I have lots going on in the home sewing room and too many projects that are at that ‘almost done’ stage. Things are beginning to feel a bit overwhelming so I’m going to focus on finishing one project at a time, rather than my usual style of working on multiple projects simultaneously.
My studio building on main street
It’s still bitter cold and that means I haven’t ventured to the main studio to do any sewing on the larger quilts that remain on the design wall or any longarm quilting either, but as soon as we have a bit of a break in the weather that’s where I’ll be headed. In the meantime, I’m getting my Good Fortune together, one seam at a time.
I have no design wall at home, therefore, I tend to lay all my blocks out on the floor or sofa (or pin them to curtains as seen in previous posts). I have three more rows to add to the main section of this quilt and then I can begin adding the borders. I’ve been constructing the border strips in a ‘leader and ender’ style in between sewing the blocks together as rows, so that will make it less tedious down the road (I hope). This is the stage of making a quilt that usually sees me getting bored and moving on to something else, but I’m trying to stick with it this time.
In an attempt to be more mindful of my working process, I’m becoming more aware of what motivates me to work and what creates distractions or saps my motivation. I’ve found that being accountable, in the form of blogging about a project, is motivation to keep going and, as soon as I have all the blocks sewn for a quilt top and I can easily visualize the quilt finished, that’s when I lose interest in it. The excitement disappears the moment the mystery is over and the finish line is within my sight. It takes a great deal of discipline to move a project right to the end but that is my main goal for 2019.
“Focus and Finish” will be my Friday posts this year!
until next time, happy stitching, carol
Having you verbalize it makes me realize I am the same way!
It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this, Libby! I’m setting myself some personal challenges this year but in order to stay accountable, I’ll be continuing the conversation here on the blog. I truly appreciate your comments and feedback 😮
Looking good! Great idea to construct the border as a leader/ender. It will definitely seem less tedious. My main goal is to actually get in my sewing room this year, but alas, it has not gone well already. Tomorrow! xoxo
The multiple borders contain many, many pieces and that would just put me to sleep at the end. sewing the pieced borders together in between other projects is the only way I’ll get through it… and I really want to get this quilt top put together and not tucked away as another ufo. Try to give yourself the gift of a scheduled session of 15 minutes per day in your sewing room. You deserve it!!! Love carol xox
You Good Fortune colors are gorgeous! Stay warm 🙂
Thanks, Jeanne! I only made a few small changes to the original colour suggestions but it gave the overall look a more personal touch, I think. The mercury is hovering at a chilly -19 degrees celsius this weekend so keep watching for this one to finish up quickly. Warm hugs 😮
Hi Carol. I too picked focus for my theme this year. It is working so far. After looking at your post of green and orange blocks, I would never have imagine they would turn into a quilt so beautiful!
Hi Janet! and a happy New Year, my friend! Thanks for the uplifting comments. Finding ‘focus’ and working with intention are both fundamental to accomplishing great things, or small things with great meaning. I’m hoping to maintain an ongoing conversation on that topic throughout the year, as it may help to inspire others to do the same.
hugs, carol xox