Creating UFO's
After a wonderfully lazy weekend with my family, I'm back into the swing of things. I have so far managed not to catch my husband's cold (knock on wood). I'm now trying to finish up a few design projects for CT. I love designing new quilts and I get truly excited everytime I see a new fabric collection that's been designed by our fabulous fabric designers! We have a couple of new collections coming out soon that I'm especially drooling over, and I can't wait for them to get printed! Guess where my paycheck is going?
Besides hosting the Southern Stars Block of the Month, which has been SO much fun for me, I'm also trying to finish up a 5 year old UFO. The problem is, now I'm not even that crazy about it. It's just a lap quilt, but I keep thinking to myself it would be such a waste not to finish it, since I've sewn half of the blocks and everything else is cut out. But even in just the last five years since I started the project, my quilting has improved a lot, and I almost cringe at the first few blocks I sewed. Which, I guess is why I haven't been able to bring myself to work on it until now. So that began the internal diemna of "do I rip it all out and start over?, or do I just keep going and use the old galloping horse mantra?" Galloping Horses won out, mostly because if I start over, then I'll REALLY never get it done! Plus, I figure it is a testament to improvement over time. I may actually even get brave enough to post it when I'm finished! Hmmm... maybe I'll even have a "Guess which blocks are 5 yrs. old?" contest. That would be too funny!
I laugh as I think back to the very first quilts I made WAY back when my boys were babies. I was so proud of myself, even though my points didn't match AT ALL, and my quilts weren't even (cringe!) square. I even remember that the baby quilt I made for my third son (He's now 13yrs old.) had NO BATTING! How crazy is that? He was a summer baby, so I figured he didn't need it. I now find that to be hilarious! I wouldn't dream of making a quilt now, and then not using batting and quilting it. (And in case any of you are wondering, I will definetly NOT be sharing photos of those quilts. I think they ended up either at Goodwill, or in the garbage after being worn to shreds anyway.)
Oh well, maybe in another 13 years, I'll look at the quilts I'm making now and think the same thing. That's the beauty of quilting, I'm always improving, and I'm always learning as I tackle something new. For me, the joy of quilting comes not just from the finished product, but from the process of creating something new. I guess that also means I'll always have a UFO or two, and that's just fine!
Besides hosting the Southern Stars Block of the Month, which has been SO much fun for me, I'm also trying to finish up a 5 year old UFO. The problem is, now I'm not even that crazy about it. It's just a lap quilt, but I keep thinking to myself it would be such a waste not to finish it, since I've sewn half of the blocks and everything else is cut out. But even in just the last five years since I started the project, my quilting has improved a lot, and I almost cringe at the first few blocks I sewed. Which, I guess is why I haven't been able to bring myself to work on it until now. So that began the internal diemna of "do I rip it all out and start over?, or do I just keep going and use the old galloping horse mantra?" Galloping Horses won out, mostly because if I start over, then I'll REALLY never get it done! Plus, I figure it is a testament to improvement over time. I may actually even get brave enough to post it when I'm finished! Hmmm... maybe I'll even have a "Guess which blocks are 5 yrs. old?" contest. That would be too funny!
I laugh as I think back to the very first quilts I made WAY back when my boys were babies. I was so proud of myself, even though my points didn't match AT ALL, and my quilts weren't even (cringe!) square. I even remember that the baby quilt I made for my third son (He's now 13yrs old.) had NO BATTING! How crazy is that? He was a summer baby, so I figured he didn't need it. I now find that to be hilarious! I wouldn't dream of making a quilt now, and then not using batting and quilting it. (And in case any of you are wondering, I will definetly NOT be sharing photos of those quilts. I think they ended up either at Goodwill, or in the garbage after being worn to shreds anyway.)
Oh well, maybe in another 13 years, I'll look at the quilts I'm making now and think the same thing. That's the beauty of quilting, I'm always improving, and I'm always learning as I tackle something new. For me, the joy of quilting comes not just from the finished product, but from the process of creating something new. I guess that also means I'll always have a UFO or two, and that's just fine!
Add a Comment
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Comment by Linda Froggie Quilter (Okla) on February 13, 2009 at 6:34pm -
Oh, Kristin,
The new fabric collections sound great! I can't wait to see them. I bet it is fun designing patterns for the new collections. If you ever need a sidekick, let me know. I am a great follower! I will even fill your bobbins, get new spools of thread, and get snacks for both of us, if I could just play with the new fabrics with you! How does that sound for a resume? Are ya buying it yet? In the meantime, I think I will go start on block 4, finish quilting the quilt for my grandson's dogs, and the quilt for my grandson. Who ever heard of making one quilt for three dogs? But, that is what he asked for. He's a funny kid. I will be in the quilting room, in case you need a bobbin filled!
Happy quilting,
Linda
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Comment by arlene buono on February 13, 2009 at 8:37am - Hi, I had gpne to quilting classes, but dropped out after about 18 months. I want to make a quilt, but I want to either draw saying on some squares, and put photos on others. I cannot even remember how I did the transfers before, but hopefully some of you will help me. thanks arlene
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Comment by Karen on January 20, 2009 at 9:41pm - I love the idea of the (which blocks are 5 yrs old) contest - I think we need to hold a potluck for it! You name the date and I'll make that fabulous choc cake you made me for my birthday.....how's that for incentive? Now we just need prizes.....Oh, and I can video it and post it here!!! Marketing just handed me a nifty little video camera today to use for our community (heehee)
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Comment by Debbie Snyder/WA on January 20, 2009 at 7:11pm -
wow, where else can you quilt and get paid for it. I bet half the ladies on this site would love your job. I know I would. When I worked for our local quilt shop I spent more than I made...Shh don't let my husband know. We're all excited to see the new things coming out of CT and we love your prices. Keep up the good work.
The no batting thing is funny. I did the same thing with my first born. Purchased two panels, sewed them together, made a ruffle, yes a ruffle, for the edge and bound it with store satin binding. It was a dog "quilt" shortly after that. 28 yrs later and I dont know what ever happened to the poor thing after the dog got tired of it. (summer baby...yikes, that's funny) Today has been a day for funny posts. Read about sneaking fabric in the house. (posted today) I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. Even hubby appreciated it. Keep up the good work. We love your site.
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Comment by jolenetoo on January 20, 2009 at 6:30pm - I have about 4 or 5 UFO's myself. One of them will probably never get fininshed because I must have been SO desparate for warm weather and spring to arrive that I chose bright yellow and bright green fabrics and made the yellow brick road. It looked good (4 years ago), but I almost shudder now when I pull it down. A couple others I practiced free motion quilting on and although they don't look bad, the water soluable pen marks did NOT come out. Oh well! I don't think we will ever stop improving, at least I hope not. I love trying new ideas and new quilts, and this site so inspires me to 'keep on quilting'. Thank you'all so much!
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