designs in a larger hoop. Plus if you only use the size hoop you need, it saves you stabilizer. 
7. Resolve this year to learn the ins and outs of your software or machine by reading over your machine manuel and also create a stitch book. If you have all your decorative stitches stitched out, you're more likely to use them. 
8. Slim down the stash - Go through those stacks of fabric, any pieces you no longer want, and try donating them to our local Quilts of Valor Chapter. You can drop fabric off at the shop anytime. 
9. Before tossing your old machine to the curb, call your local dealer and ask if they know of anyone that would have a use for it. If it can't be fixed, allow us to use the machine for parts. Either way it's out of your way and in the hands of someone who could get some mileage out of it.
10. "When sewing for yourself and those you love, remember to sew at least one gift per year for someone you've never met." --Nancy Zieman
11. Get inspired this year by subscribing to a sewing publication. STITCH magazine anyone?!
12. AND the biggie...Take time to sew for yourself. (We never do it!)

Happy New Year!