Thursday, April 2, 2020

Orange thread..............

Yesterday I was sewing with orange thread, putting binding on 2 mug rugs and sewing one more framed 9 patch. I also spent some time out in the back garden raking off layers of wet leaves so the early plants could see the sunshine.

 I have been reading on blogs that some people are having trouble getting started on any sewing project in these unsettling times.  My advice: go sew some mindless scrap blocks and while you are stitching them you will start getting ideas for which other projects you might want to work on.  Did you ever notice how many things you wish you could work on when you are busy with something else in life?  Sitting in a chair and doing nothing is not going to get you motivated.  Working on any art project will get the creative juices flowing.  I have 2 more mug rugs and one more block ready to sew as well as 4 more masks to keep my creativity flowing. 

I pulled out the wide Kaffe Fassett backing fabric to use for my Trip Around the World for my bed.  I need to press it so today I will turn the iron on and press several things that have been waiting.

11 comments:

Julierose said...

Great advice--it works for me that's for sure..one idea leap frogs to so many more..this month in RSC is light blue--(kinda close to teal though)--so going to pull what I have and see about pairing ....
~ ~ ~ waving to you while holding my hat as it is SO windy Julierose

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I will work on a quilt for a little bit and then go do garden work or housework and back to the sewing again - that is working for me now. it helps to have a sewing room full of fabric for sure

The Joyful Quilter said...

I've heard from a lot of friends who are having trouble concentrating. I've been a bit scattered, myself. The big difference is that I've been jumping from project to project and that's OK with me. I've finished 3 little projects, 1 big project, plus started blocks from the tutorial I posted on my blog last week AND finished the resulting quilt top!

Quiltdivajulie said...

I have found that working on long-planned projects that have been gathering dust waiting for me to "get around to it" has been most helpful. I don't work in long sessions but I do work on them at least once or sometimes twice or more a day. I need to hear the sound of my machine -- it helps me stay balanced. Finishing some of those languishing quilt tops feels marvelous.

BatikFanatic said...

So true... once I get started doing something, transitioning to something else becomes easier. I have a few ongoing scrappy projects that I dabble into, when I have limited time and concentration or when I need just to sew without thinking. But it's important for me to get my hands on some fabric... that by itself is therapeutic!

patty a. said...

Your advice is perfect - just do something! That backing fabric is spectacular! I didn't know KF made wide backing fabric.

JJM said...

Delightful mug rugs and 9 patch. And my oh my that's a beautiful piece to use for backing.

There's not enough hours in my day to get all my chores done plus trying to work in some projects.... I have heard from several of my friends since the "stay at home order" and they somehow get worked into my day too. It is trying times right now for so many . This too shall pass it's just getting through it.

JJM

Anonymous said...


I'm one of those who feels frozen........like I'm living in another world and this is not reality. I started (at the suggestion of a friend) a few days ago to do 5 particular things she herself is doing to begin to feel some sense of accomplishment. I've been sewing for over 60 years through everything life has thrown at me, but this has me just frozen---for many different reasons. I think the biggest reason is just utter sadness in so many ways. Carol C

Lois said...

I'm glad it's not just me, I feel like I am spinning my wheels, jumping from one project to another. Thanks for thoughts.

Linda Swanekamp said...

Mindless sewing is good for kickstarting. I also found doing something that requires concentration helps. I bought the new stripology ruler and did the quilt along with it which made me use a tool in a whole new way and I really had to pay attention and focus. This also helped in moving forward in sewing.

Mystic Quilter said...

Excellent advice Wanda, I think I should follow it because I find I'm thinking of starting projects but not really getting anywhere with them, I should try your method. By the way the KF backing fabric is beautiful, I have this on the back on one of my quilts.