Let’s Get Finishing!

Written By Joanna Peterson

Starting new projects is like opening a treasure chest of creativity, each idea sparking excitement and possibility. But all too often, that initial thrill fizzles out as life swoops in with its demands—distractions, chores, and the latest shiny craft trend calling my name. Before I know it, my once-vibrant projects sit in varying states of completion, half-finished and collecting dust while my mind flits away to the next tempting endeavor. It’s a wild dance of inspiration that leaves my crafting corner looking more like a playground of abandoned ideas than a showcase of completed masterpieces.

In 2025, I’m determined to tackle the mountain of unfinished projects that have been patiently waiting for my attention. From the quilt that’s been languishing in the corner for far too long to the half-assembled cross-stitch projects that need a little love, this is the year of completion! Armed with my favorite supplies, a cup of creativity-infused Coke Zero, and an exciting playlist (or audiobook), I'm ready to breathe life back into these crafts and transform them from "someday" to "ta-da!"

Astrid quilt, pattern by Gudrun Erla of GE Designs.

Joining forces with fellow makers across the internet to tackle at least one quilting and cross-stitch project each month is like stepping into a vibrant workshop filled with creativity and camaraderie! It's an exciting journey that not only fuels our passion for crafting and sewing but also holds us accountable and inspired. With each new month comes fresh challenges and themes, encouraging us to explore techniques and materials we've never dared to try. Whether it's transforming a simple fabric into a stunning quilt or stitching intricate designs that dance across the fabric, the joy of sharing our progress—and seeing others do the same—creates a delightful tapestry of creativity that makes each accomplishment feel even more special. Let's dive in and turn those ideas into reality, one project at a time!

Thanks to The Quilted Forest and their YouTube channel, I’ve found a way to be accountable to myself with my projects, but also not to overstretch my valuable time. Between work, family obligations, and trying to squeeze in craft time, my days often feel like a juggling act where the balls just keep flying! It’s crucial to remind myself that it's okay if a project doesn’t get finished in one sitting. The joy of crafting should be in the process, not just the end result. Embracing this mindset helps me enjoy the little moments of creativity without the pressure of perfection. Crafting is meant to be playful, and there’s always tomorrow to pick up where I left off!

Let’s take a look at what projects I’ve picked for 2025 (quilting and cross stitch) and what progress I’ve made so far!

2025 Quilty Projects to Finish:

  1. T-shirt Quilt (high school dance team - for a friend’s daughter)

  2. Temperature Quilt (pattern by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts. This is only 1 of 3, just finishing my daughter’s, which I started in January 2023)

  3. Scrappiness is Happiness (QAL from October 2022)

  4. Triangles on a Roll (QAL from March 2023)

  5. Sew Scrappy Spools (QAL from January 2023)

  6. Threadbare (pattern by Camille Roskelley, quilt “started” in March 2023)

  7. Layer Cake Loop (pattern from Fat Quarter Shop; purchased enough fabric to make 2 crib size quilts in March 2024)

  8. Advent Projects from Christmas 2023 (Advent Box purchased from GE Designs in 2023, 2 projects left to finish)

  9. Haunted Halloween (QAL from May 2023)

  10. Beautiful Day Panel Quilt (quilt kit received as a gift for my birthday in 2023, fabric by Corey Yoder)

  11. Zip a Dee Doo Dah Quilt (quilt kit received as a gift for my birthday in 2024, purchased from a national park - or somewhere along the way - by family)

  12. Heartfelt (QAL from February 2022)

Bonus project: My Favorite Color is Moda Sampler Quilt (QAL from January 2021)

Bonus project #2: Finish adding the binding to my quilted Jackie quilt (pattern by Gudrun Erla for GE Designs, QAL from January 2022)

2025 Cross Stitch Projects to Finish:

  1. Halloween Town (SAL from September 2022)

  2. Haunted Halloween (SAL from May 2023)

  3. Pixie Lane (SAL from July 2023)

  4. Spaceship Earth (pattern purchased from AwesomePatternStudio on Etsy in July 2022)

  5. Love Note (SAL from February 2023)

  6. Sunflower Fields (pattern by Stitching with the Housewives; part of Sunflower September in September 2022)

  7. Frosty Type Face (pattern by It’s Sew Emma)

  8. The Quilted Witch (pattern by Lori Holt, SAL from September 2023)

  9. With Love (SAL from January 2024)

  10. Polar Plunge (set of 6 patterns from Hands on Design)

  11. Believe (pattern by Stitching with the Housewives, finishing piece from Paisleys and Polka Dots)

  12. Holiday Hallmarks (set of 4 patterns from Fat Quarter Shop)

Bonus project: Houses on Peppermint Lane (pattern by Pansy Patch Quilts and Stitchery)

So, how is my progress coming? Here’s what I pulled in January, February, and March for each section:

January 2025:

  • Triangles on a Roll - quilting

    • did not finish - center completed and 8 of the border blocks finished

  • Made with Love - cross stitch

    • stitching completed 1/3/2025

    • finishing still not complete - finishing materials purchased!

February 2025:

  • Layer Cake Loop - quilting

    • quilt top pieced 2/9/2025

    • still needs quilting and binding

  • Frosty Type Face - cross stitch

    • did not finish

    • progress made

March 2025:

  • Scrappiness is Happiness - quilting

  • Love Note - cross stitch

Progress photos coming soon!

Joanna Peterson