Sometimes I find interesting words I enjoy mulling over in my brain. Teresa inspired me with her blog post about windows of creativity and of "otherness" - read her post here. I could relate to that feeling of a burst of creativity and the energy that comes with that, inspired by a new project we feel so much passion for, and can't wait to see how it will turn out.And I also know very well how it feels when the window is slammed shut, when the initial vision doesn't materialize or is lost, and you are left with a big fabric mess instead of the lovely quilt you had envisioned.
This happens in quilting and in real life.
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| The IOP design wall |
This is one of those multi-year adventure projects! I have written over 20 blog posts about it over the past 7 years and tried many incentives to entice myself to finish it. My sister even tried to get me to take it to a quilt retreat and helped me set goals about it. But guess what... I didn't even take the project with me!
Can you say AVOIDANCE!?!?!?
So why is it still not a quilt?
I have finished many, many quilts over the years since I started the IOP.
And still... there it sits taking up space on the design wall.
Unfinished.
I loved the pattern years ago and always wanted to make it. I seized the opportunity to take an IOP class and learn the necessary skills.
I procrastinated working on it because I couldn't figure out what the problem was, let alone how to "fix" it.
So now I have accepted that it will never be fixed. I will never have that amazing quilt that I dreamed about.
It is what it is.
But I'm telling you... this thing is going to be finished come hell or high water! So here it is under the needle again, getting some attention, and progress is being made.
And I still don't like it!
You may not like my comment, but here it is....I've learned that it's ok to give up on a project. When I have given myself permission to let go of a project and gift it to someone who wants it, I feel such a relief. You have to ask yourself, if IOP disappeared tomorrow would you miss it? Life is too short to spend time on quilts that don't give us pleasure. This is what we are supposed to be doing for fun😊😊
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Sandy says. I am curious though, what is the problem with the IOP that is causing the frustration? It's ok to stop and give it away now if you want and it's ok to get it finished, quilted and then gifted away too. That's what I normally do if I decide to keep working with a frustrating quilt. There's a sense of satisfaction of conquering an annoying quilt.
ReplyDeleteSomeone will love this quilt, just remember that as you decide whether to continue on and finish it, or just make it a fabulous giveaway. Life is too short to waste time on things that don't bring us joy in the doing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots and lots of willpower so you can get this one to the finished flimsy stage. Sorry it's not what you invisioned, I hate it when that happens with a project.
ReplyDeleteI think it is gorgeous! Finish it and gift it! You will make someone really happy! I made a DWR once. It was hard and frustrating but I finished it and gifted it to my sister! She loves it! Never again though, I agree with the other ladies that quilting is to be enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteI have not touched mine in years but would still like to finish it. Someday my mojo will come back and if it doesn’t, that’s ok.
ReplyDeletewhat don't you like about it? I like it and I bet others do to - if you don't want it and really don't want to finish it see if someone else wants it -- is it just that you do not like the pattern anymore or that there is problems getting the pieces going together right?
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is bright and busy with nowhere for the eyes to rest.
ReplyDeleteI think that when you finish it you will love this quilt. It's gorgeous, it's just going through growing pains. Sometimes our quilts have timelines of their own (not sure if they are teaching us patience or something else) but the fact that you keep going back to is says something. Hang in there - it will reward you.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to make that pattern. Your colors are beautiful! I agree, however, that if you really don't like it, you could consider giving it away. I also know that sometimes sheer determination wins out and you just have to conquer the project. Anyway, whatever you decide, we'll be here, to cheer you on. Thanks for sharing your struggle with this quilt. It's good to hear these stories too!
ReplyDeleteI started one of the Indian Orange Peel quilts many years ago and quickly gave the project to a friend who was more into the very precise piecing required than I was. I have admired many of these quilts over the years that others have made. I think one in neutral colors would be pretty and more apt to be used as a bed quilt.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a dilemma! I can see arguments for both viewpoints. On one hand, life is too short to spend time on things you don't love. On the other hand, all that time you already spent will have been wasted if you don't finish. So there is no wrong or right answer. It's the one that feels most right to you, in this case. Wishing you a speedy finish! Or peace if you decide to give it away. :)
ReplyDeleteBaby steps...you are trying and you will finish it...eventually!
