Thursday, May 22, 2008

Life Lessons

Throughout my life I've often been envious of other people's abilities and skills. I've often wanted to sew my own clothes, but thought 'that looks way too hard'. The same goes for knitting, crocheting and quilting. Part of my problem is that I try and teach myself and get frustrated when I can't work through steps - so I give up.
I remember the first time I watched How to Make and American Quilt the desire to make my own quilt was so strong - but once again I thought 'I can't do that'.
But, the urge was unrelenting so I decided that I would make a basic quilt and I would go to lessons and learn how to do it right. So I did - and it was great. The feeling of satisfaction was so immense - it made me glow (seriously - it made me smile from the inside out!).
The thing was though, once the quilt was made, I didn't want to give up the lessons - I wanted to continue on. So, I stayed whilst I made my mother's quilt. During this I saw someone's quilt sampler and I looked at it and thought 'wow, that's amazing, I bet I couldn't do that'. But my teacher had other ideas - she thought I could do it - so I am doing it and it's great fun. I've made four (and 1/4 - see bottom note) blocks and I can't wait till the next lesson so I can sew the next block. Six months ago I would never have imagined that I would be able to make a log cabin block or the court house steps........
Of course there is no way I can tackle triangles or curved pieces.......no way! lol


Log Cabin


Courthouse Steps


Bowties 1


Bowtie 2

nb - I'm also doing applique - I would tell you how that's going, but I don't like to swear in public.....

Cheers
l
x

18 comments:

Lorraine said...

Love the colours you are using for these blocks...it will be a very striking quilt! Good to know that Emily is recovering from her surgery.

Chookyblue...... said...

wow see what you can do when you try.........love the colours......we just have to step out of our comfort zones.........

Little House By The Sea said...

Levin , I adore log cabin. I made a small cushion when I was at school and I still have it all these years later. One day I am going to ake a log cabin quilt for my bedroom. I would love to go to lessons and learn how to do these things, I usually teach myself and get so annoyed when things dont go to plan. I hope that Emily is feeling a little better. I sent you an email but I think that there are problems with my emails so dont know if you got it, others have not received theirs. Take care,

Love,
Sarah x

Bird Bath said...

wowza! they look excellent! I find log cabin tricky...it's finding the right balance of colour and pattern that challenges me. not that I know how to quilt. But you are blazing along. good on you.

Berber said...

You have every reason to be proud, Levineke!

Pixiedust said...

Oh well done you! That looks great. Thats just what I need a course where I can learn a bit at a time. I'm also a I Can't do it sort.

jacquie said...

Sometimes it just takes putting aside those inhibitions and giving it a try. I'm with you...I never thought I could do what I'm doing now...someday i may even do a zipper! Love your blocks and your fabric choices. FANTASTIC! Good for you!

emma said...

levin, the quilts are beautiful, and I love the fact that you are taking so much time and care with them, not like me, bull at a gate! I think quilts are one of the most satisfying of projects, and I'm sure that these are going to provide endless hours of comfort and warmth for you and your family.

Gina said...

Beautiful work Levin! I love your combinations of colour and pattern.. if you've come this far in such a short time.. imagine what you'll be doing down the track..curved pieces and triangles! Gx

monique said...

What a lovely colours, the log cabin is gorgious!

Jenny said...

They are fabulous glad you persisted for such wonderful results-can wait to see what you come up with next

Leanne said...

Love your quilt blocks.....amazing what you can do with a little help and encouragement. Hettie's is such fun.

dutchcomfort said...

Good for you! Of course you can quilt, knit and crochet. Love your blocks! If you like log cabin you should go over to MellyandMe. They have a great scrappy cabin quilt tutorial!

I always think, well maybe I can’t do it, but at least I can give it a try... It’s something I think too often, so I end up with numerous projects and projects to be!

corry said...

Those blocks are beautiful and such lovely fabrics too! You did a great job! Isn't it fun to learn new things? You can be proud Levin!

quiltygal said...

I think we all need lessons sometimes.. I have been quilting 21 yrs always wanted to machine quilt .. 2 yrs ago brought myself a really expensive Janome that will make it easy!! still waiting!! so I am going to go to lessons I think sometimes its just getting the confidence PS I still havent done curves ...but Im sure you will be fine:)) I am having a Xmas giveaway so come visit:))
Claire

Christine said...

Your blocks look great. I'm sure one day you will be ready to tackle triangles and curved piecing. Hope Emily is feeling better.

karen said...

wow, your squares look fantastic! i always love the fabrics you choose. im much the same, rarely attempting the complicated stuff, im glad youve shown yourself that you can do it. now that mums taking her quilting class and coming home with all her complicated patters and im seing how she does it im thinking that perhaps i will have a go at one... some day (in the distant future probably!)keep up the good work, i love seing it all

Philigry said...

beautiful! doesn't ti feel good to do something you never thought you could?