I have really missed the boat in the last few years when it comes to blogging. I was thinking yesterday about why I started my blog and it was basically to document my quiltmaking journey. I really need to catch up as I still make quilts.
I guess I could start by saying my quilting journey is a bit like my blogging it doesn't have the vigor I had when I first started quilting. I suppose that happens to many of us when we approach a hobby.
I have always been attracted to antique quilts with one block repeated throughout the quilt. Also the negative space of traditional quilts that allow the quilting design to compete with the piecing. So I started making mini's just to try a lot of the traditional blocks. Then I saw some Baltimore albums quilts and loved the beautiful quilting done to enhance the applique. Each quilt has been a learning experience and a wonderful journey. I no longer have the desire to make every beautiful quilt I see. Now it seems to be more about the process. After making my red and white quilt I realized how much I really loved using a lot of fabrics and so my focus has been on scrappy quilts. Using what is on hand and addinga few fat quarters and seeing what happens. I really like the idea of making blocks out of scraps and not worrying about how much yardage I need to make a quilt.
The heat is on here in North Texas so this week I started hand piecing some Texas Stars. They have been calling to me for years. I find they are a bit like potato chips you just can't stop at one.
I guess I could start by saying my quilting journey is a bit like my blogging it doesn't have the vigor I had when I first started quilting. I suppose that happens to many of us when we approach a hobby.
I have always been attracted to antique quilts with one block repeated throughout the quilt. Also the negative space of traditional quilts that allow the quilting design to compete with the piecing. So I started making mini's just to try a lot of the traditional blocks. Then I saw some Baltimore albums quilts and loved the beautiful quilting done to enhance the applique. Each quilt has been a learning experience and a wonderful journey. I no longer have the desire to make every beautiful quilt I see. Now it seems to be more about the process. After making my red and white quilt I realized how much I really loved using a lot of fabrics and so my focus has been on scrappy quilts. Using what is on hand and addinga few fat quarters and seeing what happens. I really like the idea of making blocks out of scraps and not worrying about how much yardage I need to make a quilt.
The heat is on here in North Texas so this week I started hand piecing some Texas Stars. They have been calling to me for years. I find they are a bit like potato chips you just can't stop at one.
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I think quilters all go through spells of change, we like one kind and stick with it and then all of a sudden or maybe gradually change what we like and the style. I used to love applique and made one applique quilt after another now it takes me years to finish an applique quilt. I have in recent years gotten bored quickly with one and now work on too many at a time - it is nice to see you had a blog post today though when I opened my reader. It is way to hot here in Arkansas too
ReplyDeleteYes we do and that is what is so great about quilting. I find myself really just wanting something to stitch and I really need to get some batting ordered. Having a few things going and not worrying about when they will get finished is a good place to be.
DeleteMy quilting style and interests have evolved over the years too. I am just enjoying each project as it comes along. Nice stars. Happy slow stitching day to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am loving hand piecing it really gives you so much more time to enjoy the beautiful fabric you chose.
DeleteSummer is the perfect time to start a new handwork pattern. Looks like you are off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteI need to get back to your rainbow scrap challenge come this winter. I so enjoyed working by color to make a quilt. I love that each month seemed like a new little project and then all of a sudden you have a great quilt top!
DeleteI think crafters and bloggers all go through ebbs and flows. I started my blog because I wanted to design a bunch of cross-stitch patterns and share them. Unfortunately I needed to return to working after being a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years. Life has its twists and turns and we all change and grow along the way. I cross-stitch a little as well as quilt, crochet, and knit a little. I blog when I can. I love your Texas stars by the way. I find great joy in working with many, many different fabrics.
ReplyDeleteYeah learning to go with the flow is important. I just finally realize I want to continue my journey I may not be as prolific but I still love it. I love working with a lot of fabrics and the ability to work on a block here and there when I can.
DeleteInteresting post :-) And yes, I feel the same about my stitching - some quilts take a long time, as I get fed up and do other things. I think that working one block at the time and not worrying about the final result, is a great idea, may be I should try that, instead of thinking that I have to have another amazing quilt on my wall :-) After all, it is all about playing with fabrics and the enjoyment of sewing!
ReplyDeletexx
Yes don't let accomplishments get into our way just play!
DeleteGreat post! Love those stars!
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too! So glad I am finally giving them a go as I have always adored them.
DeleteIt doesn't matter if things have slowed and settled more - you are still creating lovely things
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay it's a good feeling to just enjoy the process now instead of spending time trying to figure out "how to" I definitely use new techniques less often as I have settled into the way that works for me.
DeleteI agree wholeheartedly. I have started way too many quilts and loving each one as I go. But there are only 24 hours in a day a other things to do. I love the process and I love sharing about my journey. Comments are always so encouraging.
ReplyDeleteYou started commenting on my blog 3 years ago and I started following you. Eventually I figured out how to respond to comments after I stopped being a no-reply blogger.
I just really need to make the time! It's encouraging to hear from others and and so much fun to look back at the older posts
DeleteIt is nice having you post again. Sometimes writing a post takes away from stitching time. I also like scrappy quilts with one pattern repeated. They each have their own special charm. Your Texas Stars have less calories than potato chips. Enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Yes these stars are a bit like chips just can't make one!
DeleteI am sooo happy you took time to make a post Carla... I even checked in with your blog to make sure I hadn;t missed a post since your February one... lol! Glad all is well with you and you are making scrappy quilting progress with those cute Texas stars by hand... I love them :) Have a blessed 4th!
ReplyDeleteKathi
Thanks Kathi! I really need to keep up with my quilt journey it's so much fun to look back and remember each quilt
DeleteLovely stars to enjoy hand piecing! Happy to see you today! I'm also definitely a scrap quilter and can't manage a 2 or 3 fabric quilt at all. Thanks for linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy! Gotta love the scraps
DeleteWelcome back! I too love the old traditional quilts, and did not inherit near enough, so am making my own from 1800's reprints and traditional patterns. Lots of scrappy is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Those old traditional quilts are so inspiring
DeleteLove seeing your work in progress. I especially like those scrappy star blocks! I'm the same way, liking the scrappy quilts better as the years go by. I really enjoy reading blogs, do it every single morning. The problem is, making sure that I put time into my quilting and not be caught up on the computer wasting precious time! So glad there are still quilters out there who do continue blogging and giving all the rest of us some good inspiration.:)
ReplyDeleteYes it is so easy to get caught up looking and losing precious time working. But it is great to read others thoughts about quilting. I really need to work on balancing that out!
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