As promised, I’ll continually be checking in and sharing the progress of my second Collection quilt. Based on the pic I posted on IG when I first cut it out, I know that it was something like 8 weeks ago when I started. (Where’s the time going?) Since then, I’ve really only worked on it a handful of times. I think I spent 3 sessions cutting it out, with nightly appliquéing happening when possible between and after those sessions. Then this past weekend, I sewed all of the blocks together as a break from mopping the floors (it was on the floor, so it made sense to finish sewing it together before moving on with my cleaning…right?).
It truly is a back-burner project, as I’ve had to prioritize other (work-related) things as needed and to fill in stints of working on it here and there. Since it’s totally a personal project with no deadlines or requirements, I’m able to lavish in the process and let it simmer while I ponder the various decisions along the way, which is really nice. Of course, my schedule these last few weeks has afforded me a little more time than usual to spend working on it (and other personal sewing projects), but that is all changing as my fall projects/releases are taking up more of my time and attention, which is also super fun. It’s always exciting to be working on new stuff.
Did anyone else catch this post over at Grainline? It totally struck a chord with me, as I often think about the importance of sewing for fun–and then yes, the blogging/posting which is a daunting/thought-invoking task too. Sewing and designing for work is a total dream that I am completely grateful for, but I also place a high value on making sure that I’m not getting stuck in the grind of it all so that I can stay in touch with the making that drew me to it in the first place. This Collection quilt and all of the other non-work-related projects that I’ve worked on the last couple of months have kept my creative spirit alive, and as a result, I’ve been really excited about new ideas/designs/work for the business side of my life. Stay tuned…
But back to this quilt, I’ve got the blocks finished and sewn together. My thought now is whether or not to add borders. Actually, I’ve pretty well decided to add borders, it’s just a matter of what size do I want the quilt to be (put on my bed or use as a throw?) and what fabric to use…
Some hand quilting is in my future with this guy as well, so I’d like to get it basted sooner rather than later so that the task of basting doesn’t become a deterrent for working on it when my possible moments to work on it get fewer and fewer.
It’s beautiful. I’m just waiting for my pattern to arrive and I will make one too.
It’s absolutely stunning, Carolyn. Looking forward to starting my own Collection quilt – the pattern is in the house. I hope to squeeze in a small chunk of time this week to get started.
Thank you for sharing your progress with the rest of us. Have received by patterns and kit from Julie @ Intrepid Threads together with a pouch filled with your recommended tools. So …. maybe this will be a success story since I have never appliqued a quilt!!
I know exactly what you mean about taking time to make things you want to make rather than just things that you have to make. I did some selfish sewing last week and it was a dream.
I love this quilt and your creative, yet down to earth, approach to making and quilting!
I am making the collection quilt but have a question, since a total novice. Do you double the tread over when u sew it or single thread only.
I can’t seem to find the pattern for this quilt on your site or a few of the stores listed… is it still available? Thanks!
Are there any video tutorials or your work? I am so excited to learn but need a visual 🙂