Lots of people in blogland have joined in the
Farmer's Wife QAL - when I first saw the blocks appearing in posts, it reminded me so much of a project I started about 2yrs ago (!!).It was about this time when I had discovered Eleanor Burn's TV programme on Sky TV - she is quite a character and a quilting legend. I really enjoyed the Victory Quilt series as all the blocks were from the 1940s and Eleanor told their stories each week, dressing in 40s gear as she showed us how to construct the blocks.
I was then lucky enough to receive the book as a gift - available
HERE
For one reason or another my few blocks have been relegated to my UFO drawer..........I am being drawn more and more to the modern fabrics being used everywhere and I especially like the way folks are making very traditional blocks but giving them a new twist with the new fabrics.........see
Leanne's and
Lynne's.
So in the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking about my Victory blocks, I have sort of fallen out of love with the fabric, not keen to continue so what to do? Here is what I have made so far...they are all 6" blocks and were destined to be placed on point...............
Leanne suggested I just stop now, make something out of the blocks made to date, and move on and I thought that piece of advice was quite liberating..so, ok, these blocks aren't going to end up as I intended, - so what? The book is still a great one, plenty for beginners, challenges for more advanced, and a variety of techniques and finishes.......so, maybe I'll re-visit sometime with a bundle of new fabric.
What UFOs are lingering in your cupboards? Do they make you feel guilty?
Like you I started a 'sampler' quilt - Sylvia's Bridal Sampler - if I remember right I've about 11 blocks finished but I too have had a change in tastes / quilting direction and prefer the more liberated approach
ReplyDeleteOriginally I'd planned to do the SBS with scraps (doable with a 6 1/2" block) and to hand piece everything but ....... maybe it will be revisited sometime with a colour theme
Isn't it funny how fabric trends change: the colours now are so bold. I do have some pinwheel squares that I made up as part of a quilt and then I just didn't like looking at the background fabric - so I made a couple of cushion covers out of them and gave them away!
ReplyDeleteI don't have much lingering; I seem to finish things; now don't ask me why....lol. I so wanted to join this QAL; well; I did join..,then had to back out. I need to buy the book first; which will take time getting here. Then I got a couple of commissioned quilts to do and another to quilt...so; I am going to order the book and maybe it will be a QAL later on....I love the modern blocks that I've seen...the ones you mentioned and Lee from Freshly Pieced...have a peek...
ReplyDeleteThere's my favorite subject...UFOs!!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like all of my projects are UFO's! I really need to reform myself! Thanks for sharing you newly found insights! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a few UFOs, but they are mostly waiting for backings. I have a bunch of WIPs, however. I find that I love fabrics from many time periods. I love working with batiks, and I also love anything designed by Sandy Gervais and Kansas Troubles. I love the new brights and the old florals. I even love the fabrics in your 40s blocks. I hope you find something wonderful to do with them.
ReplyDeleteThese blocks are quite nice. I could see them becoming part of a quilt of valor...or perhaps you could have a giveaway on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI like the patterns in these blocks. Perhaps a sashing in a subtley modern fabric might breathe some freshness into them - would make a lovely table runner. Jxo
ReplyDeleteI am glad to help, I think these blocks would make a great pillow! I really don't think quilting projects should make one feel guilty and a nice pillow would be such a happy ending to this lovely group of blocks.
ReplyDeleteThe blocks are lovely and it would be nice to make something out of them rather than leaving them in a drawer (and feeling guilty about it!). Could you make them into either a bag or a mat for your sewing machine - my mum made one and it's amazing how much quieter it is when she uses it (and it's somewhere to put her unpicker rather than losing it amongst her stitching!). Or perhaps a sewing machine cover? Or you could send them to the block orphanage http://www.flickr.com/photos/orphan_block/ (not sure how to make that into a link, sorry!) I'll stop suggesting possibly rubbish ideas now!!
ReplyDeleteI think those are great ideas. It seems such a waste of time and effort to keep ploughing on with something you just don't feel like working on anymore. At least these days you can find someone that would like them if you want to give them away.
ReplyDeleteI have a few UFO's tucked away. I keep on finding such wonderful inspiration on the internet, that I keep on changing my mind on what I want to make, unfortunately sometimes when I'm half way through something.