Sunday, December 14, 2014

Slow Stitching Sunday

It has been so nice to start my mornings this week by putting in a few slow stitches into Simple but Not!   I have put all the other projects away and am allowing myself to zone out and enjoy the slow stitching. 



I often think about why this is my favorite part of making a quilt. There is something calming about listening to the sound of the thread being pulled thru the fabric. The repetition of making one stitch after another.  When I piece or applique I seem to always measure my progress by how soon my project will get completed.  But when I hand quilt, it isn't about finishing but enjoying each stitch. The transformation of fabric thread and batting into a quilt is magical.  I will be linking with Slow Stitching Sunday to see what other magic is happening. Hope you can find some time in this busy season to enjoy some magic too!

38 comments:

  1. Absolutely gorgeous...your quilting is fabulous. When I grow up I want to hand quilt like you!!

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    1. Thanks Ellen! Hand quilting has always been my love. I just wish I could enjoy piecing half that much.

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  2. Carla, I am loving the progress you are making on Simple but Not... glad you can focus on one project when the quilting comes :) I enjoy hand quilting the most too but enjoy all parts that go into making that final magic happen as well! Kathi

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  3. I totally agree. It is calming and soothing, and the transformation is always surprising to me. I know it will change the quilt but nevertheless every time I am surprise at how wonderful the quilt got after the quilting is done. Great work Carla. Your stitches are perfect.

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    1. I agree, the transformation is so fascinating and so different with each quilt!

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  4. It is coming along so beautifully. Such elaborate and gorgeous stitching.

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    1. Thanks Deb! You know me when it comes to quilting more is better. The feathers have been calling to me all weekend to trapunto them. I have a feeling that they will win!

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    1. It always amazes me what one can make with fabric batting and thread. Those heavily quilted antique quilts haunt me and tell me to keep stitching!

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  6. This is going to be a beautiful quilt--love it!

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    1. Thanks! I am really enjoying stitching thru the cheddar fabric. It is so warm and wonderful!

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  7. Gorgeous! I love the texture you are creating... it is magic indeed!

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    1. I love the texture too! The feathers think they need more attention, so we will see if they get their way!

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  8. I just love all your hand stitches on that quilt. The feathers and the cross hatching just elevate it to amazing level.

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    1. I love when those simple hand quilted stitches melt with the design. It's all about balance.

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  9. Lovely post thoughts...your piece is looking beautiful hugs, Julierose

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    1. Thanks! I think the cheddar fabric really makes this quilt, so much fun to stitch thru it!

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    1. Thanks I agree this quilt has both of those elements going for it! Amazing how color can make such a difference.

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  11. So true - hand quilting transforms a quilt! and I can't get enough of your progress pics of this quilt - just beautiful :)

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    1. Thanks Hilda! Your red and green is coming alive also, isn't it such a good feeling.

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  12. I know! Love the feel of the thread being pulled through the fabrics ; )

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    1. Yes, it is hard to explain and it took me a week of stitching a few minutes here and there to get back in the relaxing zone. So glad to be there with the hectic Christmas season upon us.

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  13. This is looking beautiful! I love what you say about hand quilting: I think because it takes so long, there's no point in worrying about getting to the end, so we can just enjoy the magic.

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    1. I agree when your happy just stitching it is more about the enjoyment and less about the quilt.

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    1. Thanks! I really love when I get to the edge of the quilt and get a glimpse of what the finished quilt will look like!

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  15. That is such a beautiful quilt! No wonder you've been wanting to spend time with it lately (that and the pure pleasure of hand stitching!).

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    1. Thanks Kathy! I really love the cheddar background. Color really makes such a difference doesn't it!

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  16. The quilting is gorgeous and you are doing so much of it. This is going to be a very special piece.

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  17. Your quilting looks fabulous!!! I feel the same way about handquilting - enjoy!

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  18. What a beautiful quilt, your stitching is wonderful - love the design. I completely agree about quilting, it's the process that matters and I sometimes I never want it to end!

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    1. Oh I know what you mean! Some wonder how I have the patience to quilt so heavily. But, I really have a need to have the quilting be as important as the rest of the quilt.

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  19. Love how this is shaping up! So very beautiful. I agree that the hand quilting is often the best part.:)

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    1. Thanks Audrey! I am really enjoying starting my day with this quilt!

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  20. I love your feathers, love the whole thing actually. I'm jealous I can't quilt along with you.

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    1. Hope you recover qickly from your surgery. It must be hard not to be able to stitch.Hopefully that won't b e too long

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