I got the quilting bug when I started quilting back in February 2003. And I got it bad!
I finished everything I started. . . without fail. My new quilting cohorts laughed and predicted that I would join their ranks as "Serial Starters," proudly showing off long lists of unfinished objects at quilting get-togethers.
Not possible! I insisted that would never be me. I loved the entire process of making a quilt, start to finish. And I am motivated by the finish! Unfinished stuff makes me crazy! All this is still true!
So, back then, I declared myself a "Serial Finisher!"
A few years later Hummingbird Highway happened. A game changer in my sewing studio. Deadlines happened, and personal projects had to be put aside to meet the deadlines. I can't blame everything on Hummingbird Highway, I am easily tempted by that so-called shiny-new-project!
These days I don't have as many strict schedules. Plenty of time to finish everything I start, right?
A-hem!
Have I become a Serial Starter??
*Gasp!*
Let's take a look at my currently-working-on-it list.
Couple weeks ago, I targeted a box of 1-1/2" scrap squares. Inspired by the log cabin concept, I made 4-patch centers, and added two rounds of logs. I started a stack of scrappy 5" squares and was well on my way to make a dent in those little squares and scrappy strips in my stash.
The project is moving right along. I *only* need 140 blocks (14 rows of 10 blocks) for a twin-sized quilt.
But my design wall only holds 8 rows of blocks (barely). Therefore, I am now sewing rows together from the top down.
As I finish rows, and remove them from the wall, I can move everything up to continue the quilt layout.
This is a fun project and I'm enjoying it very much. I have enough 1-1/2" squares to make at least another quilt or two to donate to a local charity. And I am actually seeing a dent in the targeted scrap stash. I am determined to stay on task . . .
But wait!
Look at all that space! A whole shelf filled with class samples and step-outs in my basement work room.
I hear the call of the finisher.
These in-progress samples aren't needed anymore, let's finish them up and send them off into the world!
The first box I opened has enough block parts for the Split the Check project from The Versatile Nine-Patch book to make a quilt.
Let's finish it!
But Wait!
What about the scrappy log cabin blocks. . .!!
This'll be next on deck. . . .
But wait!
This scrappy block quilt just needs a little bit of quilting around the border and a binding.
Then it'll be finished.
I'll finish that first, right after the log cabin blocks are done!
But wait!
The Diamond quilt project is *THIS* close to being done!
I am halfway done sewing down the binding. Another couple hours and a label. So close!
I don't even need a sewing machine to do the binding part!
But wait!
I am guilty of being distracted by a recent online purchase of a collection of purple yarn. (You had me a merino wool AND purple!!)
The oversized scarf is more than halfway done. I can work on the binding once the scarf is done. Another week or so of knitting and this will be ready to wear!
But wait!
Cottage Garden Samplings just introduced a new 12-month series of fabulous houses. The local needlework shop sent me a personal invitation to join. How could I refuse?
40-count linen is a new challenge for me. Holy tiny-stitches-and-a-good-magnifier, Batman! -- I'm in!
But wait!
This painted canvas ornament just needs to be removed from the frame and finished.
Don't worry it'll be done in time for Christmas (just don't ask me which year!)
But Wait!
Speaking of Christmas. Holiday baking has begun!
Fruitcake for everyone on my list!
I can quilt, piece, knit, stitch, and sew while the fruitcake is baking in the oven.
It's a win-win!
Honest to Pete!
I had better start finishing and finish starting!
I confess! I am NOT a Serial Finisher OR a Serial Starter! I am a SERIAL QUILTER/STITCHER!
What about you? Are you a Serial Finisher, a Serial Starter, or a Serial Stitcher?
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
Leave a Reply