Sentimental Journey Continues

Well I have a few more to show you.  I have really learned a lot doing this.  As a novice I bet you make about every mistake possible.  Recovery from that is learning.  I started hating points for a bit.  I just had trouble getting them right.  I discovered my mat I was cutting my fabric on was not very good.  So I bought a new one and a new blade to go with it.  Now I am on my way! 

I realize that exact cutting is required or nothing matches up.  Exact sewing is the same way.  Now that I have less cutting issues I am working on the sewing part.  I would guess that everyone makes mistakes and that is part of human nature.  I am working hard to get those things exact.  I have also learned the art of "ripping out"  and do it quite often if I don't like how it looks.  Measure twice and cut once has been a rule for my old custom framing days.  It holds true here too. 

First off I want to show the "Block From Hell".  It was what caught my eye from the first time I saw this quilt online.  I love love love the heart motif!  This was before the new mat and blade and if I have enough fabric this one will be done over.  But if not it will go smack dab in the middle of the quilt as a reminder that I am human, I am learning, and it is a reminder of how far I have come.

Quilt Block Name: Somewhere My Love (or Block From Hell)

Geeze!  I can hardly look at it! LOL It is really very bad.  But it has a place in my heart because I knew there was something really wrong with the cutting at this point.  Well as they say "Live and Learn" and I am doing just that.  Hopeful for enough fabric to do this again.  If not I will be doing it again with other fabric just to see if I can make it right!  I am determined!  Tell me I can't and I will show you I can!

I have done much better with this one.  I am still struggling with the center diamond shapes. I would think because it is on the bias it stretches easy.  I think I will look online and see if I can find some tips for it.

Quilt Block Name: As Time Goes By

Proof positive that the new blade and mat has made a huge difference.  I still have a couple of point issues but they are starting to look so much better.  By the end of this quilt I will have wished I knew then what I know now.  It is fun learning though!

Quilt Block Name: Stormy Weather

This one was the easiest so far.  Not that many points.  It matched nicely and I needed a break from the points.

Quilt Block Name: Don't Get Around Much Anymore

I just finished this one.  I love it!  Most of my points were right on and I just like the way this block looks.  I hope I have turned a corner on my quilt ability.  Paying attention to details now and really starting to enjoy the process.  Hoping for smooth sailing for the rest of the blocks.  Just four more to go and then I will try to figure out sashings on my own since the lady who did this quilt became very ill and didn't finish it.  I think I can find enough information to complete it.

Quilt Block Name: Stardust

Sentimental Journey Quilt

I am really a novice quilter.  This is my first quilt that is a patterned quilt and maybe my last.  I think I really like doing my own thing best.  But I also think it is good to go traditional so that you learn things.  I am finding the pattern not having all the cutting list complete.  It is frustrating me because I am new at this.  I have five blocks done and need pictures of two more.  I will list the three I have completed.

I am using Moda fabric Papillion in a creamy yellow, light aqua, and a dark taupe for the blocks.  There will be sashings that will introduce a pinkish red floral.  I am very happy with the color choices.  My sewing needs a lot more practice.  And cutting is not exact for me.  I think I may need a new blade and I need to pull out a new cutting mat.  So I think those things will make this process a little easier.

Quilt Block Name: Stars Fell On Alabama

Quilt Block Name: Sentimental Journey

Quilt Block Name: Ain't Misbehavin'

I will post the other blocks when I get 3 more finished.  This is an experience for me.  I just got a new cutting mat so I am hoping for a better time this next go around. 

Broken Heart

What do you do when you have a broken heart? I have a broken heart. I had a broken heart some years ago and through it I lost my artistic ability. It disappeared from me for at least 4 or 5 years. I was empty. It was a painful time. I guess in retrospect there were hurts that needed to be dealt with when they happened. But because of my young age I was unable to do that. They finally slapped me in the face and took me to my knees. I corrected some wrongs and moved my life forward but it hurt others. I am sorry for that but I have forgiven myself for that. Now I have a broken heart again that relates to all that happened. The difference this time is that I have forgiven those who break my heart again. I will not let my creativity disappear this time. I move forward by using my hands, my thoughts, and my heart. I will live through this pain and my heart will be whole again.  I will forgive myself and those who hurt me daily if I must.

I have this little thread. I will call it “Hope”. It is the only thing that keeps my heart from falling apart.

Sharon Murphy

UPCYCLED

Well I have finished some of my projects.  It is so nice to get them done and move on to something else.

I picked up the sweater at the goodwill.  I thought the trim on it was so neat the way it rolled up.  It was and extra large but believe me when I say it shrunk considerably when I washed it in hot water.  I made the sleeve and part of the front into this pillow.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/94154550/upcycle-recycled-felted-wool-sweater?ref=v1_other_2

What to do with the rest?  Well I just had to dye it!  Cut it and have fun with it.

It is sort of a penny rug style pillow.  It was fun to do and the texture is wonderful.  This one would be really cute on a little girls bed.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/94155497/upcycle-recycled-felted-wool-sweater

Waste not want not.  I guess I will take the rest and sell it on etsy as supplies for someone else to have fun with.

The new hang tag made out of my cotton fiber.  I love this stuff!  It is so pretty and has such a wonderful texture.  I love picking out all the things I am going to do to it.  It is a hang tag someone will keep forever! All I can say is it is a little fiber art piece.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94225520/fiber-art-embroidery-hang-tag-gift-card?ref=pr_shop

 I also got the top to my quilted table runner finished but I will save that for another time.  Received fabric for the quilt I will make for my bed this week.  It is lovely and it will probably be a long time coming.  It may just be the last patterned quilt I ever make.  I sort of hate the boundaries of doing what someone else has designed.  I am set in my ways!