by Sandra | February 15th, 2012
I do not know if “bored” is the exact word I would use but it will suffice to get my point across. Many of you know I have been trying very hard to get Jason’s Pumpkin quilt done by June. Not going to happen.
I no longer have the luxury of working on one quilt with nothing else looming large on my to-do list. Whether it be family obligations which has grown exponentially with each passing year, or other quilting commitments, my time is not my own to fill as it once was.
But…..I have also noticed since my tasks have grown to many, I don’t necessarily like just having one project on my work table for long periods of time. Maybe this is why I haven’t had a large masterpiece quilt for a loooong time.
I admit it, I get tired of the same thing day in and day out for months/years. I need some variety now! I need those smaller projects here and there that give me a sense of finishing something as well as offering up something fresh and interesting to keep my interest and imagination sparked.
I realized late last night (while working) that I needed to desperately take a break from the break neck pace and stress of trying to get Jason’s quilt done. It was becoming a job rather than fun. This is where a quilt can take a serious turn towards less than my best so I take the hint and take a break.
I can, finally, after ten years of quilting give myself permission to do this. I know I will return and the quilt will be the better for it. Jason won’t let me take too long of a break anyway. He is still checking up on me to make sure I have progressed every day after school. Yep, my sewing room is the first place he goes to after walking in the door.
I have been itching to get the next Naturalist’s Notebook block done and I think I am ready to do that at this point. I have finally got all of my fabrics together and am ready to pick the finalists.
Starting this afternoon, I am going to do a cut and paste mock-up in preparation to start stitching. I am rather excited about it. When this block is done (#4) then I will be reinvigorated mentally and eager to get busy working once again on Jason’s quilt.
I will also know that when I do get back to Jason’s quilt, the quilt’s quality will be much better for the break. As I have always told myself, when it becomes a job then that is the time to quit. I want to be careful that this quilting love of mine never becomes a job.
Very wise words from a very wise woman!
Sorry for Jason’s Pumpkin, but yay for the birds!
Really, what is he going to do when you finish “his” quilt, submit it and win, over and over for two years?? He is just going to have to understand it is for his college fund.
You know the path you are on is best. (No self-serving motives here on my part….)
t
Funny, a friend and I were just having this conversation over lunch about whether or not to buy a local quilt shop that is for sale. We both agreed that we don’t want our love of quilting to become a job!
As usual, your take on things is spot on! Looking forward to the next NN block!
We’ve all been there. It’s always more exciting to start something new, and sometimes all it takes is a short break away from something to make it seem new again when you come back to it. The other thing I like about a little break is when I pick it up again and realize, “Wow, I’m already 60 or 70 percent done!”
Looking forward to Block #4!
So glad to know I am not the only one out there that feels this way. I haven’t been working on a “Masterpiece” lately cause the stress of everyday life keeps getting in the way and I need fun and simpler projects. Thanks for reminding me that my work would suffer and the quilt will be better in the long run if I just wait until it speaks to me again! Love your work, it continues to inspire!
Thank you for this insight. I was anxious to see the Pumpkin quilt progress, but if it is not bringing you pleasure, then better to put aside . I know that the month of June will turn up in 2013 also.
Dear Sandra
I am mesmerized by the quilting weave pattern that you often use. Does it involve repeating parts of the rows ?
You never did say what the ‘deadline’ was, but hope some day you do. I’m with you on neediing a break from monster quilts – that last one took two years pretty much non-stop, so decided I needed some variety and PRACTICE for skill building some of what I’ve been learning from you. This big block is the center piece and is taking much more time than the other 12, but you’re right on the money that a change of pace can put some zest back into it. Wanting to do birds is getting me through this ‘Santa’ experience.
Tufted titmouse and little roses – whoo hoo – very exciting. Sorry Jason, cuz you know we all miss seeing the pumpkin quilt progress too.
Will you tell us what bird/flower combination will be in block 4?
Becky
I know exactly what you mean about it becoming a job. I’ve been quilting for others since 2001 and doing very little for myself. A few years ago, a friend and I started a little monthly sewing group. We’re still together, plus we’ve added several more friends to our group. I started with machine work, but have lately taken up my first love again-hand applique. Now that I’ve been reading your blog, and I have your book, I am going to try embroidery on some of my applique.
Glad to hear you are getting a good balance in the work you do. Your quilts have so much wonderful detail. They are a delight to view and an inspiration. When you work on your applique, do you sit in front of a window, at a desk/table? Do you have your applique on a flat surface or slanted? Do you use a particular chair? I ask because I am trying to pay more attention to my posture as I do any handwork – back and shoulder issues (and age).
Beth, I made myself a custom worktable that is in front of a large window so I have lots of natural light in my room. The table is flat. My work table is taller than the standard counter height on purpose (it doubles as a cutting table) so I purchased a nice matching bar stool/chair to match my desk and I am sitting so that my stitching is at a comfortable height as well. For night work, I have an OTT arm/magnifying light that lights up my entire work area as well as lots of overhead lighting I installed when I re-did my sewing room. Good light is essential!