For many people, January is a time of reflection and new beginnings, a time for seeking clarity in our lives and surroundings.

What exactly is clarity, and how does it apply to quilting?

For our purposes, clarity simply means “seeing things clearly.” Take a serious look at your quilting life.

Are you happy in your quilting space?
Are you making quilts that you like, and do you enjoy the process?
Do you feel validated and fulfilled when you’re with your quilting friends?
Is there anything missing?
What can be improved?

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Decide what’s important to your quilting life. Write down your goal or goals for this year.

Download the goal-setting worksheet:

Flourishing January Clarity Worksheet Download

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Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions:

Want to make more quilting friends? Join a quilt guild. Not sure where to find one near you? Ask at a quilt shop or just do a quick internet search. Most guilds allow you to visit once or twice without committing to membership. After you join, volunteer for a committee and attend workshops! Sometimes large meetings aren’t conducive to getting to know people, so smaller groups make it a bit easier to chat. (None in your area? Consider starting a small group at your local library or community center.)
Need an outlet for all of your creative work? Quilt for charities. Quilts for Kids, Quilts of Valor, hospital neonatal units, foster child advocacy groups, hospice care, fire departments…. Think about what kinds of organizations in your area would appreciate help in providing comfort.
That quilting space needs an upgrade? Sign up for the Studio Refresh decluttering and organizing challenge.
Looking for more time to sew? Block out time with a planner. Paper, digital (I used to be a paper-only person, but Artful Agenda is right up my alley – use referral code RB614157 so they’ll know I sent you!), whatever format you prefer, make a commitment to yourself!
Feel like learning a new skill? Look for a workshop at your nearest quilt shop or online.
Are you overwhelmed by Unfinished Objects? Join the UFO Prevention Society or Mission: UFO.

After you’ve found some clarity, tell me: what are your quilting goals?

Comment below, or send me an email!

Clarity Challenge: Share a photo on Instagram that represents what you want to change about your quilting life. It can be a “before” photo of what you actually want to change (your messy space, a quilt you’re not proud of, the sewing machine you want to replace, a pile of unfinished objects) or an aspirational “after” photo of how you want your quilting life to look (a group of friends quilting together, an organized fabric pantry, a quilt using a technique you want to master). Tag me, @sugarsandquilter!

Flourishing is a year-long journey that invites quilters to explore meaningful themes each month—clarity, connection, self-care, creativity, mindfulness, and beyond. Each month brings a new focus, sparking thoughtful reflection and creativity. Join the Flourishing journey through blog posts, inspiring newsletter articles, engaging social media content, reader challenges, and exclusive quilt block patterns. Flourishing stitches together personal growth and the art of quilting, offering a fulfilling path for quilters to connect, create, and thrive.