Here is My Primitive Garden January block of the month completed.
I’m half way through with February too. I didn’t sign up until 6 weeks into the year—I’m a contemplator--- so I’m a little behind. I’m hoping to be caught up by the end of the month. I stressed over it for a while. I’ve been working on my “attention to detail” component in my quilting. So I carefully spaced out the flower nosegays. I did them in the order of 1-3-5. I thought it would help make them centered and balanced. Well, when it came time for the 2nd and 4th bunches only 2 flowers instead of 3 would fit. At first, I felt like I flunked a test or something. As long is you don’t compare it to the pattern I think it looks fine. Still I was disappointed. Then I talked with a good friend. She said, “Think about flowers that are out in the world. They are all different - not evenly numbered and spaced. Just make them come out however they want to work - that's how they really are. Not what a quilt designer decided or a fabric shop owner used up to finish some fabric on a bolt. Remember -- quilting is supposed to be fun and relaxing and we should take a little license from time to time.”
It was my quilt and I shouldn’t care if it matches a pattern or not. And it’s kind of like a testament to life, no one else’s life is a carbon copy to your own, and there comes a point when it shouldn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Thanks, I needed that. And fifty years from now, someone may find it in a thrift shop and comment that it’s not a carbon copy of a BOM quilt --- just similar to those BOM quilts made back in the 2000’s with variations.
Eric is past the Mackinac Bridge on his way back to school. We enjoyed his visit. I know one thing… I’ve got to come up with a better meal plan or I’m going the size of a barn. I guess I tried over compensating from him not getting home cooking and cooked huge meals every day—except for pizza night.
Here are a couple of pictures of my two buddies outside—Ransom and Heidi, the neighbor’s Springer…
Back to the sewing room…..Until tomorrow….
19 comments:
my blocks are always a bit off from the pattern - I am working on a quilt with 5 applique blocks and so far not one of them matches up to the pattern - guess that is how we put our mark on the work
Oh.My.Goodness, Screen Door, I LOVE it! And I agree with your friend about how the flowers grow outside. No one but you will EVER look at that and wonder if there should have been another flower or not!! It's beautiful! And I can't wait to see the next section. :D Love those 'buddies' of yours too! :D
I just love the way your applique looks, if you'd never told me you weren't happy with the spacing I'd never have known the pattern was different. And your friend is right, nature isn't always symmetrical and perfect, and don't we love it that way?
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
Oh, wow, I do love your Primitive Garden start!!! Whose pattern is that? I would love to know. It looks absolutely perfect from this side of the screen. And I agree with your friend, do your own thing. Your instincts were right on. The doggies look so cute in the snow!
That block looks great - this is going to be fun to watch come together. You sure know how to pick a good friend *s*
I love your row of flowers against the snow. I am waiting for the snow melting now. Spring and summer ahead. Sitting on the porch with my quilting.
But there is too much snow just now, may be in a couple of months.
That block looks perfect to me - who says the designer got it right anyway - you just improved it!
I frequently change patterns or combine several. Different is good.
Why make a quilt that will end up looking the same as everyone else's quilt? Your panel looks absolutely wonderful! I always change patterns; in many cases, even the designers would change their own patterns if they made them over again. Your quilt should be as individual as you are! Great job!
I love the flowers just the way you did them, and your friend is so right. Sometimes we just need to be reminded... The doggies look soo comfy in the snow :)
I love your flowers...they are just perfect because they are yours! Looks wonderful on the fence with the snow...that's a real contrast. The dogs look so happy...wonder what Howie and Zack would do in the snow.
YOUR variation is quite nice, and your friend is right. Relax, enjoy and make it yours, even if its not perfect. I cook too much food when my son comes home on liberty, too. I think that's what moms do. We allknow that no one/no place else can feed them properly!
Your block is beautiful & it is YOURS! Your friend is right, no two flowers are exactly the same in real life either...
I have taken a class where you learned how to get all of the applique bits onto the exact right spot - sure did take the fun out of the project! (& I still feel like I wasted time with all of the damn prep work!)
Thank you so much for posting this picture! Love the block...wonderful! You have me itching to start mine. Great setting for the picture as well.
Hi Mel, *VBS* I just have to say, and it has not much to do with your quilt block, that I love reading your posts. They are so very, very real. I see from the background of the lovely, UNIQUE BOM, that you also have a ton of snow. Welcome to the midwest, right?
I love barn door referance, love Eric wrapped in the flannel quilt, love the green napkin rings, and puppy playmates in the snow. You, dear girl, do my heart good just by being you..*VBS* Big hugs, Finn
My DH says that when Alex is home for a visit, we eat a lot better!LOL. You and I know the way to a boy's heart is through his stomach. the only problem is they burn it off just sitting!! but unfortunately, not us moms. love your quilt and I never follow the pattern exactly. you need to make it your own!
January's block is my favorite block in that quilt so far. I saw them a few weeks ago at Lisa's shop when I was up there. I liked this block!
First of all, that quilt will not be in a thrift shop fifty years from now. It is beautiful.
Let's say some quilt conossour did buy it. It is doubtful that she would even know where the pattern came from, but if she did - she would be impressed that it looks different from the original. It will be easy to pick out of the crowd and won't be a cookie cutter quilt.
Personally, I change patterns on purpose. That way if I accidentally change a pattern, I can say that was a design choice too.
Your block looks fabulous! I have decided that we don't have to duplicate these quilts exactly. Put your own little twist in there. In the Home Sweet Home book they have duplicate quilts. Barb's is slightly different than Alma's. Too much sameness is boring! You do great work and are a good judge as to what looks good.
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