And NO I'm not going to subject you to a post for each of the 36 blocks! But while making this block I got thinking and it's the thinking that inspired the post. The block picture is just eye candy. :-)
So what lightbulb moment did I have to make me stop stitching to blog it? I've discovered I LIKE making just 1 block at a time. Taking my time to make each piece work together just right with the next. NOT doing the normal zoom-zoom piecing I usually do. Not stacking the like pieces from 20 blocks and doing all those steps at one time. But making 1 single block at a time. I REALLY dislike making HST. I hate marking the lines, sewing on both sides, cutting apart, pressing, and trimming to size. I do it because I like the accuracy I get when done this way. But multiply those steps by all HSTs in 20 blocks and I get overwhelmed. And usually put my project aside for awhile - if not forever. But when done 1 block at a time all the work to get nice HSTs isn't quite a chore. And I have to say both of these blocks are about as perfect as I've ever made a block. Not 100% as there are a few spots that don't match exactly but finished size wise I can drop my 12-1/2" ruler over them and neither one is more than 1/16" of an inch off at any place.
I'm not saying I'll never do zoom-zoom piecing again as sometimes you just need to see quick results. But there will be more 1-block-at-a-time quilts in my future.
19 comments:
I DO understand. The repitition of doing the same thing over and over bores me. I enjoyed working on the BOM last month because the outcome of each month will be different. I think the next large project will be a sampler also.
P.S. We would never be bored with seeing the outcome of each and every block.
What beautiful blocks and the colors go together sooooo good. I am doing a BOM, and since I have "got the hang" of what I am supposed to be doing, I must admit, I too am enjoying the one block at a time. Actually I am doing 2 blocks, different color ways. I am going to miss some of the last ones, due to work, but hope I have learned enough to be able to get them finished without too much grief.
Do keep showing your blocks, I enjoy seeing how you true quilters put your colors together.
As before, this block is nice. You can show each block if you would like. I won't complain.
I wouldn't be bored with each and every photo...
I enjoy doing one block at a time too...
I just read your post about the "rules of quilting" and I soooo agree with you!! Quilting is the one thing I do that is totally for me. I make quilts for other people yes, but the one time I made a quilt someone was paying me to do I hated the whole experience!! I decided at that time to follow my own rules...that means quilting with fabric I like, purchasing fabric just cause it may happen to be Monday and raining outside and I need a pick me up, or doing a whole quilt in black yellow and fushia cause it makes me happy. Quilting is a wonderful thing that quiets something inside the quilter and should never be tarnished with a bunch of rules.
Happy quilting friend!!!
Dawn
If I'm making a quilt with lots of HSTs I like to make only a few HSTs at a time. I agree that marking, sewing and trimming HSTs, especially when you have to make lots of them, is a pain.
I'm making 14 Challenge blocks right now and am making one block at a time and I am enjoying it.
It is always good to try a different method from time to time to see what is good for you at the moment. The blocks are turning out nicely, I I say "go for it" a post per block...
Pam @
www.pamgwillim.com
Hi Nancy,
I wasn't able to 'reply' to the comment you sent me. My quilt was done using Lynda Hall's Gramma's Vegetable Soup Pattern, but mine is less muted/prim than her original.
I have some of these Sonnet fabrics, too -- I'll be watching your progress to see how they combine.
Jeanne
I konw exactly what you mean Nancy. I think that is why I have enjoyed starting the Civil War Diary quilt, as each block is different, and I can go through all my fabric and choose what I want to use just for that one block.
I love the Sonnet Collection. The blocks look great - and that collection has so many pretty fabrics that it really lends itself to a sampler quilt. I could never be bored seeing all the blocks. Nice you are enjoying the process
I don't usually make just one at a time but I know what you mean. I make anywhere from 5-10 blocks for a quilt at a time depending on how complex they are. I've never been able to complete all the steps in a quilt before moving on - I have to have a peak how it's turning out as I go along.
Nancy...I sent you a email to thank you for your nice comments on my blog but it was returned to me. So, thank you for stopping by and the nice note. I used the gmail address on your profile, not sure why I got it back.
Nancy, last year during a moment of "Ponderings" I decided to do quilts one block at a time, and I've so enjoyed the process. On Lisa's quilt, I felt overwhelmed after the fabric was cut, so the one block at a time method worked well for me. Enjoy the process!
Your blocks are wonderful! Please post as you go. I'd love to see all of them individually to oooh and ahhh over!
(Hugs)
Your Weathervane blocks are just gorgeous, Nancy. I love that fabric line as well!
Oh, do show us all 36! I did a block of the month one at a time and found that not only was I motivated to keep going, I learned a lot too by doing just one block of a pattern and then not being overwhelmed by doing more of each one. I love the fabric, could never put that together on my own.
I am loving these blocks. I hope you do post each one!
I agree with you Nancy. I have been working on the Block of the Months with Beth Ferrier (every other year), and I like the calmness with which I make one block. I tend to take my time, and am more willing to fix a mistake rather than letting it go and hoping no one notices. I hope you enjoy every single one of your blocks.
I am working on the Dear Jane that way too - one at a time. I select which blocks I am going to work on, and the what fabric I am going to use, five at a time. The blocks are individually constructed, and then scanned and the spreadsheet updated five at a time. I haven't done any recently, so don't expect any progress on that front anytime soon.
Very beautiful block. I agree with you too.
One block at a time makes you appreciate the beauty of each one.
Can't wait to see more of your work.
Why not a picture of every block. It take time to cut and make a block. When viewed separately their real personality can shine. I am looking forward to seeing all of them one at a time.
You are so right about enjoying the process...........
You are just so much better with words than I am.
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