My New Year Quilting Goal for 2026: Stitching Through a Year in Solids

Every new year brings a fresh start, and for 2026, I’m setting a quilting goal that feels both inspiring and deeply personal. I’m going to quilt my way through the book A Year in Solids by Jessica Dayon, originally created for Riley Blake Designs. The book is structured as a quilt‑a‑month journey, and I’m excited to follow along — with my own Lazy Daisy twist.

Instead of using solids, I’ll be stitching each project with Riley Blake Designs Basics and pieces from the fabric stash my mom left me. It feels like the perfect way to honor her, use what I have, and create something beautiful all year long.

Why I Chose This Quilting Challenge for 2026?

Custom quilt pattern ideas offer several advantages over traditional, pre-made patterns. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider them for your next project:

🌼 A Monthly Creative Rhythm

A quilt a month gives me structure without pressure — just enough to keep me inspired and moving forward.

🌼 A Chance to Use My Mom’s Stash

Working her fabrics into each quilt feels like stitching memories into every block.

🌼 Riley Blake Basics = Endless Possibilities

Instead of solids, I’ll be mixing in prints, textures, and basics that add depth and personality.

🌼 A Year of Skill‑Building

Each month brings a new pattern, new techniques, and new creative challenges.

🌼 A Keepsake Collection by December

Twelve quilts. Twelve stories. One unforgettable year.

Custom quilt with geometric patterns

How I’ll Personalize Each Quilt Throughout the Year

One of the things I love most about A Year in Solids is how beautifully the book is organized — twelve thoughtfully designed quilts, one for each month, each with its own rhythm, style, and personality. While the original patterns are written for solid fabrics, I’ll be giving the entire year my own Lazy Daisy twist. For every season, I’ll be pairing Riley Blake Designs Basics with meaningful pieces from my mom’s fabric stash, blending fresh, modern prints with the sentimental textures she left behind. Spring will feel light and floral, summer bright and playful, fall warm and earthy, and winter soft and peaceful — all stitched together with fabrics that tell a story. I’ll be following the book’s quilt‑a‑month structure exactly as written, but the fabric choices will make each project uniquely mine. Below, I’ll be adding a simple graph grid showing all twelve patterns from the book so you can follow along with my 2026 quilting journey.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Why I’m Not Using Solids (And Why That’s Okay!)

The original book celebrates solids — and it’s beautiful that way — but quilting is all about making things your own. Riley Blake Basics offer:

• Soft textures

• Subtle prints

• Tone‑on‑tone patterns

• Endless color options

They bring movement and warmth to each quilt and pairing them with my mom’s fabrics adds a layer of meaning that solids simply can’t match.

Using these resources can boost your confidence and creativity as you develop your custom quilt pattern ideas.

Riley Blake Design Basics

Riley Blake Designs Basics

Riley Blake Designs Basics

Riley Blake Designs Basics

Riley Blake Designs Basics

Riley Blake Designs Basics

My Personal Goals for This Project

✂️ Use What I Have

My mom’s stash deserves to shine, not sit in a bin.

✂️ Stay Consistent

One quilt a month keeps me motivated without overwhelming me.

✂️ Share the Journey

I’ll be posting progress photos, fabric pulls and finished quilts throughout the year.

✂️ Create a Year‑Long Keepsake Collection

By December, I’ll have twelve quilts that tell the story of 2026 — and honor the woman who taught me to love fabric.

Follow Along on My 2026 Quilting Journey

If you love quilt‑along projects, monthly challenges, or watching a creative journey unfold, I’d love for you to follow along. I’ll be sharing:

• Monthly fabric pulls

• Behind‑the‑scenes progress

• Tips for adapting patterns

• Finished quilt reveals

• Ways to use your own stash in meaningful ways

Here’s to a Beautiful, Creative 2026

This project feels like the perfect blend of creativity, intention, and heart. I can’t wait to see how each month unfolds — and how these quilts come together using fabrics that mean so much to me.

Here’s to a year of stitching memories, honoring the past, and creating something beautiful for the future.