Holidays Approaching = Panicked Rush

Here it is a third of the way through November and I am already panicking about finishing projects.  The thing is I only need to finish the second ribbon dance quilt so why I am I feeling the pressure. It may be because this is peanut season and work is really busy. Or the fact we had a hurricane and our lines are running seven days a week to catch up. It could be that I am really tired due to this asthma flare kicking up with every weather change. Or the fact that I want my house ready for company and don't have all the time I want to clean it. I just know that I am feeling panicked.

So to put things in perspective, I decided to evaluate my progress on my goals.

1. Three quilts for family - when I get these two ribbon dance quilts done that will be complete.
2. Complete three UFO or NSY - I have one done, one needing binding and labeling and the third ready to quilt. Should be no problem to have it done by the end of the year.
3. Work on something 20-30 minutes a day. - I always start out really good on this and then it slowly fades to the wayside and I am back to quilting on the weekends. Usually because things have gone to pot at work or I am sick.
4. Use what I have and only buy fabric to finish projects - I only partially achieved it. But I have spent way less on fabric this year than in years past. And the fabric I have bought is designated for quilts and not just building a stash.
5. Document Quilts - Still not started this but I expect I will take the time after Christmas when I have time scheduled off from work.
6. Read the technical part of the Thread Waggle quilt blog. - I did this once. I think I will start to focus more on the Quilt Path manual.
7. Try paper piecing - haven't yet. Maybe after Christmas.
8. Do an easy project now and then - working on one with Rorie.  Plus I think I will do up a couple of jelly roll quilts just to do them. I have 2 rolls to do a stack and flip quilt. After the new year of course.
9. Clean up after each project - I am actually doing pretty good at this one. I do like to have a clean space to start the next project. Of course that doesn't mean others using my studio are doing it. But that is okay. My friend Kerri Lynn used to say the first step of every project is to clean up and the last step to every project is to clean up. I think I need to make a sign with that on it for the studio.

So I still feel panicked about finishing the one quilt but I am in pretty good shape with my goals. I am hoping to carve out some time in my life to quilt more and work fewer hours. Maybe after the holidays, things at work will slow down. Who am I kidding, it won't slow down until after the Super Bowl. I just need to push myself to have a better work life balance. That may be my number one goal this next year.

Oh and I have one row of the second ribbon dance quilt put together. So just seven more to go.

Are your holiday projects coming together?