Ahh, that's better. I've been craving some creative time and finally claimed it. During my recent stash purge, I came across a stack of fabrics I'd put aside for an idea I fiddled with a few months ago. It was a handwork project...very fiddly...and I'd put it aside when our impending move took center stage. I loved the color combos though, so I chose a simple block pattern and strating cutting. No plans for a specific quilt, just pure play with fabric, always my favorite part of quiltmaking. I could feel my blood pressure dropping within minutes.
It was supposed to be just one afternoon's diversion, but I've been sneaking up to the sewing room for a little while each day since and it's been just what the doctor ordered. A small respite from chimney sweeps and sprinkler guys, doctors' appointments and realtor's emails. My lists are all shrinking and I'm starting to find a balance here.
And for all of you who are thinking, 'She's flitting off to another project?! What about _____?', relax. That's what I'm doing and I highly recommend it.
What a GREAT group of blocks! Such diverse fabrics make them all just POP! Have fun playing!
Posted by: Lisa D. | April 16, 2007 at 05:36 PM
It's great that the quilting is helping you reduce the stress of moving. Go for it!
Posted by: Carole | April 16, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Very relaxing colors. I love those greens. It's no wonder you've been drawn to those fabrics. I say flit away, but of course I'm a professional flitter!
Posted by: Nancy | April 16, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Call it fabric therapy. Sometimes we all need it. The blocks look beautiful!
Posted by: Diana | April 16, 2007 at 07:20 PM
OH YEAH!! love them!! this is a perfectly normal midwestern reaction to missing a large quiltshow!! A good new project fiddle is a sure sign you are on the road to recovery!!
Posted by: schnoobie | April 16, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Perfect! I love the little blocks. I know just what you mean - sometimes I just want to sit and sew. Not think that much, just take things as they come. I think that's why I've enjoyed doing the string and crumb blocks so much. So glad you took this time just for you!
Posted by: Patti | April 16, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Relax... everything will fall in place. Good for you!
Posted by: Cindra | April 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM
I love it! I've always wanted to do a basket quilt and this looks like a simple block that looks great!
Posted by: JudyC | April 16, 2007 at 11:58 PM
I agree with you. Sewing i SO relaxing. Do not mind people saying you should put away the sewing and relax. They do not know what they are talking about. The blocks you are doing are great. beautiful colours. I love the green on top left. It makes it so georgius
Posted by: May Britt | April 17, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Looking good. This looks to be an excellent vehicle for stress relief. And better for you than controlled substances.
Posted by: Kathie | April 17, 2007 at 12:49 AM
What a lovely relax project !!! Love the colours !!!
Posted by: Céline | April 17, 2007 at 02:27 AM
And what a great way to relax! You've got to fight to find the balance sometimes. Love the colours and the block choice too.
Posted by: Lily | April 17, 2007 at 06:25 AM
flitting off to another project is the best medicine sometimes...go play, you deserve it and we need some eye candy
Posted by: dee | April 17, 2007 at 06:48 AM
These blocks are wonderful, I love the fabrics you are using! Sewing should be fun and relaxing, and new projects are always fun :)
Posted by: Anne Heidi | April 17, 2007 at 07:28 AM
I love those baskets...I've got a basket quilt on my wish list.
Posted by: Jane | April 17, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I like them all but particularly the ones on the right in the bottom picture. Nice and old-fashiony.
Posted by: Siri | April 17, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Pretty! Hey, if it's making you happy and relaxed, who care?!?
Posted by: Chris | April 17, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Good for you! Relax and play.
Posted by: Tonya R | April 17, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Lord. For anyone thinking you should be doing other things -- go do something else yourself! (Not eloquently written, I realize.) You don't come to Bemused to hassle Jan. You come to oogle the fabrics, get inspiration and smile.
Posted by: africankelli | April 17, 2007 at 06:53 PM
oh these look lovely jan! and I think the best way is to jump around from project to project, perfect for my ADD!
Posted by: amy k. | April 17, 2007 at 08:04 PM
if life's creative path is straight and narrow, i would be suspect of it's real creativity!! glad to know you take the winding road too.... lovely patches and i can feel the "calm" from them
Posted by: susan | April 18, 2007 at 08:08 AM
I love your blocks! There is absolutely nothing wrong with following your muse wherever she takes you.....
Posted by: msjan | April 19, 2007 at 06:15 PM
I made a quilt with that same block pattern. Love your colors.
Posted by: Julie | April 20, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Moving is in the top three stressors we can go through. Take care of yourself. Your sewing skills certainly aren't suffering. Nice blocks.
Posted by: Kristin | April 20, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Your colour choice is always so amazing. And very inspiring.
Now I only have to get rid of three children and a husband and I can get some sewing done...
ha ha ha. Not.
Posted by: monica | April 22, 2007 at 05:00 AM
The baskets are wonderful (I am a basket block fan) and you have done a wonderful job with the neutrals. I am particularly enamoured with the pinwheel type blocks on the right of the photo. Do show more of them! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jaye | May 12, 2007 at 01:26 AM