We want pictures, not a belly itcher!

So I promised pictures last time. I've been working on Istanbul semi-diligently. One of these days, I'll learn to really look at patterns before committing. I love the big blocks of appliqué flowers, but failed to grasp that there were really 24 pieces to each flower block, times three flower blocks equals lots of pieces to trace, cut and appliqué. So much appliqué that I was worried I would run out of thread (you laugh, but I am serious... I only purchased one spool of coordinating thread per color. Totally against my better judgement.) Once I got through that, the piecing of the top went quickly, helped by the fact that I absolutely adore the fabric. I am so glad that I plan to keep this one because I don't think I could part with it. Am now at a screeching halt as I failed to notice that the pattern called for a thin border of the cream. See, this is irritating because this is the second time I have run out of this particular fabric and I have not been able to find it in my local stores, which means waiting for another fabric delivery. The problem is that I started the pattern by making use of a large number of Moda snow layer cake squares I had left over. They weren't big enough for the appliqué blocks, so I had to order more yardage. That's where I failed to notice that I needed even more for the border. Oh well, FQS will be happy to see me again, I am sure.











It was a tough week in my little quilting world. I had the top done on a gift that just didn't look quite right. I hemmed and hawed and then ripped the borders off and fixed it. Now I heart it again. (no pics yet, the recipient may stumble across this blog and then the cat is out of the bag) The search for backing was time consuming, but the fabric's in the mail...

Speaking of backing
What happened to all the cute flannel? A girl can't catch a break. I compromised on backing for Istanbul and The Gift. I couldn't find flannel I liked for either, so settled for cute cotton that was extra wide. I am also on the hunt for cute flannel to back two baby quilts. I have the most delicious set of fabrics for a darling basket weave pattern that am curious to try. Normally backing would not stop me from getting started, but this particular pattern is quilt as you go, which means that I need to baste all three layers before I can start. Doh! Backing...




In other news, I bought a craft magazine with holiday projects (unseasonably early for me, I know!). The Wee One and I have some felt projects to make together, but these little trees spoke to me. I made one in traditional Christmas colors and one in funky retro colors. They are fun and pretty quick to make.







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Adios

No, I am not saying goodbye to quilting. Adios, the literal translation being "to God" is the philosophy that I have adopted with regard to parting with my quilts. Somber topic, but wait, there's more. I had a dream last night about my dad and a bunch of UFOs (unfinished objects). To understand how these tie together, I should esplain you Lucy.

A few years ago, I decided to make my dad a quilt for his bed. He was living far away at the time and I thought he needed a reminder that we love him. He seemed pleased enough with it and I was happy that he had a physical reminder of us. Fast forward a few years. I have never seen that quilt again. I've thought about asking, but am afraid of the answer. If he doesn't have it anymore, my feelings will be terribly hurt. By not asking, I am making myself practice Adios, or letting go.

In my early quilting years, I gave my quilts to anyone who wanted one. People I barely knew scored hours of my painstaking labor. This was before I had The Wee One, before I knew the difference between cheap and nice fabric, and the joy of sewing on a really nice machine. In other words, it was just a little hobby. I wasn't even taking photos of my quilts at that point. As my hobby grew more consuming (of time, money, etc), I started to get a little pickier about the recipients of my quilts. The projects became personal, each taking on a life of its own during the process. I realized that the recipients could hardly be expected to ever be fully aware of the time, effort, money and love that gets poured into each quilt. If I was going to give a quilt, I had to give it freely, without any expectation of true appreciation. I have to let it go with God.

So back to my dream. It was very vivid. I was walking thought my dad's house (not his current one, but somehow I knew where I was) and I came across a chair piled high with what looked like blankets. As I started digging through the pile, I realized I was looking for the quilt I made him. But every blanket in the pile was actually an unfinished quilt and I never found his quilt before I woke up.

I'm not a dream interpreter and tend toward the most literal interpretation when I attempt. I currently have a number of projects going on in various states of completion depending on fabric orders. This could explain the pile of UFOs. I didn't realize I was feeling anxious about this, but some of them are gifts, so that could be the case I suppose. The part about my dad suggests that I am not as zen with my Adios as I would smugly lead you to believe. I guess it is a work in progress.

Thanks for indulging my mental meandering. I have been sewing and loving my current projects. Will have pictures next time.


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