Saturday, October 30, 2010

Time to STOP.....

 myself from making(or thinking I need to make) a quilt everytime I see a block I like!!!!!!!!!! Yes, for me that is usually the "trigger" that sends me to the scrapbag or stash. This interesting little tidbit has come to my attention as I continue to organize and pull together my UFOs. Darned if I don't start a quilt, or several versions of the same quilt, when a block intrigues me. Case in point: this sample made after I saw it at a quilt show. Tried it in cowboy fabric, only did two.
 Jumped over to the Christmas fabric and began to cut for this one in couch size. I pulled these pieces out on Thursday to "see" what needed doing. Decided it would be just fine as a table topper instead! Made 9 blocks, have borders and binding cut, and the scraps went into the appropiate containers! I'm not crazy about it, and wonder why the block ever appealed to me?? The blocks are 8.5" and with 4.5" borders, it will be 32" square.
 I do think it has possibilities set on point,but my background fabric is all words and very directional. Gotta learn to STOP myself from these headlong plunges!
 
And last, but not least, another headlong plunge into several quilts, ala Pineapple Blossoms from Quiltville. Made one up in Christmas fabric several years ago, scrappy of course, and that was fuel enough to spin me off into THREE more "beguns". This one will be finished up as a table topper as well. About 36" square without borders, have to think about those. A decision will be made about "begun #2" and the scrappy, long term "begun #3" will stay as a project. I've come to realize I like having long term projects. I can pull out the scrappy hourglass container,etc, make as many as I like and put the container back. When there are enough, it can become a quilt. Not everyones cup of tea, but it works for me! UFO#1 is in the binding stage and I hope to have it finished before Nov. 1st. Right now, that's my focus. How are the UFO's coming for you???
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14 comments:

Amelia said...

As always - beautiful work!

KaHolly said...

I suffer from the same malady! It's an obsession, to be sure. I've been trying to use some discretion. Thankfully I'm traveling right now and am restricted to working on a hand project (hexies). Love your blocks. ~karen

Elaine Adair said...

You hit on a BIG reason why we get overwhelmed! I stopped making the BOM for THAT reason - I'm sorry to not participate in making them but I do as you said, want to make the entire full-size quilt.

But ... these blocks are pretty cute ...

Scrappy quilter said...

Oooh I really like the Christmas one. Love the looks of it. I'm a bit like you. I see a new pattern and want to make a quilt right away with it. I'm learning though I can't make every pattern I see or every quilt I like in magazines. It's taking me awhile though. Hugs

AnnieO said...

It's a scrappy smorgasbord in your corner, Finn! Looks like lots of fun play. I love Bonnie's Pineapple Blossom and made one in red, white and black for my MIL. Glad you've made a decision about liking your method of slow but sure :)

Sara said...

Oops! I needed that reminder. I have been working on non-UFO projects. Each time I got near the end I would say to myself, "After this I's going to get to work on UFOs!" But then I picked up something else.

My bad.

So I'm going now to put that other stuff away and get out a UFO. If I place it directly on my sewing machine, I can't miss what to work on the next session.

Michele Bilyeu said...

Got one project done, haven't posted on it yet, and am working on to close to almost done on #2. Switched to charity quilts number 3 and 4, since they're almost twins and take turns with them.

Started a number 5, 6, and 7 from wip ideas and fabric pulled into sacks long ago for their purpose...they'll be little AAQI art quilts but still take days to make.

So, moving right along...back and forth and forth and back, kind of like moving right along. Ok...so, I'm zigzagging...but it works for me!!!

People from 'unknown planets in distant galaxies' have to zigzag to get places! Lots of space debris in their way, you know!

julieQ said...

You and me both! I too need to stop starting and starting finishing...but it is so fun to start new projects, isn't it?? Such pretty blocks you are working on just now...I want to join the UFO project finish too...maybe...three?? Hugs, Finnie!

Gari in AL said...

I really love your red blocks even though red is not a favorite, usually. Right now I am busy making UFOs rather than finishing. But I have one in the wings: it was just waiting for me to finish Christmas gifts which were finished last Sunday. I play with interesting blocks in EQ, that way I have a plan before making them.

Julie in the Barn said...

I'm a starter not a finisher, too. While quilting on my first UFO for the challenge I took a break and quickly got sucked in by a little bin of bonus triangles I've wanted to use up. Result? Haven't finished the UFO yet but I have made 2 more little minis to add to my UFO list. Sheesh. At least the bin of bonus parts is now empty.

Scrappy quilter said...

I finished making all 60 Sun Bonnet Sue blocks. Now it's putting together 4 quilts from the 60. Starting that process today. I love your NEW YEARS challenge. It really gets me working on all the UFO's. Hugs

Myra said...

Great blocks Finn! I like that set on point! Very effective! 8-)

Magpie Sue said...

I'd be inclined to assemble another Orphan Train quilt out of those odd blocks you're discovering. Amazing how long it takes some of us to learn what we enjoy and what works for us isn't it? (I count myself as a slow learner.)

Andee said...

I love, love, love, your Pineapple Blossom blocks. I am working on one of those in all different colors and now I want to run up and make some in red!