In Need of Uncomplicated Sewing Right About Now

Tho the open ended projects around here have been narrowed down to a measly five projects, most being heavy on the hand work. Or picky with the accuracy. Thus the almost desperate need for something more lighthearted and free spirited. Perhaps uncomplicated is the right word?

A new fabric pull

I've spent days in the quilting room, a few minutes at a time, perusing all the lovely stacks of fabrics. Everything feels too fussy and detailed for the mood I'm currently in.*bleck!  Way too many decisions! Finally I zeroed in on one of my favorite books for inspiration: 'Unconventional and Unexpected', by Roderick Kiracofe. If all else fails, this book almost always does the trick.

Ready to start something new

In fact, two other quilts I've previously finished have been sparked by quilts pictured in this very book: the Marsala Challenge quilt and my {not-so} Ugly Quilt. Honestly, I think I'm sitting at a crossroads of sorts. There is a definite trend around here for brighter, more saturated colors and of course, the influence of working 'improv.' style, has subtly changed the look and feel in a lot of my quilts. Overall, it feels like a good thing. No regrets whatsoever!

Maybe I should have fussy cut the big circle fabrics...

Everyone knows that {eventually} there is a certain freedom in working in the more liberated fashion of improv. Undeniable how playful it can feel at times and yes, I'm getting to the point of almost craving that at times! But still, there is a powerful pull towards applique and more formal settings with repeat blocks. I don't want to hide any of that under an avalanche of quickly sewn together string quilts just 'cuz I adore working with strings.

Hmm... Me thinks I've been feeling just a bit paralyzed of late. Here's hoping a brief dive into an out-of-my-comfort-zone color palette paired with the steady, comforting drip, drip, drip of a traditional log cabin format will work wonders. The idea of making one fabric/color decision at a time feels like a step in the right direction if what I need is a sort of 'clarity' on how best to move forward. And just for the record? These strips are all being cut with the rotary cutter at exactly 2 1/2" wide. Knowing me, I'm betting it will turn out just a little wonky looking regardless. Maybe because the strips will not be precisely measured and cut per each round? Yeah. It's definitely gonna go wobbly at some point before I'm done....

*On a side note, I am still having problems being able to respond to comments via email which is what I much prefer to do! This blog is a Google platform, so this is a 'Blogger' issue and yes,  I apologize for how that might affect you. If you aren't receiving a return reply to any comments made here, {I admit to being slow about it at times}, then simply put, I don't have access to your email address. There are several people who comment sporadically: Anne? Dorthy Finley? and others who I probably haven't mentioned but would love to chat with in a return comment. Just leave your email at least one time in a comment here on the blog or email me personally, and I'll try to keep track of you after that. Thank you!