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?

28 comments:

Rhonda said...

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!!

Barbara said...

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

Jocelyn said...

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

Terry said...

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

JustCindy said...

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

Missy Shay said...

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

Gene Black said...

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!

Thearica said...

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. :)

gin said...

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.

My Sister Made Me Do It.... said...

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......

Needled Mom said...

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

Fiona said...

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

MyFarmLifeDiary said...

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.

Joanna said...

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.

andsewon said...

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

Susan said...

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

Jacqueline said...

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.

onlymehere said...

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!

Tammy said...

Love these. especially the mermaids.

Wendy said...

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

sewfunquilts said...

Adorable...so cute.

Onesassquilter said...

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 $$!

Snoodles said...

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! :)

Teresa in Music City said...

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!!!

suemac said...

Love your mermaids So cute.

Wacky Woman said...

They are both wonderful!

Quilter Kathy said...

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!

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

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. =)