Friday, August 2, 2013

Sick of my Octopus yet? Maybe Mermaids will help?

This week has been a whirl wind of events. My husband and I drove to Louisiana one day, stayed a day, and drove back the next. So....I finished this quilt totally before I left. I took it with me to mail out but didn't that is why it is crinkly.

This quilt is ready to quilt....

Then I designed this quilt and finally quilted it today.  Now to bind it.

So.... the Mermaid quilt
 It took me three hours to decide on fabrics and to cut everything out.

 Probably another three hours to blanket stitch it.

 Then another three hours to quilt it. 

 So that is nine hours. 
 That does not count for actually coming up with the idea, drawing out the figures and deciding on how to place them and what to add and not add.

Most of us do these things for the love of quilting, the love of creativity, the excitement of chosing the fabrics and watching the project take place.

I am in it for the creativity...what are you in it for?  What do you like best?  If this was not a customer quilt, it would probably be sitting to be finished.  Once the top was created, I was done and ready to go onto the next fun thing.  

So what are you in it for because obviously something keeps us going?
at

28 comments:

  1. RhondaAugust 2, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Oh Barb, you are so right. First, I love your design. What a great mermaids quilt.
    I, too love the design stage, the choosing of fabrics, then seeing it come together. But that's where I usually stop. The quilting stage is not my cup of tea. But sometimes I surprise myself and get-her-done!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BarbaraAugust 2, 2013 at 8:41 PM

    Like you, I find satisfaction in being creative. Blanket stitch? Quilting? Is any of that by hand? Adorable mermaids?

    ReplyDelete
  3. JocelynAugust 2, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    You are so creative Barb. I quilt because I love to, but as far as designing.......zilch!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TerryAugust 2, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    I'm in it for the creativity too! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  5. JustCindyAugust 2, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    I love all three! You have had a busy week.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Missy ShayAugust 2, 2013 at 10:04 PM

    I love it! I love the piecing the creativity, being able to see something I accomplished!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gene BlackAugust 2, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    I suppose it is:
    A. Creativity
    B. Thrill of seeing what I *can* do
    C. Having a product that is good to sell.

    And in that order!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ThearicaAugust 2, 2013 at 10:40 PM

    It sure isn't the pay. lol

    I do it because I was raised under a quilting frame and learned to love anything to do with quilting. And it keeps me close to my grandmothers. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. ginAugust 2, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    I love both octopus quilts. I did a swan on the same idea as the octopus -- large white swan in middle of blue water in center of quilt. I love creating and seeing my vision come to life. The swan was just something to do and keep for myself. But I do use it when company is over. I use my quilts, why not, I can always make another, right? My daughters inlaws loved one of my quilts that I had let her borrow for their visit with her. The inlaws raved about it so much that weekend, I told my daughter to let them take it home-- as my gift to them. It was a few years old but had never been used. That's also the best part of quilting and that is gifting one of your creations.

    ReplyDelete
  10. My Sister Made Me Do It....August 2, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    Love the mermaid!~ And it is true....the time it takes me to decide on fabrics...the design....is usually more than actually putting it together.....I think what I get out of it is the joy of seeing the recipients of my gifts smile....the knowledge that I have created something with my own hands....and much therapy after dealing with the world at work......

    ReplyDelete
  11. Needled MomAugust 2, 2013 at 11:28 PM

    The mermaid is very cute. I think I love the creativity of the quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  12. FionaAugust 3, 2013 at 12:16 AM

    Defintiely not tired of the octopusses.. they are too cute... the mermaid quilt is lovely too...

    Hmmm ... I think I am just simply addicted ....

    Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  13. MyFarmLifeDiaryAugust 3, 2013 at 12:22 AM

    I love the octopus Barb. And you are super speedy - it takes me ages to cut any fabric at all - its a bit of a mental block of mine that I'm working on! Have a super weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. JoannaAugust 3, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    That's a sweet quilt for a little girl. She's going to love it. I like sewing and now that I don't make my own clothing as often any more quilting has taken over. I love the whole process.

    ReplyDelete
  15. andsewonAugust 3, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Mermaids are so cute! You will have quite the 'under the sea' line of patterns! I think we are artists using fabric to create as others use paint or other mediums!
    Lola

    ReplyDelete
  16. SusanAugust 3, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    Oh, the mermaids are so cute! What a great quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  17. JacquelineAugust 3, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I especially love the guy octopus.. but they are all cute as can be.

    I like the beginnings of making a quilt right up to the part where you have to sandwich it and quilt it.. those ending parts not so much. The fun is in deciding on what to make, picking out the fabrics, cutting and piecing. Yep if I was rich I would have someone else do my quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  18. onlymehereAugust 3, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    I do it for the creativity too. I did one of Elder Uchtdorf's quotes and love it. Right now I've designed a quiet book and am ijn the process of doing all the pages. All that with my son getting married in two weeks, AUGGGH!! Busy but fun times right now!

    ReplyDelete
  19. TammyAugust 3, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Love these. especially the mermaids.

    ReplyDelete
  20. WendyAugust 3, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    I never tire of seeing your octo quilts! And now you have added sweet mermaids! Such a sweet quilt this one is...great job.

    ReplyDelete
  21. sewfunquiltsAugust 3, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    Adorable...so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  22. OnesassquilterAugust 3, 2013 at 6:21 PM

    Love the fun ocean theme!

    I quilt to have a break from my everyday busy life. Quilting forces me to slow down and I always feel better about myself once a project is complete. It's definitely not the $$!

    ReplyDelete
  23. SnoodlesAugust 3, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    Barb, this is wonderful! Love it! I come up with designs and sometimes get them on paper, but don't have the time to make 'em! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Teresa in Music CityAugust 3, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    I'm definitely in it for the creative expression! I can't stop myself from loving fabrics and seeing them come to life in new forms :*) And I could never get tired of that cute octopus - he's too adorable!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. suemacAugust 3, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Love your mermaids So cute.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wacky WomanAugust 4, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    They are both wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Quilter KathyAugust 4, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    I'm in it because I am crazy! I love everything about the creative process and playing with colour and fabric.
    Love both of these quilts!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Amy, a redeemed sheepAugust 5, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    I love the creativity. I do have a let down when one project is finished, but as soon as I figure out what to do next the energy kicks back in again. =)

    ReplyDelete

Life is a breeze with you in it. Thanks for stopping by!