Enjoy the process or race to the finish line?
#111
Originally Posted by vondae
As for me I'm a newbie, soooooooooooooo I have to start with the easier blocks so I can learn and get better. We can't all be great right out of the gate. You make it sound like there is something wrong with the easier blocks. We all have to learn and some need a simple project due to time issues. The way I look at it is that no matter how you do the process as long as you enjoy what you are doing... is all that really matter. Happy Quilting and Even stitches.
#112
My favorite part is picking the fabric and pattern. I love putting together the colors to make a creation. I also like the cutting and piecing and getting it ready to put on the design board. At this point I stall. I don't especially like putting the blocks together and then the rows. I have a LA so I do enjoy the quilting process. I usually make large quilts so the binding process is long, but not hated. About the time I am putting the rows together I start thinking about my next quilt. Usually I won't let myself start the next quilt until I have finished the one I am working on.
#113
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: western Pa
Posts: 4,569
K3N I've enjoyed this thread. Vondae, I'm also sorry if we hurt your feelings--certainly NOT intended.
Years ago there was a book out by Gail Sheehey called "Passages". It looked at all the stages (passages) we go through in our lives and how our opinions and outlooks and goals change. I think this applies to quilting. My first quilt was an Irish Chain with 12" center blocks and 4" chain blocks--huge! But I couldn't wait to finish it and start another one and another one. This went on until I started to have more time to work on more difficult (and slower) projects. Now I have all the time I want to quilt and I don't mind taking a week to make one block. That is the "passage" I'm in right now in my life. We have to enjoy and embrace each "passage" in our own way--no judgements, just sharing and enjoying.
Years ago there was a book out by Gail Sheehey called "Passages". It looked at all the stages (passages) we go through in our lives and how our opinions and outlooks and goals change. I think this applies to quilting. My first quilt was an Irish Chain with 12" center blocks and 4" chain blocks--huge! But I couldn't wait to finish it and start another one and another one. This went on until I started to have more time to work on more difficult (and slower) projects. Now I have all the time I want to quilt and I don't mind taking a week to make one block. That is the "passage" I'm in right now in my life. We have to enjoy and embrace each "passage" in our own way--no judgements, just sharing and enjoying.
#116
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Posts: 96
Originally Posted by k3n
Originally Posted by dakotamaid
When I was younger, and time was of the essence and I was making gifts, I would look for something I could do quickly but still have it look wonderful. Now I'm more relaxed, retired and more time (but not all of it at home at my sewing machine!) and I can do more leisurely sewing. I think for some of us it is the time and place we are at that dictates what pattern or how much time we have to get the project done. :)
#117
I'm a relatively new quilter, I have been quilting only for a couple of years now. At first I was making more basic designs just to learn and make something useful. Now that I've been working on quilts for awhile I can see that the rushing method I used to do inhibits my creativity. I'm just now learning to slow it down a bit and not be afraid to spend some time learning a new technique or doing something I love. It has the added benefit of costing less money when I focus on detail and improving my skills, since I'm not constantly running through fabric.
I'm with you guys on the hating to do the same block over and over. I'd much rather do something different every block. :-)
I'm with you guys on the hating to do the same block over and over. I'd much rather do something different every block. :-)
#118
Originally Posted by Bearpawquilter
Where do you get a job quilting? I want a job like that!
#120
It's all about the process for me! I quilt because it's an enjoyable, soothing activity that gives me a creative outlet. I do sometimes pick quilt piecing designs that don't take too long when I'm making bed quilts on a deadline though. I started out this fall to make one quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas, and as other family members saw me working on it, I've gotten requests for 3 more. And we're talking bed-quilt-size here. So...I've been using designs with large pieces, and looking at them as an opportunity for FMQing creativity! I'm currently working on #3 of 4, and should finish in plenty of time. Regardless of the size of the blocks, I pay close attention to matching points, seams, etc. as I always want to do the best work possible and constantly improve my technique. That's a large part of what I enjoy about quilting.
After Christmas I'll be starting on my very own Thirteenth Fandago! I've got the fabrics all picked out and ready to go, and am looking forward to my first paper piecing project. It's been difficult to put it away and leave it alone while I get the Christmas quilts done, but gives me something to look forward to starting later.
I consider quilting an artistic pursuit, and wish I could work at it full-time like you do. But for now, I do it as time allows around a full-time career and other interests and commitments.
After Christmas I'll be starting on my very own Thirteenth Fandago! I've got the fabrics all picked out and ready to go, and am looking forward to my first paper piecing project. It's been difficult to put it away and leave it alone while I get the Christmas quilts done, but gives me something to look forward to starting later.
I consider quilting an artistic pursuit, and wish I could work at it full-time like you do. But for now, I do it as time allows around a full-time career and other interests and commitments.
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