2022 What should we do?

2020 the Quilting BOM Facebook group grew leaps and bounds. There were a lot of people that we forced to stay home or decided to stay home for health reasons. So the group grew in numbers. Everyone was active in the group. To help everyone we increased the rate that the blocks were released, so I had to come up with additional 9 blocks for 2020. 

I love creating the blog posts and instructions for creating traditional blocks, with a more modern twist. I have Y-seams, or using triangles to create Half Square triangle blocks.   I wish this was my full-time job, but it is a fun hobby that I enjoy doing.  It keeps me from going crazy at time, and reduces stress. It does take time to figure the blocks out and find different ways to assemble them. 

I noticed that the last several months that the activity in the group had dropped to almost none.  I really miss seeing everyone’s blocks and hearing when someone learned a new way to create a part of the block.  Like 4-at-a-time Flying geese, or two-color flying geese, or just other ways to create Half Square triangles (HSTs) or even people trying paper-piecing.

I decided to create a post with a poll to see if people were still interested in doing the Quilting BOM or if they had become tired and bored with it.  I was surprised at the comments and posts, (good surprised).  Out of 434 votes, only 1% said that I should stop, while 99% said I should continue. 

Different reasons for not posting in the group were:

• Moving
• Knee replacement surgery
• Other projects catching up on
• Summer, busy time
• Summer – gardening veggies & flowers
• Grandkids
• Medical issues
• Homeless
• Working on clothing
• Family obligations
• Don’t know how to post pictures
• Following on the blog
• Facebook posts stopped showing up
• Just haven’t stopped to post pictures
• And so much more….

It was nice to hear that everyone was just busy or had other things going on.  Many stated they will be more active in the group in the fall, or after kids go back to school.    

When asked what they would like to do for 2022, we received different responses:

• Maybe a theme top (like Christmas)
• Maybe quilt tops with less blocks
• Applique blocks
• Learning different techniques
• Several like the KC Star blocks we are currently doing
• Seasonal blocks
• fabric cutting tool blocks (different brands)
• Scrappy type blocks (or instructions for making scrappy)
• Monthly themed door hanging/mini quilt pattern

I appreciate all your suggestions and ideas, and the comments that you would like me to continue.  The comments really help keep me going when things are not going well. 

I have been members of different groups that do BOM, but just give suggestion of a block, and point to another website with instructions, and often don’t even make the blocks to begin with.  That was one reason I started this group.  I love making the block and trying to figure out how to put it in writing so others can do it as well.    I really appreciate my great team that helps me watch the Facebook group and to test out my instructions, as I may be thinking one thing, and writing it down completely different.  When I started this group at the end of 2018, I had no idea how to write instructions, but I did know what I was always missing in my instructions, so I try to keep that in mind when writing them. 

I appreciate all your comments and suggestions, and I look forward to figuring out what we may be working on next year, 2022.  If you want to help, I would love to hear from you, just email or PM me on Facebook. 

I have already been thinking of what to do for next year, and some don’t seem to work out the way I would like, or the pattern is a copyrighted pattern, so we won’t be able to do it.    I am thinking that maybe a smaller term project would be better or keep our attention more.  I know 12 months is a long time and it is easy to get bored with it and give up. Ok, that is my talking from experience, have no idea how many ½ finished projects I have sitting around.  That’s for another day.

In a few days, the second block for August will be released.  That will be 15 blocks of the 20 blocks.  Remember to post pictures of any blocks you finish, or any other projects you may be working on.

I will try to post more often, even with just little tips and hints, to keep everyone engaged, and having fun.

Thank you! Lisa