Thursday, January 15, 2015

How Michelle got her quiltjo back

I haven't quilted anything for about 4 or 5 months now. Though now I think of it, there was a little foray back into Chester Criswell when I returned from Japan, and also a little 1/2 inch hexagoning while travelling, but other than that, nothing.

I didn't want to quilt. I didn't like quilting. I thought the quilting community was getting ridiculous (which is actually a ridiculous thought). I liked my sewing bubble, and my little sewing community, and I am really enjoying making my own clothes. Between gardening, sewing, cooking, working and swimming, I don't have time to make quilts.

I knew my quiltjo would return one day, but I wasn't expecting it to return while sitting in the dentist's chair earlier this week. I hate going to the dentist - far too much tooth action going on when I was a kid, I think. So I try to not clench my hands too much, and think nice thoughts. For some reason, my mind turned to making a red maple leaf quilt.

Maple Leaf Quilt

I got to work with no plan on paper, but it all in my head. Isn't that the best way to start quilting? I roughly worked out the maths for making a 9 patch maple leaf with a scrappy background, and got cutting.

Maple Leaf Quilt

I made two on Monday night, and most of another five on Wednesday night.

Maple Leaf Quilt

Just eighteen more to go.

Maple Leaf Quilt

Yes, I'm hooked. And I'm back.

20 comments:

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    1. It's a heap of fun! I'd started another red and white quilt a few weeks ago that lasted all of one night - it was improv, and teeny blocks and I was just HATING IT! This is makes me so much happier!

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  2. Fabulous red fabrics- so glad you've got your quiltjoq back!

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    1. Gosh fingers crossed! I'm loving being back in the quilting mindset

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  4. oh LOVE your red maple leaves! I love that your quiltjo came back while at the dentist - you definitely can't choose when or where inspiration strikes.

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    1. It's always the way isn't it! Proved to me though that quilting can still give me the pleasant thoughts when I need them!

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  5. Good to know that someone else does it . Every six months I have a check up . I dread it . I sit in the chair and try to sew Orr knit something in my head with a little voice in the background saying I hope he finds nothing . Your leaves look wonderful

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    1. Fortunately my dentist only wants to see me once a year, so it's only in January that I turn into a hot sweating and internally-screaming mess! But I do get to practice my visualisation techniques while he's scraping and cleaning.

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  6. Oh yes. Very stunning and very red!!!! (Welcome back!). I've astounded myself by making doing Bonnie Hunters mystery quilt. Can't believe it !!

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    1. Thanks Stephanie! And go you on the Bonnie mystery! It's a beauty!

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  7. So good to see you quilt-making again :)

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  8. So glad to see you quilt-making again :)

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  9. Hi Michelle. How are you? Long time no speak. I love your maple leaves. I found myself nodding like a mad women reading your post. I too have lost my quiltjo.... I though haven't found it again. Too be honest I am not missing it, I have been busy rediscovering dress making, gardening and for first time in my life, enjoying the gym. I am going to have a good read through your blog posts and look for dress inspiration!

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  10. Hi there Michelle!! I've missed you on IG. Just asked one of your AUS quilter friends about you and she said you're blogging again. Anyway I just wanted to say HI!! I've missed you & you do inspire me

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