Watson

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

ckcowl

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.

tallchick

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!

Macybaby

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.

SusieQOH

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.

bearisgray

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

Maybe just stare at it for a few days -

rryder

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

quilterpurpledog

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.

Doggramma

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.

Pagzz

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.