just can't seem to make the one your working on match the one in your mind I have been working on this quilt for two years and I get it half way done and realized I didn't like the background fabric so I took it apart and have found a new fabric and am starting all over

I know what it's like to have something pictured in your mind and then have it turn out in a bad way; but I doubt I would ever work on something for two years and then take it apart. Wow that's just alot of work.

It is like trying to find the perfect outfit and you know what you want before going to the store. Of course, there is nothing in any store that fits "your mind's eye". I am not sure I would start over and that is why I have several UFOs. Let us see the finished product...it is probably wonderful!!

When what I am making and what I have in mind don't match I call a quilting friend in another state. We sort of feed off each other and she gives me ideas. The end result may not be what I had originally in mind but it turns out well or sometimes better than the original plan.

I keep a journal where I jot down ideas. So far, my ideas far exceed my skill level so to be honest, I haven't even attempted to make the quilts I have in my journal. I need to learn about three or four more construction techniques before I can even attempt to pull one off. I can imagine they will never fully look exactly like what is in my mind, but I think I'd be happy if I got even close. Then again, having not done it yet, it is hard to say!!!

In my earlier years (been quilting 31 yars)of quilting I would just quilt. Now I spend alot of time designing - trying differnt fabrics and different designs. Doing this I have found out my quilts seem to turn out more as I expected. Usually I find a fabric I can't live without and go from there -maybe two fabrics.

That happens to me all the time. I don't take it apart though. I have a Dear Jane quilt started and I'm not sure that I like the background fabric. It is sitting waiting for me to like it again.
Sue

wow, that would be a difficult one to do over :)