Wednesday, April 18, 2018
slow and steady
It feels like all of my projects are SLOW these days....but I'm reminding myself that slow and steady is the name of the game. I'm also reminding myself to enjoy the process, because that's kind of the point, right?
That being said, I was quite excited to finish another hundred 4 patch blocks. I'm up to two hundred (and four) now. I still haven't done the math to determine how many I need in all. I'm going to wait awhile longer to do that. No need getting discouraged at this point. Ha!
I think I've mentioned this before, but after I make 100 blocks, they go into a baggie. That is an easy way to keep tabs on my progress. What I really need to do is sit down and cut a bunch of squares one afternoon. If they are cut, I will happily sew them! Anyone else get stuck in the cutting phase?
Here is progress on my 100 day project. I had a strong start, but I've been finding it hard to get back to it every day. I DID make a noticeable dent in the scrap drawer I was working from, so that's encouraging. I've been putting pieces up on the design wall as I sew. I kind of like the white between the blocks, so I'm thinking of incorporating that in my quilt this time. It would be a different twist on the vortex quilt and I think it would be fun! I have plenty of white scraps to use, so it's a definite possibility. I guess I better keep sewing! :)
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I do get stuck in the cutting phase. I always have trouble deciding to cut up a chunk of fabric that "might be big enough for something else". Crazy, I know!
Accuquilt's cutting machines might help. You'll be able to speed cut your patches and get to sewing faster.
I GET STUCK IN THE SEWING PHASE :-(
Love it and I’m still enjoying your book “No scrap left Behind” and loved your class in the Villages Fl.
I agree - I like the white space between the blocks on your vortex quilt. It's more like maybe . . . dust devils rather than a full-blown tornado - or mini whirlpools, eddies if you will.
I sometimes get stuck on the cutting portion as well. As you know, I'm not a one-project person. I do prefer the chain-sewing portion of quilting overall, and this works well since I work on multiple projects at once. So I try to do that with cutting too - one day where I'm just cutting all day (or for whatever time I'm allotted in my sewing room). I find however, that it is MUCH harder to do a lot of cutting at once when working on scrap quilts, because the cutting takes more time. But you know you'll get there. You are always very persistent at finishing your labor-intensive projects - and it seems quick to the rest of us even if it's slow to you (see log cabin quilt in the pervious post for evidence of this). I have NO doubt you will finish both of these BEAUTIFULLY.
Those four patch blocks are lovely. How big are they? Did i miss a post where you talked about the quilt you are making with them? What a great use of those little scraps.
I absolutely love your 4 patch blocks. Such a great way to use your scraps. What size are they?
that is a great way to keep track of how many you have and to keep them nice and neat so no more pressing is needed.
I have the opposite problem! I love to cut (as long as I know what size to cut!) but get bottlenecked in the sewing and finishing part.
I even out the cutting and sewing phases. I get too antsy just cutting. I’m having fun with your churn dash blocks, working inbetween other projects. I’m looking forward to someday getting my hands on your book, No Scraps Left Behind.
It's looking good! Love the color saturation. I have been working with my scraps, cut them down to two inch strips and sewing to another. Then cut the and have them ready at the machine for four patches. I have been doing this for a while so God knows how many I have. Want some?
Hard to cut into a pretty fabric spometimes....using your books to get over being so precious with the fabric.
I can definitely get stuck on the cutting phase myself. Great idea to group your blocks together so they are easy to count!
I love this kind of "slow and steady" better than the kind attached to ankle surgery recover and PT. I am happy I can use-control the sewing machine with my left foot. I actually don't mind the cutting out phase. I can do it sitting down. Happy Creating.
Wow, your 4 patches are really adding up. I never get stuck in the cutting phase, because I don't have the discipline (or focus) to have a cutting phase. I tend to cut a few pieces and then stitch...Reoeat. It's not very efficient, but it keeps me entertained. I recently dug out my pieces for the scrap vortex quilt and I have been piecing a little every day on it. Today my hope is to get all the larger slabs connected because I need one of my small design walls for a bit. Then I can start working on the next batch. I would like it to be a big one to work on my free motion quilting.
