A Look Inside My Studio and Creative Plans for the Year
Welcome to 2026—and welcome to my very first blog post (and corresponding YouTube video) of the year! There’s something about the start of a new year that feels full of possibility, especially in the studio. Fresh planners, cleared cutting tables (at least temporarily), and a renewed sense of excitement for all the ideas waiting in the wings. This year, I’m starting things off by reviewing my past projects. I will be joining Sugaridoo’s #TackleThatWIP, and I’m inviting you behind the scenes to see exactly what that looks like in my own creative space.
If you’re someone who loves quilting, sewing, fabric stashes, or simply enjoys seeing how other makers set realistic creative goals, you’re in the right place. This post pairs with my latest video, where I share a studio tour, talk through my work-in-progress pile, and outline how I’m approaching my creative plans for 2026—without pressure, guilt, or perfection.
Why #TackleThatWIP Matters to Me This Year
Like many quilters and sewists, I have a lot of projects in progress. Some are nearly finished, others are patiently waiting for the right moment, and a few have been paused so long I can barely remember my intentions with the materials. Joining #TackleThatWIP isn’t about forcing myself to finish everything at once—it’s about acknowledging those projects, deciding which ones still matter to me, and giving myself permission to move forward intentionally. In fact, the “joining” is simply using Irene’s organizational charts, as well as being able to follow along on social media with others who may be using the same organization to get inspiration and encouragement to follow through with your own goals.
What I love about Sugaridoo’s approach is that it encourages honesty and flexibility. Not every WIP needs to be finished immediately, and not every project needs to be saved. This year, I’m focusing on progress over perfection and choosing projects that genuinely excite me.
If you’re curious, you can find the Tackle That WIP Organizer on Sugaridoo’s website—it’s a great tool for sorting through projects and setting gentle priorities.
A Quick Studio Tour: Setting the Stage for 2026
In the video, I start with a quick tour of my studio—a space that continues to evolve as my creative needs change. While it’s not always perfectly tidy, it’s a place that feels inspiring and functional, and that’s what matters most to me.
My cutting table is home to several ongoing projects, my shelves are filled with fabric that sparks ideas, and my design wall tells the story of where I’ve been creatively—and where I might go next. As I head into 2026, I’m aiming to keep this space welcoming rather than overwhelming. That mindset carries through everything I’m making this year.
Diving into My 2026 WIP List
The heart of both the video and this post is my current work-in-progress list. These projects range from unfinished quilt tops to sewing projects that were paused due to time, energy, or changing priorities.
Some of the quilts I’m tackling this year are deeply personal—projects started during specific seasons of life that I still want to see finished and used. Others are pattern-based quilts where the design still excites me, even if they’ve been waiting longer than planned.
I also share a few sewing projects that have been quietly sitting on the sidelines. These aren’t abandoned—they just needed the right year. 2026 feels like the time to revisit them with fresh eyes and a more relaxed approach.
Throughout the year, I’ll be updating this post with photos, notes, and progress on each project, so feel free to check back if you like following along or need a little motivation for your own WIP pile.
Patterns, Inspiration, and Creative Freedom
Several of the projects I’m working on use patterns from designers I love, including Stitched in Color, as well as my own quilt patterns, which you can find in my Etsy shop. Pattern-based projects are a great way for me to balance creativity and structure, especially when I want to focus on finishing rather than starting something entirely new.
That said, I’m also leaving room for creative freedom this year. Not every moment in the studio needs to be productive, and not every project needs a deadline. Some quilts may evolve slowly, and that’s okay.
In addition to quilts, I would also like to continue to focus on and develope my hand embroidery skills. I may also get back to cross-stitch which I have loved since I was a kid and used those ubiquitous 1990-2000’s kits from the big box craft retailers. In fact, I have a few projects in mind to share the practice, as well as a few ideas for new kits to add into the shop in 2026.
How I’m Approaching Creative Goals Without Pressure
One of my biggest intentions for 2026 is to let go of the idea that I need to “catch up” creatively. My WIPs aren’t failures—they’re evidence of curiosity, learning, and growth. This year, I’m choosing to work on projects because I want to, not because I feel obligated to. If you’re planning your own sewing or quilting goals for the year, I encourage you to do the same. Choose projects that bring you joy, be honest about your capacity, and remember that creativity isn’t a race.
Getting Started
To get myself organized, I cleared out my cupboard and laid everything out on my counter. As I looked through the piles, I tried to rememeber the intention or pattern for each grouping of fabrics or piles of blocks. Then I stacked all of the pieces together and put them, along with a label or even the printed pattern into a gallon zip bag. This way, when I go to start a project the resistance of having to figure out what goes with what or if I am missing pieces has already been done.
After I sorted all of my materials, I filled out the Tackle That WIP Organizer so I can easily see where I am with each project and how many projects I have to complete overall. My hope is that having the list will make it more likely I will reach for the old projects to complete first since I will be able to see everything I have to work on all at once. I also think I am more likely to grab a project bag when I want to sew or quilt, but don’t necessarily have the bandwidth to come up with a new idea or source a new pattern. Can you say, quick win!!
Let’s Tackle Our WIPs Together
Whether you’re officially joining #TackleThatWIP, quietly planning your own creative year, or just enjoy seeing behind the scenes of a quilter’s studio, I’m so glad you’re here. This blog and my YouTube channel will be spaces for real progress, honest updates, and plenty of inspiration throughout 2026.
Be sure to watch the video for a full walkthrough of my studio and projects, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for updates all year long. Here’s to a creative, cozy, and realistic 2026—one stitch at a time.
https://youtu.be/HCkIIWGeEcE?si=V3LsCjFI7hgGFFkR
Happy quilting, and keep an eye out for those completed projects on my YouTube, blog and IG soon! Janice
Inspiration and resources are linked where applicable. All written work and photographs are original content and are copyright protected; kindly give due credit by linking back to my website if you use or share.
(©2026, Janice Bailor // laruedefleurs.com)