Wednesday, February 04, 2009


String Happy...
I've been happily sewing along on these strings. I finished out the last three that I would need to finish the inside of this top. I ran out of strings- no kidding. I have a few left, but they are all brown and tan and I am looking for a little more...character. So I'll put this little project away and play with something else- until I get more strings made. This is the part of quilting that I love. No pressure, no guilt. Just me and my quilting room, surrounded by fun.
Quilt may rhyme with Guilt...
But I really don't think we should take that too seriously. I hear so many people talking about the guilt that goes with their quilting- don't you think we should just let that go? I mean, what's the point of that? Does the guilt make us better quilters- I doubt it. It may make us more prolific quilters. I guess that's not such a bad thing. But it sure takes the fun out of it. And quilting should be a joy. That stash should be a joy. You know you have something in mind to use every peice in there- or maybe you just loved a peice of fabric and someday you'll find a use for it. And it will be a joy to work with. I'm all fine and dandy with not buying more fabric than I already have- that is a fun sort of game, too. But feeling guilty that I have several unfinished projects in my stash? Nope. Feeling guilty that I have yards of gorgeous fabric in every color of the rainbow? I refuse. Maybe when I put them away, I was tired of looking at them and they weren't giving me the required amount of joy. That's OK. I have found that over the years, what didn't bring joy at the moment can sure brighten my day at a later time. Like a little lost treasure, found. And these little treasures will be a timely joy for someone else. How cool is that? If there is a started project that you just hate- repeatedly- than by all means pitch it, or give it to someone who will love it. But get out from under it! We can put the joy back in quilting. By now, maybe your started projects are feeling a bit wounded by your hard feelings. Go apologize and jump in there with both feet. Have a blast sewing and pressing and designing. Quilting=Joy.

8 comments:

Julia said...

Well said, Nines!! And thanks for saying it! No more worry about my UFO's! Joy it is!!!! :~)

Mary said...

I don't often feel moved to respond to a post, but I am today. Thanks for reminding me that we should enjoy what we have, and if not, get rid of it. The joy of giving is worth everything! I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing.

Pamela (Peni) Teel said...

AMEN DAUGHTER DEAR!!!

I'm fulfilling your wisdom this new year. I have started three, no, make that four, new quilts and put them in flats for needed fixin's - a triangle cutter for one, some brown for sashing for another, something neutral to go with a third....and I guess piddle time for the fourth.

Meanwhile, egg money (#5 :) progresses at about the rate it took to save up $$ in the 30's....but that's fine. What's not to like??

BTW, my code word for this comment is "reader" - and YOU are ever such a joy to read! XOXOXO

Hedgehog said...

Great quilt and great post! We have enough guilt in our lives - bring on the joy!

Darcie said...

Amen girlfriend!!! Well said.

And if I may add...others that do not know the joy of quilting or crafting should not make those of us who do enjoy creating feel badly for our actions. Don't you agree?!

Woohoo...a strippy quilt! (If you need strips...you give me a shout out! Seriously.)

Hugs and joy to you, sweet girlfriend! Love ya!

Isobel said...

Wow, you even make a lecture sound interesting. I actually worked for a few minutes at the sewing machine this afternoon making some more crumb blocks....and I didn't feel guilty at all. I don't even feel guilty when I don't feel like sewing, which is most of the time these days...but better days are coming!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh look at the fun you had with your strings! I've got to get doing something with mine soon, my huge box is full!

Elaine Adair said...

This is such a cooool quilt - and you actually ran out of them?!!!!! Hey, there is hope for us after all. 8-)

No guilt here - only when I start something, having spent lots of $$$, and then it sits undone, then guilt.