The week before Christmas is always a busy one, no matter how I schedule nor how modest our holiday plans. It's nice to have a project ongoing, so when I need a little break, I can slip into the sewing room and escape to my stitchy world. Honestly though, this project is probably causing some of my last minute stress, as I've been slipping in there more often than I should be. I can't help it.
After lots of block making and fussing & fidgeting with colors and prints, I decided last Monday to sew the center section together and start working on the border designs. But something nagged at me. The center looked a little boring. No matter how I switched things around, it was leaving me a little *meh*.
I removed the center blocks and considered a new direction. How about an appliqué block? Hmmm. I did what I always do first when looking for some inspiration, pulled out my stack of pages from old Quilt Engagement Calendars. I don't know why I am even tempted by new quilt books, the antique quilts in this trove are enough to keep me busy with ideas for the rest of my life and they never fail to provide me with a new direction when I'm searching for one.
This time was no different. I flipped through a number of photos before a
block in an old album quilt jumped off the page at me. Coincidentally
and, I know, quite unbelievably, I am friends
with the owner of that quilt and happened to have tracings of the actual
blocks in my closet. I quickly dug them out and sure enough, the block
still looked perfect for what I had in mind. It needed resizing, and I decided the orientation would be better reversed so I took some time to redraft it.
Fabric selections followed and then, of course, I had to cut out a few pieces to see if I was on the right track. How could I resist stitching a few leaves ~ and then a few more? I thnk it's going to work.
This, friends, is why my Christmas cards aren't done yet.
A second here on lookking at old quilts for inspiration. Alas, my cards are in a bag under my desk san addresses. Last year I wanted to make a list and print labels-well there is next year.
Posted by: Heidi | December 18, 2012 at 12:58 PM
I can't tell you how many times I sent out a "New Year" card - people enjoy them just the same. Your instincts are spot on - this will be wonderful!!!!
Posted by: Karen | December 18, 2012 at 01:50 PM
Send everyone a picture of this and call it Christmas. I LOVE how you have mixed it up, this is going to be such an amazing quilt.
Posted by: Sharon | December 18, 2012 at 01:51 PM
Don't feel bad. At least you are being creative. I don't have my Christmas cards done yet either and that is because I got the bug to purge and clean and that is what I have done for the 2 1/2 days in my sewing room. I am done now, so I am heading to the table to work on my Christmas cards. Good luck. Your quilt is going to be beautiful.
Posted by: faye | December 18, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I also don't have my cards done yet- tonight, hopefully. I've been spending my time trying to get a quilt done for a Christmas gift. I should be basting tonight, so I think I am on track for getting it done. I really like the star blocks you've scattered in amongst the baskets- gives it just the right amount of interest!
Posted by: Jenny G. | December 18, 2012 at 03:03 PM
I loved the quilt before the center applique. But now you're making it spectacular!
Posted by: LeeAnn | December 18, 2012 at 04:38 PM
The baskets are fabulous! I also like finding inspiration in antique quilts they are the best.
It's hard to tell from the picture but what colors are the baskets?
This is going to be a terrific quilt!!!
Posted by: Kelly | December 18, 2012 at 05:40 PM
Who can resist new books? Can there be too much inspiration? :0) I love the direction your basket quilt is going! Antique quilts inspire me too!! My cards aren't sent either...
Posted by: Janet | December 18, 2012 at 09:50 PM
Oh, I like this MUCH better than Christmas cards. It's so much more rewarding. True friends will understand!
Posted by: Meredithe | December 18, 2012 at 10:39 PM
Well, who could possibly blame you for sneaking in to work on this beauty??? I LOVE it! I think you could do anything to those baskets and I'd still love them. And I love (can you tell I really LOVE them) watching this quilt unfold. You're always so full of inspiration!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | December 19, 2012 at 09:04 AM
This one will be wonderful!
Posted by: beth | December 19, 2012 at 10:03 AM
Beautiful quilt. Fancy finding something in your cupboard so quickly!
Posted by: Maria | December 20, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Some of my friends get impatient with me when I am auditioning fabrics or moving things around on the design wall. but you know when you get just the right color/design/layout. This quilt will be wonderful. Can't wait to see how it comes out.
Posted by: Pam Cope | December 21, 2012 at 05:40 PM
wishing you a wonderful Christmas Jan, to you and your family (near and far!)
Posted by: monica | December 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Happy New Year! I'm eager to see the next installment on this beauty. It seems it's always best to go where the inspiration takes you = better final design. I loved the stars in the baskets, but adding applique to piecing always makes things better in my book.
Posted by: Linda in NC | January 01, 2013 at 12:30 PM