Just Thinking

Quilters, we come in many different packages.  Some quilters spend more time collecting fabric and patterns than the actual process of quilting.  Some start projects, shove them in the closet and never complete the piecing let alone the quilting and start another that too will get the shove.  And then there's the "I'm taking a quilting class" quilter, that can only complete a quilt with a crowd.  And of course don't forget the quilter that is always looking at fabric and patterns but hardly ever buys a thing.  An the ideal quilter, designs her quilt, purchases the fabric, makes it start to finish before starting another.  Which one are you?  Me I'm a collaboration of all.  But I think my biggest issue is searching for the next project, looking for inspiration.  There's days when I think I should start selling all my books and fabric.  Just start fresh, get rid of all those UFO's also.  And become "The Finisher", "The Ideal Quilter".  Why?  Because look at this!  I was cutting into Connie's shirts, but in my mind I was designing "The Next Big Thang".  And before I knew it I had went through every magazine in the cabinet.  Do I plan on making these?  Well heck no!  I just need INSPIRATION.  It's the crazy plan of plucking an idea from here and there, and make it your own.  Sticking with a pattern is close to impossible.  

 The ones that I thought would work with the new studio theme "RED"

 Well you know Independence Day inspiration...

 Oh look at this nice vintage pattern...

And that's how it goes, everyday!  There's a quilt on the frame, a quilt by the sewing machine that in process and one on the cutting table and design wall.  One waiting on the frame, one waiting for a border before going into the flimsy pile.  We won't even talk about how many flimsy are waiting to be quilted.   I could go on and on but you get the idea, I'm not IDEAL.

Until next time "Quilt Out of your Comfort Zone!"

Lea

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The quilt inspiration

A few weeks ago I was out doing my weekly errands and seen a yard sale sign.  Normally I would just pass on by because I'm one of those crazy people that have a schedule for day and that wasn't on the schedule.   For some reason on this day I slammed on the brakes and made a sharp left turn, leaving the scheduled path for a force out of my control.  Not even questioning the detour I spotted the junk infested driveway and promptly found a spot to park.  Do you size up a home by the way it looks?  I do, Looking at the yard and quick scan of the sale contents from the street I summed up that this must be an elderly couple.  So I started to scan the patrons and spotted her.  The cutest little gray haired old lady, smiling and chatting with a fellow gray hair.  Looking around she had many antiques priced way out of my yard sale comfort zone.  $200 for a cast iron rocking horse toy that I could hold in my hand!  My mind said get in the truck there's nothing here for you!  But as I browsed  I spotted this....

It's a little banged up but cute.  And only $2!  I had to have it, I knew at that point why my truck had taken a sharp turn.  Its a picnic basket.  Gray haired Gertrude came over and started telling me the story of how her and her husband had used this for many years for picnics.  It was on display in her home by the fire place until her great grandson plopped his butt down on it.  Now she's selling everything preparing for a move into a retirement home since her husband has passed.  And then that's when I spotted this

I asked about it.  She asked if I knew what it was.  Being polite I guess a Pee pot.  She rattled off some fancy name for it and then said "Yes it's a Piss Pot that belong to my mother and we all used it for many years."   I had to have it!  My mom would always say this phrase when talking about someone poor, "They don't have a Pot to Piss in nor a window to throw it out" So girls that's how my sewing studio colors have changed from blue's and yellows to red.  Inspired by an old lady that we'll call Gertrude and her loving husband that took the time for romantic picnics.  The Pee pot will now be my trash can by the sewing machine.  Instead of filling with crap I'll fill it with scrap.  Momma got a good chuckle when I called and told her I now have a pot to piss in and a window to throw it out.  

What inspires your quilting?  Do your quilts have a story to tell?  Quilts are pieces of my life and reflect a small piece of the story.  I think for the quilt labels I'll include "Gertrude and her loving husband" as the inspiration.

This picture has nothing to do with the rest of the story but it too has one.  The pin cushion  belonged to my Aunt that passed a couple of years ago.    She was a quilter and a seamstress.  Momma gave it to me yesterday.  Love the old pins even with the rusty spot it's a treasure.

Until next time "Quilt out of your Comfort Zone!"

Lea

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