In June I blogged about my non-process of putting this quilt together.
I was so excited about it at the time, then I let it sit for three months before I took it to my Custom Quilter to finish. I am in a quandary as to why I let it sit for so long. That is not like me, especially for something that I was so thrilled about.
My left brain was telling me that I was being practical. I didn’t want to make extra trips to far away (30 miles) places because of the expense.
People…., I am not a practical person. I drive 100 miles to get my hair done.
“Practical” is not a word that is ever used in the same sentence with my name.
She did a beautiful job. She followed my instructions. It’s very professional.
But the stitching is her design, not mine.
That’s the rub. Some one else finished my art.
Is it really so hard that I can’t do it myself?
I am reminded of the canned soup of my childhood. When I was a growing up I assumed that soup was astronomically difficult to make and for that reason my mom only fed us Campbell’s Soup.
Imagine my surprise when I left home.
Kind of like the epiphany I am having right now.
Is quilting so hard that I can’t do it myself?
I don’t think so.
I haven’t knowingly dined on canned soup for decades.
The quilt is beautiful. I do still love it.
I feel a slight disconnect with the finished work.
What do you think? How do you feel about your creative process?
Love, Cowgirl Red aka Terah
P.S. Sorry, Mom. It’s no secret. You gave me many wonderful skills to take with me into adulthood. Cooking was not one of them.
I think quilting might be a little bit more difficult than making soup but not if you don't want it to be. I have often wondered why you didn't quilt your own quilts. My gosh, sewing those squares together must be the most difficult part of a quilt. I am soon going to find out. Your muse has awakened my muse to give it a try. I will definitely be quilting my own. I am trying to decide if I just want to tie it off or actually quilt it on the machine. We will just have to wait and see.
Hi Lisa, I know now it was just a mind-set, a negative self-talk, that I had to let go of. Like "it must be so difficult no one like me could ever do it" Wha, wha, wha, wha, I can't wait to see your quilt. It will speak to you and tell you what it needs….. Really. xoxo Terah
I see what you mean…I could feel it. I don't think you would have ever done those sharp triangles in the way this woman did. Maybe I'm wrong…but her style did seem disconnected from the work, the patterns, the style.
I'd say–YES, YES–learn how! Take a class. Quilting stores often have classes. Find out what you need for supplies and equipment. Check youtube if there are no classes near you. But if you already found someone who does it for others, she might teach it, too–or would consider it if you asked her. I think you'd be excellent at it! And your art would be yours down to the last stitch. :):):)
Your quilt is gorgeous! Love your Campbell's soup analogy. You are so correct in saying that fear and ignorance can keep us from our creativity. I will be sure to recall this story next time I try to talk myself out of painting. Thanks!
Thanks Rita, Yes I agree it was disconnected. Thanks for the advice and support.
Sylvia, Thanks for visiting and commenting. It is fear of the unknown and thinking that there is only one way to do things, which is ignorance.
Terah
Terah… Your quilt came out great. I do know what you mean about doing the work yourself, I am that way… You need to try quilting your self… When I used to teach machine quilting I used a book and the title escapes me at the moment ( it's just about midnight) but it is a good book to use. Let me make a note to myself and I will figure it out and let you know. It just takes practice and a few tips….
Karen
Thanks Karen, I would love to know that book. I'm winging it. I watched some on YouTube and looked on Amazon. xoxo Terah
Terah… The name of the book is Machine Quilting Made Easy by Maureen Noble. It is a good book to use, it has great information.
Karen