(conversation in my head)
Just do it. JUST DO IT! You know you can handle it!
But what if I can't?? What if I mess something up?? What if I mess something SO BAD, I can't replace any of it???
You won't. It's easy. You can do it. Just bite the bullet and DO IT.
No. I'm not ready. Well, maybe I am. No. No I'm not....
This conversation has been playing in my head for about 2 years now. I'll take you back.
When I was bitten by the sewing bug, I decided that I needed to make a bed quilt for Punkie. A full size quilt. Then I bumped into a quilting publication called "Quilts and More"; you know the one. And I saw a quilt. A very lovely quilt (in my mind). I really liked it. I needed to make it. But it was too small. I wanted it for the bed.
So off I went to my LQS and asked for help with yardage and bought all the fabric I needed to make said quilt. Backing included. 8 1/2 yards of backing fabric! And then it just sat. And sat. And sat.
I didn't want to start the quilt without having a "permanent" place to sew; at the time I was sewing on the dining room table. Then I moved into my little corner of the office. Perfect! But no. Something always came up and I never started the quilt.
Now I'm upstairs in my very own ROOM and I'm petrified to start it! I need to get this quilt done before I really start hating the fabric I picked out or Punkie gets married and SHE'LL hate it. LOL.
I don't know why I'm so scared to get this quilt done. Maybe it's the size of the thing and I'm unsure of how many blocks I'm going to need (I don't remember what the quilt shop lady told me and I didn't write it down!). Maybe I'm afraid I'm really going to screw something up and I can't get any of the fabric to replace it (I have since looked online and some people still have some). I don't know. But no more!
This:
Has become this:
I've started. Baby steps. I'm going to take it slow and just get the 4-patches done. I'm thinking I'm going to need about 60-80 four patch squares. Original quilt has 20 in them. There is also some sashing and borders. But that's a whole 'nother step in the process.
Baby steps. I can do this.
UPDATED to add: D-Carlton left me a comment and was kind enough to offer help in figuring out how many blocks I would need. But there isn't an email address to respond to. So, D-Carlton, if you are reading this again, the Quilts and More is the Spring 2008 edition and the quilt is Four Square starting on page 48. I appreciate the help!
Wish me luck!
Jen :)
.png)
Good for you! That's what I was going to say...just make a start and do something...anything! And you have! keep up the good work! :0)
ReplyDeleteCute fabric, love the cherries. Good job, what does little Punkie think?
ReplyDeleteWhich quilt in "quilt's and more" are you talking about. I think I have all of them. let me know and I will see if I can help you work out the #of blocks etc.
ReplyDeleteJust dive in and go for it! You can do it :-)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it Jen -- just take your time and remember, mistakes are made when you're in a hurry. Enjoy the process and have fun -- I can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteI am so surprised to hear that your nerves are getting the best of you! You will be fine Jen! This isn't to hard for you at all... and the size/it sounds like you bought plenty enough fabric!
ReplyDeleteYou'll never get tired of those cherries - at least I wouldn't!
ReplyDeleteS.W.A.K.
P.S. - I've been known to keep fabric around for a while too. :)
You're on a roll...good for you!
ReplyDeleteJen, I would be happy to help you figure the # of blocks, etc. if you are unable to get in touch with D-Carlton.
ReplyDeleteHa! You sound like me!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm glad you just forged ahead and cut that fabric. It is going to look GREAT! (As long as you get it done before Punkie leaves home... did I ever tell you about the cross-stitch picture I'm still making for my daughter? I started it when she was... three...)
Yes, jumping in can be the hardest part! I love the fabrics you chose. Punkie will love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I have that quilts and more too, I'll have to check it out.
I'm confident you can do it Jen. Just one step at a time. And feel free to email me with any questions - I would be happy to help.
ReplyDeleteJust think how happy that little girl will be with a quilt made by mommy!
What's the "sell by" date on that fabric? No date? Then it's never too late! And I KNOW you can do it--a big quilt isn't any harder than a small one; there's just a little more of it! Of course, you COULD wait a little longer, and then Ms. Punkie Pie will be able to sew it herself--LOL! But, if you insist on forging ahead, you know we're all here for you--just ask!
ReplyDelete