My current projects, January 2026
I feel like it was just New Years Eve, and now the end of January is closing in! It seems like a good time to share my current projects with you. My monthly UFO deadline is five days away and I’m only at the basting stage. You can read about my UFO challenge here. That and some other WIP’s are keeping me on my toes. Most are ongoing, but I do have one new project that is right on time for February and all things hearts.
January UFO progress
This month, I’m finishing up a wall hanging that was meant to be a Christmas gift. I used Alderwood Studio’s Asteria quilt pattern in the baby size for this project. Actually, I’m only making the top half of the quilt so that it fits a specific wall space. I love how it’s turning out! I just hope I don’t f*@! it up with my quilting. I’m going to practice first and then just go for it!
In case you love this pattern, there is also an on-demand video class that walks you through the steps – especially helpful for a few tricky half-rectangle pieces. The class is also on sale, so it’s just the cost of the pattern plus an extra $2 right now. I’m not an affiliate; I just thought it was worth mentioning.
Ongoing projects (WIP’s)
Some projects are meant to savor. Haha! Actually, they just keep going and growing. I have a leaders and enders scrap project from 2023 that I am still working on. It’s one that goes into hibernation for a while and then wakes up with renewed energy. Such is the case with this one. Because it’s a leaders and enders project, it is slow going. You can read about leaders and enders here – hopefully you’ll give it a try if it’s new to you.
I have most of my 2.5″ x 4.5″ rectangles sewn together into pairs. Now I’m sewing the pairs into rows so it’s becoming a bigger leader/ender project. I have a portable design board that I use to lay out the pairs and I keep this close to my sewing machine. Here’s what it looks like right now with four rows sewn. Now, I’ll join the rows and then start another section.
This is going to be a large rainbow scrap quilt. If I’m lucky, I’ll finish it in the year 2030! I used graph paper to make a road map and I’ve divided it into sections. I mark off each section as I finish it. I’m not even done with the top half.
I have a long way to go, but it’s going to be beautiful when it’s done. It’s fun to see fabric from older projects sprinkled throughout. I still have enough scraps to make 100 of these quilts, but shhhh; don’t tell Mr. Crafty Quilter.
I’ll be working on the Color Collage BOM each month in 2026. This is a non-negotiable project since I’m co-teaching it at my local quilt shop. I’ve finished the first month’s blocks, and I’m already excited about this quilt. I’m using batik fabrics which are beautiful, and the pattern includes some applique which I love.
Couch projects
I currently have two couch projects I’m working on. I call these couch projects because I can work on them as I sit on the couch at night while watching TV. I tell myself this qualifies as multi-tasking so I can justify two hours of couch potato time. I am almost finished crocheting my Lemonade Scarf. This is a rainbow scarf (apparently I can’t get enough), and it’s so much fun! I used nine different colors of Scheepjes Stonewashed Yarn which is a cotton and acrylic blend.
I’ve resurrected my Orange Peel quilt from last year. This is also an ongoing project which will be completed whenever I feel it’s big enough (or I get weary of it). The orange peel shapes are hand appliqued and I’ve used a freezer paper and starch method to turn the edges.
Last year, I hosted a quilt along showing several methods of applique. You can get all of the details including full tutorials to make an orange peel quilt here. And you can still sign up to do the quilt along at your own pace!
New project
My newest project is a scrappy heart block made with red and white scraps. It’s super fun and easy, and I’ll have a full tutorial for you next week! The quilt block will come with two size options. It’s the perfect project to use up scraps in any color.
Those are the projects I’ve been working on this month. January is off to a good start! I hope yours is too. Thanks for reading and happy quilting!
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Love your little red hearts. Can’t wait to see the pattern.
Your orange peel quilt would be my nemesis! All that turning and hand stitching would drive me crazy. Congrats on attempting this as a whole quilt!
I’m interested in the crochet lemonade scarf. Looking in Amazon, they have the box’s of smaller scanes of yarn. Will they work for the separate blocks ?
Love all your projects and the inspiration to finish UFO’s. I inherited a half finished UFO that is all appliqué with some EPP. It’s been fun, but also challenging to pick up the pieces, determine what fabric is left, and if I have enough to finish each block. The instructions aren’t exactly clear so I have to “wing” it in some cases, but it’s all coming together. My goal is to finish the quilt top by end of January! Happy piecing Julie!