Sunday, June 29, 2008

Undecided

I'm at that point where I realize that my idea was much better in my head than on fabric. It's a frustrating feeling under normal circumstances, but now, with no tools, limited fabric and threads, and limited ways to get to sewing machines, tools and other helpful items, I'm feeling very frustrated.




I did the straightforward part of my quilt with rental tools at the Arts and Crafts Center on post, but since I need a car to get there in a reasonable amount of time, and a babysitter to keep an eye on the kids while I'm there, it's not practical anymore (car and hubby are already en-route to Hawaii). For the rest of the piece, I borrowed a friend's machine, which is great for the sewing part, but I'm out a rotary cutter and mat for anything else.

I did a test and felt that with a few changes I was on the right track. Now, I'm pretty much done, but I'm not entirely happy. My sketch is much better than it's stitched version. It's partly because the drawing is just plain better, and partly because the quilting stitches are uneven and wobbly (see blurry photo above).

I have a few ideas for re-doing the quilt, but they require getting to a place with tools and other thread and essentially starting over. My plan is to set it aside for a while (particularly since my neighbor needs her machine back to make a theater costume) and re-address it next week with fresher eyes.

Worst case scenario, I'll try my other idea, but it's possible that that one is better in my head as well.

5 comments:

Deborah Boschert said...

I wish you could just come over and bring the kids along. I would be happy to let you use my machine and any bit of fabric you'd like. We'll turn the spinkler on and let all the kids run around in the back yard. And then we will make chocolate chip cookies.

Kristin L said...

Don't tempt me!! I might never leave -- especially if chocolate chip cookies are involved.

Gerrie said...

Well, I want to come, too. If we ever get together as a group, I propose we give some awards. Kristin will receive the award for creating under the most difficult of circumstances. Too brain dead from the heat and four days of workshop to come up with a better wording.

Nikki said...

I'm amazed you can create anything under the circumstances. You are getting back to the roots of quilting when women only had needle, thread, scissors and scraps -- none of the wonderful tools we are privledged to use.

I'd offer my house too, but we are trying to get it ready to sell and a lot is going into storage. I'm struggling with just trying not to make too big of a mess. I think we are going to end up camping out in my parents back yard. Maybe my mom will let me set up my machine in her quilting room.

Nikki said...

I'm amazed you can create anything under the circumstances. You are getting back to the roots of quilting when women only had needle, thread, scissors and scraps -- none of the wonderful tools we are privledged to use.

I'd offer my house too, but we are trying to get it ready to sell and a lot is going into storage. I'm struggling with just trying not to make too big of a mess. I think we are going to end up camping out in my parents back yard. Maybe my mom will let me set up my machine in her quilting room.