slowly over time i forget the root of why i love to quilt. i’m not sure why this happens, maybe it’s seeing so many lovely and amazing quilts on blogs and flickr. maybe it’s thinking i had a ‘slightly’ original idea, and then seeing that others had a similar idea, maybe it’s being tricked into thinking i need to join the chaotic ferris wheel of always creating new and interesting quilt designs. i always say that the pressure can only affect you if you let it. and i still wholeheartedly embrace that one. sometimes though, the pressure is getting to you and you don’t realize it!
so what does that have to do with these photos? well, this little quilt was me going waaaay back to my happy place. falling in love with quilting again. just pulling out the scrap bin and putting together fabrics that sing to me, with no thought of whether this has been done before, (because it obviously has, a gazillion times!) but just sewing seams and feeling the thrill of each block coming together. a simple scrappy log cabin, there’s just something so satisfying about putting these blocks together.
so i need to get back to more of that. stop thinking about what sells well. stop thinking about what the current color trends are, stop trying to come up with the original idea, and just make what i love.
i mean, really, if i wanted to make something that would be guaranteed to sell, i should be churning out the chevron quilt in grey and white because I could have sold this quilt at least 20 times over. it’s basically a guarantee right now, make a chevron quilt and put it in your Etsy store, and it will sell.
problem is that i don’t sew very well on autopilot, so i’ll have to pass up the chance to start a zigzag quilt factory! buy hey! if there’s any one of you out there who would like to go into this business, just let me know and i’ll pass inquiries on to you. seriously!!
also, (if yer still reading!) i’m feeling the enthusiasm for blogging again, and have a few ideas i’d like to yammer on about. maybe some fabrics i think you all should own, or a few tips for photographing quilts, that kinda stuff. hope you’re interested!
Yes we're interested! glad to see you are having fun. I love those newsprints in there.
Always interested 😉
chevron really is all the rage isn't it? Wish I weren't due to deliver baby #4 or I would take your customers off your hands as I do love to make the chevron quilts… but alas, babies come first 🙂
I'm interested!!! Lovely prints in the log cabin blocks. I'm glad it's fun, I think you can tell in something whether or not it was fun to make. And they look even more awesome for it! Chevron or not, all your quilts are gorgeous and I love them. 🙂
You are a breath of fresh air. I too love your quilts. Go with the feelings you have…because it shows in your original and beautiful work. Thank you so much for articulating what I feel about the whole quilting experience. I so appreciate your thoughts and pictures. Count me in for frequent visits!
Susan
Jolene, you have one of the most creative eye's for quilting color and photography. Make what you love! I enjoy seeing and reading your point of view. You are so inspiring.
Thank you so much for saying exactly what I have been needing to hear (or say)…how did you know??
I am very interested, inspired, encouraged.
I've been comparing myself (very unfairly, I might add) to other people on the blogs I love. I need to remember how much I have always, always loved to sew. And, it has never been about the praise of others. (I know better than that!!)
I am this moment pledging to get back to having fun, to start blogging again, to sew nothing that does not make MY heart SING!!— and to make my sewing space a worry free, non-judgmental zone. I have a feeling only good can come from this.
Happy quilting!
Love to see whatever you're doing. You'll get no pressure from me.
Nice to "hear" from you again and to know you've had fun making this quilt. I love that you added text prints to the block, they look great.
Why are we always comparing ourselves to what others do/have/make?? I am almost positive that men do not do that! Not sure, but good for you for remembering why you love to quilt. I try hard to just be happy with whatever I've accomplished that day, because really, that's all that matters;) Looking forward to whatever you feel like sharing with us!
I'm glad you're finding your mojo again!
I guard my quilting/crafty time zealously — it's the only part of my life that is (close to) free of obligation, and I want to keep it that way! Sucks the joy out of it if not…
You do beautiful work — that is pretty and interesting, and your photography is exceptional. And now that we've got that settled — just keep having fun! 😉
(and some great color combos in those blocks too)
(and P.S. — I'd love to know how you get that incredible soft lighting effect in your photos indoors… do you have great windows or something?) 😉
I found you *days* before you went away, and oh, what a sad that was! Happy to see your beautiful blog back in my Reader. I, for one, DESPERATELY need quilt photography tips. I give away most of my work and have only the crummiest photos to remember quilts by.
What a great post. I have been feeling the same way but you put it in great perspective. And no matter what you make it is always amazing! Yes I am interested.
Wonderful reason to keep quilting….because you love it and the process, not because it makes money. I've only been quilting for two years now and my guild friends make fun of me because I have nothing to show for it…I've given all my quilts away to friends and family, but that is what makes me happy. *smile* Glad you are finding what makes you happy again!!
So totally still interested 🙂 I'm so glad to see you pop back up in my Reader, I always enjoy reading and seeing what you're up to!! And yes, I agree, a chevron quilt factory would be quite successful…but totally not for me, either. I can't wait to see more of this quilt and hear about your photography tips, too, because wow, I adore your photography 🙂
Yes! Your words: "Just pulling out the scrap bin and putting together fabrics that sing to me-no matter what the outcome" is where the fun is for me!!
Do what you love and share it to the extent that you desire. I, for one, would like to see your presence here again. Even when you've been "offline" I've repeatedly visited your blog for a shot of inspiration. It's difficult to explain–with all the talented quilty bloggers out there whose work I appreciate, there is something special about your creations. Most times they just kind of sing! Thanks for sharing. –Becky C.