ReplyDeleteWhy not offer it when Cynthia at "Quilting is more fun than housework" does her next orphan adoption. I love the colors of your IOP, but it looks like a bear to put the pieces together. I remember some of your earlier posts expressing your frustration. You have so many other worthy WIPs, so it may be time to let this one go.
ReplyDeletePat
I recall that you were working on this when I first started following your blog many years ago. I was so impressed by it and still am. But I understand losing mojo for a project, but still being unable to let go of it. I have one of those projects myself. I have put so much into it, and even though I have no love for it, I am determined to see it to the finish one day. I wish you well as you grit your teeth and forge ahead with this. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is glorious and full of radiant energy (good vibes). Sorry you don't feel the same way. Host a giveaway and let someone else finish it since it is not what you wanted. Then you can take those lessons learned and make something you DO love.
ReplyDeleteP.s. I would gladly pay the postage should you be willing to allow me to adopt your IOP .
ReplyDeleteKathy, I would gladly adopt your IOP and give it all the love it can stand. I just love it and have always been so chicken to try to make one. Now, I am trying to not start anything new until I get the mountain of UFO's whittled down to a "mole hill".
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy.
ReplyDeleteI totally love your quilt. I'm wondering if it has been up on your design wall this whole time? If so, I would suggest taking it down and putting it away. I'm guessing that it's been a heckler of sorts sneering at you every time you walk by. Put it away and take back your power. When you pull it out again you may have new eyes and more clarity. You also may have a definite reason for finishing it. I find this happens to me a lot. It's hard for me to finish a quilt that doesn't have a purpose in the world yet....once I know where it is needed, it's a game changer.
Well, something is telling you to throw in the towel! I have done this 2 times in the past year or so. I know that you have done a lot of work, but if you do not like the quilt while making it then you will not like it when you finish. I agree - put it in a drawer - in a year look at it, if you still do not like it - give it away to a church group - they may find some use for it.
ReplyDeleteIt is so relaxing to just stop and quit working on one that you do not like - I know you have more to work on! Good Luck!
I can feel your pain and disappointment. Worst than that, I have such a pain-quilt and the disappointment that comes with it. Remember one thing; even if you don't like it, somebody else will. So finish it for someone else. ;^)
ReplyDeleteI am currently making a giraffe playmat for my new grandson out of cuddle fabric. I bought the kit and I love the concept but hate working with the fabric and have to force myself to work on it. It is not going well and I figure my daughter-in-law will hate it. All that I have accomplished is to sap all my creative energies for the last four months because I don't allow myself to work on anything else. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! I just decided that as of this minute I am done with it. Your post has given me the courage(?) or whatever it is that I need to say ENOUGH. We all need that sometimes and my time is now. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWill it help to work on it with someone? You are more than welcome to bring it over and brainstorm it!! Maybe Gail wants to come too? LOL
ReplyDeleteHugs, Jacqui
you never know, you might fall in love with again
ReplyDeleteI think your IOP looks FANTASTIC!! Glad that it is seeing some needle action and just so you know... some quilts just don't work until AFTER they are quilted!! I saw this time and time again with one of my quilting friends with the quilts she made. I say, don't lose hope.
ReplyDeleteSo you don't love it anymore? Simple answer - give it away. Several ladies here have already commented that they would love to give it a new home. How about putting their names in a hat, and picking a happy winner? That way, you stop feeling frustrated and guilty, and you make one of your readers very happy!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your frustration. I think that all those curves are daunting. Might be time to put it away for even a couple months and look at it again next year. AVOIDANCE is a good reason.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a few projects that were enthusiastically worked on and then set aside but I will get back to them eventually, just as you are doing with this one which is stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard when your enthusiasm wanes for a project that has so much work put into it. You have such a good amount done, perhaps it could be smaller than originally envisioned and finished off more quickly?
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. Finish it up and then come to my house. I've got several UFO's in the closet, all with the same issues. You are not alone.
ReplyDeleteI know all about being determined to finish up regardless. Sometimes I will like the quilt better after it's totally, completely finished up and I have a chance to view it with fresh eyes. Other times It just feels like a victory to be finished, but then it's a feel good gift opportunity because I just don't want it.:) Personally I think this is a great pattern. Maybe it just doesn't have enough of 'you' in it to really properly resonate like you want it to.
ReplyDeleteYou may not like it, but, I LOVE it! So fun, bright and happy!
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing and once finished, you will have a weight lifted off your shoulders. Keep pushing on!!
ReplyDelete