I've been putting together my Farmer's Wife blocks into a quilt top. And now I've come up with about 14 blocks that I plan to remake. Either the piecing or the fabric selection just isn't up to par with the opus that I've turned this project in to. The good thing is, I'm not tired of picking out fabrics or making these sampler blocks. 121 blocks in and I still love the process.
But, this isn't such a terrible thing to be picky about. Is it?
This is the joy of making what is loosely called a scrap quilt. Not to take offense at being called scrap (which I have to tell myself in the same situation) as you know that each block has had enormous thought, effort, angst and love put into the choosing of all the fabrics, and they come from perfectly good yardage or fat quarters. But more refers to the fact that a wide range of fabrics are used thoughout - and the joy/heartbreak is working through the placement issues that will inevitably arise. And this sometimes means you need to make new blocks when the ones you have made don't play nicely with their friends. I always try to make the awkward blocks sit around the outside... that way they have fewer friends to be nice to. Or worst case scenario - make something creative with them on the back. I wonder how much space is in these comments boxes...??? PS Looks very nice by the way!
ReplyDeleteI'm I'm picky too. My hubs may call me "high maintenance" but I just know what I like.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Love the gray, love the blocks! Am thinking of doing a FW block soon. ;)
Love the setting you've chosen. Looks great.
ReplyDeleteBest to be picky and redo than see them in the finished quilt, wishing you had. It'd really bug you.
I wouldnt say being picky, just good craftperson! This quilt is going to be around for a long time, and if there were blocks you were not happy with, you would focus on them instead of the whole awesomeness of your quilt!
ReplyDeleteMy FWSQ is with my long armer, cant wait to get it back!
It's going to be gorgeous! I think that what's important is being true to yourself; that's what will makes any quilt special -- it is an extension of its maker. This is soooooo Melinda :)
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt so far! I'm in complete agreement with remaking blocks you don't like - when you do a long term project there are almost always some that don't fit once you get them together...will we get to see which blocks are being culled and the blocks they're being replaced with? ;o)
ReplyDeleteI sometimes find it extremely satisfying to be *mindfully* picky. I notice that I'm being a perfectionist, step back, and ask myself, "How close to perfect does this really have to be?" Sometimes I decide that it doesn't really have to be perfectly perfect, and I just go on with whatever tiny flaw (that nobody else will ever notice) intact. Other times I say to myself, "Actually, I want to get this thing just exactly right," and then I rip out whatever I was going to rip out, redo it, and repeat as necessary, until stand back and look at the final result and beam with satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI do not recommend asking yourself The Question late at night. That always ends in tears. Sleep on it. :)
I'm very "discerning" too, lol. I completely get it. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteThis is looking absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteIf it's something that will bug you in the finished quilt - pull it out now, rather than regret it later - I totally agree with you. It's looking fab! Must push on with my sashing....
ReplyDeleteWow - I love this! This really makes me want to start a FW.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blocks...love the grey background!
ReplyDeleteWendy
Www.latetocreate.com
i think you have picked the perfect thing to be picky about.
ReplyDeleteit is looking so so so fabulous that i understand why you'd want to be so completely picky about every last detail!
So fabulous! Love how the grey and green unify the blocks. This looks like a quilt to be loved for years.
ReplyDeleteI love this! With such a work of art you should be as picky as you want to be. I can't wait to see the finished top!
ReplyDeleteI, on the other hand, am not nearly as discerning as I should be most of the time :) This is going to be a seriously spectacular quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt's smart to go with your gut when a block (or 14) just doesn't feel right. You've put so much into the project that it will be worth the extra to make it right. There's always a place on the back for the misfits
ReplyDeleteDiscerning is the perfect word! We must do what makes us happy- as long as its not hurting anyone else, go for it!
ReplyDeleteIt's your project, you are doing the work and the fun of it is to mix and pick those fabrics In a way that is pleasing to you. Your quilt is looking fabulous!!!
ReplyDeletethis is going to be amazing! I don't blame you for redoing blocks if it means this quilt is going to be even better than it already looks! Can't wait to see what you do with the ones you took out--I don't have the patience to make the farmer's wife blocks but I sure do love them when I see them!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks positively fantastic :) Just wow!!!
ReplyDeleteNot terrible to be picky, at all! This is your pet project. Rework all the blocks you like. If you don't, you'll quilt them in and then be unhappy with the project until it falls apart, which will take a long time because you won't ever pull it out of the closet.
ReplyDeleteWow - this looks fantastic!!!!! I know what you mean about re-doing blocks! Don't feel bad - it is your project and you are the one that needs to love it! Go with your instincts! :)
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks fantastic. While I am one to redo or think I could have done better, I now ask myself if I'm going to keep the quilt (very, very rarely) or donate it or gift it. If it's the last two, then I "try" to get over whatever ails me about the quilt and move on. But if the little beauty is going to be hanging around my house, there's no question! Follow your heart. From my perspective it looks fabulous. One commenter suggested moving the blocks to the edge so they have less friends to play with -- what an awesome suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI wish I were as discerning as you. I am far too impatient and impetuous - and it often result in regrets. Your steady and mindful work and rework are what is going to make this a well loved quilt for many generations.
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks truly antastic. You have FAR more patience than I do. :)
ReplyDeleteI meant "fantastic"....
ReplyDeleteOpus indeed!! It's amazing what's gone into this so far. I admire your patience and attention to detail! I look forward to seeing the finished piece!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! This is the setting I'm using too. Some blocks just NEED to be set on point, and others don't. And I didn't want it to be so ginormous. I'm only putting 90 on the front, and the rest are going to the back. I decided not to remake the "uglies," just relegate them to the other side. Your quilt is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThis is crazy outstanding stunning = the bomb! Wow! I'm crazy in love with this! I can't believe you are going to remake blocks! But then again, maybe I do believe you are... it's been such a love ambition! It's stunning... and an inspiration... I must start shopping for fabulous fabrics!
ReplyDelete