Happy 2026!
Sharp eyes will have noticed that 12-plus thing. One quilt has not yet had its beauty portraits released, nor the pattern thing settled (I keep adding with new ideas), so while that is officially a 2025 quilt for counting purposes, you’ll see it next year.
Here, for the record was my attempt at cheerful and interesting Monthly Markers on Instagram, although you all keep telling me that its demise is coming quickly. I’m still there, but sporadically.
This is also the Happy New Year post, so here are my reflections:
- Thoughts on 2025: none.
- Wishes for 2026: none.
- Things I Learned in 2025: Don’t read too much of the news. Focus on color, nature, a funny meme, poetry, good friends (both in real life and online), art, quilts, books, musicandallthegoodthings and most definitely chocolate. Take a trip. See new sights. Avoid clichés like the ones in this paragraph. Smile at the hummingbird outside your window.
- Things I Hope for in 2026: Peace inside me, even if it’s crazy outside me. A new insight here and there. Some good Substack reading (here’s one). Morning walks. Interesting quilts. Happy children and safe grandchildren. New recipes that delight. More of my focaccia. Less distractions from near and far.
Although my birthday is right around the corner, I’m hopefully not heading towards my demise, but instead can sporadically can crank out a quilt, like this one I finished on New Year’s Eve after just a few days. It really really, legitimately is going onto my 2026 list, as it’s not yet quilted (but I’ve cut the backing…does that count?).
And I had to make it because I’d purchased the pattern ages ago online, and then when I bought the kit it came with a pattern, so I’m offering up the Real Live Pattern to you all. Free, and I’ll pay postage.
Just leave me a comment with your best *whatever* for the New Year. Your best wish, your best resolution, your best un-resolution, your best hope, the name of your best friend (kidding on this one, but maybe the best quality of your friend). Whatever. Be funny, be serious, be thoughtful, as I’ve corresponded with you and I know you are all the smartest quilters. Just write Whatever. But do leave us with something that can help us with our whatevers.
I read on my blog about the time I made 24 quilts in one year, and now the thought seems staggering. Isn’t it funny that even though we lived that past life, we can’t quite believe it? And because of this reason — that you’ll likely forget all the times you un-sewed, or messed up, or got angry, or were filled with frustration — I encourage us all sally forth into 2026, trying to avoid the minefields. Head for the daisies. And if something explodes, I hope it’s your scrap drawer as you are hunting for the perfect color.
Leave me a comment, and a very Happy New Year, everyone!
My classic Happy Old Year Ending Post
A whole bunch of Happy Old Year Ending Posts
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Elizabeth you had another year filled with fabric fun, travel and adventures. I think the latest quilt definitely counts. It’s just gorgeous.
My best for the new year is that we all get to have a year filled with time with the people who are near and dear to us, the good health to take care of our dear ones, the fabric to be able to create gorgeous things and the strength to survive the drama of real life as it continues to unfold🤗
Happy New Year Elizabeth !!! Thank you for sharing and posting your quilting adventures. I always enjoy your quilts, travels, family, etc. I recently completed a quilt I started in 1990 for my son and daughter in law. It is a king size Irish Chain quilt top I made in my early days of quilting. Before it could be completed in 2025 I removed the small amount of machine quilting I did with nylon thread. Then I sent it to my friend / quilter. When they opened their gift on Christmas morning they were thrilled. I am thrilled too. Finally one more UFO done and now keeping my loved ones warm on winter nights. I’m deciding what UFO will be completed next !!! Happy New Year to you and your family, happiness, good health and fun travels !!!
Doesn’t Utopia look awesome?! I love it’s freshness and simple but graphic shapes!
I’m trying to stay positive, looking for the brightness in my day and ways to make the world a better place, as we start a new year. So sally forth we must, to live in hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Best wishes for a bright and hopeful 2026, Elizabeth. I treasure our friendship.
The quilt top you just finished is very cute & colorful. It doesn’t look like an easy pattern. You did a great job!
Daily (dark, for me/us) chocolate is a must (dear husband opts for mint in his, I like caramel and sea salt)!! My favorite characteristic of all my friends is their communication skills. The older I get, the less interested in playing games I get, and folks who are willing to engage in honest, direct conversation are treasures. And lately, with all the rain we have been getting, I’m doing my best to look for and appreciate the rainbows. It’s been a treat.
Also: Way to go getting the quilt top pieced! You worked fast and it looks great to me!!
Happy New Year Elizabeth. I so enjoy your posts and this one is no different ! My hope for this year is the expand on my “word of the year” from 2025. The word I chose last year was Brave. I felt inspired by it as I learned to Sail. This year I’ll continue to lean into it as we transition to living more and more on our sailboat. Have to figure out space and time to move my quilting hobby onto the boat.
goals for 2026. letting go. don’t rush. enjoy. like is not a fire drill.
Well! You’ve just helped me clarify my watchword for the new year: “lighter”. Worry less about what I can’t change. Keep working on downsizing so it will be less of a burden when we move to our retirement community. Look for things to be happy or hopeful about instead of focusing on the parts of our world that are going to hell. May your year be lighter, too.
Wow Elizabeth, what a group of 12plus that is – I had to go back and stare at Duck Creek so more, I really love that one (and that mural too, such a stunner).
And such good advice! Happy New Year to you and my you certainly started off right with that beautiful finish (yes, full credit for cutting the backing). I hate so much you missed out on your Europe trip so my wish for the new year for you is a lovely trip with both of you feeling healthy and spry the whole time and somehow you magically come home refreshed instead of needing a nap! For myself I am planning on more travel, new quilts (always), and better luck at growing my tomatoes than I had in 2025.
Reader alert: I know this is a little negative, but it’s funny so I have to share: “If 2025 was a drink, it would be colonoscopy prep”
I love your blog, your wrap-up, and the comments above. And the quilts! Thank you.
Happy New Year! I’m grateful to wake up every day with all my limbs and most of my sanity.