When I select a pattern to make there are many thoughts that go into my process. I have learned (the hard way) to read the pattern closely to make sure that the Designer has provided clear and easily understood instructions, measurements for each segment of the blocks, and if blessed a great visual to follow along. I have been quilting for 20 years now and I learned 15 years ago how to look at a quilt and figure out the pattern.
I seem to have forgotten some of my rules for my quilting. Mostly the above process. I never have problems with color with my quilts, UNLESS – UNLESS, I step out of my little box and attempt to shut my eyes, throw scraps in a bag, reach in and just sew! My logical thought process stops me from doing that. I have tried and tried, but it seems that my success with any scrappy quilt means using small blocks, i.e., Reproduction Quilts such as Dear Jane, OMIGOSH, and Sitar’s 9 patch quilt (the blocks were 3 1/2”).
This year I reviewed the mountain of patterns that I have because I saw a quilt, loved it, and had to have the pattern! When I was entering my quilts in Shows, it was challenging to make the quilts as best as I could and I learned from a lot of mistakes. I learned how important it is to have fabric movement in the quilt to compete in Quilt Shows. Colors were extremely important. In the last 8 years scrappy quilts have become the most popular along with the Modern Quilt movement. I knew I was going to have issues with both of the movements that were taking hold in the Quilt World.
As you can see I am a fish out of water now and still in the Traditional Method of quilt making. This year I have tried 3 quilts and given up on them before completion. Sitar’s Alaska (problem with templates and pattern); The Medallion Quilt that I gifted Kathy all the fabric from that project (could not stand to have it around anymore); and now the Double Wedding Ring. Yesterday I began sewing the blocks together and I found that there was an issue with the seam allowance (at least that is where I think the problem is). Things were not coming together as they should. BUT, the biggest is the colors I chose. They are not my colors, I was attempting to do a scrappy in Batiks, and I should know better. To make this quilt it takes time, effort, and care! Each section must be perfect, or the quilt will not shine!
When I left the Studio yesterday, I was frustrated with it. I had all my normal indicators that I should have stopped this project early on and ignored them. Check out the Saga here. Additionally, I could see that rather than be excited about the project, I was finding any reason to stay far away from it. But I was determined to not give up!
After supper I told Clay that I was not going to continue on with the DWR and that I needed to go to the Studio and put it away in the never never basket. He convinced me to wait until this morning. He also told me that he could tell that the project was weighing heavy on me as I tried to push through it. I woke up about 4:00 AM and could not get back to sleep. We got up at 5:00! Long story short, DWR is now in the history books for me and gone to the never never again land!
I do believe that I now understand where UFO’s come from! We quilters see a quilt that we would love to have, jump into it 100% only to find out that we become bored, frustrated, and decide to put it away for another day! I believe this is happens because we do not want to give in or give up on something that we spent money and time in making a quilt that we “thought” we loved! There is nothing wrong with having UFOs, but I know my time is limited in this life so it is important for me that I stop this madness and sit down and go through patterns that I have always wanted to make BUT before I make a selection, I will have to read the pattern to ensure that the directions are clear, concise, and provide measurements of each segment. I need to go back and make practice blocks before I just jump into making the quilt.
So with that, I am now sitting at my table and reviewing the patterns that I have pre-selected and review them for the criteria that is important to me. I am totally enjoying the Churn Dash SAL. They are easy, fun to make, and I will be using up some of my 1930 fat quarters that have been around about 8 years, and some even longer.
I enjoyed making the placemats that I made – quick, easy, and finished in a day! I am enjoying my Cross Stitch and Embroidery projects. I want to start appliquéing again as that is really my first love and need to get back to it!!!
So without boring you anymore (this is more for me to remember how I got to this point) I will wish you a wonderful week-end and great sewing week! It appears that we might only have another month to have the temperatures so high. Yesterday we reached 112 about 5:00PM. I have adjusted to the heat, but now I need to find a quilt that I want to make and FINISH IT! I also would like to get back to quilting some tops because I do not understand why I am just not interested. I am still waiting on a long arm quilter to quilt 10 quilts…. I may have to search for another by September if there is no progress there.
Hugs, Nanette
Linking To: My Quilt Infatuation; Confessions of a Fabric Addict; Finished or Not Friday ; Em’s Scrap Bag; BOM’s Away; Sew Fresh Quilts; Crazy Mom Quilts; Oh Scrap; Scrap Happy Saturday; Slow Sunday Stitching Quilt Fabrication Mid Week Makers; Peacock Party; Design Wall Monday, Scrap Happy Days, Quilting Patch Linky Party, To Do Tuesdays
Like this:
Like Loading...
Chopin - A Passionate Quilter From Texas 