And the New Year Begins...

The kids have gone home. The decorations are packed away. And hooray—my Pilates teacher is back from vacation! Life has officially settled into that deliciously quiet, fresh-start rhythm.

This past week, after my decluttering for the day was done, I gave myself the gift of a little solo time—no rotary cutters, no deadlines, just reflection. I looked back at the year 2025: what did I stitch together, what stayed unfinished on the design wall, and what I’m ready to leave in the scrap bin. And for the first time ever, I’m also asking a new question: how busy do I actually want to be in 2026?

If you know me, you know I’ve always been a champion project-juggler. I love a long to-do list and the thrill of checking things off. When I had four kids at home and a business to run, that pace was just part of the pattern. Lately though? That many moving parts hasn’t been serving me as well. Whether it’s age, medication, or just too many UFOs calling my name, I’ve felt perpetually behind. And that’s my cue—it’s time to piece things together differently.

First change: a new planner format. Pen and paper are calling me back. There’s something grounding about physically writing things down—it feels like basting before the final stitch. Especially with content creation, a clear road map keeps me from sewing in circles and wondering why nothing is finished.

Next up: some gentle but firm sewing-room rules. As I stare down the pile slated for Week 3 of the Declutter Challenge, I’ve decided:

• Only three projects out at a time

• Only one project out in the studio

• If I quilt it, I must bind it (no more “I’ll get to that later”!)

• And I’m starting a slow sewing project—just for the joy of it

I’m also carving out time to explore my own city with fresh eyes. Museums, textile-inspired art exhibits, cultural gems—there’s so much inspiration right here at home. I’m literally inking this time into my calendar so it doesn’t get dropped like a loose thread.

I expect the schedule for the first couple of months will be tweaked several times as I figure out exactly what I want to plan and what to track. I’ll check back in with you in a couple of months and let you know how this new rhythm is working. Here’s to fewer unfinished seams, more intentional stitches, and a year that feels just right. 💛🪡

So what's coming up for January

Karen's Quilt Crew

Join the crew for our monthly Stitch and Chat from 2-4 pm. If you don't know how to join, go to my YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/justgetitdonequilts/join and follow the prompts for joining. Boost Your Sampler Skills also returns on the 18th from noon to 2 p.m. The meeting link is the same for both meetings.

Karen's Quilt Circle

In the historical record, though we see many examples of needlework, weaving and sewing, the stories of the makers behind the threads have often been lost. Clare Hunter, author of Threads of Life, has written a history of the world as seen through the eye of the needle. Through time and across the globe, she has collected stories of people who have used the language of sewing to tell of protest power, politics and more to make their voices heard. So you know I had a lot of questions. Watch my interview with her here. Tell me what you think of the new thumbnail style

Listen to any of my Karen's Quilt Circle podcasts on the YouTube Music app here. 

Live Q&A

Did you miss Tuesday's Live Q&A. You can watch the replay here

Travel with Karen

New on the adventure list is my Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Danube next December, 2026. I have been wanting to see the markets for awhile now and I am working with RGE travels again to add in some bespoke adventures through textiles…and maybe chocolate. For more info on the tour check out the link here.

And it's not too late to join in the Sewing Room Declutter Challenge for 2026. You can start any time and go at the pace that suits you. You can watch the playlist here

There are more adventures ahead. I am so happy to have you along for the ride.

Take care. Karen