Further Adventures in Quilting
4 Apr 2013
One of the first little projects suggested by my quilting book is quilting on paper. It gives you a bit of experience with top-stitching, even if you’re not ready to graduate to batting yet. It just so happens that I had a handful of cards to send last week, and now that they’ve all been safely delivered, I can share them with you!
I made this one for my Besfrinn’s sweet baby girl for her first birthday. Lots of bright and sunny spring colors, and then, because I couldn’t resist, a big button flower in the corner. As you can see, there are a few fabric bunches and some seriously not-straight lines on the sides. Good thing one-year-olds don’t care!
I made this card for my Besfrinn because it was her birthday too–her Mommy birthday!
These lines are cut more straight: hurray! But I forgot to trim the selvage. Ah well, I can’t win ’em all.
This one was an Easter card for Eric’s parents. Look, no bunching! I played around with some stitch-work on this one, and it was super fun. My only regret is that I didn’t include some of the patterned stitches that are programmed into my machine, but free-handing was pretty cool too.
This one needed stickers too! All in all, I call this project a success. Mostly because it was fun. I have always wanted to do more stitching on my Project Life pages, so maybe this will give me the impetus I need!
Apr 04, 2013 @ 04:19:49
Wow those are so cool. I bet you had a lot of fun making them.
Apr 04, 2013 @ 22:31:41
Definitely! It reminded me of when mom used to do a lot of quilting–I wish I had been old enough to understand then how cool it was!
Apr 04, 2013 @ 07:07:33
I love that you can judge your success based on the Fun-factor. Too often I see the flaws in my projects and judge them based on that. Once again, more to learn from Cameron!
Apr 04, 2013 @ 22:34:06
Well, it’s been a long road to get there, that’s for sure! And I definitely do still see the wrinkles and crooked stitches. But something I’ve been thinking a lot lately (for the book) is product vs. process. I find I can really enjoy things more when I embrace the act of making them with my hands, as opposed to how they look when they come out. But practice makes perfect–I never imagined I could make a layer cake without it crumbling into a million pieces, but now I have the proof in my freezer!:)
Apr 05, 2013 @ 07:08:24
My good friend Steve says to strive for excellence, not perfection. At some point there is a moment where the results are good enough, and the effort needed to make things even better only yields a miniscule improvement. Recognizing that moment and embracing the outcome is taking some practice on my part. We are learning and building skills every time we tackle anything new.
Apr 07, 2013 @ 22:12:45
I couldn’t agree more! It reminds me a bit of satisficing and maximizing, which Eric and I talk about quite a lot! It took me a very long time to be okay with my mistakes, and I doubt I ever would have gotten there if I hadn’t had my mom’s voice echoing in my head, reminding me that “mistakes” just add character! She taught me to value things that are one-of-a-kind, even if they weren’t perfect, and to see the one-of-a-kind in the imperfect. I wish I could have understood it earlier, but what is life without learning?:)
Apr 04, 2013 @ 08:57:48
looks fabulous! I took quilting classes ages (really!) ago and enjoyed them. However as you know knitting is my hobby of choice š
Apr 04, 2013 @ 22:35:09
Thank you! I have lots and lots left to learn, but I think that’s one of the best parts of being alive–always so much left to learn! Knitting is definitely much easier to travel with, and requires much less ironing!
Apr 05, 2013 @ 14:09:21
Those are adorable! What quilting book do you have? I’ve been collecting my daughter’s old clothes to turn into a quilt for her, and I need some guidance/projects to practice before I dive in headfirst and ruin everything. lol
Apr 07, 2013 @ 22:19:24
Thank you! My quilting book is called Denyse Schmidt Quilts, and I really love it. Everything is broken down with lots of directions and pictures, and the starter projects build you up for full-scale quilting later on. Ah, how adorable is that quilt of Sonia’s clothes going to be?! You are the awesomest mom, the awesomest!
Apr 05, 2013 @ 15:40:59
You know the absolute best part? That bottom one is sitting on top of our TV making our lives beautiful and making you feel SO close. We were very honored to receive a touch of your love. Thank you ever so much!! š
Apr 07, 2013 @ 22:20:45
You are so welcome! I feel that way too every time I put on the necklace you gave me…and every time I take it off my necklace rack:) Love you!!
Apr 06, 2013 @ 06:38:32
I love the idea of starting small manageable projects. That never occurred to me back in the day. You make my fingers itch to quilt!
Apr 06, 2013 @ 06:39:18
I meant starting WITH manageable projects. Still on first cup of coffee!
Apr 07, 2013 @ 22:24:17
I think it makes sense even without the “with”! I wish we were quilting together–you could teach me how to cut and sew in straight lines! And we would have so much fun. I haven’t forgotten about my mission to organize your sewing room! Not sure yet when we will be coming home, but when we do, think what fun we’ll have!