And then I caved.
Gail (bad influence) + Startitis = new Scrap Vortex
I am totally blaming Gail. She started a vortex quilt and her version looks as awesome as Amanda Jean's - check it out here. I started to wonder if perhaps my scraps aren't as ugly as I thought, and maybe I should just try one. Then Gail double dog dared me! I got Ethel (Singer 301 short bed) out of the cupboard and gave her a good workout sewing up scraps.
Then I had to get Lucy (Singer 301 long bed) to wind some bobbins, since Ethel doesn't like to do that.Clearly I had a mini flare up of "Startitis". If you haven't heard of this before, it is an incurable disease and can be quite debilitating for creative people. It is an obsession with new ideas, starting new projects, and seeking the adrenaline rush that comes with newness and beginnings, and swooning over the possibility of this becoming something wonderful. It's a great feeling and who doesn't want to feel great?!?
It is hard work to stick with old UFOs, solve the challenges, and trudge through tasks that are not much fun to complete. I'm making slow progress on my UFO of the month, but it's not fun that's for sure.
So I had to do some cognitive gymnastics in order to justify another start, and here are the thoughts I came up with :
* Gail needs some support in her quilting, so really I'm just helping out a friend by sewing along on the same project (well, that's kind of a lame excuse, but I'm using it!) Besides, she double dog dared me, so I had to.
* my scraps are out of control and this is necessary for scrap management (oooohhh...that's a good one!)
* I need a "no brainer" project to work on when I'm really tired. All of my current projects require high brain power, so this will give me something to work on late at night (rationalization, but also true!)
So here are my scrappy vortex blocks on the design wall...
I think I'm going to call this the "Startitis Vortex".
To see more design walls, hop over to Patchwork Times.
LOL clearly you are having fun : )
ReplyDeleteI wondered if this quilt would be on your design wall today! The double dog dare works every time. Welcome to the vortex! BTW thanks for supporting me in my project! Perhaps we need a sewing day....
ReplyDeleteYou are a bad influence my friend! LOL
DeleteI think it is a justified start - especially since she double dog dared you!
ReplyDeleteI have a theory.......if I don't start a new quilt, I won't have a new quilt. So I must start. :)
ReplyDeleteI love a good scrappy, happy quilt and believe there are no bad scraps. I love your blocks! So far I am resisting but you know it won't be for long.
well she double dogged dared you so you had to do it - and you will be getting rid of some of your scraps so that is for sure a plus!
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to start something new - and your scrap blocks look great!
ReplyDeleteI don't see any ugly scraps. The pinks pop with the darker colors. Lovely! Maybe I should get my 301 out.
ReplyDeleteStartitis must be contagious - I had a case of it this week, too! I think your scrappy vortex quilt will look fine because you have such a nice mix of lights and darks. Those pops of yellow make it sparkle!
ReplyDeleteLooking good! Bonnie Hunter says that if a fabric is still ugly, you didn't cut it small enough. You are such a good friend.
ReplyDeleteNever back down from a dare - and look how nice your scraps are looking up on the wall.
ReplyDeletePerfect name for this project. I've been thinking of forming a support group for this disease. It is so hard to fight it alone! And when I have weak moments, I may borrow your list of reasons. : )
ReplyDeleteBahahahaha...laughing with ya you know!! Startitis is a crippling condition I know too!! Started three new quilts at retreat and I am only in the process of finishing one. But I am hand quilting it! That should count for something!! Now if I could get this flannel one done...urg!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood to see Lucy and Ethel!!
LOL, I am glad you could Justify your new Project. Funny how that Startitus goes around. It's worse than Quilt POX!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! ME TOO! My scraps are of the medium/dark variety and I know for sure that my Scrap Vortex quilt will look nothing like Amanda Jeans...hers is so bright and happy...mine, not so much but I am trying! Yours is looking great!
ReplyDeleteStartitis must be contagious, for I have it too! Love your new muse!
ReplyDeleteWell to be fair, your dare looks pretty good so far! 20 year old fabrics or not, it has a Bronte feel to it and I quite like that its more subtle!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have start a Vortex too, but in the summer holidays I think, when I can devote whole days to stitching : )
Another excuse... you needed some fun.
ReplyDeleteI like your blocks. Enjoy the journey.
Hugs
Great blocks. I never thought to name my 301's Lucy and Ethel. Both of mine are long beds. Cute!
ReplyDeleteStartitis is absolutely contagious. So sorry to hear that you have caught the bug. Still, it is a bug that helps you use up the scraps you have on hand. Kind of like that stomach flu that helps you loose 5 pounds? Even ugly crumb blocks can be pretty when sashes or alternated with simple solid squares. You end up with a quilt that seems like it all goes together even though it is really random. Whatever it turns into, at least the scraps will get used up.
ReplyDeleteI seem unable to post direct onto your blog anymore, not sure if this will show or will show on the above bloggers board, anyway in case it does I too am so enjoying doing the scrap quilt
DeleteI think we ALL love Amanda jean's scraps! I know I've been a bit envious more than once! I saw the QAL, too, and really, really wanted to do it too... but I talked myself out of it- I already have a few things going on, and the garden is very busy now.... but congrats to you- and yours looks great! have fun!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to start something new. At least you are using scraps and didn't have to buy new stuff for it.
ReplyDelete