I have been quilting for over 15 years and as time goes by my quilting likes and dislikes have changed. We all change...we change how we cut out fabric, we change how we do binding, we change which blocks we like to make, and we even change the kind of fabric we are inspired by and purchase.
For years I bought and sewed with traditional fabrics. And I have a lot of it still floating around my sewing room. When Jenny and I decided to do the "Curve It Up" QAL with traditional blocks we each wanted to use different fabrics to show the blocks with alternate color ways and fabric choices. Jenny knew right away she was going to use the orange, turquoise fabrics she had. I couldn't decide, so I procrastinated until the first block was going to be posted in a couple of days, and I hurried and made it out of traditional fabric I had and I thought I would feel great about using up some of my stash.
Well.....after four blocks I'm done! I am not even inspired by my own blocks!!! It is my turn tomorrow to do block #4 and I was dreading using the traditional stuff. I made my block yesterday and did a draft of my post and was depressed about it again.
The new me for the Curve It Up QAL series will now look like this! I am challenging myself to use just one print and multiple solids for each block. It will stretch my imagination a bit.
Much better.....Helen
I love how your new blocks are looking! Fabric selection has always been my stumbling block! Block 4 looks fantastic, and I can hardly wait for the directions on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteOh...your first blocks weren't that bad. I definitely feel you need to be inspired by your fabric and if you've lost the inspiration from a more of a traditional fabric feel than you should go with your gut and do what inspires you. We tried...well you tried, I just watched from the side lines and kept happily doing my aqua and orange combination while cheering you on! ;o) ...but now I'm absolutely in love with extreme sister jealously by your new blocks!! Challenge on!!
ReplyDeleteHelen, these are great. Love the new fabric choices! It is so much mor fun when your fabric keeps you inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, I really liked your first blocks ... I like your new ones too :)
ReplyDeleteHelen ... I have an eclectic taste in fabrics and do occasionally enjoy using traditional prints. I was enjoying seeing these blocks in your original fabrics, but I must admit I that I love, love, love your new colors and idea to use one print with solids per block ... :) Pat
ReplyDeleteLoving your new blocks :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I really love your new blocks!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just gotta follow your instincts! Your new blocks are fabulous! And block 4 Oooh well that look great too! As for your old blocks, they'll make a great table runner for a quick Christmas present for a more traditional friend I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteGirl, can I relate! There's a reason I haven't started realy quilting in earnest until recently, starting with kaffe fasset! I just can't get into more tradtional fabrics, even of they are given to me! Love your new direction. Don't look back!
ReplyDeleteI must tell you I wasn't sure about your traditional colors and I am a traditional quilter (mostly). But I was interested in how they would look in a modern block. Seeing your 4 original ones together, I think it was the white background on the first 3. But you definitely need to be happy doing them or what's the point, right? I mean this is suppose to be fun not drudgery!! Good for you for changing it up to suit your tastes. And those 4 traditional blocks would make nice pillows.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to block fours directions!
I'm going to have so much more fun following along with your Modern Quilt fabric. I've got buckets myself of styles that I'm "over" and totally hooked on acquiring the new releases. Because like scrappy and am not a fabric snob, I do find that some play well together and am not opposed to mixing, maybe be open to that idea for your stash.
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to you, Helen! Kudos for redoing so you feel more inspired. I often can't do that. I love your new blocks!
ReplyDeleteI know how it feels to work with fabric you don't like because you're making something to someone else's specifications and preferences. Good for you for starting over! I like the new and old, both, but they are completely different. What will you do with the old ones?
ReplyDeletebeaniekins84(at)gmail(dot)com
I like both the before and the after.
ReplyDeletelove how everything changes up with the fabulous ruler, I agree about boring fabric, I think some of mine needs to be donated out, what we think was fabulous years ago is passe, but I have so much, perhaps the ruler and changeup will make things pop!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing and akk if your blocks are gret.
ReplyDeleteHelen, you deserve some fun too!
ReplyDeleteHelen, I agree! My motto is "life is too short to use fabrics you don't like!". I love the new fabrics. I have been giving away my older fabrics. I really like your QAL blocks much better now.
ReplyDeleteWow! The old blocks looked good I think but these new ones really do look fresh! Good job on the piecing either way!
ReplyDeleteYippee! I love them and can't wait to see the next few blocks
ReplyDeleteYou are creative person, i like your design
ReplyDeleteLovely patterns, Helen! Fred doesn't know I'm from his account, so don't tell him:) The flowers on the quilts are so delicate and sophisticated. The square like pattern is also very beautiful. Merry Holidays!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Jane (hope Fred won't notice)
Posted at the essay-writing-place.com writers' Christmas wishes
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