That blue border is very scrappy. There are at least half a dozen different fabrics but there are many, many more pieces of fabric. I think it works. But now that I'm thinking of another border made of several different fabrics, I'm not so sure more scrappy will make this quilt better. Maybe too much of a good thing is overload, maybe just too much. (Of course, there are several considerations yet for this border, the narrow border between it and the cabin border (color and width), and the stars. Where are the stars?!) Have I mentioned that I don't know what I'm doing with this quilt, or where it's going? Even so, I'm (mostly) enjoying the creative challenge of it.
Most who are making Gwenny-medallions aren't posting about them until they've finished the current border. Is that a "rule" for quilt-alongs? I hope not because here I am with two "non-progress" posts in two days.
Second. That voice in my head.
Are you like me? Do you have a voice in your head that sometimes tells you negative things? The disdainful little voice in my head tells me things like, "You'll never succeed at that. You'll never be good enough." Or, "Who do you think you are, trying to accomplish something like that?" Or, "You may have talents/skills/abilities, but that's not one of them." Or maybe one of the worst, "You always mess things up and you'll do the same with this."
I rarely have trouble silencing that voice. I know whose it is and its purpose and I focus on other things, other grander purposes than the negative. But there are times -- when I'm learning something new or challenging and haven't quite mastered it; when I'm pushing to finish something by a tight deadline; or when I'm tired or don't feel well -- that I have a little trouble ignoring the messages. Today was one of those days. I know it's because I'm tired and because I feel achy (which I hope is because I'm tired or slept in an uncomfortable position). I know I'll feel better after a good night's sleep. I'll have a better outlook and perhaps I'll dream of a great border idea, or maybe I'll just see the quilt differently when I'm not tired.
At times like this I love to remember this quote by F. Enzio Busche.
When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, towards God.What grand direction, worth heeding and following. He has more to say, which you can hear in the brief video below.
I'm so grateful for so many wonderful blessings, including the freedom to choose creativity.
I hope you have a pleasant, restful Sabbath.
--Nancy.
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Oh Nancy, it is not so easy when we are let loose with our fabrics and head full of ideas. I identify so strongly with your process of trial and error to find what you have in mind for this this piece. I know it will be wonderful because so much of you (with your freedom to choose) has gone into it. Hope today is a non-achy, well rested one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your vote of confidence, Jocelyn. I'm happy to learn that others sometimes go through a similar process of trial and error when creating "from scratch." It's so much different when one uses someone else's pattern or a kit, but when I'm the one doing the "pattern-making," it seems to take me a while to figure out what works and what doesn't. Thanks for your visit and your comment. I appreciate both.
DeleteUghhhh...that voice in our heads. GO AWAY!!!! I sort of like the small border you have laid out with the scrappy colors, though I know that is not how you intended to use it. I have faith that you really will come up with something special.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Jennie. I can usually dispel that voice quickly, thank goodness!
DeleteBeside the blue border is the border with little log cabin blocks, the ones with creams, yellows, corals, and a few other similar colors. That border will stay. It's the next border, that wider one that's a shade or two darker than the log cabin border than I was wondering about. I just wasn't sure whether three scrappy borders might be too much. I'm still playing but hope to get it sorted out this week so I can sew it and be finished by the end of the month.
I really appreciate your confidence.
I don't have a problem with your scrappy log cabin border. I think it unifies the whole quilt by pulling the colors from the center to the outer border. But if you don't love it, then definitely keep pondering--and silence that negative voice.
ReplyDeleteGood closing thoughts.
Hi, Janet --
DeleteI'm satisfied with the little log cabin border (in fact, I love it) but I was/am uncertain whether one more scrappy border (the third, the outer one beside the log cabin border) will be too many scrappy borders, especially because the outer one is just a shade or two darker than the log cabin border. I've been playing some more today and think I'm nearly on the way with a decision.
The negative voice has been banished. Now I'm just playing....
Here's a thought . . . stop at the light / log cabin border and use a dark, maybe red or blue, thin binding on it. Keep it simple. Simple is my new mantra lately.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gypsy Quilter. I could do that but because this is part of a quilt along I want to keep going. I know I'm challenging myself (and maybe my blog readers who read my posts, too), but I think it's worth trying to figure out a border with stars. (And then there's ONE MORE border after that!) But I like your simple idea. Maybe this quilt just needs simple, even with two more borders....
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions. I appreciate it.
I like where you are going with what's on the floor. I think the last border of beige is wonderful and a thin border in between will be grand. I like the color in there, as it pulls out the star flowers. And there are stars in the blue, so what if there were a couple three blue stars in the outside beige part? Or what if there were (ugh, pardon the term) low volume stars in that border? You aren't messing up anything! You are on the right track! It's going to be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and encouragement, Susan.
DeleteI was concerned that the outer, slightly darker border doesn't have enough contrast between it and the log cabin border, and that maybe it's too scrappy, since both the blue and cabin borders are scrappy. I think the outer border may work if I'm careful with the placement of the fabrics.
I've been playing with variations today, trying to imagine how they will look this way or that way or another way. Imagining colors, arrangement, etc. There are so many options. I hope I'll have a chance to draw in the dark blue again but I don't think I can do it on this border, but we'll see. Still playing.
Thanks again for your input and your encouragement. I appreciate your comments.
I really love where you are going with this Nancy! Those stars in the blue border simply SHINE! Trust your instincts girlfriend - they won't often lead you astray. And never, ever listen to negative voices in your head :*)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, Teresa. My instincts with this quilt seem to be all over the place -- too many options look good (and I'm often indecisive anyway). But I'm determined to choose today so I can get sewing on the next border ("due" in a week and a half).
DeleteYou're a wonderful designer, Nancy! I think the design process often takes us in various directions...and sometimes in circles. :) I love how you are able to walk us through your thought process. In the end, you always make the perfect choices because your quilts are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm behind in reading, but I hope you are feeling rested. You have a lot on your plate so it's understandable that you would be tired. May you find time to stitch and may that stitching bring you serenity.
Karin, you are so generous with your comments and compliments. Thank you.
DeleteSince my husband is doing better, I'm doing better, too. He starts cardiac rehab tomorrow and has begun doing some of the little household chores that he used to do before he was in the hospital. Even though they're small things they are a help. And I've been able to stitch a little. I finally have some handwork to do, something that is very restful to me. I still need to get a quilt layered and an applique project together. One of these days -- all in good time....