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.
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20 comments:

  1. CardygirlJanuary 15, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    Great mojo-resuming block! Fun!

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    Replies
    1. MichelleJanuary 17, 2015 at 2:29 PM

      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!

      Delete
  2. Carole~Quilter on the hillJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:19 PM

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

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  3. LeahJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    Yay! And I like your leaves.

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  4. KirstyJanuary 16, 2015 at 4:07 AM

    This is going to be great!

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    Replies
    1. MichelleJanuary 17, 2015 at 2:30 PM

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

      Delete
  5. AmandaJanuary 16, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Oh yeah! This is FIERCE!!

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  6. cat and vee xoxoJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:00 PM

    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. MichelleJanuary 17, 2015 at 2:31 PM

      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!

      Delete
  7. diane_sJanuary 16, 2015 at 8:37 PM

    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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    Replies
    1. MichelleJanuary 17, 2015 at 2:34 PM

      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.

      Delete
  8. StephanieJanuary 16, 2015 at 9:34 PM

    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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    Replies
    1. MichelleJanuary 17, 2015 at 2:35 PM

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

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2015 at 11:28 PM

    So good to see you quilt-making again :)

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2015 at 11:29 PM

    So glad to see you quilt-making again :)

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  11. JoFebruary 1, 2015 at 8:49 PM

    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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  12. gretchenFebruary 8, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    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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