I really hate the cutting and pressing part, especially if I am psyched about starting a new quilt. That seems to be the most time consuming part of all. The sewing part, which is the most enjoyable, always flies right by for me. Also, I really dislike preparing/cutting for leader/enders, but if they are already cut, then I can accomplish a lot more in no time.
I get stuck in the "getting started phase". Seriously, it takes me forever to decide on anything including machine embroidery for my projects.
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I'm with ShirleyC, stuck in the 'getting started phase'. I'm really good at 'picking up what's on sale and then gathering more fabric to coordinate' with a plan or inspiration to start. But when I get home and unpack my delicious purchases I have a hard time even putting them away in my sorta organized sewing room. And by the time I think I have a day where I can sew, I've lost that inspiration and don't know which project I should start cutting on.
cutting scraps is for sure, slow and steady. Especially if it involves pressing the scraps as well :) I do like you mentioned, and spend an afternoon just pressing and cutting, although I recently got going a little to fast and sliced the end of my finger. Oops. But it is so worth it to enjoy the next day just stitching away.
If your 4 patch blocks are being made from scraps, maybe you could cut them after they are pieced. Chain piece 2 patch units- all you need is 2 square corners to line them up. Then chain piece the 2 patch units into 4 patch units, then square them up. I could save you a bunch of cutting, at least 1/2 the cuts.
I purchased a clearance kit that was sitting in a drawer for over a year. I was going to gift the kit but decided to keep it. Well I finally took it out and cut the pieces for the log cabin blocks. I took the kit to my friend's house to sit and cut while she sewed her own project. It was so much better having company while cutting. We also had a crime channel on during this process. That was last Friday and as of yesterday all 36 blocks are sewn. Yeah me! Cutting time is better with a friend around. I always get stuck on making a backing. I think it's because of the fabric wrangling that has to be done. Such huge pieces to handle.
I like to alternate my slow going projects with something that goes faster so that I don't feel stuck.
I am enjoying this process and find it very therapeutic. I am call this quilt "feeling scrappy" because I started while in a funk and feeling decidedly crappy. I am enjoying the editing right now and have already eliminated colors in the dark range for another scrap quilt. I am finding that working and focusing on the bits of brights is elevating my mood. I am excited about the end product. But have a long way to go.
I think I need to start both a scrap vortex and the tiny 4-patches - because I've already got pieces cut out for both! Granted, I'll have to cut out a bajillion more 1.5" squares - and I agree, you shouldn't figure out how many are needed for a long time, because it's probably scary....
I can never trust myself to count a hundred of anything. I can count three times and get three different answers! I just started making crumb blocks for my first vortex quilt. It will be interesting, for sure!
Wow - I'm working on the same project - 4 patches that finish at 2" square. I'm working on enough for a quilt for our Calif King bed, and need 126" square. I did the math - that comes up to 15,876 one inch blocks! I'm now at almost 1000 4 patch blocks, so it makes me happy to know that I'm about a quarter of the way through, but I've been working pretty hard at it. It also makes me happy as I've got over 40 years of scraps that are going into this - and if there's a fabric I don't particularly like I reverse it...at 1" it looks pretty good! Deb E / Oregon mdenders@msn.com
I have been doing 4-patch squares. What do you plan to make with yours? I will get them put into bags. Such a good idea.
I always get stuck in the "put blocks together phase". I kinda like the cutting and definitely like the making blocks part. Rows are ok too, but then... arghh :) Good luck with your cutting afternoon xo
I love the white between the vortex blocks! What a great idea! It was a bit too bust for me before, but now I'm inspired!
That should say BUSY, not bust, haha.
Fun to see snippets of the same fabrics I have in my stash!
I love your little four patches and have started my own quilt as well! It’s so much fun and those blocks are the cutest! I so admire bloggers who quilt, post regularly, and work a full-time job! During the busy part of the semester, I find little time for machine sewing. I revert to handwork or crocheting. It’s only during my nightly phone calls to Dad, that I find time to cut fabric and do some mindless sewing.
The projects you present are so easy and fun, and I find myself working on those the most. Thank you so much for sharing!
Love it and I’m still enjoying your book “No scrap left Behind” and loved your class in the Villages Fl.
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