December 02, 2014

FMQ weekly: try it!

I don't have a tutorial today, because this Thanksgiving weekend I was completely possessed by quilting. I mean in a way I haven't felt in over a year. I've been putting a lot of time into teaching quilting or writing patterns lately, but this was for no one else but me and it felt delicious.


The quilt I recently finished cracked open a new part of my brain I guess because

a) this quilt is going to have about 80 different designs in it when it's finished.
b) I was hoping to make the deadline for submitting it to the show at QuiltCon.


That's new for me. I can't even explain what happened, just a flash of inspiration to make a quilt with a quilt block by my grandma in the center and the realization that the Quilt Con deadline was in reach. Everything went so quickly and smoothly, utter "Flow" state. It's the time when being an artist feels more like being a conduit than anything else. I felt gratitude for my grandma over and over as I worked on it. I missed the QuiltCon deadline but it didn't really matter. This quilt has changed me.


It needed lots of variety in the quilting and also freedom in the designs. So I tried lots of new things. I'm so happy I did, they are looking great! I guess that's the point in today's post. Try the new things. Even if you're not sure how they will turn out. If you see quilting out in the world that intrigues you and you want to try it, you should. You might amaze yourself!

I'll be back next week with a tutorial. Happy stitching everyone!


27 comments:

Pinkadot Quilts said...

It's beautiful!

Carli The Quilter said...

Looking forward to seeing how you've covered this lovely quilt.

What Comes Next? said...

I love those juicy colours and from what I can see of your quilting it is as spectacular as ever! Love that you've incorporated the block from your grandmother - such a wonderful quilt this is going to be!

Gail Lizette said...

oooOOoo that pink thread on the dark grey is scrumptious! What kind of machine do you do the fmq with?

Zenia Rene said...

Awwww what a wonderfully inspirational post! Thank you Christina. Sorry you missed QuiltCon...but so glad you've been changed. =)

Zenia Rene said...

One of these days...I hope to quilt as beautifully as you!

Nurdan Kulluk-Rennert said...

Wonderful!!!Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt!

Lara B. said...

Wow... Just... Wow! Well more than that. I am so happy for you Christina! You sent shivers up my spine just picturing how it must have been for you! What you've shown us looks very lovely. Your Grandma must be looking down from heaven and smiling a huge smile!

christaquilts said...

I love where you are going with this one. And you can always enter it next year!!

Anonymous said...

What a great post. Your excitement is contagious. Looking forward to seeing the whole quilt. The bits and pieces that you showed with this post are really pretty.

leanne said...

wow looks fabulous ! looking forward to seeing more in the tutorial !

Elsa said...

I've loved watching your process with this quilt ~ it's really magnificent and that your Grandmother is part of it makes it even better! Can't wait to see it in person!

Elsa said...

Oh and you so inspire me!!!

Stitchin At Home said...

wow looks great!

kikkine said...

I love it, beautiful!!

Gene Black said...

It is looking good. I will be excited to see the finish.

Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts said...

Ohhh, I love that feeling of 'being a comduit' when everything is just working! You stated it perfectly. Love your weekly tutorials, and I can't wait to see your finished quilt!

MaryLee said...

I love the leaves with the detail inside and your encouragement to try something. I just heard a talk about doing something every day that we are afraid of, and this fits right in. I am hand-binding a quilt for the very first time. I doubted myself (I've machined other quilt bindings but wanted to "bond" with my quilt) and while my arthritic hands are sore I am going to finish it today. It's a Christmas gift for my daughter and her husband and I am proud that it will have my personal touch.

Karen H said...

Great post! Sometimes you just have to dive in and do it! I like mixing up my quilting designs because it keeps the project interesting and lively and it makes for a quilt that looks much more complex. The quilt with your GMa's block is going to be a real treasure!

Kathleen said...

Aw, how sweet! I think your grandma was watching you as you were thanking her for your quilting skills!

Barb Neiwert said...

It's going to be gorgeous! Isn't it amazing what a deadline can do for your brain? Looking forward to seeing the whole quilt. Have fun with it!

em's scrapbag said...

It is wonderful! Your quilting is gorgeous!

bumblebee53 said...

Brava! As always, you inspire me. That quilt is vibrant and exquisite; even more so because it has both your Grandmother's and your work in it. What a way to honor her. :)

Vicki said...

Christina...this is spectacular! So nice to hear you so happy about this project. You go girlfriend.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Clapping for you in Texas. Your work is gorgeous!

Sarah Craig said...

From what I can see, it's amazing! I'd love to see what you can do on a long-arm…..

Amber said...

This is so amazing! I love that feeling, flow, so wonderful. Are you bringing this to guild this week?? I want to see it!

Post a Comment

I love reading your comments, thank you for coming by!