I tried. I really, really tried to again get into piecing the improv quilt that's been on my design wall for several weeks. I'm feeling the disappointment that comes from an inability to "get it right."
Here's an honest picture of how it's going.
Ugh. Not well. I'm thinking to take it down so I don't have to stare failure in the face.
Avoiding sewing altogether, I've been round loom knitting. Ah yes... something that is turning out.
Two more cute "Tiny Dolls" made using Denise's (loomahat.com) YouTube video. It's interesting to me how using two strands of "super-soft yarn" and a little too much Cluster Stuff poly fill (from Hobby Lobby), made one of them a tiche taller than the other.
Then, my friend Sherry @otterbeequilting let me know that Denise has a Teddy Bear YouTube video, and I was all-in on that one. Teddy sits 5½" tall, and loves my braided rag rug.
All the stuffies I've been making have come off a 24-peg round loom, and are filled with Cluster Stuff. I plan to donate these to the local police department who will give them to kids who need comforting.
It's slow-going on the rug. I'm up to braiding/weaving with 16 strands, and it now measures 60" long. I'm still using only upcycled clothing, leftover garment-making fabrics, and bed sheets.
Don't forget that if you're interested in learning "Braided Rag Rugs," Ilka White (of Australia) is offering a six-hour workshop (over two days) in April. Go here for more information. Her workshop is how I learned!
I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row in anticipation of the rest of February, which is turning out to be packed with exciting activities - Central Florida MQG meeting (and me writing the monthly member newslettter); QuiltCon in less than two weeks; houseguests; and presenting a program and workshop to South Florida MQG.
Though "going" won't be slow, sewing will no doubt remain "little." Linda
Catching up on blog reading since I no longer get the email notifications for your posts. If you aren't feeling the quilt put it away for a while. I've done that when things aren't coming together. Sometimes the answer comes to me later. Other times I realize it's just not working or what I want to spend time making. That's ok. I'd rather spend my time on something I feel good about. Love the little bear sitting on your rug. He's very sweet.
ReplyDeleteThere are sometimes quilts that have a mind of their own and just refuse to cooperate with our best intentions. After a suitable period in time out, maybe you could just salvage the portion that still speaks to you and make a runner or other small project(s). Enjoy the little knit cuties, they will surely bring comfort to the children who receive them. Your gorgeous rug more than makes up for the disappointment of the quilt top that didn't match your expectations.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the improv blocks are too organized. . .too symmetrical. . .too much of them? What if the nine ish blocks become a section without having the lime dividers? Maybe there is more than one quilt on that wall? Maybe you need larger chunks of the lime of maybe you need other solids to bring out the flavor of the nineish blocks? I look forward to seeing what you do! I am loving your rug!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteI love how your improv is coming but I have also gotten stuck in the middle of improv piecing when blocks and joining strips are not at 90 degree angles. Squaring up doesn’t have to mean the same as lining up (in rows) but it will make assembling a cohesive whole much easier. I have done it with and without squaring and not squaring generally makes me want to quit. Your colors and flow are lovely. Perhaps a time out is the perfect answer for now.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane! Oh gosh. I appreciate your positivity about this improv design, though at the moment I think it’s going nowhere. I understand what you’re saying about lining-up blocks to make a design follow a more rigid gridwork pattern. I intentionally chose not to do that with this design, and I’m sure that’s one reason I’ve made this design harder on myself. Piecing like that is way more difficult. I sure understand how such wonky piecing makes both of us want to quit! But for “modern,” I think I prefer the more off-kilter pattern. So, I’ll keep plugging away. In fact, since writing this post another idea has come to mind. Maybe I’ll cut apart the section that’s already pieced together, at the bottom, and insert another new color. Maybe. I won’t make a move until my sew-jo is ready. Thanks for your input!
DeleteWell, improv is v. problematical for me, I never seem to be satisfied with my playful attempts. So, I can understand some of your reluctance to continue. Maybe, as others say, relook at it after a month or so?
ReplyDeleteSomeone suggested recently that one of my block sets needed "an extended time out" and that might work for your improv blocks, too :D
ReplyDeleteIt might not be going anywhere now but it will, eventually and I’m still loving that green. The loom babies are adorable and I’m sure they will be loved.
ReplyDeleteI have never been very successful at improv quilts, which is why your quilts always leave me amazed and mystified. I did do a "controlled" improv class once and I've always thought I should visit that one again, because it did make sense to me. I remain your admirer!
ReplyDeleteYour rug is so huge now, and really a beautiful work of art. I do like rag rugs, and have a few of them around. And your wee dolls and creatures are so lovely. I always love seeing them when they are finished. Carry on, carry on! :) E.