Monday, January 17, 2011

My mess...


Jessica from the great blog, Twin Fibers, did a post last week titled what.a.mess. It was about what I (and many more readers) thought was a very cool pillow, but Jessica thought was a project mess. She had tried and tried to get it right, but had decided to trash the project. It brought some interesting comments and many rescuers. In the end she was able to turn her trash into someone's treasure.

It really got me thinking because I am definitely one to trash a project that just isn't working. I try not to cut out too much fabric until I know that I like how it's working. But when it's not working - out it goes! (Sometimes to charity, sometimes to trash). It's really no fun to work on something you don't like and isn't quilting supposed to be fun? I also think that if you don't give yourself permission to trash when things aren't working, you may be afraid to try a different idea or project. It can be very paralyzing. And isn't it good to know it happens to everyone?

Case in point. I started these blocks before Christmas. The pattern is "Birdbath" from Elizabeth Hartman's book, The Practical Guide to Patchwork. I love the pattern, but this is just not working in my eyes. I've decided there are too many spotty prints and the colors of gray, green and a pop of red are dull. So out with these blocks and time for a new strategy!

I'm thinking browns, teals and orangey reds...

5 comments:

  1. I love the fabrics...but unfortunately I do agree. Probably not the perfect pattern for those fabrics. The bottom stack does look great.

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  2. I think you are right. The new fabrics you have chosen will probably look better.

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  3. The new fabrics you have chosen will make the pattern pop. The fabrics that you used first -- well not so much.

    Have a great day.

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  4. You know...those throw away blocks would make great pillows!! Or maybe the front of the some tote bags... Don't throw them out!

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  5. I've had this experience before...it's always good to hear that others also have projects they have to abandon. In fact...I'm going to get rid of one in my closet today...it's been unfinished for years...and I'm never going to finish it!

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