Getting Through the Tough Parts
 

How do you get through the "tough" parts of a quilt?

The parts that aren't easy, are a bit of an uphill battle that you have to do in order to get to the fun parts that you enjoy?

I'm currently doing the machine quilting on a piece and quilting lines of 2" flying geese using a ruler...and really not enjoying it, it's so persnickity. I've never picked out so much in my life. I really feel like this quilt is on "hold" because I can't get this part done. And, it has to be done before I can do the rest.

So, do you just forge ahead and get those parts done? Or do you do a bit and leave it and work on something else?

Watson

Both. Sometimes I really push myself to get it done, more often I work on it for a while ( commit an hour or two then can work on something else each time I go in to sew) it depends on the project, the problem and any time restraints. Sometimes I just change my plan.....I hate this method, I’m going to do * this* instead. Then,it all goes better.

Just keep telling yourself to get it done, and the sooner you get though the liver n onions the faster the dessert comes. But the pain is real, I just force myself to deal with challenges to the point I’m comfortable doing it again, because we all know it will come again. I’m the type that I just dive in and get it done so I can move on, But I have to be in the right frame of mind, and that can take me a few days to get me there. I can’t wait to see what your working on, you do such amazing work!

I give myself permission to start something new and exciting, and then "force" myself to put in some time periodically to get it done. I've had a few quilts get started, and then I've gotten to a sticky part so I take a break and piece an easier, fun quilt.

Hi Watson, First of all none of my work is up to par with yours. Having said this- there are times when frustration forces me to put something aside and find something fun- then go back to it when I'm in a better head.
Good luck, can't wait to see the fabulous results! I love your work.

Do you have a "real" deadline for this? or just a self-imposed one?

Maybe just stare at it for a few days -

That’s what my UFO pile is for LOL! Is there any way you can leave it set up and ready to quilt but also do other things in your studio? I have several machines, so if it’s something tedious, then I can move to doing another project on a different machine and just go back and do the tedious project a little at a time.

Also, are you being more critical of your ruler work than you need to be? I have at times decided to tear out stitches when working with rulers (if for example, my attention wavered and I really deviated off the ruler), but have also found that sometimes I can leave the mishaps alone and when the piece is finished they aren’t nearly as glaring as I thought they’d be while I was working on it....

Rob

Oh, Watson, this is a universal problem known to all of us! If it isn't ruler work, it is something else. Right now, I am looking at a small quilt that has to have some ditch stitching taken out-I did the stitching yesterday. I have some bias stretch because I went down one row and up the next. But, I am determined that it will not be an UFO so this will be my first project of the day. Your post reminds me that I am not alone-I will get to the project after I finish with this board.

Usually I move on to something else. But lately I'm forcing myself to keep going because I have way too many unfinished projects. I feel your pain because it takes the fun out of it, but I figure it feels good to get it done.

all good suggestions. One additional thing I do is listen to audio books. I try not to listen unless I am doing something productive or waiting in car pool etc. Once I get caught up in a story it makes the time fly.