Sunday, May 18, 2014

Slow Sunday Stitching - Take a Stitch!

From Dreamstime
Do you ever go into your sewing room and feel confused or overwhelmed?  
Do you wander around in all directions, move things around, and accomplish nothing? I hate it when that happens, but this was one of those weeks for me.
Here is a brief insight into how I looked in my quilting room this week without any sense of direction.




I had a stern talk with myself, which started with something like "Listen Ms Quilter, if you do nothing, you get nowhere". 
So I decided I had to do something - anything. 
And what's better than thinking about finishing a quilt?!? 
I started cutting binding strips in anticipation of finishing some quilts. I ended up with three bindings prepared, but only one quilt was even ready for the binding (just wait until you see it when it's done... it's amazing if I say so myself!).
The other two quilts are just at the quilt top ("flimsy") stage, but now they have a binding ready for them, and at least I had a direction in which to go. And I got one of the three bindings sewn on and ready for some wonderful Slow Sunday Stitching! The perimeter of this quilt is 300", so I have a lot of stitching ahead of me today.
If you don't have a direction, or you feel like you're going nowhere - in quilting or in life, just do something or go somewhere - anywhere! You don't have to have it all figured out. You just need to start with the next step/stitch that you already do know.
Pick up your needle and start stitching something! Then write a blog post about it and link up your stitching adventure below!




20 comments:

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I think I do this often not only in sewing but general life...wonder what to do first and then remind myself to just get started on something :)

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Excellent advice! I can't wait to see this quilt finished!

Jill said...

I am a wanderer also. More so when it comes to household chores. Lol. Getting started and doing something does help.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Oh yes I have those days. I find once I start something I really enjoy it and it feels so good after accomplishing something. Looking forward to your finished quilt.

Barb said...

I do that all the time.

For instance I want to do the Oklahoma twister that my sister designed but I tell myself no but yet I will wonder about and waste time when I could be making it....makes not sense to me.

Deb A said...

So true! I am a bit overwhelmed in the sewing room right now - I think I just need to pick a project and get it done! Will link up later tonight- once I throw a dart and see what will get worked on.

Sharyn Mallow Woerz said...

I have 360" of binding, setting out with the quilt, I'm ready to go.
Hopefully we can both shout eureka! Finished! by days end.
Mine is a double sided one, with two of Bonnie Hunter's mysteries. I think Cotton Boll and Easy Street :)
Sharyn in Kalama

Angie said...

I SO agree with your thoughts! Whenever I don't know what to do next, I remind myself to just start SOMEWHERE. The rest usually follows. Thanks for the Dreamstime picture - such a great representation of the creative process!

Ellen said...

I often face this challenge but I am determined to get some quilty things done and finished!!

This evening I will be spending some quiet time binding.

sophie said...

When I start feeling just like that woman (great image!), I know it's time to take a breath and clean off my messy desk or put away fabrics and projects that have begun to clutter my studio (and my head). I need to spend some time doing both those things this afternoon, to clean up my studio, clear my head and really be able to enjoy the meditative aspect of slow stitch Sunday tonight.

Teresa in Music City said...

You're so right! A few stitches here and there add up, and before you know it, you're done! Can't wait to see your quilt finish :)

Terri in BC said...

Oh my goodness, you just described how I've been feeling! I think I'll head down to the quilt cave now and find a project to finish, just so I can start focusing!

Terri said...

Great advice. I never thought to do things out of chronological order. Why not? There are lots of times when I just don't feel like doing the next step... you are saying "Skip it." but make some progress. Brilliant! Genius! Thanks for the pep talk. I'm really glad I checked in today.
Hugs

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Sooo glad I'm in good company as I had the same kind of week. :)

Nell's Quilts said...

What great advice and a wonderful outlook on life. You're an inspiration!

Cathy said...

I recognize that!! It's so pretty!! No slow stitching for me today. Lots of time outdoors with family by the campfire. It's almost warm out today.

Janet O. said...

Can't wait to see what you are finishing!

audrey said...

Great post. I think we can get caught up in the next step we don't want to do or are confused about. Wandering through the quilting room can give us focus and sometimes it's helpful to stay in the room for awhile even if we end up doing something totally unrelated to what we thought needed to happen next.:)

Nita said...

Good morning! I found your blog through Karen at Karen's Quilting, who left a comment on my blog post entry in the Blogger's Quilt Festival (hand quilted category). I've signed up to follow you and will try to post in the Slow Stitching Sunday linkup next week. :) i'll have to make a note. I really need to buy a day planner of some sort, lol! Anyway, today is a holiday in Canada. I don't know where you live, but happy Victoria Day and I hope you have some time to PLAY today!

Kate said...

It's not hard to stay focused when I'm in the middle of a project, but once I finish one, it's hard to figure out what to do next. Looking forward to seeing your finished red quilt.