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...