I'll be focusing on them for my One Monthly Goal this month but I'm lessening the pressure by setting the goal of giving myself permission to play with possibilities for sashing, borders, and layout for these Baskets of Plenty. They are blocks from a Cheri Payne sew-along in her Facebook group a few years ago.
I love these baskets and everything about them. I especially love how they fill the background -- big, bodacious flowers and baskets -- and because they do, I think each needs more space so they're not crowded together. Perhaps a 1"-2" border around each? What color? Perhaps 3" or 4" or 5" sashing between each and around the outer edge? What colors will be good for the baskets for sashing? I'm trying to imagine hourglass blocks for sashing, arranged so the colors are in the same orientation to give the impression of on-point squares. And then there's the outer border, and whether to put an angel at the top. So many possibilities. Such potential for play!
A SMART goal has these characteristics: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. I believe that all of my previous monthly goals have met those criteria. This month's goal will be a little less SMART. The specific this month is to play, which is both achievable, relevant, and time-bound. But measurable? The only ways to measure play that I can think of is by the amount of time I play -- each day or week or during the month -- or the number of variations I try (which would be really hard to measure). So this month my specific goal will be to play with fabric and these blocks for a total of 3 hours/week over the next three weeks for a total of 9 hours of play this month. I hope the play leads to some decisions (though that's not my goal this month)!
I'm linking this post to One Monthly Goal October at Elm Street Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Patty.
--Nancy.
I like how you think. Yes. Permission to play sounds like a great goal in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. Encouraging words!
DeleteAs we get busy with the goal of "finishing" we so often forget how to play and truly have fun with our quilting. I too want to change that habit, have been reading and rereading Victoria Findlay Wolfe's book 15 Minutes of Play, looks like such fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's so true, Pat. This year I've been so focused on unfinished pieces, just trying to get them done. But I think these baskets deserve more than just getting them done. I'll have to look at VFW's book again. I hope you are enjoying some playtime!
DeleteWhat an admirable goal, Nancy. And getting to play around with these baskets all the better. I love them too, as you know.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun goal without pressure (other than the time commitment), Jocelyn. I'm just playing with options.
DeletePlay girl play! Life is short...your baskets are gorgeous...permission granted!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie! It's been relaxing to lay without a deadline.
DeleteSuch adorable folky blocks! I know you will have lots of fun playing with them, so pls share your ideas as you go on.
ReplyDeleteI think a monthly goal is only positive if it is a happy and encouraging plan! Taking time to play is a perfect goal.
lizzy
Thank you, Lizzy. It's been fun to play without a deadline (other than the amount of time) or a specific outcome. I'm usually so focused on getting a quilt done and making sure it's as perfect as I can make it, which is not stress-free, or playful.
DeleteI agree with your assessment that the baskets need some breathing room and applaud you for giving yourself permission to play! I noticed that a couple of the backgrounds appear to be free-pieced. Have you considered move of that for the area surrounding the blocks? That might be a good fit for the "feel" of the blocks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyful. I think free-pieced borders around the blocks would work if the border is wider than 2" -- which is a possibility. Any- and everything is on the table at this point. It's very un-pressured playtime for me and those blocks!
DeleteI guess I'm old. I've not given myself permission to play for a very long time. When I'm knee-deep in putting a quilt together it feels like work because I have to schedule the time and be conscious of not letting other things get forgotten. You've given me something to ponder about. Play is important too.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm old, Robin! I suppose that's why I had to set a goal to play. I can't think of the last time I just played with fabric and quilt blocks and arrangements. And I know what you mean about it feeling like work. We love to make and quilt quilts but something happens along the way that it becomes more work than joy (I guess, at least for me). I'm so focused on getting it right, or perfect, that I miss the fun.
DeleteThose baskets are very fun to view. I love that you are setting a goal to play. That is the best. This should be fun and therapeutic, so why not make that the goal? I look forward to see what you discover during playtime! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janet. Sometimes I get so focused on the finish that I miss the fun!
DeleteI love these blocks - happy playing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gayle. I'm having fun!
DeleteGreat blocks. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patty.
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