Wednesday, October 3, 2018

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! 

14 comments:

  1. Although I my style doesn't necessarily lean towards improv, I know what you're saying about having the need to work on something uncomplicated and freeing. I admire your ability to jump in, start sewing and just see where you end up. It's always a delight to see what happens along the way.

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  2. I have heard of several others having trouble with comments again on blogger - good luck!

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  3. I love my copy of Unconventional & Unexpected! I have 2 quilts in progress that are improv and I must say either, I am overthinking the design, but moving away from a set pattern and trying to be ad-hock about putting a quilt top together is harder than I thought. Love the quilt that is giving you inspiration.

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  4. The need for a simple design is familiar.. Curious how your new project will grow and turn out. Warm greetings

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  5. Like Kyle I’m not much of an improv quilted either but I’ve been craving to sew something uncomplicated and scrappy lately - I may need to start a new project too :0) I look forward to seeing what happens next with your center 4 patch block.

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  6. An easy project that doesn't take a lot of focus is great!

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  7. I definitely know that feeling...hugs, Julierose

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  8. I have issues with leaving comments on some blogs on blogger. I really miss Google reader it always seemed to work. Antique quilts always tug at my heart strings. Their simplicity just can't be beat! I wish I had the guts to try improv!

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  9. You are always on to something very GOOD!

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  10. Something uncomplicated is sometimes just the thing and I love the inspiration quilt so look forward to seeing how your version comes together. I'm glad I am not the only one who could produce something wonky out of precisely cut pieces!

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  11. An interesting pile of fabrics in your pull. Do you normally purchase larger quantities of fabric. I ask because some of those pieces look like they are folded a few times. I have been purchasing a lot of fat quarters and half yard pieces. Doing so much applique, the half yards can last forever.

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  12. The medallion style reminds me of your HSTs but this will be much easier. I'm glad you didn't center the circles. I would have but then they'd look like bullseyes or eyes or... something silly.
    Thanks for reminding us all that Improv comes in many styles.
    Have fun.

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  13. I think we all feel the need to go down the uncomplicated road down and agin and I his book is full of great inspiration.

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Thanks for visiting! I love getting comments and always try to respond via email. Please leave an email in the comment to ensure a return reply! {Many of you are popping up as Anonymous for some reason, so I have no idea who it is.} Regardless, I appreciate all the comments and read every single one.