Project Simplify - Day 9
April 20, 2011 Check it out! (Except please ignore the uneven stitch length - I'm still working on that.)
As a perfectionist (who's trying to surrender herself to the more productive philosophy of acceptance), sometimes it's hard for me to embrace the "special" qualities of something I've made by hand - those little imperfections and idiosyncrasies that are unique to me.
At first, I was unhappy with my inconsist loop size and it was making me crabby. But as I found myself really enjoying the physical activity of stitching loop after loop after loop, I somehow managed to convince myself that if I were able to create the "perfection" I was seeking, this quilt would somehow feel ... I dunno ... less special?
So now I'm really liking the irregularity. I think it has ... personality. :)
I'm not secure enough - yet - with my free-motion skills to just pick any top-stitch design and I felt most comfortable using the same one shown in the book for this quilt. I would have never in a million years come up with this idea on my own, and I lllllllllllllove it! It's a little modern-ish-y, and I think it works really well with all the "funkiness".
I don't want to go tooting my own horn or anything (well may just a little), but I'm wondering why it took me ... a few decades to take the free-motion bull by the horns. It's turning out to be way easier to handle than I thought!
Project Simplify, Quilting 
Reader Comments (8)
As many times as I have taught Machine Quilting I always say the same thing...."it takes courage, not skill". The skill comes with practice ( and I am NO expert), but more importantly you just have to find the courage to try, and the forgiveness to know your work will not be perfect. I think you are doing GREAT, and I am enjoying this journey along side you. Can't wait to see what is next. XXX
I am encouraged that you have found free motion quilting easier than expected. I haven't tackled it yet, but I really want to. Then I might actually get more of my projects finished. =)
I think the loopies look so cute however they are sized and presented! It's fun and perfect in every way : )
for some reason my comp won't allow me to load your pictures, which is driving me batty! I haven't yet attempted free motion quilting, but I am excited to give it a go!
Wait, wait, I can see, I can see! How gorgeous!
I love your loops! It's amazing how many of my quilting friends won't try free-motion quilting. They are sure it is difficult ..... and if they do eventually try it, they are so uptight that their curves don't flow.
You are right about your loops. It's you and that's the best part. They can't be duplicated so they are one of a kind, the most valuable with the most love. It can not get better than that!
Hi! I have been enjoying following you along on your way through Simplify. For some reason, I had the same issue as one of the other commenters: your photos are not coming up-- just a little photo icon, but when I click on it, it does not bring up your photo. So I cannot actually see your loops right now, but I commend you for taking the plunge and doing free motion quilting!! I am cursed by perfectionism as well, and it does inhibit me from exploring and trying new things. I give you credit and I'm glad you even enjoyed it!
Just you toot away, it all looks great! :)
Vivienne x