I got my UFO basted, Susan over at Hanging On by a Needle and Thread has been a great encouragement to get those UFOs out of the closet and onto production. This is going to be quilted this coming week...even if it kills me. I really can't wait to gift it. I finally found a way to give you a look at it without you being able to read the names!
I got 40 of these sewn, ironed, starched, and squared. I find the whole squaring up process humbling. Really. See all that stuff in the dish? That is my imperfection. Since I have a tendency to be so anal retentive perfectionistic, the squaring up process is my least favorite in quilting. As the blocks moved from being 9 1/2" finished to 9 1/4" finished, I found myself more focused on the 10 inches of quilt that I was losing. I lost joy.
As I set this aside to quilt the signature quilt, I am going to be thinking about the perfect beauty in imperfection. God created me with the need to create. If I wait to be perfect, my need will never be fulfilled. So, I will always need to square things up. Most importantly, my thinking.
Be sure to use the Sew & Tell button to visit all the other finishes. They go great with a cup of hot chocolate!!
Oh, and thanks to all those who dropped me a comment on my birthday yesterday! They warmed my heart (but I am a little worried about Treasure's head fitting through the door)!
Blessings,
KT
It sounds like you are the opposite of me. I never square anything up because I just want to get it done and then none of the corners match, but it does get done quickly. I guess there is a bad side to each way you quilt. Good luck finding your happy medium!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to find a quilter who is perfect. You're in good company!
ReplyDeleteI love the perspective on the signature quilt pic!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday!!
I find squaring up to be one of my FAVORITE parts of piecing... it allows my imperfect blocks to become that much closer to perfection! LOL
ReplyDeleteKT, even the Amish put an intentional mistake is all they do (or so I've been told) so you're in amishsome (Amish for awesome) company. But, I think He takes us on journeys using the most ordinary of things. Like quilting.
ReplyDeleteLove you always!
beautiful quilt! For whatever reason, I have so much trouble basting with pins. What is my problem??!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! You are so much more patient than be with your basting pins, I never get that many in I just have to start quilting! then I wonder why it's not perfect ;)
ReplyDeleteexcellent! Those trimmed up blocks look very nice - and fresh!
ReplyDeleteOh, I just loved what you had to say about perfection. I too get out of joint when my squares are not square! I keep wondering how everyone else gets them square, little did I know everyone else has the same problem (I think). But I do believe God put me here to try and always do better but not to 'sweat the small stuff' and your post was a sweet reminder that it's ok. Thanks so much. Can't wait to see all you are working on....the big picture, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteYour squared up blocks being a little smaller might mean there is something else that you can add to the quilt, eg a border that ends up being even better than having the blocks a little bigger. The fabric you are using is really pretty!
ReplyDeleteI guess it all depends on the mood I'm in if I spend a lot of time squaring off or just letting it be. But there is nothing wrong with wanting things nice and neat. I'm looking forward to seeing your UFO finished. It looks so pretty and love the color.
ReplyDeleteI kind of enjoy the process of squaring up. I know my seams won't match unless I trim them!
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are very crisp looking. Very nice!
oooh, I had more time than I did this morning, so snooped around your blog a little longer. What a sweet bday story about your hubby! Anyway, in case you didn't see my comment on my blog, wanted to let you know that blush yardage is on sale at piece n' quilt, since you said you liked it :) see you next week :)
ReplyDeleteLove the look and colours of your UFO. Your not the only perfectionist out there and I'm sure your quilts are beautiful because of this trait.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for getting your UFO basted! I can't wait to see it all quilted!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a great feeling of accomplishment to finish up those UFO's isn't it! Will watch for your new blocks to become a quilt top :)
ReplyDeleteLovely little blocks and I bet they are all perfectly squared!
ReplyDeleteThat bowl of shreds looks neat. I like the msotly white squares too. Did you use a pattern? Cant wait to see the finished top.
ReplyDeleteI don't like squaring up/trimming points off triangles much either but I think it is worth it in the end. Love the colours in your blocks.
ReplyDeleteYeah, squaring is a pain, but I like to think of it as the final proofing (like proofreading) in the entire process--not imperfection! Keeps my fussing down on the way there, too. Beautiful blocks!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your UFO basted. I love those 40 perfect blocks. Great fabrics going on with the white. What project is that for? Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeletesquaring up is a part of quilting i like to pretend does not exist....because surely if i ignore it it will not matter, right? wrong! i have messed up so many things leaving out this step
ReplyDelete