We are starting a new year with the same concerns and challenges of 2020. In years past, I have kicked off the new year with an ambitious studio project – a large bed quilt, an intricate embroidery piece, or a series of projects for upcoming classes. This year I decided to start simple, knowing the larger, more complex projects are around the corner.

To begin, I dug into some of my daughter’s crafting supplies from years ago and found several yards of blanket fleece. In about 90 minutes, I had made a tied edge fleece blanket, start to finish, for friends’ 3-year old child. Perfect for cuddling under after a day of play in the snow. A straight-forward, simple project. You can find instructions here.

Recently, I also found my daughter’s potholder loom and some leftover loops (from hers and mine!), so in the days leading up to 2021, I also made a few potholders. Again, simple, useful and done in less than an hour. Another plus – I’ve stashed several away to pair with tea and baked goods to give away to friends and family. If your potholder loom is long gone, check with your local art/craft store to see if they have any in stock. If not, here’s a link to Purl Soho’s kit. Both the potholders and the fleece blanket projects are fun to do solo and with kids.

So, as we enter another roller coaster year of experiences and emotions, take on those big, ambitious, boundary-pushing projects for sure but intersperse some smaller ones in there as well. This practice also applies not just to what you are making but also to what you may be doing at work and in your community: )

Happy making in the year ahead ~