Welcome, 2019: the Annual Reckoning

Vintage greeting card from my collection 

2018 was the 21st year I have tracked fabric in and out.  (My definitions:"in" is acquired, whether bought or received as a gift or won; "out" is sewn, sold, given away, or otherwise disposed of.  I usually measure the square inches in units or blocks -- 1512 sq. in. per yard -- but sometimes I use a postal scale and go by weight -- 4 yards to a pound.) 

Here is the reckoning in black and white.

I received two significant windfalls.  In October a local crafter gave me fabric she no longer wanted.  I kept 198 yards of that and gave 150 to the guild's charity committee.  In December I got 272 yards via a former guild member who got the fabric from the family of a woman who had a stroke and can no longer quilt.  I also got good deals at estate sales and bargains at thrift shops. And, yes, I bought new fabric.

BUT 
I used a lot, too!  The "Flimsy Completion" tab shows that I completed 32 projects this year.  That included 18 quilts, 8 tote bags, 30 mug rugs, 8 runners/wall hangings, 10 hot pads.  I added 6 flimsies to the box.
AND
I filled 10 jumbo ziploc bags with fabric for the January 2 Raffle Mania at the guild meeting.  A jumbo bag holds 5 lbs. which is 20 yards -- so that's 200 yards OUT.  I'm counting it for 2018 because (a) my game, my rules and (b) I sorted and bagged it all in 2018.

What's in store for 2019? 
To say "use more than I acquire" is a perpetual goal, like "lose 30 pounds." Maybe this year I will accomplish both.   More specifically:
(1)  Download EQ 8 and learn to use it.  I've had EQ since v. 4 but I haven't used it very much.
(2)  Learn how to do ruler work. (I used some of DH's Christmas gift to order Westalee Rulers and an instruction book.)
(3)  Make something that has a zipper and buttonholes.   I've had my new machine for almost a year but I haven't tried either of these basic sewing features.
(4)   Make a garment.  I still have boxes of fashion fabric. I have patterns.  I know what a 5/8" seam looks like.
(5)   Participate in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, One Monthly Goal, and Block Lotto.
(6)   Have fun!

Thanks for reading my posts and taking time to comment. I look forward to hearing from you in 2019.