Hi all! Long time no see. Yes, the family crisis continues. It weighs heavily on my heart, but a friend reminded me that art can be therapeutic. I've really had no interest in anything fun, but I took her advice and found a project to work on, and darned if I didn't feel better afterward. Let's take a look, shall we?
After searching through and rejecting every project I had in progress (isn't it odd how that works?) I settled on quilting the easy donation quilt that I made for this year's Hands2Help. I did a crosshatch, which was simple and soothing. Here is the finished quilt:
Okay, that turned out a little better than expected. It's a weird time of year to take pictures, isn't it? The sun is in all the wrong places, and it's definitely getting dark a bit earlier every day. Time to find some new areas for photos, because my usual trees are too dark right now. And did you see that there are tons of leaves already on the ground? Yikes!
I quilted this in a simple crosshatch, which really is mindless and always looks good. I was going to add some more lines, but I had trouble with the little bar that fits on the walking foot, so I just didn't. The quilting lines are close enough for the batting, and it makes the quilt extra cozy and soft.
I used a variegated blue from Aurifil for the quilting, and it blended a lot better than I thought it would. The backing is some of the leftover gray polka dot that I used for the last quilt I did, and it turned out well, too. I have another baby quilt- sized piece of that backing left, so I'm sure it will end up in a quilt soon.
This was a free pattern that I offered for Hands2Help, and you can find the pattern HERE. You'll notice that I added a small border around the whole quilt, which was really helpful when I put on the binding. You can see I didn't take as much care as I usually do, but after washing I think it will still be okay. I can always re-stitch it if I want to. Right now I feel like I need to let go of perfectionism, so it will probably stay.
This quilt actually gave me a lot of comfort while I was quilting it, so I plan to donate it to pass that comfort on. I'm sure someone will be happy to receive it, don't you think?
So, there we are! Everyone have a wonderful weekend, and hug your family when you can. I wonder what else I can find in the sewing room that would cheer me up? Maybe I'll see! Either way, I'll be visiting some blogs and enjoying your creations. I don't have the mental energy to comment, but I do love seeing everything!
 |
| Lego sunflowers in my office. The plant is fake, but cheery in a pot one of my kids painted many years ago. |
Sharing at Finished or not Friday, Brag About Your Beauties, and the Patchwork and Quilts linkup at Quilting Patchwork Applique.
15 comments:
Our weatherman said tonight was the last night the sunset would be after 7 p.m. until March 18 next year. Yes it is getting dark way too early and the sunset has moved way over to the right from where it was in the spring.
I think I have always looked on quilting as therapy - at first for medical reason and then over time it keeps your mind occupied and and is a great stress reducer - unless you are making mistakes and messing up lol - then it is best to put it aside or a little bit
I'm glad you shared your comfort quilt. I love the bright colors and the way the pinwheels pop at you take a step back. Hope the drama settles down in your life. My mamma always said," One day at a time" and "this too shall pass"! She was right of course. Hugs to you! ps: I love those sunflowers!! Cute!
Quilting can definitely work well as therapy and sooth the soul. Your charity quilt turned out great. Must admit I see nothing wrong with your binding that you showed close up. (Neither will the recipient!) Be good to yourself.
Sometimes just putting hands to work and minds at thought (other than the issues weighing heavily on us) is the best medicine. That's a bright, cheerful quilt, and I'm sure it will make someone feel loved and comforted. Take care.
That's a sweet and happy quilt, Mari! I'm glad working on it gave you some good therapy. We all need that from time to time. Take care of yourself - thinking of you!
Love the quilt - My preference is often for loose quilting because I like that puffy, soft feely. Glad you found some peace while working on this project. You are in my thoughts.
I am glad you found comfort in the quilt. It is a good thing when we can channel some of our emotions into something good. Prayers for you and yours as the travel through this crisis.
Hang in there! And keep feeding the creative spirit. This quilt is terrific, and YES - someone will love it for sure. The pinwheels are such a lovely rich color. And simple quilting definitely works perfectly.
I like that you decided to get quilting...it is therapeutic for sure once you make a start. And I'm sorry to hear you are carrying a burden just now as we all must at times it seems.
Your quilt is just wonderful-great colours and I love the quilting you did. Happy and Soothing Stitching from me!
I'm sorry you continue to be burdened; I, too have found some peace in quilting. The result is something that will help another. A win for both. Take care of yourself during this time.
I am so glad you found some peace in the quilting - and I love that you want to pass the comfort along. That is so gracious and will definitely happen!!
Beautiful quilt!!!
I can totally see how this sweet quilt finish was able to cheer you up a bit, Mari. It's SEW darling!!
Best wishes and big hugs to you as you work your way through the issues. Quilting is a wonderful escape and therapeutic friend. And the result is s sweet, colorful and happy quilt. xo
I'm so sorry life isn't very fun at the moment. It's good you found something to finish, it also helps to feel like you've accomplished something. Be good to yourself. Hope you find some other things in the sewing room that can bring you joy and a break from the stress.
Post a Comment