Monday, November 19, 2012

From the Closet of Creativity (Shame)

I have so many unfinished items it's a bit overwhelming, but I'm determined to tackle them.  It's hard for me to focus on one thing at a time, but I'm trying to change my spots. I will admit I'm working on a new design simultaneously, but for me that's an improvement. At least it's only one new thing. So, I fired up the machine and got a few things done.

I tore off the outer border of this, which was a linen that read way too yellow, replaced it with natural osnaburg and focused on getting it finished.
I changed the backing fabric too.  Quilted it up and chose the binding.
I finished handstitching the binding last night after guild.
I love crazy piecing and using crazy pieced sections in other projects.  This is one of my favorite techniques from the book.  I love that I can use up those little pieces fabric.
I also started on these pillows.  These are the second set of pillows that are in the book that have been hanging in my closet for a year or more.  My mom and dad sold the farm and moved into a house in town and my mom mentioned that they would be perfect in the new house.
I've got two of them quilted so far.  I have the third one to go and then I need to head out and get some zippers for the backs.  Another project well on the way.
I also made a back for a very old quilt top.  I'm going to tackle those tops hanging in the closet one at a time.  As that old Egyptian Pharaoh once said, "So let it be written, so let it be done!"

23 comments:

cinzia said...

nice to see your creative juices flowing again! Fun projects!

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

Let the sewing MOJO continue. Seems it is cruising around blogland right now, my house included. Let us all finish our UFO's for once and for all.

Tie Dye Queen said...

I had to smile at your comments about difficulties wsith finishing projects. I am very, very much like that. I thought all quilters had dozens of stacks of fabric chosen for a particular project sitting on shelves, tucked into drawers and many begun/not finished projects. It's been interesting to learn that many of my quilt friends work on ONE project at a time, and finish them! Perhaps you, too, would be interested in a book I am reading, referred to me by my newly-former-daughter-in-law, which she said described her 18 years of marriage to my son: "Is It You, me, or Adult. A.D.D.?" Yes, it describes my son very accurately--but I am also seeing myself in the diagnosis. Have fun quilting today. Personally--I am going to FINISH 7 OK State-fabric do-rags begun back in July...

Pat said...

I love those pillows and want SO MUCH to make something similar. Just love your stuff!!

Unknown said...

Haha, I do the same thing! I love knowing I'm working with a clean slate-no unfinished projects lingering anywhere. But, sometimes I just can't force a project to completion....and it has to have a little rest. :)

Love all of these projects! I especially love the table runner! (And have I mentioned that your book is my most favorite quilting book EVER?? Seriously. Love it.)

Valerie said...

Inspiring! I need a kick in the pants to tackle my closet of WIPs...

Elsa said...

love the quilting on the pillows ~ how the lines follow the pattern is perfect.

Melissa said...

Doesn't it feel great to finish lingering projects? I can't get over how much the quilting in the pillow covers makes your design just come alive. It makes me want to run my hand over it!

Any tips on keeping those very long seams straight (like you have in your table runner? I struggled a bit with that on my QuiltCon block.

Cheryl Arkison said...

I counted my projects as I was organizing last week. Total inventory of 34! I would love nothing more to finish one RIGHT NOW!

SusieDW said...

Oh my! I feel your energy! And doesn't it feel GREAT to take that last stitch! I tend to start and finish a project in a single arc. Even if I hit a lull during the process I remind myself there will always be something learned with each completed piece. There always is. RE the black and white pillows and your mom... everything in it's time. This must be the perfect time for those pillows to hit the sofa. Good Work! I'm inspired!

Tennjenny said...

Quilting on B&W pillows just delightful and so well done.

folksmith said...

love the pillows and the fabric. lucky parents.

Anonymous said...

I am the exact same way. I'm in the process of cleaning out my closet of shame! I actually have already picked my resolution for next year...nothing new can be started until the UFO's are done. Yup-about 20-25 quilt tops NEED to be finished. Crazy.

On another note, I love both of your projects-just a gorgeous pop of color! I can't wait to see more from your closet.

Jeannette said...

Beautiful table runner, love the quilting on the pillow top too ;-) I love finishing up UFO's....it feels good. However, you have done a lot this year so it isn't like you haven't finished much ;-) Can't wait to see the new design!

Paula said...

I have those skeletons in my closet too....maybe a little motivation here to work my way through them.

Brenis said...

Oh my goodness those pillow covers are STUNNING!!! They gave me a flashback to my childhood! LOL My parents were oh so hip, and they had metallic black, white and grey "woodsy" wallpaper.. and big black and white modern swivel chairs, and couches that looked so much like these pillows! Can I just say you nailed it? :D
Congrats on knocking out some WIPS! Feels so good when you get on a roll like that! Keep it up!! ;D
(ohh and I about cried when I found out (a day too late) that you had been here in Colorado and I missed it!!!! Hopefully you'll visit again!)

Anita said...

Beautiful as always!

Question...how do you get the tight wavy lines? I can maybe get tight OR wavy but not both! What is your method?

Anna said...

Love that table runner. And the quilting really brings out the simple designs of the pillows. Great job, and let the UFO finishing continue!

Mary Ragnarsson said...

wery beautiful

troy and christina said...

The table runner is stunning and beautiful and inspiring. Love it!! Enjoy the finish!

QuiltNut Creations said...

Absolutely love your runner!!

OGradys Landscape said...

If I were there, I could enjoy with you. Thanks for sharing with us.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

I love the squiggly line quilting on your table runner! 2013 is going to the Year of UFO Finishes for me...