When you start piecing the quilt together, close your eyes and choose a block from the bag. What you choose is what you get--- The process creates a great way for randomizing.
Ask me my favorite blocks. Anytime I can rattle them off one after the other:
Northwind
Pinwheel
Flying Geese
Granny Squares
Last year around this time I made Pinwheels --- over 300 of them. I cutup jelly rolls with a cardboard template resembling Thangles. I'm not a Thangles Girls. I'm no good at removing the papers after stitching.
I chain pieced block after block. One Sunday I grabbed my Bible for church and four blocks to share my progress with a friend at church. Yes-- I pray better with quilt blocks in my hands.
I got to church and showed the four pinwheels while sitting in a pew. She wasn't even a quilter. She immediately was critical of seams, size comparison and even added a comment, " You'll have to make a potholder or something with these. They'll never work in a quilt."
I was devastated. Suddenly every block was ugly. Looking back now-- I realize why I gave up on this project and how silly it all was.
My confidence was stronger than her criticism. So then I decided that finishing the project was important. This morning I started sewing with almost a defiant attitude.
Never let anyone talk you out of making that quilt you are dreaming about.
They're not worth it.....
and the quilts are....
12 comments:
obviously she wasn't a quilter if she didn't think these blocks would go together well! it looks great. There is one lady in my quilt group who considers herself an expert on everything! I will bring in something to work on and others do the same and quite often she is very critical of what we are working on and will offer "suggestions" on what we should do different. Some will look hurt and take her suggestions to heart thinking that she knows best - for me a long time ago it just irritated the crap out of me - I'm afraid whenever she does that to me I just tell her I know what I am doing and what I like!
I would never tell someone their blocks were ugly because beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. What you like may not be what I like but if what you make please you, go with it. If someone asks me for a suggestion, I try to help but I don't criticize someone's technique or choices. And often ugly ducklings turn into beautiful swans in the end.
I do like what you are working on.
I love your work... simply beautiful! I was in a car dealership stitching on the borders on Primitive Garden. A lady asked what I was working on and could she see, and I held it up. There was one spot in one of the sashings that I had missed and needed to go back and put together and do you believe in all of that huge and busy quilt, THAT is what she focused on? She actually raised her eyebrows at me like, how could you let something like that go?" I was embarassed! With that stunning quilt full of beautiful wool, that is what she focused on! So I totally understand that feeling and now I know to never let someone like that spoil your fun!
First of all, that's a BIG paper bag of blocks!
Secondly, I love what you have so far with the pinwheels... yes, she obviously isn't a quilter! The photos are wonderful!
Thirdly, potholders? I've made of few of those in my day and they make very nice gifts... not that she deserves one!
Some folks just don't understand the process. I believe it's our job to convince the doubting Thomas's of the world. Good work. Great quilt.
What does she know; I think this is beautiful! Let us know what she says when you show her the finished product.
Oh Dear! I hope you don't sit near her in church again any time too soon! Bye the way, l LOVE your quilt! Its beautiful, and made with love! Thanks for sharing.
I was flabbergasted when I read what your "friend" said. I read your blog regularly and love everything you make. Thankyou for braving the snow to photograph your beautiful baskets.
I often think that someone who critizes like this is someone who feels inadaquate because they can't do it themselve. Pinwheels are my favorite and I love your quilt.
It's like our lives. God takes the little bits and pieces and makes them into something wonderful. Enjoy your beautiful quilt!
I absolutely adore your quilt .... keep at it .... it will be beautiful!!!
I'm glad you chose to ignore what your friend said! That will be a gorgeous quilt!
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