Ahhhh yes. I find that I create the best projects when I'm just doing what I love. A wedding pillow for my sister became the talk of her shower – a pillow that I stitched up late one night on my mom's machine because I felt guilty for not having "more" to gift her, and a great idea popped into my head.
I can't sit and think about what will sell, because then I make crap. Maybe that means I'm not meant to have a quilting career? Either way, thanks for the reminder. I need to do more "just because I love it" stitching! (The only down side is that I have such a hard time parting with my creations then!)
So happy you've (re)found the kind of quilting that jazzes you up, Jolene. I'm delighted to read your lovely words and see your lovely quilts. I echo Tracey's question about the lighting of your photos so maybe you could move photography tips to the top of "to talk about" pile? 😀
Definitely interested. Glad you've got your sewing mojo back.
So glad you're back! Love your work.
Definitely still reading here! I love this post – I'm so glad you found your love of quilting again! 🙂
Great to have you back! I'm working on my third granny squares quilt – thanks for the tutorial a while back. Looking forward to what you have to share!
Can't wait to hear more. 🙂
Waiting with baited breath!
it is nice to see you again! Glad you are blogging again. You have such a wonderful eye for color! Keep doing what you love. K-
Beautiful colors, beautiful pictures! And I appreciate your honest voice. Finding the balance of creating, blogging and being inspired is sometimes difficult. And it's always an individual mix. So glad you are back into loving what you do. That's a good place to be. And please keep sharing, you know – we all love to hear from you!
; )
Interested in anything you're interested in sharing!!!
In so many ways, I get where you're coming from.
Glad you're back.
Jenny
xx
Oh my Goodness…. You hit the nail on the head with this post. I started blog merely to keep more of a journal for myself of what I have made. This turned into an etsy shop and about 2 months ago, I just decided it was not why I started making quilts or other items. I don't want to get side tracked from the "real" reason I started sewing. (for myself) It is an outlet for me and I sew love the process of creating something from start to finish! Good luck and I love seeing your post so if you feel like it, Keep em coming!
Audrey
aparrish1113@yahoo.com
i totally understand where you are coming from. I was feeling this way too. Mine however was from having to make things for other people (bees, community service) things I had agreed to do, things I had wanted to do, but as time passed on I wanted to do something for me, but the guilt of not having those done was making me not want to do anything at all.
I am glad you are doing some you want to do and it looks lovely!
I agree. But it's essential to be true to what you love because that will set you apart in the long run. I do love your color choices. It's amazing how you can pick just the right set of fabrics. I draw great inspiration from that. Please don't alter that 🙂
Jolene, I completely understand and am so glad you feel the love and freedom to find your creative happy place with quilting again. 🙂 I always love to read what you have to say so anytime you feel inspired to post, I'll be happy to read it. 🙂
xo
Girl,
It's so true – when you sew what you want to sew you love it and do your best work. I had some major burnout trying to keep up with Joneses, hopefully no more. I can't wait to hear all your ideas and tips. I'll stay tuned 🙂
of course, we are interested!!! on your terms, not everyone else's!
I think a lot of quilters can relate to this, getting off the ferris wheel is a great step! Would love to hear some ideas on fabric and photos when you are ready!
yep. interested!
Definitely interested!! Blogland is a richer place when you are there!!
Ooooh, sounds like a lot of fun! I totally love everything you make and enjoy seeing all your photos of quilts, too.
Yay for you! Yammer away!
sometimes just doing your thing is all that it's about. And blogs are about doing your thing and letting others witness it if they want to? (im supposing…) You have a brillant blog. I hope the inspiration keeps up. Thanks!
I SOOOO hear what you're saying about the creative process, right there with you!! Love what you do, and how you do it. Looking forward to what's in store…..
Hugs! Always white, always fresh from you. Welcome back!!!
I always have enjoyed your blog, welcome back!
You have an eye for color. Love reading all about it, keep up the sewing love.
I am anxious to hear what you have to say on photographing quilts. Yours always look like a part of a beautiful picture instead of just a picture of a pretty quilt. Welcome back.
i know exactly what you mean…i think what you are saying can be applied to most areas of our life, not just quilting. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned. Have a good week!!
So well said…and I like so many others know exactly how you feel. It is so wonderful just to sew for the love of sewing!
Yes, completely and totally interested! Especially the photography tips! And I understand getting off the merry-go-round for awhile. It can be overwhelming and tiring at times. Sounds like you are coming back inspired and ready to share. I hope so because I sure do miss you!
Totally interested in whatever you want to yammer on about 🙂 Seriously 🙂 Love this quilt by the way & wholeheartedly agree with what you said 🙂
Absolutely, always inspiring…
I am very interested!!! Out of all the quilt blogs I stalk yours is my fav! Your style is exactly me to the "T". It was your post about washing up a quilt and giving it away with the intent to be used and loved that really sealed the deal. Even when you went on hiatus I checked ATLEAST weekly to see if you had returned. I was so thrilled to see quilts coming from this blog again. Keep sharing!!!…please!!!
Oh glad you got back into quilting!! Sounds like you got quilters block! (No pun intended lol) I would love to see some posts that you mentioned. Photographing quilts doesn't seem to be my strong suit, but I might need to improve on it seeing as how I just started my own quilting blog 😀 Love the blocks you've shown us in on this quilt. Great colors.
I am still interested! And please, know that you're not the only one who feels this way sometimes. I'm finding that the mojo comes back when I'm sewing for the love of creating, and less for blog fodder. Cut yourself some slack and enjoy the process!
I'd be interested in those posts! Especially photographing quilts. I need help!
Oh I'm interested! So glad you are back to blogging and loving to quilt again 🙂