The last couple of weeks I have been in a creative funk. I have several things that I want to do, but when it comes time to pick a project for the day, I can't decide. So, I end up doing nothing, or piddling, but not really accomplishing much. This is really annoying because I have more time than usual right now to sew. I feel like I am wasting precious time! I did finally finish the dress for my friend's little girl. It has been pretty much finished for a week now, I just needed to insert the zipper and hem it, but I kept putting if off. Yesterday, I finally made myself do it. I think maybe I am burnt out on garment sewing?
I have really been wanting to try quilting, but am having trouble deciding on exactly what I want to do. You know how it is, when you are starting something new, easy things can seem overwhelming. Once you finally do it, you realize you were making a big deal out of nothing lol First, I have to actually pick a quilt pattern and fabric. I tend to want to make something that I know is too difficult for a first project, like this. I want to enjoy this new sewing adventure, not get so frustrated that I never want to do it again! Any recommendations from you quilting veterans out there?
I am thinking of this or this or this. Or even this.
I would also love to do a Dresden Plate quilt, but I think I should probably try something simpler first.
edited to add: Hey, do y'all like my new blog template?! Here is where I got it. Lena is incredibly talented and has lots of beautiful templates to choose from. I found her from a post over on Magnolias and Sunshine, thanks Holly : ) I think they only work if you have blogger, though. Anyway, go over and take a look, Marie mentioned she was going to ; )
14 comments:
I do love quilts!! Quilting is definitely a different sort of sewing than making garments. I enjoy all the repetitiveness of the process. The cutting of 546 pieces to exact measurements, then sewing all the half-square triangles together, the new squares connected by little chains of thread behind the machine. I should quilt. I'm missing it :)
I've used quilter's cache for ideas on patterns. ((http://www.quilterscache.com)) I haven't done a large quilt in a while, but here is the last little quilt I did for a baby shower. (http://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/DSCF2719.JPG)
Of course, I'll probably come back here for inspiration because you always find the greatest blogs!
You will have no problem making a quilt, with the sewing skills you have and any one of the options you listed would be great. I always find lots of quilting inspiration here: http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
The two quilts listed before the Dresden Plate link would be simple to do - all machine pieced.
Dresden Plate is fun. You can get a plastic template which makes it easier. The only thing with Dresden Plate is that you will most likely need to hand-sew the "plate" onto the square and also whatever you put in the middle, too. It really isn't too difficult to hand-stitch and they are very portable to take to the pool, sports events, etc. I find hand-stitching to be relaxing. Here was my daughter's "creative" way of hand-stitching - not traditional, but I love it: http://homejewel.blogspot.com/2007/10/two-years-later.html
templates: http://www.threadsandthings.com.au/store/products/item713.html
So, if you want simple and all -machine, I'd go with the other two I mentioned. If you don't mind machine and hand-sewing, I'd do Dresden.
You'll love quilting, I'm sure! The thing I would look for in a pattern is not so much how difficult it is, as you definately master the sewing-skills you'll need, I would look at how timeconsuming it will be...
Are there a lot of little itty-bitty pieces that needs cutting and sewing and pressing and.....
Also, as I am assuming you'll sew on your machine, I would avoid to many curves! But that's just me :-) LOL!
I'm not that experienced, and these are the things that tend to throw me off! LOL!
I think the quilts you have linked to are really pretty, I especially like the whirleygiggles (LOVE that name).
AND great blog template! I like the color, the bird and the 3-row layout!
The new blog look is fantastic - live the colors. You are such a wonderful seamstress I know you will have no trouble with a quilt. The hard part is deciding on a pattern. I love the three you linked to and they are all great "beginner" quilts with just enough difficulty. You especially want to make something that doesn't take forever to sew together and then you get all burnt out on quilting and never want to quilt again (did that make sense?).
Can't wait to see what you decide to do :-)
Happy Afternnon Tonya, You will have no problem with quilting because of your sewing skills! Being a person somewhat new to quilting, I know how you feel!... My advice is to stay away from curves, like Tine mentioned in her comment! You will be happier to start with something a bit more geometric! One good idea is to "google" quilt patterns"...There will be dozens of sites that will have patterns, directions, etc. Some of the patterns I would suggest are "Nine Patch", "checkerboard" or a "Turning Twenty".....My other bit of free advice ( sorry for lecturing!) is to go to your nearest quilt shop & tell them you are a beginner & have them advise you on a class to take. That is exactly what the girls & I did back in rural upstate New York. We lived in the middle of nowhere, but found a little quilt shop, took a class & we haven't stopped quilting since!!Again sorry for my speech!....You will be a great quilter my friend!....Heidi :)
I recommend starting small! You will have so much fun if you get to try all different patterns, making potholders or small wall quilts as you go. Then you will have a wonderful gift for any occasion all ready and waiting, (or you can fill up your walls like I did.) :>} I have probably given away 50 small quilts over the years - but I kept one of each that I learned something from so I wouldn't forget.
LOVE the new look!!!! Your blog looks great Tonya!!! :) xo!
Just jump in! I really enjoyed the quilt I made, simple as it was. Why don't you start with a throw? I totally inderstand your current funk. I feel like I'm in one now. Blah. Maybe it's all this heat?
Good Morning Tonya, What a wonderfully lovely comment to receive!...and thank you for calling my attention to not being able to get to my etsy shop!...I think I fixed the problem!!...hopefully?....and thank for the nice comments about Holly & me. I am SO THRILLED to say that I am very close to both Holly, & Mallory my younger daughter! I was a fairly strict mom, not caring to be their "pal"...and now have two grown girls that are really my two best friends! And now with Andrew with us too! Couldn't be better!...With everyone living here at our house it is a very busy household! ( I'm sure you can relate to that!, but one that I absolutely LOVE!.....Thanks again my friend!...Heidi :)
Your redecorated blog looks amazing!
Isn't it frustrating when you have some time but can't get your ducks in a row to complete, or even start, something? I've been there a time or two. Drives me wonky! This too shall pass, friend.
As for the quilt...You sew amazing things. You can do anything. Just go for it, girlfriend!
One more thing...I wrote a reply to two of your lovely comments on my blog. They were returned as undeliverable. I'll have to figure that one out.
I LOVE your new banner..I'm going to have to get myself over there and check it out!! I started my first quilt yesterday..I'm clueless, but I'm just winging it, never did like directions much! :) LOL!
OK...I have to confess...I didn't read the entire post (limited internet time right now)...I just saw the dress and I LOVE it!! I love the fabrics. Your friend will be sooo happy and her little girl beautiful and happy!
Oooo Love the new layout too!
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