UFO's and Sew- alongs

I recently started compiling a list of UFO projects that I want to finish at my local quilt shop's annual retreat that is coming up in a few weeks. I realized that I have way too many UFO's! I am determined to reduce the list and hopefully documenting them will help. I am not saying "no" new projects. I just can't do that! And I do have some sew-alongs I am planning on.

So here is my first UFO finish. I was searching for a pattern,which I still didn't find, and came across the 2013 issue of Quilt Almanac magazine and completely cut out pieces for a tote bag. So I stopped my search and spent the afternoon making this nice little bag.

I also found all the pieces for a fabric bucket that I will tackle tomorrow.

The sew-alongs I am planning to do this year are Pat Sloan's My Secret Garden. That's on
Pat's blog HERE. She has been doing a free sew-along on FreeQuiltPatterns.com for a few years and this is the 3rd one I have done. They are nice simple blocks.
This is my first block.
Its called DC Botanical Garden.

I am also planning to do Lori Holt's Bloom sew along that will be starting January 18th. You can read about that one at Bee in My Bonnet.

So I am looking forward to a fun year of new projects and finishes! Wish me luck.